A Closer Look at Best Available Big Men in the Portal

[gunslingerdick]

Yeah, look, everybody knows the reason for Washington's struggles. We all know of his injuries and surgeries. Some of y'all keep pointing to that as if we don't know and/or it's some kind of excuse. So let me say it for some of us thinking the same:

It's because of the injuries he has sustained that his lateral footspeed is poor and he's weak and poorly conditioned. We get it. And because his footspeed is poor and he's weak and poorly conditioned, again acknowledging the injuries, that is why some of us don't feel comfortable relying on the hope that he will all of a sudden overcome those deficiencies and be starter material by November.

Sheesh.

 

[NathanFielder]

Please explain to me why you don't think he has mental hurdles to conquer? I don't think it is possible to have multiple major surgeries on your lower body at his size without having mental hurdles! I had multiple (much simpler surgeries on my ankles/knees) and it took a good while before I could make a forceful cut instinctively! In addition, I haven't run into a player at any level that missed significant time without having to re-learn anticipation. It is true he might never regain elite level quickness, but peeps should expect serious improvement in this area! (all this is assuming no health setbacks, God forbid!)

Then we'll see what happens. From what I've seen with Jalen, he doesn't have suddenness. If you argue that it's all mental with him, then great. Hopefully, he gets more confidence and that answers all of the questions. For me, I see someone who physically doesn't have much suddenness in his movement when he's on the ground. And I think the limitation is more than just mentally getting over it.

But, we've also seen dudes never get back to who they were after these injuries. Wasn't Harry Giles similar. He went from potentially being a top 5 NBA prospect to an afterthought. He went in the 1st round, but it was clearly a "if he ever gets back to pre-injury we have a steal." No one considered him a 1st round prospect at that time. So both possibilities are in play. Jalen could get physically and mentally better. Or, Jalen's body may never return. Likely.... Somewhere probably in between?

I had no idea that Jalen Washington could be so polarizing, lol.

 

[Heelicious]

Watch out for Carolina and UK big Aaron Bradshaw. He just entered the portal.

Was the #6 overall recruit in his class. 7 feet tall. Put up 12 against UNC last year. Would come to UNC with 3 year’s eligibility. Without throwing Wash under bus, this would be a great guy to push him for starter spot. Or fill in at 4 if Harry leaves.

Is a New Jersey kid which should be in hubs recruiting wheelhouse. RJ too. I hope they’re reaching out.

 

[Heelicious]

Then we'll see what happens. From what I've seen with Jalen, he doesn't have suddenness. If you argue that it's all mental with him, then great. Hopefully, he gets more confidence and that answers all of the questions. For me, I see someone who physically doesn't have much suddenness in his movement when he's on the ground. And I think the limitation is more than just mentally getting over it.

But, we've also seen dudes never get back to who they were after these injuries. Wasn't Harry Giles similar. He went from potentially being a top 5 NBA prospect to an afterthought. He went in the 1st round, but it was clearly a "if he ever gets back to pre-injury we have a steal." No one considered him a 1st round prospect at that time. So both possibilities are in play. Jalen could get physically and mentally better. Or, Jalen's body may never return. Likely.... Somewhere probably in between?

I had no idea that Jalen Washington could be so polarizing, lol.

Marcus ginyard too - though maybe never an nba 1st rounder, never really heard about him after his injury

 

[tarwhiz]

Then we'll see what happens. From what I've seen with Jalen, he doesn't have suddenness. If you argue that it's all mental with him, then great. Hopefully, he gets more confidence and that answers all of the questions. For me, I see someone who physically doesn't have much suddenness in his movement when he's on the ground. And I think the limitation is more than just mentally getting over it.

But, we've also seen dudes never get back to who they were after these injuries. Wasn't Harry Giles similar. He went from potentially being a top 5 NBA prospect to an afterthought. He went in the 1st round, but it was clearly a "if he ever gets back to pre-injury we have a steal." No one considered him a 1st round prospect at that time. So both possibilities are in play. Jalen could get physically and mentally better. Or, Jalen's body may never return. Likely.... Somewhere probably in between?

I had no idea that Jalen Washington could be so polarizing, lol.

Harry Giles is a great comp

 

[Heelicious]

Then we'll see what happens. From what I've seen with Jalen, he doesn't have suddenness. If you argue that it's all mental with him, then great. Hopefully, he gets more confidence and that answers all of the questions. For me, I see someone who physically doesn't have much suddenness in his movement when he's on the ground. And I think the limitation is more than just mentally getting over it.

But, we've also seen dudes never get back to who they were after these injuries. Wasn't Harry Giles similar. He went from potentially being a top 5 NBA prospect to an afterthought. He went in the 1st round, but it was clearly a "if he ever gets back to pre-injury we have a steal." No one considered him a 1st round prospect at that time. So both possibilities are in play. Jalen could get physically and mentally better. Or, Jalen's body may never return. Likely.... Somewhere probably in between?

I had no idea that Jalen Washington could be so polarizing, lol.

Right?
I think he’s polarizing because some here are on two ends of a spectrum that imo no rational person is saying:

1) give up on JW and find someone else to plug in his spot. Don’t care if he transfers. Good riddance.

2) Put his name in ink as a starter at the 5 next year just based on what we’ve seen so far and what we strongly BELIEVE he will do, and how he’ll progress over next 6 months.

To me the rational middle ground is JW has shown flashes of great skills and abilities at times, but so far his play - without a significant jump up in defense, rebounding, hands/catching, finish strong at rim, lateral/foot quickness - doesn’t really merit many more minutes than what he got this year. We can’t just “give” JW 30+ minutes a game or even 25 just because “he’s all we’ve got for bigs, and has a nice jump shot”.

If that were the logic, Hubs should be worried for his job because that would be Program malpractice. And I’m sure it’s not the case, anyway, so why debate or worry about it.

 

[Kool1234567]

Get the Big from Zona…

 

[NathanFielder]

Right?
I think he’s polarizing because some here are on two ends of a spectrum that imo no rational person is saying:

1) give up on JW and find someone else to plug in his spot. Don’t care if he transfers. Good riddance.

2) Put his name in ink as a starter at the 5 next year just based on what we’ve seen so far and what we strongly BELIEVE he will do, and how he’ll progress over next 6 months.

To me the rational middle ground is JW has shown flashes of great skills and abilities at times, but so far his play - without a significant jump up in defense, rebounding, hands/catching, finish strong at rim, lateral/foot quickness - doesn’t really merit many more minutes than what he got this year. We can’t just “give” JW 30+ minutes a game or even 25 just because “he’s all we’ve got for bigs, and has a nice jump shot”.

If that were the logic, Hubs should be worried for his job because that would be Program malpractice. And I’m sure it’s not the case, anyway, so why debate or worry about it.

The other oddity is if Jalen is our 5th option as a starter, or our 1st big off the bench.... I think it means there's a really good chance UNC has a contending squad next season. So I don't know why that could be viewed as a negative.

I just think there are valid questions about the strength of UNC next season if Jalen Washington is asked to be the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd option.

But it's a message board so opinions on certain players will be strong, maybe irrationally so, lol.

 

[gary-7]

Right?
I think he’s polarizing because some here are on two ends of a spectrum that imo no rational person is saying:

1) give up on JW and find someone else to plug in his spot. Don’t care if he transfers. Good riddance.

2) Put his name in ink as a starter at the 5 next year just based on what we’ve seen so far and what we strongly BELIEVE he will do, and how he’ll progress over next 6 months.

To me the rational middle ground is JW has shown flashes of great skills and abilities at times, but so far his play - without a significant jump up in defense, rebounding, hands/catching, finish strong at rim, lateral/foot quickness - doesn’t really merit many more minutes than what he got this year. We can’t just “give” JW 30+ minutes a game or even 25 just because “he’s all we’ve got for bigs, and has a nice jump shot”.

If that were the logic, Hubs should be worried for his job because that would be Program malpractice. And I’m sure it’s not the case, anyway, so why debate or worry about it.

TBH, the only "polarizing" is coming from #1.

Literally no one that I've seen here has pushed anything like you described in #2.

I, and others have said he is our default starter, with already a lot of offensive skills along with upside all around. That translates to "pencil in" as opposed to "ink".

Ultimately it will depend on what happens in the coming months vis-a-vis his continued development and recovery, as well as which Big we bring in. BUT, it also means that if JWash does end up being our starter then that is not some sort of disaster, as some in column 1 make it out to be.

And again TBH, your characterization of his current skill level is just needlessly negative.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Finally, some reasonable responses! The only polarizing came about because peeps said "if he is a starter, UNC will suck!" Reasonable peeps think he has shown enough growth to this point, acknowledging this is his first chance to be healthy for an extended time, to be optimistic that his growth curve will continue. If it does, he will be a real problem and his starter level minutes will help this team be at its best! I'm an optimist by nature so I assume he will be our Day 1 starter, but if he isn't, it will be because we got someone in the portal (or someone else developed quicker/better) and he will still get significant PT from the bench! Either way, the youngster is skilled and has shown a tremendous work ethic and I know he will work his arse off on the issues our vastly less qualified eyes have identified!

 

[UNCHUSKER]

Finally, some reasonable responses! The only polarizing came about because peeps said "if he is a starter, UNC will suck!" Reasonable peeps think he has shown enough growth to this point, acknowledging this is his first chance to be healthy for an extended time, to be optimistic that his growth curve will continue. If it does, he will be a real problem and his starter level minutes will help this team be at its best! I'm an optimist by nature so I assume he will be our Day 1 starter, but if he isn't, it will be because we got someone in the portal (or someone else developed quicker/better) and he will still get significant PT from the bench! Either way, the youngster is skilled and has shown a tremendous work ethic and I know he will work his arse off on the issues our vastly less qualified eyes have identified!

He’s shown enough growth to earn more minutes - but to expect him to go from 8 minutes a game to 25 a game is insanity. He’s a rotational player for sure - but starter? After watching him fall down repeatedly and get out muscled by back up centers all year I’m not sure why anyone in their right mind would think he can handle starter minutes here.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I guess you can count me in the not "in their right mind category" then! I wonder if anyone has ever gone from seldom used bench player to starter at UNC? I also wonder where we get the number. 25, for minutes? Every single thing we are discussing, including who will actually be on the team, is conjecture, no? So it seems like it should be OK to believe both that JWash might be a starter AND might not have to play more than 15-25 a game to me.....

BTW: Isn't it a bit sophomoric to have to denigrate someone in order to make your point? It tends to indicate you don't believe the point is strong enough on its own merits!

 

[DSouthr]

Agree with all of this, my breakdown was of the known Deon tapes and the Know J Wash tape. No comparison thus far, but if JWASH ever returned to the arc he was on before the injuries?......then his upside is significantly higher than Deons ceiling was.

From what I see, I think Jalen really needs to focus in on building much more length strength so that the knee can be more supported, which in addition should provide a bit more explosion, that will just take a lot of time for a kid as long as he is. I would have him working a lot with the banded restraint system that is used to help increase kid's verticals, weight vests, biking, and as crazy as it may sound maybe elements of yoga (for stretching).

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I, and others have said he is our default starter

Or as we used to say, a starting spot is his to lose.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Why do all these bigs wear #11?

 

[UNCHUSKER]

I guess you can count me in the not "in their right mind category" then! I wonder if anyone has ever gone from seldom used bench player to starter at UNC? I also wonder where we get the number. 25, for minutes? Every single thing we are discussing, including who will actually be on the team, is conjecture, no? So it seems like it should be OK to believe both that JWash might be a starter AND might not have to play more than 15-25 a game to me.....

BTW: Isn't it a bit sophomoric to have to denigrate someone in order to make your point? It tends to indicate you don't believe the point is strong enough on its own merits!

Starter minutes - as in playing the majority of minutes in a game. If he isn’t playing the majority of minutes at center then we have to get somebody that can. Are you serious? Maybe you think he should start - take the opening jump ball and then sit down.

Sorry about your butt hurt. Typical snowflake.

 

[NathanFielder]

Finally, some reasonable responses! The only polarizing came about because peeps said "if he is a starter, UNC will suck!" Reasonable peeps think he has shown enough growth to this point, acknowledging this is his first chance to be healthy for an extended time, to be optimistic that his growth curve will continue. If it does, he will be a real problem and his starter level minutes will help this team be at its best! I'm an optimist by nature so I assume he will be our Day 1 starter, but if he isn't, it will be because we got someone in the portal (or someone else developed quicker/better) and he will still get significant PT from the bench! Either way, the youngster is skilled and has shown a tremendous work ethic and I know he will work his arse off on the issues our vastly less qualified eyes have identified!

Kudos to all reasonable people who coincidentally happen to agree with you.

 

[DSouthr]

He’s shown enough growth to earn more minutes - but to expect him to go from 8 minutes a game to 25 a game is insanity. He’s a rotational player for sure - but starter? After watching him fall down repeatedly and get out muscled by back up centers all year I’m not sure why anyone in their right mind would think he can handle starter minutes here.

If Luke Maye EVER starts for us we are in serious trouble, a blast from the past that REALLY didn't age well.

I am not aware that anyone has said that Jalen should start for us next season and be the same player he was this past season. I think most, if not all have qualified it as this off season will be critical if he is to get to EITHER starter or starter level (meaning may not start due to a big time talent ahead of him). I do think from what I have seen and what I see him needing to add to his game that he can absolutely be starter quality for us and I do think that can (not sure it will) happen next season. I am expecting a version of the freshman to soph bounce we are used to for him next season, last off season was more of a prep for college after high school thing, this one should be about, conditioning, adding strength and some good pounds, and learning the finer points of what Hubert wants and playing off his team mates.

 

[NorCalTarheel]

For anyone who might want to talk about big men who are available in the portal, I am going to be starting a thread entitled "Jalen Washington,can he start for us?"

🤪😂

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I'd love to talk about anything with adults! I do have trouble with the childish element that seems to be taking over though.

I really think we will get 3-4 peeps from the portal. I hope we get a wing shooter, a combo/point, and 2 Bigs. It is interesting how many Bigs are jumping in the portal this year!

 

[NorCalTarheel]

I'd love to talk about anything with adults! I do have trouble with the childish element that seems to be taking over though.

I really think we will get 3-4 peeps from the portal. I hope we get a wing shooter, a combo/point, and 2 Bigs. It is interesting how many Bigs are jumping in the portal this year!

I'm with you on all of that. I was really hoping for Kalkbrenner but I have not heard anything about him entering The portal. Might be this year's version PJ Hall of last year (lots of talk that never materialize).

I think we in the Carolina fans don't see why we can't just pick and choose who we want. I forget sometimes there are a bunch of other schools that might be just as appealing to some of these kids.

 

[Kool1234567]

Looks like we are in Contact with the Big Man from Rutgers….Cliff Omoruyi…

 

[tarwhiz]

Looks like we are in Contact with the Big Man from Rutgers….Cliff Omoruyi…

Kalkbrenner ( not yet available) Omouryi and Ballo are the 3 types of bigs that will take Carolina to where they need to be.

 

[gauchoheel]

Considering the lateral movement issue is a direct result of his HS injuries, that is precisely something that can improve significantly.

Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it seems like Hubert intends to land a starting-caliber center from the portal and I support that approach, personally. If Jalen wants to stay would be very happy to keep him as well.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Hubs is smart to hedge his bet by getting a starter level Big in the portal. To me this doesn't say one thing about JWash because we will need up to 7 peeps to fill out our roster. Grab a couple of Bigs; a PG; a wing with size; and some shooters and we are golden!

 

[Kool1234567]

Jonas Aidoo In the portal now..Also declared for the draft..He fouled out vs UNC this year in 21 minutes…Had 13 and 6 or something like that…That was the only Tennessee game I watched this year anybody else see him more and thoughts on him…

 

[DSouthr]

Hubs is smart to hedge his bet by getting a starter level Big in the portal. To me this doesn't say one thing about JWash because we will need up to 7 peeps to fill out our roster. Grab a couple of Bigs; a PG; a wing with size; and some shooters and we are golden!

ABSOLUTELY ! I DO NOT gamble, I may believe that Jalen for example, can develop to the point that he deserves to start for us but I am not going to gamble that he will, I am going to hedge my bet, I am going to go get someone that is considered to already be more productive and I would look Jalen in the eye and tell him son, you have the opportunity, go take the spot if you can, iron sharpens iron. This is now your time to show the world what you have, it is now up to you to deserve it or not.

TP, I am NOT sold on Jack as a 2 in college, I see him as a electric wing 3. I see Drake as a version of Jackie Manual and Theo that I think in time will shoot better than either. I think Drake can grow in to being a Reggie Bullock like player if he continues to work on that jump shooting, I just don't expect that as a freshman. Just as I am saying with our need for a center and wanting us to bring in 2 guys to compete with Jalen for that gig, I feel like our 3 spot will be well handled by the combination of Ian and Drake. I think now, especially with Seth gone, we nee dot bring in a shooting guard that has some ball handles that can cover for Cadeau when he is on the bench, that still wants to push tempo.

We had a faster tempo this past season, see the difference in that and playing more of a half court game with small guards? I want even more tempo and that means I don't want us to have to revert to a half court game anytime Cadeau sits. I want that guard to be in that 6'3-4" range that will put in work on the defensive end. I wonder if Hubert would consider offering the Johnson kid or Peterson a reclass spot and I don't like reclassing but either of those guys may be the right fit.

 

[gary-7]

Finally, some reasonable responses! The only polarizing came about because peeps said "if he is a starter, UNC will suck!" Reasonable peeps think he has shown enough growth to this point, acknowledging this is his first chance to be healthy for an extended time, to be optimistic that his growth curve will continue. If it does, he will be a real problem and his starter level minutes will help this team be at its best! I'm an optimist by nature so I assume he will be our Day 1 starter, but if he isn't, it will be because we got someone in the portal (or someone else developed quicker/better) and he will still get significant PT from the bench! Either way, the youngster is skilled and has shown a tremendous work ethic and I know he will work his arse off on the issues our vastly less qualified eyes have identified!

Bingo.

 

[DaveChapelle]

True, I have been informed within the last hour that the center they are really eyeing is Danny Wolf out of Yale.

Coach, can you give us any insight as to why we couldn't get our top center target to visit?

 

[DSouthr]

He’s shown enough growth to earn more minutes - but to expect him to go from 8 minutes a game to 25 a game is insanity. He’s a rotational player for sure - but starter? After watching him fall down repeatedly and get out muscled by back up centers all year I’m not sure why anyone in their right mind would think he can handle starter minutes here.

At what point is the line of sanity crossed? You say he deserves more than the 8mins he got yet 25mins a game is insanity so where is the line from sane to insane? I have been VERY vocal ALL SEASON in wanting more minutes for Jalen, by the way I am actually sane, anyone else been more consistently hammering this minutes issue with Jalen? So let's look at this insane thing I am asking for, asking for 16-22 mins a game for Jalen and adjust his minutes from there EITHER UP OR DOWN, have I crossed over that line of sanity? LOL

Have I, has anyone that is calling for more minutes for Jalen not as well shared that his play must improve to justify the increase in minutes? Is that the insane part? I have said repeatedly that Jalen has a weapon in his jump shooting ability that we should be using, is it insane to love a UNC big man that can shoot 53% from 3? Was Roy insane when he publicly stated that Jalen was the best jump shooting big man in his class, does Roy belong in the rubber room next to mine? Maybe I am insane for not lying to this board and saying that Sean May is my bestest friend ever in a lame attempt to have some degree of cred here, which may in fact be a mental health issue?

If I am insane then trust me, I want no part of sanity as considered in your world because yours makes no sense to me, what color is the sky in that sane world of yours? Think maybe now we can toss out the needless insults of calling folks that may not agree with you insane? Think maybe we could begin to actually consider other opinions as having some degree of at very least sanity? I have not ducked away from discussing Jalen's need to improve important aspects of his play while as well sharing what I see as things that he could help us right now with? But I sure saw in every single game thread we had this past season constant negative hammering of anything Jalen did with never a single word discussing anything he did well by some very vocal posters. Man, I hope they don't come for me with one of those crazy padded suits and take me to my own special room at Dix but if they do, I am likely to find a LOT of friends there!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

At what point is the line of sanity crossed? You say he deserves more than the 8mins he got yet 25mins a game is insanity so where is the line from sane to insane? I have been VERY vocal ALL SEASON in wanting more minutes for Jalen, by the way I am actually sane, anyone else been more consistently hammering this minutes issue with Jalen? So let's look at this insane thing I am asking for, asking for 16-22 mins a game for Jalen and adjust his minutes from there EITHER UP OR DOWN, have I crossed over that line of sanity? LOL

Have I, has anyone that is calling for more minutes for Jalen not as well shared that his play must improve to justify the increase in minutes? Is that the insane part? I have said repeatedly that Jalen has a weapon in his jump shooting ability that we should be using, is it insane to love a UNC big man that can shoot 53% from 3? Was Roy insane when he publicly stated that Jalen was the best jump shooting big man in his class, does Roy belong in the rubber room next to mine? Maybe I am insane for not lying to this board and saying that Sean May is my bestest friend ever in a lame attempt to have some degree of cred here, which may in fact be a mental health issue?

If I am insane then trust me, I want no part of sanity as considered in your world because yours makes no sense to me, what color is the sky in that sane world of yours? Think maybe now we can toss out the needless insults of calling folks that may not agree with you insane? Think maybe we could begin to actually consider other opinions as having some degree of at very least sanity? I have not ducked away from discussing Jalen's need to improve important aspects of his play while as well sharing what I see as things that he could help us right now with? But I sure saw in every single game thread we had this past season constant negative hammering of anything Jalen did with never a single word discussing anything he did well by some very vocal posters. Man, I hope they don't come for me with one of those crazy padded suits and take me to my own special room at Dix but if they do, I am likely to find a LOT of friends there!

Unless we land a top starter big ahead of Jalen, I say start him and play him until he drops or fouls out. Every game. It's sink or swim time.

I say that with tongue only slightly in cheek because everybody seems sure he's fully recovered. If so, give him a rigorous summer protocol to follow and then throw him in the deep end.

My guess is that, at worst, he'll be adequate. But I expect more than merely adequate. A lot of minutes every game means he'll come along as fast as possible - and could be a star.

If anyone thinks he can't handle that, why is he still on the team?

I agree with those who suggest he should have redshirted. But I think back to Zeller's first year, when he got injured and missed most of the season. He came back for the last few games and gave up the opportunity to redshirt. He wasn't that good, for obvious reasons, but did contribute. And got to play on a championship team - rather than watching it from the bench. Plus, nobody thought he'd need a 5th year to get to the NBA.

The thought being that maybe Jalen was offered the option to redshirt and chose not to. Anybody know?

 

[DSouthr]

Unless we land a top starter big ahead of Jalen, I say start him and play him until he drops or fouls out. Every game. It's sink or swim time.

I say that with tongue only slightly in cheek because everybody seems sure he's fully recovered. If so, give him a rigorous summer protocol to follow and then throw him in the deep end.

My guess is that, at worst, he'll be adequate. But I expect more than merely adequate. A lot of minutes every game means he'll come along as fast as possible - and could be a star.

If anyone thinks he can't handle that, why is he still on the team?

I agree with those who suggest he should have redshirted. But I think back to Zeller's first year, when he got injured and missed most of the season. He came back for the last few games and gave up the opportunity to redshirt. He wasn't that good, for obvious reasons, but did contribute. And got to play on a championship team - rather than watching it from the bench. Plus, nobody thought he'd need a 5th year to get to the NBA.

The thought being that maybe Jalen was offered the option to redshirt and chose not to. Anybody know?

Jalen and his family did strongly consider his red shirting his freshman season, he certainly could have had he wanted. But the kid wanted to play, he wanted to try, he had been on the shelf for so long that getting in to a game was really important to him and you understand that if you have ever played and had to sit due to injury. What tipped the scales was the need we had his freshman season for back up bigs, other than Nance and Bacot who were our reserve big men if not Jalen?

 

[UNCHUSKER]

At what point is the line of sanity crossed? You say he deserves more than the 8mins he got yet 25mins a game is insanity so where is the line from sane to insane? I have been VERY vocal ALL SEASON in wanting more minutes for Jalen, by the way I am actually sane, anyone else been more consistently hammering this minutes issue with Jalen? So let's look at this insane thing I am asking for, asking for 16-22 mins a game for Jalen and adjust his minutes from there EITHER UP OR DOWN, have I crossed over that line of sanity? LOL

Have I, has anyone that is calling for more minutes for Jalen not as well shared that his play must improve to justify the increase in minutes? Is that the insane part? I have said repeatedly that Jalen has a weapon in his jump shooting ability that we should be using, is it insane to love a UNC big man that can shoot 53% from 3? Was Roy insane when he publicly stated that Jalen was the best jump shooting big man in his class, does Roy belong in the rubber room next to mine? Maybe I am insane for not lying to this board and saying that Sean May is my bestest friend ever in a lame attempt to have some degree of cred here, which may in fact be a mental health issue?

If I am insane then trust me, I want no part of sanity as considered in your world because yours makes no sense to me, what color is the sky in that sane world of yours? Think maybe now we can toss out the needless insults of calling folks that may not agree with you insane? Think maybe we could begin to actually consider other opinions as having some degree of at very least sanity? I have not ducked away from discussing Jalen's need to improve important aspects of his play while as well sharing what I see as things that he could help us right now with? But I sure saw in every single game thread we had this past season constant negative hammering of anything Jalen did with never a single word discussing anything he did well by some very vocal posters. Man, I hope they don't come for me with one of those crazy padded suits and take me to my own special room at Dix but if they do, I am likely to find a LOT of friends there!

the length of your post shows your insanity.

Insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

The guy gets outmuscled and falls down repeatedly in 8 minutes a game. Expecting him to survive 3 times that is insanity.

Your expectations are based on hope - not anything he has shown as capable of doing for long periods of time.

Get over yourself.

 

[unchampions]

the length of your post shows your insanity.

Insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

The guy gets outmuscled and falls down repeatedly in 8 minutes a game. Expecting him to survive 3 times that is insanity.

Your expectations are based on hope - not anything he has shown as capable of doing for long periods of time.

Get over yourself.

Washington Season Efficiency Stats

#1 2 pt fg % (74.2)
#1 3 pt fg% (53.3)
#1 Block% (6.9)
#1 Offensive Rebound% (11.6)
#2 Total Rebound% (16.5)
#3 Defensive Rebounding% (21.4)
#3 Box +/-

Washington played 8.3 mpg (308 total for the year) and generally not in garbage time. Not big minutes but a reasonable sample size. Would these numbers hold at 25 minutes. No - but they wouldn't need to. Does he need to gain some strength. Sure, but he was statistically a beast this year despite any weakness. Moreover, some of his rebounds and dunks the last half of the season were sick.

Whether you look at per 40 min, per 100 possessions, or % based stats Jalen was number 1 or number 2 on the team (8+ min) in most of the relevant categories.

2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Men's Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Or, as some of us call it, Practice.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Washington Season Efficiency Stats

#1 2 pt fg % (74.2)
#1 3 pt fg% (53.3)
#1 Block% (6.9)
#1 Offensive Rebound% (11.6)
#2 Total Rebound% (16.5)
#3 Defensive Rebounding% (21.4)
#3 Box +/-

Washington played 8.3 mpg (308 total for the year) and generally not in garbage time. Not big minutes but a reasonable sample size. Would these numbers hold at 25 minutes. No - but they wouldn't need to. Does he need to gain some strength. Sure, but he was statistically a beast this year despite any weakness. Moreover, some of his rebounds and dunks the last half of the season were sick.

Whether you look at per 40 min, per 100 possessions, or % based stats Jalen was number 1 or number 2 on the team (8+ min) in most of the relevant categories.

2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Men's Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

Yeah, it's not whether he can score or rebound - he can. It's whether he can handle long minutes of tough play and whether he can defend. Even if his D is merely OK, if he can score at that level for 25+ minutes, he'll be a solid asset.

 

[UNCHUSKER]

Washington Season Efficiency Stats

#1 2 pt fg % (74.2)
#1 3 pt fg% (53.3)
#1 Block% (6.9)
#1 Offensive Rebound% (11.6)
#2 Total Rebound% (16.5)
#3 Defensive Rebounding% (21.4)
#3 Box +/-

Washington played 8.3 mpg (308 total for the year) and generally not in garbage time. Not big minutes but a reasonable sample size. Would these numbers hold at 25 minutes. No - but they wouldn't need to. Does he need to gain some strength. Sure, but he was statistically a beast this year despite any weakness. Moreover, some of his rebounds and dunks the last half of the season were sick.

Whether you look at per 40 min, per 100 possessions, or % based stats Jalen was number 1 or number 2 on the team (8+ min) in most of the relevant categories.

2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Men's Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

I think he could handle more of a load next year - but I think it is reckless and irresponsible to not recruit another starting caliber center. Wash should not be counted on for 25-30 minutes per game. Physically and defensively he hasn't shown he can come close to doing it. His season high was 13 minutes played in a game. Bringing in another option would be ideal. As it stands right now what if Wash were to get hurt? Withers, High and brown for the 80 minutes at the 4 and 5 position? I wouldn't count on making the tournament at all in that scenario. Why take the risk.

 

[NathanFielder]

Washington Season Efficiency Stats

#1 2 pt fg % (74.2)
#1 3 pt fg% (53.3)
#1 Block% (6.9)
#1 Offensive Rebound% (11.6)
#2 Total Rebound% (16.5)
#3 Defensive Rebounding% (21.4)
#3 Box +/-

Washington played 8.3 mpg (308 total for the year) and generally not in garbage time. Not big minutes but a reasonable sample size. Would these numbers hold at 25 minutes. No - but they wouldn't need to. Does he need to gain some strength. Sure, but he was statistically a beast this year despite any weakness. Moreover, some of his rebounds and dunks the last half of the season were sick.

Whether you look at per 40 min, per 100 possessions, or % based stats Jalen was number 1 or number 2 on the team (8+ min) in most of the relevant categories.

2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Men's Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 2023-24 UNC Tar Heels Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

If Washington is a starter next season and if UNC is depending on him giving them 25+ MPG, he must reduce his committed fouls significantly. There's no if ands or buts about that. He averaged 8.1 committed fouls per 40 minutes in conference play this past season. Whatever his efficiency is, he won't be able to stay on the floor unless he reduces his fouls by like 60%.

 

[DSouthr]

I think he could handle more of a load next year - but I think it is reckless and irresponsible to not recruit another starting caliber center. Wash should not be counted on for 25-30 minutes per game. Physically and defensively he hasn't shown he can come close to doing it. His season high was 13 minutes played in a game. Bringing in another option would be ideal. As it stands right now what if Wash were to get hurt? Withers, High and brown for the 80 minutes at the 4 and 5 position? I wouldn't count on making the tournament at all in that scenario. Why take the risk.

This is the very definition of a straw man argument. First, make up out of the blue a falsehood as in "it is reckless and irresponsible to not recruit another starting caliber center" because literally NO ONE IS SUGGESTING such a thing? I have yet to see a single poster say they did not want us to bring in a center, all I have seen is posters saying they want this or that center from the portal, some wanted Ballo, personally the guy I keep coming back to is Omouri, I wanted Wolf and Omouri.

 

[alabamaheel]

If Washington is a starter next season and if UNC is depending on him giving them 25+ MPG, he must reduce his committed fouls significantly. There's no if ands or buts about that. He averaged 8.1 committed fouls per 40 minutes in conference play this past season. Whatever his efficiency is, he won't be able to stay on the floor unless he reduces his fouls by like 60%.

Brice did it. Pretty sure he’ll manage them better knowing you have to be on the floor. Usually works out that way.