A little mid-summer intel...

[gary-7]

Just got back in the loop. Here are a few summer tidbits I picked up.
Disclaimer: For those of you who think I'm FOS, just stick by your convictions and go ahead and hit the back button now. For any of you lurking dookies, yes this is from my "network". Enjoy... or not.

Anyway....
Current team:
It's been the time of the year for short pro-am leagues in various places. Meeks, Luke, KW and 7th played on a team with friends from other schools and pros (including Jawad). Rosters are fluid and not everybody played every game. The following came from someone who played on the team:

- KW's stroke looked good and he's gotten pretty strong. Defense stood out in a league where that can be sporadic.
- Luke is a legit stretch guy --- shot well from deep and has surprising range. His biggest issue is "realizing he's 6'8". Sometimes he needs to "just dunk the ball" instead of trying to finesse so much under the basket.
- 7th's shooting stroke continues to look good, but the issue he's still adjusting to is learning he can't out-athlete guys at this level (an issue I mentioned previously), as well as realizing you can't get away with some of the same moves and passes here that worked at Hammond Academy or even AAU.
- (Best news) Kennedy apparently is feeling pretty spry. Twice in one game on lob entries (when a defender was fronting him) instead of catching and gathering (Iike he would last season), he just dunked them --- and when I say that I mean he went up and snagged the passes at their apex well above the rim and just flushed them in one motion. Damned good sign.

Chatter:
- Everyone pretty much assumes this will be Justin's last season here. Had he shot better from 3 last season he would have already left (again, stuff I've heard for a while and posted before).
- JB hasn't made any definitive plans one way or the other on that front... or at least any he has talked about. Now whether or not he has discussed it with his buddy Theo, I couldn't tell ya.
- Speaking of JB, he has the full confidence of his teammates and pretty much has had it since he got here as a freshman.

Recruiting:
Not too much new/different from stuff I've heard elsewhere, but a couple of items on specific guys:

- Bamba --- NADA. Nobody in my network seems to have any idea. Kid keeps it close.
- PJ --- Feeling is we're very much in it.
- Stokes --- Just a comment from a friend who's seen him play the last two summers: "I saw him last summer and I said 'Who let that NFL guy out there? He's gonna hurt somebody!'... This summer it was like 'damn, he looks like a basketball player.'" My friend likes the offer, BTW.
- Zion Williamson ('18) --- very good vibes for us, and "he can play!"
- Carter --- This one is interesting and curious. Second hand, but someone who is close to Wendell doesn't think Carter knows where he wants to go yet --- and that he talks about a different school every time he sees him (incl. UNC) --- said it wouldn't surprise him if Carter ended up at Harvard. So... I guess I'll go on and keep assuming dook leads, with the caveat that nothing would surprise me at this point...

That's all for now...

*(SEE ADDENDUM BELOW ITT)

 

[CJBlue]

Cool, thanks for sharing. Like was shared about the current guys. 7th will grasp it. Like Kennedy is being more aggressive. I also like that the guys know JB is the leader. I also like what you are saying about Washington and Zion. Maybe we get these guys and Bamba or Carter surprises us? Never know man.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Thanks for the intel Gary, nice to get some new discussion going.
Oh yeah, and if it turns out you're FOS I'm going back and unliking every one of your posts!

 

[ohio tarheels]

Nobody knows what high school kids will do at that age but I do appreciate the info that you put out... It's nice just to hear about what someone hears about Tar Heel players and/or recruits.

After being around a couple situations of high school recruits in my area I laugh at what I read in some of these expert websites and stuff.

 

[viking131]

And thanks Mr. Gary!

 

[gary-7]

And thanks Mr. Gary!

Here's an addendum:
Jawad made the comment to the college guys that the "Carolina" brand will at least get you a look in the NBA because "they know we know how to play the game". After that of course it depends on their roster, their system and what you bring individually, etc etc. (if y'all remember Jawad had a couple of stints with the Cavs but never got his contract guaranteed). He said that he finally went to Europe because he knew he would get more chance to play and that "they REALLY value the Carolina name over there because they play real team ball... only a few NBA teams do, but pretty much every European pro team does."

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Lot of the same stuff I've been hearing minus the Carter stuff. Everybody I talk to simply says "Duke".

Thanks for sharing Gary, keep it up.

 

[reggaeheel]

Love the tidbits...

 

[Crimson Ghost]

Thanks Gary! Appreciate the info.

 

[alabamaheel]

lookin slimmer and toned up

 

[gary-7]

Lot of the same stuff I've been hearing minus the Carter stuff. Everybody I talk to simply says "Duke".

Thanks for sharing Gary, keep it up.

It would actually be pretty funny if he goes to Harvard. That would knock some dookies down off their high horses .

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Love it!

Food for a starving man G-7. I really hope Carter goes to
Harvard.

I still feel positive about Bamba for some reason too.

 

[dadika13]

Always love the updates Gary, spot on and usually things I haven't heard yet through other chatter.

7th will get it. He's excelled at every level and expect nothing less from him in a year or two.

 

[gary-7]

Always love the updates Gary, spot on and usually things I haven't heard yet through other chatter.

7th will get it. He's excelled at every level and expect nothing less from him in a year or two.

I think so too. And it's yet another indicator of the value of the Carolina network to these young players.

 

[dgheel57]

Thanks Gary,I'm liking what you're saying about Kennedy,would love to see him come out and have a Sean May type season.

 

[al would]

That's good stuff G, especially the part about Kennedy finishing above the rim and not bringing the ball down as it seems that may have hurt him in the past .. and he does look a good bit more trim in the pic which will certainly serve him well in all phases of life be it basketball or not. He almost looked a little J.R. Reedish in that pic but my eyes and memory are fading faster than my love life.Thanks for the update.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Thanks, G! I love the updates! Go Heels!!

 

[All_Heel]

Hearing Carter and Bamba both like the color Crimson.

 

[gary-7]

Hearing Carter and Bamba both like the color Crimson.

Well... as long as it's not on one particular cheatin'-a$$ despicable football program, crimson would look way better than dookie blue

 

[alabamaheel]

Well... as long as it's not on one particular cheatin'-a$$ despicable football program, crimson would look way better than dookie blue

lol. That is a war eagle if iv'e ever heard one.

 

[DSouthr]

First, I'm back from my week long self imposed ban!

First, on Wilkes, did it shock you guys that he killed the visit notion? Tom Crean is known to play hard ball with his recruits, I think most suspected Indiana was the team to beat in the end for him. Crean has been known to threaten to pull a scholly from a kid if he sets up visits to other programs, could this be what happened with Wilkes? I have a bud in the upstae of SC that think we are in "great" position with Zion, could Wilkes have heard those foot steps? Theo would be the 3 starter in what would have been Wilkes frosh season, no guarantee of a spot for Wiles as a frosh who considers himself a one & Done? When I saw we had offered, I called the offer a head scratcher for me, maybe the offer was to effect some other recruit, I think very likely it was?

Carter, gary man you know this one is over, the only question is who commits to the dukies first, Carter or Trent. No diss toward you or your guys but this one has been over for a while. Bamba, kid plays the recruiting game really well, he doesn't really say anything, even when he talks. KNox, not sure why FSU is still in that mix but they seem to be, most think duke but my gut tells me this one is more open than many think, of course that could be the tuna I had last night? LOL

Stokes, looks to me like a little more sharp/crisp version of Deon, nice shooting touch but I am concerned that he seems to not elevate real well. I take him for sure but I would love to see him able and willing to dunk more when in close.

 

[Bur-Heel]

First, I'm back from my week long self imposed ban!

First, on Wilkes, did it shock you guys that he killed the visit notion? Tom Crean is known to play hard ball with his recruits, I think most suspected Indiana was the team to beat in the end for him. Crean has been known to threaten to pull a scholly from a kid if he sets up visits to other programs, could this be what happened with Wilkes? I have a bud in the upstae of SC that think we are in "great" position with Zion, could Wilkes have heard those foot steps? Theo would be the 3 starter in what would have been Wilkes frosh season, no guarantee of a spot for Wiles as a frosh who considers himself a one & Done? When I saw we had offered, I called the offer a head scratcher for me, maybe the offer was to effect some other recruit, I think very likely it was?

Carter, gary man you know this one is over, the only question is who commits to the dukies first, Carter or Trent. No diss toward you or your guys but this one has been over for a while. Bamba, kid plays the recruiting game really well, he doesn't really say anything, even when he talks. KNox, not sure why FSU is still in that mix but they seem to be, most think duke but my gut tells me this one is more open than many think, of course that could be the tuna I had last night? LOL

Stokes, looks to me like a little more sharp/crisp version of Deon, nice shooting touch but I am concerned that he seems to not elevate real well. I take him for sure but I would love to see him able and willing to dunk more when in close.

He's back!!!!!

 

[heels05champs]

I like the notion that we are strong with Zion, I just wonder if a Dook offer will be a game changer for him. Seems I recall he has some immediate family that are huge Dook fans. And before someone points out Brandon Ingram's dad as a comparison, save your time because I realize every situation is different and family ties do not always predict where a kid will go.

 

[dgheel57]

Welcome Back Dave....

 

[shun1]

First, I'm back from my week long self imposed ban!

First, on Wilkes, did it shock you guys that he killed the visit notion? Tom Crean is known to play hard ball with his recruits, I think most suspected Indiana was the team to beat in the end for him. Crean has been known to threaten to pull a scholly from a kid if he sets up visits to other programs, could this be what happened with Wilkes? I have a bud in the upstae of SC that think we are in "great" position with Zion, could Wilkes have heard those foot steps? Theo would be the 3 starter in what would have been Wilkes frosh season, no guarantee of a spot for Wiles as a frosh who considers himself a one & Done? When I saw we had offered, I called the offer a head scratcher for me, maybe the offer was to effect some other recruit, I think very likely it was?

Carter, gary man you know this one is over, the only question is who commits to the dukies first, Carter or Trent. No diss toward you or your guys but this one has been over for a while. Bamba, kid plays the recruiting game really well, he doesn't really say anything, even when he talks. KNox, not sure why FSU is still in that mix but they seem to be, most think duke but my gut tells me this one is more open than many think, of course that could be the tuna I had last night? LOL

Stokes, looks to me like a little more sharp/crisp version of Deon, nice shooting touch but I am concerned that he seems to not elevate real well. I take him for sure but I would love to see him able and willing to dunk more when in close.

BLESS YOUR HEART. SMILE

!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TAR HEELS !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DSouthr]

BLESS YOUR HEART. SMILE

!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TAR HEELS !!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you sir !

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Love me some Zion and I too welcome the soul of brevity back! I love that Roy is spreading out the offers and I expect good news soon.

 

[topps coach]

Thank you sir !

You cost me money you big dummy.I had bet u would be back in 12 hours

 

[gary-7]

First, I'm back from my week long self imposed ban!

First, on Wilkes, did it shock you guys that he killed the visit notion? Tom Crean is known to play hard ball with his recruits, I think most suspected Indiana was the team to beat in the end for him. Crean has been known to threaten to pull a scholly from a kid if he sets up visits to other programs, could this be what happened with Wilkes? I have a bud in the upstae of SC that think we are in "great" position with Zion, could Wilkes have heard those foot steps? Theo would be the 3 starter in what would have been Wilkes frosh season, no guarantee of a spot for Wiles as a frosh who considers himself a one & Done? When I saw we had offered, I called the offer a head scratcher for me, maybe the offer was to effect some other recruit, I think very likely it was?

Carter, gary man you know this one is over, the only question is who commits to the dukies first, Carter or Trent. No diss toward you or your guys but this one has been over for a while. Bamba, kid plays the recruiting game really well, he doesn't really say anything, even when he talks. KNox, not sure why FSU is still in that mix but they seem to be, most think duke but my gut tells me this one is more open than many think, of course that could be the tuna I had last night? LOL

Stokes, looks to me like a little more sharp/crisp version of Deon, nice shooting touch but I am concerned that he seems to not elevate real well. I take him for sure but I would love to see him able and willing to dunk more when in close.

Ah David... shoulda known that was you when I saw my notifications light up. Wish I had the ability to DM you --- got some stuff from down here (that ain't fit to share just yet) you'd be very interested in. Anyway, welcome back brother.

 

[reggaeheel]

 

[Bur-Heel]

Ah David... shoulda known that was you when I saw my notifications light up. Wish I had the ability to DM you --- got some stuff from down here (that ain't fit to share just yet) you'd be very interested in. Anyway, welcome back brother.

C'mon Gary..some of us believe in what you give us..looking forward to what you got..it's a long summer man!!

 

[Bur-Heel]

I like the notion that we are strong with Zion, I just wonder if a Dook offer will be a game changer for him.

It shouldn't make much of a difference because as good as he is..he will be expecting and getting offers from all of the big dogs!!

 

[CURRY2WOODYR80]

Is there any intel on what Hicks did this summer working out?
Did he work with David West again?

 

[dadika13]

First, I'm back from my week long self imposed ban!

A week? We had to put up with that annoying, self-indulgent thread for you to not come on the board for a week? Ugh.

 

[Green C14]

Unless you're incapable of operating a computer then, no, you didn't have to "put up with" anything.
Again, why not stay off these threads instead of turning it into another pissing contest; a game you're really not "equipped" for.

See how it feels when other people who don't know you from Adam decide to disrespect not just your opinion but you as a human being?

I think it would be appropriate for your poast and mine to earn a one week "warning ban" from the mods. I think that's the only way this board can be done with the childish bickering and get back to a respectful exchange of ideas.

 

[Archer2]

- KW's stroke looked good and he's gotten pretty strong. Defense stood out in a league where that can be sporadic.

Glad to hear this, I think he's a very important part of the puzzle because SG is the biggest question mark facing this team.

- Luke is a legit stretch guy --- shot well from deep and has surprising range. His biggest issue is "realizing he's 6'8". Sometimes he needs to "just dunk the ball" instead of trying to finesse so much under the basket.

Not surprised, I've always felt he would be very solid and would surpass most fans' expectations, and sooner rather than later.

- 7th's shooting stroke continues to look good, but the issue he's still adjusting to is learning he can't out-athlete guys at this level (an issue I mentioned previously), as well as realizing you can't get away with some of the same moves and passes here that worked at Hammond Academy or even AAU.

Typical things most freshmen have to learn, especially those who rely heavily on athleticism. I look for a high energy guy who can defend pretty well right off the bat, one who can excel in the open court. The rest will come with about a year of experience.

- (Best news) Kennedy apparently is feeling pretty spry. Twice in one game on lob entries (when a defender was fronting him) instead of catching and gathering (Iike he would last season), he just dunked them --- and when I say that I mean he went up and snagged the passes at their apex well above the rim and just flushed them in one motion. Damned good sign.

This would indeed be the best news of all. I'm really hoping Kennedy can have a healthy senior campaign and show what he is capable of doing. He deserves it and the team needs it. If he could have an All-ACC type of year, it would elevate us to another level. A mere 28 very effective MPG from him would make a world of difference.

 

[dadika13]

Unless you're incapable of operating a computer then, no, you didn't have to "put up with" anything.
Again, why not stay off these threads instead of turning it into another pissing contest; a game you're really not "equipped" for.

See how it feels when other people who don't know you from Adam decide to disrespect not just your opinion but you as a human being?

I think it would be appropriate for your poast and mine to earn a one week "warning ban" from the mods. I think that's the only way this board can be done with the childish bickering and get back to a respectful exchange of ideas.

Who are you?

 

[dadika13]

If he could have an All-ACC type of year, it would elevate us to another level. A mere 28 very effective MPG from him would make a world of difference.

If he gives us this kind of production we are a Final Four team. Would love it for both Kennedy and the program.

 

[DSouthr]

Ah David... shoulda known that was you when I saw my notifications light up. Wish I had the ability to DM you --- got some stuff from down here (that ain't fit to share just yet) you'd be very interested in. Anyway, welcome back brother.

gary, there is some way to have private conversations on here, I have no clue how to do it but the feature is there. Email me gary, dsouthern@sc.rr.com

 

[Green C14]

Who are you?

I'm just someone who comes here to read and share opinions (everybody has one) on Carolina basketball. I don't mean to pick on you but your poast didn't argue with any facts put forward by David but attacked him personally as self-indulgent and annoying. If that kind of poast continues to be allowed here then there will be more 7 plus page threads with no basketball talk and just a lot of maliciousness and name calling from all sides. That may generate clicks for the site but in the end will drive away those of us who don't want to waste our time reading that stuff.

I mainly wanted to offer to the mods the idea of temp bans for name calling (including me for my poast) to be followed by more severe penalties for subsequent offenses.