CHAPEL HILL -- In her 26th season, North Carolina women's basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell goes for her 600th career victory at North Carolina tonight -- an honor she would share with only two ACC coaches: former N.C. State coach Kay Yow and former Virginia coach Debbie Ryan. Her total career record stands at 871-306.
But rather than reflect on her accomplishments, Hatchell spent time Wednesday talking about senior Chay Shegog -- a player from Stafford, Va., who arrived with loads of potential yet had taken a while to fully develop her physical gifts.
"She's been such a warrior," said Hatchell, whose team hosts Clemson (4-10, 0-3) at Carmichael Arena.
The No. 22 Tar Heels (12-3, 2-1 ACC) have been decimated by injuries, but the 6-foot-5 forward has elevated her game and become the team's go-to offensive threat. She's been assertive in the post and leads the ACC in scoring with 17.9 points per game.
Shegog has passed her own milestone, becoming the 33rd women's basketball player in school history to score 1,000 points, earlier this season.
"She's playing with so much confidence," Hatchell said. "She's not letting things bother her. We've had games when she's been not just doubled but triple-teamed. ... She's just been doing everything."
Hardwork pays off
Shegog proclaimed her desire to become a dominant player at the start of the season.
"I think I've done that," she said. "But there are still a lot of things I want to work on to better myself."
Thus far, Shegog has established herself in the paint, working for a league-best seven double-doubles. She's averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, is third on the team with 32 assists and second in the conference with 2.9 blocks per game.
Most telling about Shegog's revamped game is the ease in which she runs the floor. In the past, she labored in the Heels' full-throttle transition system.
As a freshman, she failed to complete the team's preseason timed run in the allotted time. She also never embraced the weight room.
Better health, better results
In her final season, with a new attitude, Shegog has created a new image and new body.
"Definitely the best condition I've been in since I've been here," she said. "It's not where I want to be, but it's the best I've been."
UNC strength and conditioning coordinator Jason Beaulieu added, "Most improved."
With a changed physique, Shegog is averaging 31.5 minutes per game. Before the season, her career average was 20.8 minutes, playing in support of former players Jessica Breland, Italee Lucas and Cetera DeGraffenreid. She played a career-high 49 minutes against Virginia Jan. 5.
"She's so mature now," Hatchell said. "There's no excuses. She's not making excuses for anything. She just gets in here and works. ... I couldn't ask for her to be doing any more."
Shegog intends to keep trying.
"Mentally, I just keep reiterating to myself that my team depends on me," she said. "That I can't let them down."
