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CHAPEL HILL -- When Ty Lawson checked into the game in the first half Saturday at Boston College, it effectively marked the end of the brief Quentin Thomas Era in North Carolina basketball.

Perhaps "era" is too strong a word. But for 71/2 games, since Lawson injured his ankle early at Florida State on Feb. 3, Thomas had a chance to start for North Carolina at point guard and to play extensive minutes. It's an opportunity that didn't come for Thomas until the end of his career. He plays his final home game tonight against Florida State (8, WFMY-2).

"Time goes by so fast," Thomas said. "But I've had a great time at Carolina. It's been an experience."

Oh, it's been an experience all right. Injuries, getting recruited over not once, but twice, then suddenly being handed the reins of the Tar Heels just before their biggest game of this season, against Duke. Yet Thomas somehow lumps it all under the heading "great time." Maybe that's why he was still around after nearly four years, ready to seize his opportunity when it finally came.

"Think about all the injuries and the problems that the kid has gone through, the tough times that he's gone through," said UNC coach Roy Williams. "If you can't feel good for Q, then there's something wrong with your heart."

It all seemed to get off to such an auspicious start for Thomas. The former standout at Oakland (Calif.) Tech started the first game of his career, at Santa Clara, because Raymond Felton was serving a one-game suspension.

The good times didn't last.

Thomas played just 14 minutes and committed three turnovers as the Tar Heels were upset. He would have to wait until Feb. 6, 2008 -- the date of the Duke game -- to start again.

In between? Thomas marked time as a freshman, playing behind Felton. Then, Thomas was passed on the depth chart his sophomore season by Bobby Frasor. Thomas also missed three games because of a stress fracture in his left foot.

Thomas' junior season brought another point guard -- Lawson -- to campus and another stress fracture for his left foot. This time Thomas missed nine games. Then, after missing two games this season with a sprained ankle, Thomas has arrived at his present place -- relatively healthy and starting, at last.

"It's been a good thing as far as just being able to help my team out," he said.

What? That's it? No, "I really deserved this" or "It's nice to finally be able to show what I can do"? Apparently not for Thomas.

"I'm not saying I wouldn't enjoy playing a lot," he said. "Everybody wants to play. But as long as I can contribute and help my teammates, keep a smile on their faces and we win, that's a positive thing for me."

Maybe if you're jaded you roll your eyes at such talk. But consider this: If Thomas wasn't really a team-first guy, why didn't he leave UNC for greener pastures and more playing time?

"You never know what you could get if you leave," he said. "I already know what I have here, so why leave?"

What Thomas has here is a team that respects his leadership-by-example immensely, a team that could help him achieve his ultimate basketball dream -- winning a national title -- for a second time.

"With the talent we have on this team, I think that dream can come back," Thomas said.

Two national titles in four years? That would be a great career for anyone, no matter how many games you start.

Contact Jim Young at 373-7016 or jim.young @news-record.com