President Barack Obama hosted the national champions at the White House Monday, capping a victorious 2008-09 season for North Carolina. The team toured the White House and met with the president, who picked the Tar Heels to win the championship in his much-discussed bracket. A university press release describes the Tar Heels’ time in the president’s home.
One of the most popular parts of the tour was a trip inside the President’s personal home theater, where he had watched the Carolina-Duke game and recently viewed several NBA playoff games of his hometown Chicago Bulls. The room, with deep red seats and “the best popcorn anywhere,” according to the Secret Service agent guiding the group, drew rave reviews.
The President also singled out Ty Lawson for his exceptional NCAA play, Hansbrough for returning to school, and Wooten for his Phi Beta Kappa achievement.
“Jack Wooten stole the ball from me, blocked my shot, and fouled me once,” President Obama said, referencing the pickup game at the Smith Center last April. “But I want to congratulate Jack on making Phi Beta Kappa. Jack is interested in public service and we need more people like him being willing to serve our country. So Jack, any time you’re ready, come on board.”
