Notes for Friday's UNC vs. Ohio

Kendall Marshall must have found questions about the PassFir5t social media movement relieving after answering countless questions about his wrist.

PassFir5t was a social media movement started by UNC fans who drew the number “five” on their wrist to show support for the injured point guard.

The movement has caught on fast. Even forward John Henson said he might draw a “5”on his wrist one of these days.

“It’s meant a lot to me,” said Marshall, whose status for Friday’s game is still unknown. “At first when I saw it, it really showed me how great the Tar Heel nation is. And not just Tar Heel fans, but basketball fans in general, just the support they have behind me in wanting me to come back and play.

“But I want to take it a step farther. I realize that PassFir5t is not just about basketball, it can be a motto used throughout life. You know, do something to better someone else. I’ve really tried to apply that to my life lately and it’s opened my eyes to ways I can affect people, not just on the basketball court, but in life.”

Marshall’s goal for the movement became a reality Thursday.

The movement’s Twitter page Tweeted, “#PassFir5t is happy to announce that we have partnered w/@BaseBald_SBF to raise money for kids with cancer right here on the campus of UNC.”

Stilman to start?

It was sort of a fluke that Stilman White is a scholarship player for North Carolina to begin with.

But tonight, the freshman guard could be making his first start for the Tar Heels — in a Sweet 16 matchup, nonetheless.

With Marshall’s status for the game against Ohio still unknown, and backup point guard Dexter Strickland on the bench with an injury, too, UNC might have to get a little creative with its starting lineup.

Ever since Marshall injured his wrist Sunday, Williams has been saying White and senior Justin Watts would likely be his replacements. Combined, the pair have 24 assists on the season.

Williams never confirmed that White would make the start, but in Thursday’s press conference all the buzz was about the Wilmington native.

“Stilman is so wacko, I don’t know what the crap to think when I watch him,” Williams said. “Kendall thinks three plays ahead.

Stilman’s still trying to think he’s got both shoes tied. It’s the kind of thing that there’s such a contrast. But Stilman’s got a little toughness to him.”

Spitting in the Mississippi

The Tar Heels are no strangers to St. Louis, nor to the success that can be found there. The 2005 Final Four took place in the Gateway City, and that time UNC left with its fourth NCAA title.

Williams is famous for making his teams spit in the Mississippi River for good luck before NCAA tournament games, and in 2005, that’s exactly what his team did.

When asked whether he would have his team repeat the tradition before this year’s regional semifinal game, Williams was quick to respond.

“I’m not a betting man and the NCAA says you shouldn’t bet,” he said. “But you should bet on that sucker.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@dailytarheel.com.