...and this was about continuing and familiar themes..
- I'll start, however, with the starting lineup, and I can say in all honesty that it didn't really surprise me, because of a) what I saw in the exhibition, and b) what Hubert said about rewarding defense. Obviously, this could be fluid going forward. We'll see, but Brady was the defensive surprise of the exhibition (in a crafty Kennedy Meeks manner) and is a more consistent finisher than Garcia at this point. And I'll readily admit to being proud of Leaky for what appears to be an attitude adjustment since last season.
- Continuing sagas:
1. Making the "extra pass" is the magic formula for Carolina basketball, and when we did it the results were predictably good. When we didn't? Welp... that result was predictable as well.
2. Make no mistake, Caleb needs to be running the show when he's in --- period, end of story --- he's just a better player when he knows he has the keys, and Corey Alexander is not exaggerating in saying he could compete for ACC POY --- that is IF we keep him in that role. And IF we do, WE will be a contender.
3. RJ needs to learn to give up the rock and not pound the ball as a first instinct --- and that includes in transition. I counted 3 instances where giving it up would've resulted in an easy bucket. Keep the ball moving, score when you get the chance. Play to your strengths, young fella.
4. Shot-selection can't afford to go south. Rhythm-3s are easily 10 pct points more likely to go in than off the bounce.
- Biggest disappointments, even at this early stage, were a) poor execution on set plays, and b) missed finishes (I counted 9) in close by our frontcourt players. Garcia's were particularly concerning early, but to his credit he got stronger as the game went on.
- We defaulted to 21 again (like), but no multiplicity (no like).
- I still don't like the Big drives from the perimeter. I DO like the Hi-LO action however.
- Shaky stretch of FT shooting was concerning. Let's not get into that habit! We should be consistently around 75% and above.
Anyway, solid opening win (congrats Hubert!) with some promising moments. I still want to see more defensive creativity, but I was encouraged to see Caleb spend more time in his best role. I can only hope that will continue, no matter whom he shares the backcourt with... 😎
- I'll start, however, with the starting lineup, and I can say in all honesty that it didn't really surprise me, because of a) what I saw in the exhibition, and b) what Hubert said about rewarding defense. Obviously, this could be fluid going forward. We'll see, but Brady was the defensive surprise of the exhibition (in a crafty Kennedy Meeks manner) and is a more consistent finisher than Garcia at this point. And I'll readily admit to being proud of Leaky for what appears to be an attitude adjustment since last season.
- Continuing sagas:
1. Making the "extra pass" is the magic formula for Carolina basketball, and when we did it the results were predictably good. When we didn't? Welp... that result was predictable as well.
2. Make no mistake, Caleb needs to be running the show when he's in --- period, end of story --- he's just a better player when he knows he has the keys, and Corey Alexander is not exaggerating in saying he could compete for ACC POY --- that is IF we keep him in that role. And IF we do, WE will be a contender.
3. RJ needs to learn to give up the rock and not pound the ball as a first instinct --- and that includes in transition. I counted 3 instances where giving it up would've resulted in an easy bucket. Keep the ball moving, score when you get the chance. Play to your strengths, young fella.
4. Shot-selection can't afford to go south. Rhythm-3s are easily 10 pct points more likely to go in than off the bounce.
- Biggest disappointments, even at this early stage, were a) poor execution on set plays, and b) missed finishes (I counted 9) in close by our frontcourt players. Garcia's were particularly concerning early, but to his credit he got stronger as the game went on.
- We defaulted to 21 again (like), but no multiplicity (no like).
- I still don't like the Big drives from the perimeter. I DO like the Hi-LO action however.
- Shaky stretch of FT shooting was concerning. Let's not get into that habit! We should be consistently around 75% and above.
Anyway, solid opening win (congrats Hubert!) with some promising moments. I still want to see more defensive creativity, but I was encouraged to see Caleb spend more time in his best role. I can only hope that will continue, no matter whom he shares the backcourt with... 😎
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