Banding together of 1 & done players?

[DSouthr]

This is a deal that seems to have grown over the last few years, it is as if every class has to try to be greater than the original Fab 5 were. But to me this is really a dumb way to look at things? If I am a one & done level player, I want to prove it beyond doubt and the very best way to do that is by winning as many games in that one college season as I can, the more my team wins the more the spotlight shines on me.

Would it not be smarter to go as a lone one & done guy to a program that has everything else covered with experienced players, they just need what you bring to the table to put them over that hump to the final 4, title game, cutting down the final nets?

Look at Marvin Williams, did not start for us, he was our 6th man on that title team. Marvin could have entered the draft right out of high school but was right on the cusp of being guranteed 1st round. So he elected to play for us with a heck of a team already in place, just needed that one more front court guy that would put them over the top and Marvin was the guy that had that one extra missing part. We all know how that worked out, great for UNC and GREAT for Marvin Williams.

But these young kids want to band together and groups of 3, maybe really talented but none have the experience of playing at this level. Seems to be by going as a group you make it less likely that you win at the highest level than more so. Yes, now 2 freshman driven teams have won it all? But where is karl Townes NCAAT ring, where is jabari Parker's NCAAT ring? They were 2 mega talented teams driven by freshmen that flamed out earlier than expected. That Ky team may well have been the most talented team at least in the last 20yrs or so but they did not play in the title game.

If you were a Bamba for example, why not go to a team that already has a great back court, already has a really good power forward but is missing that great rim protecting center that puts them over the top. Bolden for example looks like he is going to follow 4 other freshmen to duke rather than take a serious look at programs with established experienced players that he may be the only missing piece for them to win the next NCAAT?

 

[gunslingerdick]

I hate package deals and yes, I'd even be saying that if Carolina were the beneficiary (and I use that word lightly). I think it says a lot about a person's confidence and character when they have to have a "buddy" hold their hand through college. College is where independence is learned. Maturity, self-confidence, resourcefulness, and a host of other positive character traits are all polished because you did it alone. The highest level of personal development cannot happen when you have others to lean on.

Frankly, I think it's sad and embarrassing that high school basketball stars are not comfortable enough with themselves to stand alone. It's a reflection of society in general of this generation (millennials, ugh). I'm not saying guys can't play together. But it should happen naturally. Not because they called each other up and discussed their list and found where the similarities lie and make it happen that way. And if I was one of those recruits that made my decision that way, I certainly wouldn't broadcast it. But these guys get on TV and say, "yeah, me and player X have talked a lot about where we want to play next year and we're going to be in the same spot". Let's just say that if I'm a GM, I take note of that and when it comes time for that player to be in the draft, he loses points with me because of what I would perceive as emotional and mental weakness. How can I put my faith in a guy that doesn't have the faith and confidence in himself to stand alone. That's weak sauce.

 

[heels05champs]

I blame Lebron for starting that trend.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

These OAD-caliber players are going to be drafted in the first round, regardless of if they play at Kentucky or Stony Brook. I don't see why they'd feel the need to go to a team they could "put over the edge" towards a championship, like you're suggesting DSouthr. It would help that team, yes. Won't really help the player much though. NBA still drafts way more on potential than on numbers / college success.

 

[jbradsh1]

I agree...LeBron to Miami set this as something for young kids to follow.

 

[DSouthr]

These OAD-caliber players are going to be drafted in the first round, regardless of if they play at Kentucky or Stony Brook. I don't see why they'd feel the need to go to a team they could "put over the edge" towards a championship, like you're suggesting DSouthr. It would help that team, yes. Won't really help the player much though. NBA still drafts way more on potential than on numbers / college success.

Yeah but everyone loves a winner a little bit more than they did the day before! Being on a title team, heck being on a final 4 team can and does boost the esteem you are see as. If it kicked you from pick #16 to pick #4 and it can for sure do that, then that is real $$$ help.

 

[TRU CANE]

Ok I'm going to be honest here:

When I look at the Marvin Williams situation or Cory Magette and compare it to that of the most successful package deal of Okafor, Justice and Tyus or even the FAB 5, TRYING to imagine being 17 or 18 again? I'd rather come in with the GROUP of OAD because most likely those guys are close friends. That's the way it is now with AAU. Think back to playing your Sega Genesis or early PlayStation games with your buddies? Going to practiced together, traveling with each other's parents to games? When I think back to those bonds they bring back GREAT memories. So then imagine that you and some of your friends are good enough to stay together and play at a big time school as a package deal? It's all a matter of opinion but when I hear Tyus and Okafor describe their road together despite living with a large distance between them, national AAU as kids allowed them to still become close friends like I described. It's a different time now.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Yeah but everyone loves a winner a little bit more than they did the day before! Being on a title team, heck being on a final 4 team can and does boost the esteem you are see as. If it kicked you from pick #16 to pick #4 and it can for sure do that, then that is real $$$ help.

Can it really do that, though? I'm genuinely asking. It just seems like it doesn't matter how well or poorly the team does, the player will still be drafted in the same spot. Maybe it could help you improve 1-3 spots, but 12 spots?? I'm not so sure.

 

[Steat]

I hope Roy continues the trend of casting a wide net. If you recall, he made about 15 offers within a 60-day period last year. It's absolute critical that the Heels add a 2-3 bigs in the 2017 class. They don't have to be OADs types. There are going to be at least 2 of the 3 one-n-done factories (most likley all 3) that are going to disappointed next year when their team does not win the title. Then Duke, Kentucky and Kansas will reload again with OAD's. The Heels are in a good position to be a title contender for the next several years provided they are able to add 1-2 key position players each year. Berry is the key for next year. That kid makes the engine run.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

It's a different time now.

Sadly it is.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Can it really do that, though? I'm genuinely asking. It just seems like it doesn't matter how well or poorly the team does, the player will still be drafted in the same spot. Maybe it could help you improve 1-3 spots, but 12 spots?? I'm not so sure.

But you see, that's what makes the "Michael Jordans" so GREAT! They can't stand to lose and always want to win! That drive should send a guy to where he thinks he can help his team win it all! If you are content to "just be there" you will never be an All Star.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Some of the OADs do go to places by themselves. Either to be the only show in town like Dennis Smith at NCSU, Jonathan Isaac at FSU, and Markelle Fultz at Washington. Or to join an experienced team that is looking for that extra piece like Josh Jackson at Kansas and Omari Spellman at Villanova. All 5 of those guys are most likely going to be OAD, and all of them will most likely be the only OADs from those schools next year.

Yes there are the groups that go to UK, Duke, Arizona, and even for next year UCLA - but there are also some that go out on their own as you're looking for.

 

[jchammock]

Not trying to be a smart arse. But y'all have been telling me for years that y'all don't want OAD done players that y'all want 4 year players where y'all can experience the bond between player and fan.

And a lot of people here even said they would stop supporting and following UNC basketball if they started "Recruiting" OAD done players.

I'm confused "D", do you support OAD? Or do you despise the fact a kid only stays one year?

 

[johnhelvete]

Not trying to be a smart arse. But y'all have been telling me for years that y'all don't want OAD done players that y'all want 4 year players where y'all can experience the bond between player and fan.

And a lot of people here even said they would stop supporting and following UNC basketball if they started "Recruiting" OAD done players.

I'm confused "D", do you support OAD? Or do you despise the fact a kid only stays one year?

Even though they did not make it to the Final Four, one of my favorite recent UNC teams was the 2012 team with Zeller (4 year player, drafted by the NBA), Barnes (2 year player), Henson (3 year player), Marshall (two year player, probably was a surprise that he went top 15 as a sophomore). I like having NBA caliber players on the team and in a perfect world those players would be 2-3 year players and not OAD, but eventually Roy will get a OAD, which will hopefully dispel the narrative that UNC is not "OAD friendly".

 

[wilsinnc]

See ben simmons

 

[dadika13]

I think social media is a huge part of this too. It makes 17-18 year old kids famous and there are VERY few that are ready for that kind of responsibility. It also leads them to believe they are better than they are (combined with handlers) and it's a scary burden for any teenager.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Not trying to be a smart arse. But y'all have been telling me for years that y'all don't want OAD done players that y'all want 4 year players where y'all can experience the bond between player and fan.

YES YOU ARE!

Nobody says we don't want any OAD players! What we keep trying ton tell you hard heads is we don't want our whole team built around OAD!

OVER and OVER and OVER again we keep telling you but you simply won't listen. YES we want 4 years players too, unlike you guys!

Can't believe you would post such crap jc.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Not trying to be a smart arse. But y'all have been telling me for years that y'all don't want OAD done players that y'all want 4 year players where y'all can experience the bond between player and fan.

And a lot of people here even said they would stop supporting and following UNC basketball if they started "Recruiting" OAD done players.

I'm confused "D", do you support OAD? Or do you despise the fact a kid only stays one year?

Can't speak for "D" (whomever that might be) but I think I've been pretty clear. Guys that come to UNC that would be OAD at other schools are less likely to be OAD at UNC for whatever reason and most of us like that because we get to see them progress throughout the years..

 

[ElizabethtownHeel]

I want 4 yr guys that improve every year like Brice Johnson

 

[DSouthr]

Not trying to be a smart arse. But y'all have been telling me for years that y'all don't want OAD done players that y'all want 4 year players where y'all can experience the bond between player and fan.

And a lot of people here even said they would stop supporting and following UNC basketball if they started "Recruiting" OAD done players.

I'm confused "D", do you support OAD? Or do you despise the fact a kid only stays one year?

No reason to be confused JC, I have been very clear on my position about the one & done. I would love for us to get the one & done level player occasionally, I just do not want to see UNC loading up on one & done players to the extent that a new team has to be formed every season. I would love to us to get one in every class, I have NEVER said other wise but I do not want us bringing in 3 or 4 in a single class. Matter of fact, I prefer a team balance to the extent we only want to bring in 3 freshmen total.

I have NEVER told you or anyone else that I did not want us to have a one & done player, I have said many times I hate the one & done process and that has not changed at all. I wish the one & done rule would go away because it is awful for the game IMO at this level as well as the NBA. I would absolutely LOVE to see the clock roll back to the day it was shocking when a kid left after his Jr season. Can you say other wise?

Roy has recruited one & done players, maybe you confused yourself on the difference between bringing in the occasional 1 & done guy and what it is to load up on multiple one & done guys every year like Kal does with your program but the difference is clear and easy to understand. How much more would YOU have enjoyed this last Ky team if it had Townes and the power forward that both left after their freshman season the yr before? So don't tell me you don't understand or are confused, cause I know better.

Now I have said that I do not want the kid that it takes the back room deal with the handler to get, I don't want to see us line up with a William Wesley and risk all that he does in the dark.