I watched just a little bit of the game where they got dumped by Miami and tbh Clemson didn't look all that impressive. Hall does have range but he's not an interior dominant big .. and he does have an interior game but looks more like a 4 than 5. They have a little size at the guard slots and by the stats they look to be able to get some turnovers .. and they don't mind running yet don't look to have quality depth. They haven't really played a tough schedule so what, from a UNC standpoint (other than playing in Little John, where we usually suck) is the main concern?

Zero opt outs attended as far as I know. Some chatter that Mack got pissy with them (including Drake) and they weren’t welcome around the facility leading up to the game.

Looking at other schools, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers all attended the bowl games on the sidelines. Travis Hunter was there for FSU.

1. Don't comment any woman's appearance. No matter your intentions, no matter the exact phrasing, you are opening yourself up to problems. Consider commenting on that moment's weather instead.

That's pretty much it. Don't over do Santa sightings, and maybe avoid mentioning gay yuletides.

..and at least that's outta the way.

I'll hit the biggest issues first:
- I watched Pitt a bit earlier and they'll foul the scorekeeper if you let them. I posted that Mando had a chance for a good offensive game, BUT... that was predicated on a decent zebra crew. So much for that, but Mando did get to the line enough to make a diference and converted.

- with that said, Mando had a terrific defensive game vs their size. In fact, that was an impressive TEAM performance on that end.

- Speaking of FTs, even though we should've had twice the attempts, our pct continues to carry us on a night when we couldn't hit much else consistently. Fortunately, Pitt continued their FT brick-laying, as they got there more than they should have, TBH.

- I really hated playing too much at their tempo, but that defense carried the day, as well as a plucky effort on the glass. But geez, how may point-blank tips can we miss? Nonetheless, there is something to be said in prevaiing in a rock-fight, and even getting to 70 pts.

- On that note, several expressed hopes this week that our "edge" this season would serve us well up there, and YES, it did. We did NOT back down to their thug-ball. Ingram (despite a shooting drought) and Cormac were especially feisty on the offensive glass, and Cadeau stoned bigger guys until a GODAWFUL foul call on his dive steal. Mando was snagging boards (one time with BOTH brothers holding each arm, and our rim-protection served notice. WIthers and JWash gave as good as they got, and Seth was up in grilles as usual.

- Speaking of Seth, more good minutes and heady play, and how bout that alley-oop finish --- defintiely has JP's hops.

-Big-time 3s by RJ at the end and beginning of the halves. Major timely.

- 51-41 Rebound margin incl 16 offensive vs their length. That dog will hunt.

- We made them an iso one-on-one team . Pitt only had 6 Assists total.

- Finally, I really wanted to force tempo more but I am always gratified by a team defense that works together and rotates. Pitt's bad shooting night was no fluke, folks --- they had to work for (and sometimes force) their looks.

Anyway, posting this one and hoping for good discussion. We got past 1st road-game jitters and didn't allow ourselves to be bullied. Check. I'll take it...

We are excited to announce that Bryant Baucom is the newest member of the THI staff.

Bryant will serve in a variety of duties, including football recruiting, the portal for both sports, team coverage for both sports, and other capacities.

He has experience in media covering ACC football and basketball in the area, plus the Carolina Hurricanes, and he has had key roles with other media outlets.

You will see Bryant’s name around here more and more, and please feel free to welcome him aboard.

@Bryant Baucom

We are excited to announce that Bryant Baucom is the newest member of the THI staff.

Bryant will serve in a variety of duties, including football recruiting, the portal for both sports, team coverage for both sports, and other capacities.

He has experience in media covering ACC football and basketball in the area, plus the Carolina Hurricanes, and he has had key roles with other media outlets.

You will see Bryant’s name around here more and more, and please feel free to welcome him aboard.

@Bryant Baucom