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Tar Heels’ John Henson to play, possibly start

John Henson

North Carolina’s John Henson reacts after a teammate’s 3-point shot during the second half of an NCAA tournament second-round college basketball game against Vermont in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, March 16, 2012. North Carolina won 77-58. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

AP

North Carolina announced that John Henson will play on Sunday afternoon against Creighton.

The 6-10 junior had missed the opening round game against Vermont after injuring his wrist in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament. It has not yet been announced whether or not Henson will start.

Henson’s return is critical. Creighton has a good front line, and his presence will allow UNC to help defend Doug McDermott. McDermott is a 6-8 forward that excels at holding position in the post. With both Zeller and Henson around the rim, McDermott is going to have a more difficult time getting clean looks.

It should also be noted that the tip time for the game was moved back to 5:30 pm ET due to a scary situation on the bus heading to the arena. Tom Shatel, a sportswriter for the Omaha World-Herald, tweeted “Bus driver pulled the bus over to side of the road while having the emergency. CU staff helped him outside. Team doctor showed up to help. ... Ambulance and fire truck arrived soon after and took the bus driver to hospital. Another bus driver arrived to drive team to coliseum.”

Here’s to hoping that the emergency won’t create a distraction for the Bluejays and, more importantly, that the bus driver pulls through OK.

Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.