Bacot is back

[gauchoheel]

What was there to improve on though? There wasn't really anything that could be improved on in those numbers because of his skill set. He was basically at his ceiling as a junior. About the only thing you could say he could have gotten better at would be to develop a 15 footer, but even then he's just not an NBA type of player. Happens all the time for big men in college.

Yeah he's a really good player, but there is always room to be even better. Consider that Hansbrough was at ~25 points per 40 his first two years and then ~27 his last two. Armando could add another couple buckets per game; his two-point shooting has also fallen off almost 100 points from his sophomore year. You mentioned that he has no shot outside of 3-4 feet, that's a pretty big deal.

He could also try to slim down more to add additional defense to his game. He's never been a great rim protector, and his block numbers have gotten worse.

Finally, he's not a good passer, and that's an especially critical skill for a big man who gets doubled as much as he does.

I think there's plenty to improve upon, even at the college level.

Good example of why I don't trust stats as much as many do, the numbers can be skewed in any direction you want. How many minutes you played and who you had giving you help on the court has changed since Bacot's soph season. That soph season Bacot had Brooks, Sharpe, and Kessler with him, he has not had that other than that soph season. Literally the kid has been on his own in the deep in the paint physical battles, he needs some physical help, he needs another battler in the paint, bacot needs a battle buddy!

How many minutes you played doesn't really impact rate (per 40) stats. Also, if anything his supporting cast has improved from his sophomore year. He had to play with the (pretty bad) freshman versions of Love/Davis and a pretty limited four in Brooks. We in desperation had Walton playing that year for some offense. Bacot's junior year was far better with Manek and improved guards, and even this year was better.

Bacot's a great player, but I really don't get the sentiment he has no flaws. He's not won NPOY or been on any draft boards, so clearly there are ways he can (at least theoretically) improve. He's never going to be an amazing NBA athlete, but the skill areas (shooting, passing, defense) still leave room for growth.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I'm still hoping Shedrick from UVa enters the portal. I think he'd be a perfect complement to Bacot.

 

[kjcooper]

Was wondering and have been for most of this season, and that is if Sean May is working with Bacot?

 

[steadyasyougo]

Is it raining where you are, it is beautiful here today and a GREAT DAY TO BE A Tar Heel! Then again, EVERY DAY is a GREAT DAY TO BE A TAR HEEL!

Beautiful. Cut the grass, now going for 18 holes. Have a nice evening.

 

[steadyasyougo]

This guy is persistent if nothing else!

Insane to think top tier players wouldn't come to a team with the recruits we have coming in and plenty of PT available!

Good try troll, but your "subtle" attempt to drive the conversation and drum up discontent will not work!

Bacot coming back is a testament to his love for the Family and will pay dividends! Hubs has one less hole and another strong recruiter in the fold. Having an established Big means if I am a big who doesn't want to be locked in the post, I see a chance. If I am a post player, I see a buddy who will ensure I am not the focus of the D! Both scenarios increase our likelihood of success in the portal!

Just because you don’t like my opinion, doesn’t mean I am wrong.

 

[DSouthr]

Was wondering and have been for most of this season, and that is if Sean May is working with Bacot?

Yes and been a while but Bacot has talked about how much Sean has helped him, I think you can see some of Sean's influence in the way he played. But Bacot for all he is simply is not a great finisher at the rim, he is more a finesse guy, I would like to see him be more physical, to find that blend like Sean played with. I enjoy watching Bacot play when someone has pissed him off!

 

[gauchoheel]

I'm still hoping Shedrick from UVa enters the portal. I think he'd be a perfect complement to Bacot.

I think if he enters it'd be because he got taken out of the starting lineup by Bennett. I imagine he would want to go somewhere where he's a clear cut starter, not a backup. While I'd love to have him, I think we'd need to aim a little lower if we're going for center depth.

 

[alabamaheel]

Just because you don’t like my opinion, doesn’t mean I am wrong.

I’ll give you one thing. Everyone needs to read and adhere to this post.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

Have no problem with it. He can rebound.

Hope's he gets in better shape too.

 

[xtarheelx]

At the beginning of the year, Hubert was confident in Bacot’s 3pt shot. Never saw it. I remember Hansb had a good 3 by his senior year.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I think if he enters it'd be because he got taken out of the starting lineup by Bennett. I imagine he would want to go somewhere where he's a clear cut starter, not a backup. While I'd love to have him, I think we'd need to aim a little lower if we're going for center depth.

Being benched by Bennett is why I think he might be looking at the portal. No inside info, but it looked like Bennett saying he wasn't a good fit at UVa. As for whether he'd like to be here (or whether Hubert would want him) I don't know. Just that he's impressed me in the past.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I see Caffaro (not Shedrick) has entered the portal from UVa. As a freshman I thought he might get quite good. Moves well and he's a 7-footer. But since then I thought he had a motor that just didn't rev high enough to get really good. I was surprised, therefore, when he started 3 of UVa's last 4 games.

Not saying we should look at him, but maybe we should look at him.

It's really hard to tell whether UVa guys can fit here because the systems are so different. For both Shedrick and Caffaro is it Bennett's system that holds them back or is it because they aren't that good?

 

[kjcooper]

Yes and been a while but Bacot has talked about how much Sean has helped him, I think you can see some of Sean's influence in the way he played. But Bacot for all he is simply is not a great finisher at the rim, he is more a finesse guy, I would like to see him be more physical, to find that blend like Sean played with. I enjoy watching Bacot play when someone has pissed him off!

Love the intensity, and attitude which Sean played with, and no one was going to stop him once he was at the rim. Sean was also a great position rebounder for his height, and showed amazing agility, and a good mid range game.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Love the intensity, and attitude which Sean played with, and no one was going to stop him once he was at the rim. Sean was also a great position rebounder for his height, and showed amazing agility, and a good mid range game.

How do you teach a guy to finish at the rim? Serious question.

Obviously physical strength is a part of that. Is Armando weak? He doesn't look it, but I'm not in there banging, so I don't know.

Armando doesn't have much in the way of hops. Neither did Hansbrough and he finished through hard contact all the time. Not to mention being shorter than Armando.

Should Armando be living in the weight room and watching Hansbrough tapes?

 

[ChiShankCity]

i’d be ok if Bacot just focuses on improving as a passer on offense. Please don’t try to improve your range. Slow release, not a good FT shooter, won’t translate.

Focus on passing, being comfortable double teamed.

 

[kjcooper]

How do you teach a guy to finish at the rim? Serious question.

Obviously physical strength is a part of that. Is Armando weak? He doesn't look it, but I'm not in there banging, so I don't know.

Armando doesn't have much in the way of hops. Neither did Hansbrough and he finished through hard contact all the time. Not to mention being shorter than Armando.

Should Armando be living in the weight room and watching Hansbrough tapes?

Good questions, from my perspective it's all about desire and determination. Some players have a chip on their shoulders and will not be denied. Whether Bacot has that, and willing to be that type of player, who knows?

 

[TPFKAPFS]

It is always raining in Trollville!

GDTBATH!

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Bacot has to fight through more contact than anybody on the team and most in the NCAA. He gets doubled all the time and fights through it all game. I do see him rush a bit and lose focus on the rim at times. I attribute that to him anticipating being bodied and going too strong or too quickly. The rest seems to me to be a bit of tired legs so he can't get lift after making an explosive move. He will need to get his legs stronger, and Hubs will need to find a player that can give him more rest if possible! It would help if he got a few calls, but I don't see that happening.

 

[Heels5150]

Bacot has to fight through more contact than anybody on the team and most in the NCAA. He gets doubled all the time and fights through it all game. I do see him rush a bit and lose focus on the rim at times. I attribute that to him anticipating being bodied and going too strong or too quickly. The rest seems to me to be a bit of tired legs so he can't get lift after making an explosive move. He will need to get his legs stronger, and Hubs will need to find a player that can give him more rest if possible! It would help if he got a few calls, but I don't see that happening.

I agree about Bacot. I have always said that he needs to improve on the foundation of his lower body and get stronger and increase his agility. Too many times he seems clumsy and awkward during games. Also he has to become more consistent with his production. I know that is strange to hear because of him averaging 16 points and double digit rebounds but he has got to show that HE IS a MAN amongst boys and dominate them. When we need a basket he needs to be established down low and be able to convert those plays into points. He has to improve on his turnovers. Bacot and RJ always give it their all. Bacot is always struggling with his nagging injuries mostly his ankles. RJ played most of the season with a bad finger on his shooting hand. Hopefully both can get healthy and stay that way. If Caleb leaves then we need for Cadeau to reclassify. The transfers thus far that hurt the most imo in order is Nickel, Puff, Styles and McKoy. Nickel would be great starting at the 3. I hate that Puff is leaving but he cannot stay healthy either. Hubert made monumental mistakes with this team this past season and for him not to adjust accordingly is alarming. I believe in Hubert and I always have but he is not putting players in positions to succeed. By not holding starters accountable and not carving out, developing and playing a very talented bench and defining roles destroyed this teams season. Nance was absolutely atrocious and Hubert never did anything about it. My point is it really doesn’t matter who we get to play for us if Hubert can’t coach the team properly.

 

[DSouthr]

How do you teach a guy to finish at the rim? Serious question.

Obviously physical strength is a part of that. Is Armando weak? He doesn't look it, but I'm not in there banging, so I don't know.

Armando doesn't have much in the way of hops. Neither did Hansbrough and he finished through hard contact all the time. Not to mention being shorter than Armando.

Should Armando be living in the weight room and watching Hansbrough tapes?

Are you asking about guards or big men finishing at the rim?

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Are you asking about guards or big men finishing at the rim?

Bacot, specifically.

But, sure, guards as well.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Nance was absolutely atrocious and Hubert never did anything about it. My point is it really doesn’t matter who we get to play for us if Hubert can’t coach the team properly.

That's a comment a lot of people have made in one form or another.

All our guys have things to work on. That's at the top of Hubert's list. He needs to show that in the coming year, for sure.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I agree about Bacot. I have always said that he needs to improve on the foundation of his lower body and get stronger and increase his agility. Too many times he seems clumsy and awkward during games. Also he has to become more consistent with his production. I know that is strange to hear because of him averaging 16 points and double digit rebounds but he has got to show that HE IS a MAN amongst boys and dominate them. When we need a basket he needs to be established down low and be able to convert those plays into points. He has to improve on his turnovers. Bacot and RJ always give it their all. Bacot is always struggling with his nagging injuries mostly his ankles. RJ played most of the season with a bad finger on his shooting hand. Hopefully both can get healthy and stay that way. If Caleb leaves then we need for Cadeau to reclassify. The transfers thus far that hurt the most imo in order is Nickel, Puff, Styles and McKoy. Nickel would be great starting at the 3. I hate that Puff is leaving but he cannot stay healthy either. Hubert made monumental mistakes with this team this past season and for him not to adjust accordingly is alarming. I believe in Hubert and I always have but he is not putting players in positions to succeed. By not holding starters accountable and not carving out, developing and playing a very talented bench and defining roles destroyed this teams season. Nance was absolutely atrocious and Hubert never did anything about it. My point is it really doesn’t matter who we get to play for us if Hubert can’t coach the team properly.

Tough assessment, but pretty accurate, imo.

 

[DSouthr]

How do you teach a guy to finish at the rim? Serious question.

Obviously physical strength is a part of that. Is Armando weak? He doesn't look it, but I'm not in there banging, so I don't know.

Armando doesn't have much in the way of hops. Neither did Hansbrough and he finished through hard contact all the time. Not to mention being shorter than Armando.

Should Armando be living in the weight room and watching Hansbrough tapes?

With Bacot it is 2 things, fatigue and attitude. Kid does not need to be playing full haves with little break, he wears down, he carries a good bit of weight and played good bit of this season on a balky ankle (which means his solid base was weaker). Attitude, notice when Bacot gets pissed on the court, he plays so much more aggressive, he does cause he is mad! But when he does that he transforms in to a beast for that stretch of play, attitude. Bacot is a pretty laid back chill guy, seems to be that way on the court at times. Mental conditioning can help that, that chip on your shoulder can show up.

I don't think I can be accused of blaming the refs for all our troubles but Bacot, more than any player I have seen in a long while, gets 1 foul call for every 5 or more fouls that are actually committed on him. That kid is getting bumped, arms hit, body contact basically every time he touches the ball and it is rarely called. But there are times Bacot barely brushes a guy and that whistle is blowing again? Hubert needs to get some film on that to the ACC offices because that should not be allowed.

 

[39 Feet Above Sea Level]

^ This is solid truth, DS. Armando gets thoroughly banged around without getting his fair share
of foul calls. I wonder how he keeps his composure as well as he does.

 

[Heels5150]

^ This is solid truth, DS. Armando gets thoroughly banged around without getting his fair share
of foul calls. I wonder how he keeps his composure as well as he does.

That is a great point. Bacot basically got assaulted on a lot of plays this passed season. That has to be so frustrating not to get those kind of calls on him and then we get called for touch fouls on the wings in the back court. Bacot did go to the free throw an awful lot but in fairness he EASILY could have gone about 30% more. Once again that is being said without blinders on. I’m usually not a person who harps a lot about the officiating but I can honestly say that it has been getting worse with every passing season.

 

[ChiShankCity]

Bacot, specifically.

But, sure, guards as well.

Rule #1. Keep your chin on the rim. Your eyes make layups. Any great finisher through traffic keeps their eyes on the basket from the gather to the attempt.

Good example here (3:15) mark. LeBron obviously has the elevation to glide through the air for this layup. But still, through Durant's attempt at swiping and legitimate rim protection from Ibaka, LeBron contorts and adjusts but keeps his eyes locked on the rim during the entire process.


Finishing will also be easier if you can use both hands. That gives you a lot of options. But Ty Lawson was a right hand dominant layup attempter and he was an elite finisher for someone his size. Strength and vertical of course makes finishing easier, but there are several scrawnier NBA guys who are really good finishers. Steph Curry is an elite finisher. I actually think his shooting touch helps him around the rim because he can attempt different kinds of shots and understands how to spin the ball off the backboard.

Tyler Hansbrough also had the benefit of being a really good free throw shooter so he had no reason to fear seeking out contact because he would knock down his FT's. I don't think Bacot is someone afraid to shoot FT's, but if you're a bad FT shooter, you may finish softer and avoid contact.

On the fouls part. Bacot is a big dude. Big dudes will always get fouled more than what the officials call. This happens for basically all legitimate interior big guys, or guys that are just overall physically more developed. That part isn't going to change. I don't think it's an anti-Bacot or anti-UNC bias. It just takes less to call a foul on a guard than a big guy.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

How do you teach a guy to finish at the rim? Serious question.

Obviously physical strength is a part of that. Is Armando weak? He doesn't look it, but I'm not in there banging, so I don't know.

Armando doesn't have much in the way of hops. Neither did Hansbrough and he finished through hard contact all the time. Not to mention being shorter than Armando.

Should Armando be living in the weight room and watching Hansbrough tapes?

Touch shooting.

 

[heels05champs]

We need Bacot in the gym working this summer instead of on the Outer Banks set. He needs to lead and set the tone. It was obvious that he appeared to be in worst shape physically this year than during his junior year.

The comments made by Vince Carter and Jamison in the article on TOS are pretty eye opening, but not surprising based on what we saw this year. The team never appeared to love the game or playing with each other and Hubert seemed to be soft on them. The lack of playing pickup and summer workouts was the first sign that this team was complacent and more focused on NIL deals than getting better.

 

[gunslingerdick]

We need Bacot in the gym working this summer instead of on the Outer Banks set. He needs to lead and set the tone. It was obvious that he appeared to be in worst shape physically this year than during his junior year.

The comments made by Vince Carter and Jamison in the article on TOS are pretty eye opening, but not surprising based on what we saw this year. The team never appeared to love the game or playing with each other and Hubert seemed to be soft on them. The lack of playing pickup and summer workouts was the first sign that this team was complacent and more focused on NIL deals than getting better.

What did Vince and Antawn say?

 

[steadyasyougo]

With Bacot it is 2 things, fatigue and attitude. Kid does not need to be playing full haves with little break, he wears down, he carries a good bit of weight and played good bit of this season on a balky ankle (which means his solid base was weaker). Attitude, notice when Bacot gets pissed on the court, he plays so much more aggressive, he does cause he is mad! But when he does that he transforms in to a beast for that stretch of play, attitude. Bacot is a pretty laid back chill guy, seems to be that way on the court at times. Mental conditioning can help that, that chip on your shoulder can show up.

I don't think I can be accused of blaming the refs for all our troubles but Bacot, more than any player I have seen in a long while, gets 1 foul call for every 5 or more fouls that are actually committed on him. That kid is getting bumped, arms hit, body contact basically every time he touches the ball and it is rarely called. But there are times Bacot barely brushes a guy and that whistle is blowing again? Hubert needs to get some film on that to the ACC offices because that should not be allowed.

That is going to be a full room of tape in the Acc offices with each coach sending them film.

 

[heels05champs]

What did Vince and Antawn say?

It’s an article on TOS so I won’t post it but can easily be found if you look.

 

[imajericho]

It’s an article on TOS so I won’t post it but can easily be found if you look.

Basically Antawn said our work ethic sucked. He worked out with them or something and said so you will be at practice tomorrow right? And they were like naw we don't have practice again until a day next week. Or something like that. And Jamison just basically said it shocked him

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Basically Antawn said our work ethic sucked. He worked out with them or something and said so you will be at practice tomorrow right? And they were like naw we don't have practice again until a day next week. Or something like that. And Jamison just basically said it shocked him

Was that back in the summer? Before we knew we had trouble?

How can that happen? The first thing that pops to mind is NIL. Is that a big factor? If so, why at UNC and not other schools? Or is it a problem for some other schools, too?

 

[imajericho]

Was that back in the summer? Before we knew we had trouble?

How can that happen? The first thing that pops to mind is NIL. Is that a big factor? If so, why at UNC and not other schools? Or is it a problem for some other schools, too?

In summer. Basically they said the tar heels probably from NIL were cocky and not working hard.