Brandon Robinson???

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Yeah, there are going to be some intense position battles this season, the 2 guard spot IMO will be high level competition for who starts and who gets minutes. I agree, Tony could push Meeks hard to retain his starting spot and don't discount Theo pushing JJ hard for minutes at the wing spot and Brob could have some say there as well. If Hicks doesn't get his foul problems solved could Theo make a push to be our starting 4? We saw how well we played in our small ball look at the end of last season and thru the NCAAT.

Being honest, I don't see more than 2 locked in starters for next season and actually in reality maybe only 1. Joel berry IMO is with out question our starter at the point, no discussion needed. Justin IMO is pretty close to being a lock at the wing but IMO there is a chance if Theo were to hone in a jump shot this off season that he could give Justin a run at that starting wing spot. I am not expecting that but have to acknowledge a slight chance. I think everyone else should have to battle for the right to start and/or starter minutes (to me more important than who begins the game).

And Luke Maye, what can he do, can he hold down minutes at the 4, maybe as a stretch 4? Kid works hard, how much will he improve over this off season?

Meeks has started every year well. But each of the last 2 years that promising start has been disrupted. The only way I see Tony pushing Meeks for the starting spot is if Kennedy has another mid- or late-season letdown. I hope Tony is ready to play a lot of minutes, but I don't see him starting unless Meeks falters - and maybe not even then. Several reasons. Roy prefers to play experience. And having Tony come off the bench allows Roy to hide his weaknesses better - as he did, for example, with Ed Davis.

I fully expect Justin to be a star this coming season. He only needs ordinary improvement for that to happen. Which is to say that even if Theo does all he needs to do, I don't expect him do play more than backup minutes at SF (unless maybe Justin is moved to the front line in some scenarios).

If Theo does do all he needs to do, I expect him to start at SG.

 

[DSouthr]

Was this his Jr. season? I only ask cause the stat lines on IC show him with 1 double-double and being "close" to a triple double twice at best. So yes, 7th, Tony and the rest DID do that. In fact Jalek had 2 triple-doubles last season.

I know you like the kid and have no problem with the rest of the things you wrote about him but you don't have to make things up. It takes away from the rest of the post.

CC

Chuck, hear me close here, I was not in any way trying to pad stats or make the kid look any better than what he is. As I CLEARLY told the dukie, I watched the IC thread during the season a few times and the impression I have now based on that was that the kid flirted with a triple double a lot last season, that was based on something I last in any way noticed a couple months ago.

Please excuse me if in my mind this is a extremely minor point, evidently it was a MAJOR FREAKIN DEAL to the EXTREME, so extreme that the dukie could not sleep until he challenged it, so extreme that he could no longer do his accounting until his OCD got this thing resolved. Now all the sudden I am a liar and I am padding the kids stats and blah blah blah!

THIS is exactly how this nonsense gets started here, all this back & forth bickering, a minor thing out of nowhere becomes a mountain of a problem? And before ya know it we have yet another thread that is side tracked and folks bickering back & forth for 30 posts.

And why am I now having to explain something rather than discuss our fine young incoming freshman because without looking at stats, just my working off an impression I had from noticing a thread on IC and not rechecking that thread before saying something about it 2mo later? REALLY?

FINE CHUCK, if it makes you feel any better, I will drop to my knees tonight and pray God forgives me for this MAJOR MISTAKE! I hope that allows everyone to sleep tonight and not lay awake wondering why I lied to everyone. Thank you so much for your support and lattitude, being called a liar really makes me feel special...

 

[DSouthr]

Meeks has started every year well. But each of the last 2 years that promising start has been disrupted. The only way I see Tony pushing Meeks for the starting spot is if Kennedy has another mid- or late-season letdown. I hope Tony is ready to play a lot of minutes, but I don't see him starting unless Meeks falters - and maybe not even then. Several reasons. Roy prefers to play experience. And having Tony come off the bench allows Roy to hide his weaknesses better - as he did, for example, with Ed Davis.

I fully expect Justin to be a star this coming season. He only needs ordinary improvement for that to happen. Which is to say that even if Theo does all he needs to do, I don't expect him do play more than backup minutes at SF (unless maybe Justin is moved to the front line in some scenarios).

If Theo does do all he needs to do, I expect him to start at SG.

Excuse me WWJD if this comes off side ways, I am a bit on the steamed side right now and do not want to take it out on you. What I was trying to say is that IMO the position battles should be wide open for everyone but Joel. Now I would put Justin's starting position on about 95% locked in but would hold out that last 5% chance that Theo could shock us.

I fully expect the starters to be Meeks, Hicks, Justin, Joel, and a pickem at the 2 guard spot.

 

[alabamaheel]

Excuse me WWJD if this comes off side ways, I am a bit on the steamed side right now and do not want to take it out on you. What I was trying to say is that IMO the position battles should be wide open for everyone but Joel. Now I would put Justin's starting position on about 95% locked in but would hold out that last 5% chance that Theo could shock us.

I fully expect the starters to be Meeks, Hicks, Justin, Joel, and a pickem at the 2 guard spot.

Is Tony a fairly fast guy. I know he mimics duncan a little, but can he run? Reason for question is can u imagine the speed Roy could have if u insert him in that line up? Or even Hicks at the five with Rob or another shooter. Dang man I'm excited at the possibilities.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Excuse me WWJD if this comes off side ways, I am a bit on the steamed side right now and do not want to take it out on you. What I was trying to say is that IMO the position battles should be wide open for everyone but Joel. Now I would put Justin's starting position on about 95% locked in but would hold out that last 5% chance that Theo could shock us.

I fully expect the starters to be Meeks, Hicks, Justin, Joel, and a pickem at the 2 guard spot.

No worries. It's not like we are disagreeing that much.

I expect those 4 guys to start, too, but I think the 2 spot is Theo's if he does what he should do over the summer.

I would call Justin a lock to start - with the usual caveats about injury and whatnot. I suppose you are right that someone else (presumably Theo) could slide into the SF position, but there's no way Justin doesn't start. He would just start at another position. He's too good not to start.

This is the year Kennedy has to prove he can avoid fading. But even if he does fade, he's a lock to start unless/until the fade happens.

I'm also convinced that Roy will tweak the offense to fit Isaiah's talents better, so that he will be a lock to start, as well.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Is Tony a fairly fast guy. I know he mimics duncan a little, but can he run? Reason for question is can u imagine the speed Roy could have if u insert him in that line up? Or even Hicks at the five with Rob or another shooter. Dang man I'm excited at the possibilities.

Kennedy actually ran as fast as any of our bigs last season. And if Roy moves him to the high post, he only has to run 3/4 of the court.

The very little I saw of Tony in the Mickey D game, he didn't look any faster than our other bigs. Small sample, though, so who knows?

 

[Archer2]

Kennedy actually ran as fast as any of our bigs last season. And if Roy moves him to the high post, he only has to run 3/4 of the court.

The very little I saw of Tony in the Mickey D game, he didn't look any faster than our other bigs. Small sample, though, so who knows?

Tony doesn't have to be faster than Kennedy, though I think he is. He needs to be tougher, and I think he will be from day one. Kennedy's main issue is having a finesse game despite having a bruiser's body. It's not a good match.

 

[alabamaheel]

Thanks guys. Great points.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

That starting 2 spot is going to be a heck of a battle!

 

[gary-7]

He can shoot. But how's his D?

He's a willing defender and has a chance to be good there as his body adjusts to college.

 

[gary-7]

Yeah, there are going to be some intense position battles this season, the 2 guard spot IMO will be high level competition for who starts and who gets minutes. I agree, Tony could push Meeks hard to retain his starting spot and don't discount Theo pushing JJ hard for minutes at the wing spot and Brob could have some say there as well. If Hicks doesn't get his foul problems solved could Theo make a push to be our starting 4? We saw how well we played in our small ball look at the end of last season and thru the NCAAT.

Being honest, I don't see more than 2 locked in starters for next season and actually in reality maybe only 1. Joel berry IMO is with out question our starter at the point, no discussion needed. Justin IMO is pretty close to being a lock at the wing but IMO there is a chance if Theo were to hone in a jump shot this off season that he could give Justin a run at that starting wing spot. I am not expecting that but have to acknowledge a slight chance. I think everyone else should have to battle for the right to start and/or starter minutes (to me more important than who begins the game).

And Luke Maye, what can he do, can he hold down minutes at the 4, maybe as a stretch 4? Kid works hard, how much will he improve over this off season?

Dave, I'll respectfully disagree in that I believe, barring injury of course, that four starting positions are pretty much locked down, and that Theo will get the first shot at the 2.

Like you I think KW is our prototype 2-man, and if his recovery from surgery goes well he comes of age this season and is at least the first Wing off the bench. I'll also go ahead and predict that Luke will establish himself in the regular Big rotation and comport himself quite well. Everything I've heard from the players points to that.

As for the frosh, Tony is a lock for major minutes in that Big rotation. He is ready for that. 7th is more physically ready than BRob but both have a LOT of experienced guys playing in front of them.

 

[alabamaheel]

If BRob is anything on d can yall imagine how long we could be with him jj and Isaiah at the middle three positions? Woooooo baby. even theo in there

 

[heels05champs]

Theo will be the starting SG. Roy may let them battle it out but I certainly believe Theo will be your starting SG game one.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Starting five are ALL locked! JB, TP, JJ, KM, IH: Lock it in and write it in stone. There is a slight chance that Mr. Britt slides in to the 2 spot to start, with TP getting starter minutes, but that will only happen if the players' mentalities demand it. K Williams will, if healthy, get major 2 minutes as well and this might eventually slide Mr. Britt to solely the backup PG. I see an outside chance that KW surprises us all with his improvement and sees his minutes increase as the season progresses. I can't wait to see BRob as he finds his niche in the rotation, but I think next year is when he will really show us his star power. 7th and Tony will be fun to watch as well, and I think they are both more physically ready for college ball.

 

[CanuckChuck]

Chuck, hear me close here, I was not in any way trying to pad stats or make the kid look any better than what he is. As I CLEARLY told the dukie, I watched the IC thread during the season a few times and the impression I have now based on that was that the kid flirted with a triple double a lot last season, that was based on something I last in any way noticed a couple months ago.

Please excuse me if in my mind this is a extremely minor point, evidently it was a MAJOR FREAKIN DEAL to the EXTREME, so extreme that the dukie could not sleep until he challenged it, so extreme that he could no longer do his accounting until his OCD got this thing resolved. Now all the sudden I am a liar and I am padding the kids stats and blah blah blah!

THIS is exactly how this nonsense gets started here, all this back & forth bickering, a minor thing out of nowhere becomes a mountain of a problem? And before ya know it we have yet another thread that is side tracked and folks bickering back & forth for 30 posts.

And why am I now having to explain something rather than discuss our fine young incoming freshman because without looking at stats, just my working off an impression I had from noticing a thread on IC and not rechecking that thread before saying something about it 2mo later? REALLY?

FINE CHUCK, if it makes you feel any better, I will drop to my knees tonight and pray God forgives me for this MAJOR MISTAKE! I hope that allows everyone to sleep tonight and not lay awake wondering why I lied to everyone. Thank you so much for your support and lattitude, being called a liar really makes me feel special...

Whoa dude. Have a seat and count to 10. Didn't realize the dukie got you so worked up.
I don't post much here but I read the board almost daily and you seem to have good takes which is why I was a little surprised by the comment. Didn't mean for it to sound like I was calling you out. Just wanted clarification in case I was missing something.

CC

 

[Steat]

Understandable Steat.

But I have a very good feeling about BRob. I have stated more than once that I think he will push Kenny very hard for the SG spot and will not be surprised if he claims it. Kenny's demonstrated defensive abilities will give him the initial edge but he must prove capable of making outside shots in order to claim the lion's share of the SG minutes.

BRob is rail thin, tis true. But he has a high, quick release on his jumper. If you watch is videos, he's not just a catch and shoot guy, but can drain jumpers off the dribble as well. Much like Tony, he had a phenomenal senior year. And I love hearing him talk about earning early PT by playing tough defense. I've heard 7th say much the same thing.

I guess it's pretty obvious that I love this class. I think at least two of the freshmen will play significant roles next year. Most feel Tony will be one who does so out of necessity. BRob could be another.

I hope you are right about his Robinson's shooting, but I see Pinson starting at the 2 and getting the majority of the minutes there. There is reason why Robinson was rated in the 50's coming out of high school. Robinson is not known for his defense. Pinson is clutch and an alpha dog.

 

[DSouthr]

Dave, I'll respectfully disagree in that I believe, barring injury of course, that four starting positions are pretty much locked down, and that Theo will get the first shot at the 2.

Like you I think KW is our prototype 2-man, and if his recovery from surgery goes well he comes of age this season and is at least the first Wing off the bench. I'll also go ahead and predict that Luke will establish himself in the regular Big rotation and comport himself quite well. Everything I've heard from the players points to that.

As for the frosh, Tony is a lock for major minutes in that Big rotation. He is ready for that. 7th is more physically ready than BRob but both have a LOT of experienced guys playing in front of them.

No problem gary, at most we are arguing semantics, but consider you said "pretty much" locked down, I can agree with that. If I asked you, is Joel Berry locked in as a starter would you reply "pretty much" or would ya say well of course? LOL

I have to leave some opening for Tony even if it is not likely that he starts over 2 seniors, just as I have
to leave some opening for kenny/Brob/7th at the 2 when I fully expect Roy to start Nate as a senior. I honestly do not think Roy will start Theo at the 2, thou I can certainly understand why many expect that bit we saw anything clearly especially at the end of last season, we saw Theo is a wing that can handle and handle well time at the 4.I think we also very clearly saw that at least as of last season that Theo was not a jump shooter and do I even need to say how much we will need jump shooting from our 2 guard position this season?

When you do not have dominating inside scoring then the premium scoring has to come from the outside, jump shooting and the 2 guard spot is critical to us to get solid shooting from this coming season. Combine that with 4 candidates for that position and one of those a senior with a bunch of starts under his belt tell me how you start a weak jump shooting wing at the position? Now if Theo finds a solid stroke and begins to consistently hit those jump shots over this summer, cool but for me he has a long way to go in that aspect. If Theo finds a way to knock down near 40% of his treys then I am there with ya but based on what I have seen so far I can not expect that, at least not next season.

I expect Nate to begin the season at the 2 as the starter, heck he may even begin every game there, this is Roy we are dealing with and we did see Meeks start every game he was suited up to play in last season, yeah? I do fully expect at least one of the other candidates at the 2 to begin to get starter level minutes and could take over the starter position as we get in to ACC play. And yes, I think that will be kenny but we have to see how it develops but Kenny will have IMO the best shot.

With Luke IDK, being honest I just don't know what to expect. He showed some things as a freshman I liked, seems to be a guy that understands positioning as a rebounder, seems ot have been well taught before getting to this level. He does seem to have a solid jump shot for a 4. But the concern I have is his ability to finish in traffic, thru contact. Like Meeks, he is limited vertically, a bit of a under the rim power forward in a game typically played above the rim, especially for front court guys. I don't know how much he can change that honestly, he is a great guy to put in situationaly but I prefer what I have seen Theo do at the 4 much more so I am not sure I can buy the regular rotation including Luke, at least not at this point, I have to see more before I can buy in to that.

But again, this is more semantics than anything, I think we see most of this in a very similar way and if we differ it is only very slightly. What we would maybe not agree on would be my starting lineup if it were up to me and based on last season. I would maybe start Hicks, Theo, Justin, Kenny, and Joel. That is our small ball look but in truth it isn't that small other than I wouldn't have that second 6'9" starter. I love the middle length that gives us and the ability to switch so many ball screens without having to go in to scrambles over mismatches. You also have some serous play makers on the court along with jump shooting and guys that run the court really really well. It also allows us to max out our depth by not wearing down the 3 big men we have and limits our big men from foul trouble.

 

[HeelFan58]

Chuck, hear me close here, I was not in any way trying to pad stats or make the kid look any better than what he is. As I CLEARLY told the dukie, I watched the IC thread during the season a few times and the impression I have now based on that was that the kid flirted with a triple double a lot last season, that was based on something I last in any way noticed a couple months ago.

Please excuse me if in my mind this is a extremely minor point, evidently it was a MAJOR FREAKIN DEAL to the EXTREME, so extreme that the dukie could not sleep until he challenged it, so extreme that he could no longer do his accounting until his OCD got this thing resolved. Now all the sudden I am a liar and I am padding the kids stats and blah blah blah!

THIS is exactly how this nonsense gets started here, all this back & forth bickering, a minor thing out of nowhere becomes a mountain of a problem? And before ya know it we have yet another thread that is side tracked and folks bickering back & forth for 30 posts.

And why am I now having to explain something rather than discuss our fine young incoming freshman because without looking at stats, just my working off an impression I had from noticing a thread on IC and not rechecking that thread before saying something about it 2mo later? REALLY?

FINE CHUCK, if it makes you feel any better, I will drop to my knees tonight and pray God forgives me for this MAJOR MISTAKE! I hope that allows everyone to sleep tonight and not lay awake wondering why I lied to everyone. Thank you so much for your support and lattitude, being called a liar really makes me feel special...

Isn't is spelled d-o-o-k-i-e? I think you and the Lord are OK at least on this matter.

 

[DSouthr]

Isn't is spelled d-o-o-k-i-e? I think you and the Lord are OK at least on this matter.

I lost a game bet a few years ago and the agreement was if duke won I would no longer spell duke using the 2 OO's and I never have since. I am a man of my word not withstanding the post earlier in this thread that I was accused of making things up...

 

[HeelFan58]

I lost a game bet a few years ago and the agreement was if duke won I would no longer spell duke using the 2 OO's and I never have since. I am a man of my word not withstanding the post earlier in this thread that I was accused of making things up...

Damn , forever. I have to ask if you had won the bet , what was your reward?

 

[goheels653]

Yeah, there are going to be some intense position battles this season, the 2 guard spot IMO will be high level competition for who starts and who gets minutes. I agree, Tony could push Meeks hard to retain his starting spot and don't discount Theo pushing JJ hard for minutes at the wing spot and Brob could have some say there as well. If Hicks doesn't get his foul problems solved could Theo make a push to be our starting 4? We saw how well we played in our small ball look at the end of last season and thru the NCAAT.

Being honest, I don't see more than 2 locked in starters for next season and actually in reality maybe only 1. Joel berry IMO is with out question our starter at the point, no discussion needed. Justin IMO is pretty close to being a lock at the wing but IMO there is a chance if Theo were to hone in a jump shot this off season that he could give Justin a run at that starting wing spot. I am not expecting that but have to acknowledge a slight chance. I think everyone else should have to battle for the right to start and/or starter minutes (to me more important than who begins the game).

And Luke Maye, what can he do, can he hold down minutes at the 4, maybe as a stretch 4? Kid works hard, how much will he improve over this off season?

Sorry, there is a 0% chance Theo takes Justin Jackson's starting spot. This idea will not cross Roy's mind for a tenth of a second. I'll give Theo a 99% chance to also start. We have these conversations every offseason, and I get it (what else do we have to talk about?), but if Roy has the opportunity to start 3 juniors and 2 seniors, you can count on that happening. Plus, Roy has a history of loving to start guys at the 2/3 basically just like Theo in terms of shooting ability - Dexter Strickland, Jackie Manuel, David Noel, and Marcus Ginyard, for example - regardless of whether some young guy on the bench is a better shooter. Unless one of these freshmen is ready to explode from day one like Joe Forte did back in the day, nothing changes here, and I give that a 1% chance of being the case.

 

[gary-7]

No problem gary, at most we are arguing semantics, but consider you said "pretty much" locked down, I can agree with that. If I asked you, is Joel Berry locked in as a starter would you reply "pretty much" or would ya say well of course? LOL

I have to leave some opening for Tony even if it is not likely that he starts over 2 seniors, just as I have
to leave some opening for kenny/Brob/7th at the 2 when I fully expect Roy to start Nate as a senior. I honestly do not think Roy will start Theo at the 2, thou I can certainly understand why many expect that bit we saw anything clearly especially at the end of last season, we saw Theo is a wing that can handle and handle well time at the 4.I think we also very clearly saw that at least as of last season that Theo was not a jump shooter and do I even need to say how much we will need jump shooting from our 2 guard position this season?

When you do not have dominating inside scoring then the premium scoring has to come from the outside, jump shooting and the 2 guard spot is critical to us to get solid shooting from this coming season. Combine that with 4 candidates for that position and one of those a senior with a bunch of starts under his belt tell me how you start a weak jump shooting wing at the position? Now if Theo finds a solid stroke and begins to consistently hit those jump shots over this summer, cool but for me he has a long way to go in that aspect. If Theo finds a way to knock down near 40% of his treys then I am there with ya but based on what I have seen so far I can not expect that, at least not next season.

I expect Nate to begin the season at the 2 as the starter, heck he may even begin every game there, this is Roy we are dealing with and we did see Meeks start every game he was suited up to play in last season, yeah? I do fully expect at least one of the other candidates at the 2 to begin to get starter level minutes and could take over the starter position as we get in to ACC play. And yes, I think that will be kenny but we have to see how it develops but Kenny will have IMO the best shot.

With Luke IDK, being honest I just don't know what to expect. He showed some things as a freshman I liked, seems to be a guy that understands positioning as a rebounder, seems ot have been well taught before getting to this level. He does seem to have a solid jump shot for a 4. But the concern I have is his ability to finish in traffic, thru contact. Like Meeks, he is limited vertically, a bit of a under the rim power forward in a game typically played above the rim, especially for front court guys. I don't know how much he can change that honestly, he is a great guy to put in situationaly but I prefer what I have seen Theo do at the 4 much more so I am not sure I can buy the regular rotation including Luke, at least not at this point, I have to see more before I can buy in to that.

But again, this is more semantics than anything, I think we see most of this in a very similar way and if we differ it is only very slightly. What we would maybe not agree on would be my starting lineup if it were up to me and based on last season. I would maybe start Hicks, Theo, Justin, Kenny, and Joel. That is our small ball look but in truth it isn't that small other than I wouldn't have that second 6'9" starter. I love the middle length that gives us and the ability to switch so many ball screens without having to go in to scrambles over mismatches. You also have some serous play makers on the court along with jump shooting and guys that run the court really really well. It also allows us to max out our depth by not wearing down the 3 big men we have and limits our big men from foul trouble.

I know you like the small lineup, Dave --- heck, I do too --- and I suspect we'll see it deployed a lot this season. However, I would be shocked to see Roy go that direction in his starting five unless he has to.

It's also quite possible he could opt to keep Theo in his (expanded) role as the 6th Man. Thing is, talent/experience-wise, Theo deserves to start this season --- he and the team know it --- but then Theo may be cool with that role. Roy may reward Nate's service with the start, but given how he likes to have his starters on the floor in crunch time I have a hard time seeing that lasting. If, on the other hand, Theo does start I think that will indicate he has improved his perimeter shot, but I'll tell ya, I really like his play-making potential. Granted some folks don't get the concept, but I know you understand how much entry in our system comes from the wing and Theo could average around 3-4 Assists with starter's minutes there. I fully expect JB to step it up another notch as a primary scoring option (16+ and 5) while running the show, and he and his buddy Theo could make a nice backcourt combo. And of course, there's also our boy KW on the verge of busting out as well.

However, my bother, I will take total issue with you on our Bigs. I'll say with confidence we will have (again, barring injury), four (not three) reliable Bigs in the rotation. I have zero doubt about Luke and I think his minutes at least double from last season.

 

[DSouthr]

http://www.scout.com/college/north-carolina/story/1609947-unc-commitments-2015-16-schedules-stats

For the record this is a link to what I was referring to with Brandon, I did NOT refer back to this before I posted that he flirted with a triple double several times last season.

 

[DSouthr]

I know you like the small lineup, Dave --- heck, I do too --- and I suspect we'll see it deployed a lot this season. However, I would be shocked to see Roy go that direction in his starting five unless he has to.

It's also quite possible he could opt to keep Theo in his (expanded) role as the 6th Man. Thing is, talent/experience-wise, Theo deserves to start this season --- he and the team know it --- but then Theo may be cool with that role. Roy may reward Nate's service with the start, but given how he likes to have his starters on the floor in crunch time I have a hard time seeing that lasting. If, on the other hand, Theo does start I think that will indicate he has improved his perimeter shot, but I'll tell ya, I really like his play-making potential. Granted some folks don't get the concept, but I know you understand how much entry in our system comes from the wing and Theo could average around 3-4 Assists with starter's minutes there. I fully expect JB to step it up another notch as a primary scoring option (16+ and 5) while running the show, and he and his buddy Theo could make a nice backcourt combo. And of course, there's also our boy KW on the verge of busting out as well.

However, my bother, I will take total issue with you on our Bigs. I'll say with confidence we will have (again, barring injury), four (not three) reliable Bigs in the rotation. I have zero doubt about Luke and I think his minutes at least double from last season.

Oh I agree, the small line up is just my preference. It is funny, I almost don't want to call it a small ball line up considering we would have 6'9", 6'7", 6'7", 6'3", and 6"0" and imagine 6'5-6" Brob in for kenny! I love that middle length because it makes those entry passes extra harder to pull off and that is a ton of above the rim athletism to get to those rebounds and get out running.

AS for Theo, in a strange way Theo seems actually to be what JP thought he was, Theo uses his length out front to be able to see over defenders AND his arm length allows him to pass over the top much easier than many. Add in that Theo seems to take the simple pass and not try to weave it thru on looking defenders like JP seemed intent on doing. But I really love Theo being able to take a big man out in space and drive by him, leaving him out of rebounding position so I want to see Theo tighten those ball handles up more in addition to him learning to jump shoot.

I will not argue at all cause I agree totally, Theo deserves to start but it may better serve his team to bring his energy off the bench. I think you know, if up to me I would not start Nate, no offense to Nate but I don't see him starting as the best thing for this team. But it isn't my call and I am in no way more in tune to this team than Roy is and knowing how much Roy respects his experienced players I have to assume Nate starts the season as our starting 2..

On the bigs, hey we see that a lil different and truth is I hope you are right, I will GLADLY take the I told ya so on that one!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Theo will be the starting SG. Roy may let them battle it out but I certainly believe Theo will be your starting SG game one.

It's up to him. The talent is there. He finally gets a healthy summer to work on what he needs to work on. He just needs to put it together and be serious about it.

The good news (for us, if not for Theo) is that if he doesn't put it all together, we have several other guys who can fill in - from proven Nate, to promising Kenny and the frosh. And Theo will still get plenty of minutes even if he doesn't start.

I hate to see someone with that much potential not start by his junior year. So I hope he makes it. But ish happens.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Oh I agree, the small line up is just my preference. It is funny, I almost don't want to call it a small ball line up considering we would have 6'9", 6'7", 6'7", 6'3", and 6"0" and imagine 6'5-6" Brob in for kenny! I love that middle length because it makes those entry passes extra harder to pull off and that is a ton of above the rim athletism to get to those rebounds and get out running.

AS for Theo, in a strange way Theo seems actually to be what JP thought he was, Theo uses his length out front to be able to see over defenders AND his arm length allows him to pass over the top much easier than many. Add in that Theo seems to take the simple pass and not try to weave it thru on looking defenders like JP seemed intent on doing. But I really love Theo being able to take a big man out in space and drive by him, leaving him out of rebounding position so I want to see Theo tighten those ball handles up more in addition to him learning to jump shoot.

On the bigs, hey we see that a lil different and truth is I hope you are right, I will GLADLY take the I told ya so on that one!

People forget that most of JP's TOs on passes were NOT from the highlight passes. Those were usually tight. But he would get lazy and telegraph the routine passes.

 

[Archer2]

I think our best starting lineup out of the gate is Joel, Theo, JJ, Isaiah, and Kennedy. I really believe Theo deserves to start, I'm just not sure he will. I do think he will get starter's minutes, regardless. He brings defense, the ability to slash to the basket, passing ability, and plays with great intensity. There's no doubt in my mind that he's one of our top five players, actually top four IMO.

HST, we need scoring from the SG spot next year and Theo's jumper is still a work in progress. If it has improved to the point where he is at least a viable threat from long distance, he'll play a lot. But I think he's more of a hybrid SF who is capable of sliding down to the PF slot when we go small, something that worked very effectively last year. So I see him getting minutes at three positions next year, with the amount at SG being determined by how ready Kenny/BRob/7th are to play and be productive.

NTL, Theo will be a vital part of our squad, certainly the most versatile guy on the team. I drool at the thought of how good we could be defensively with a lineup of Joel, Kenny, JJ, Theo, and Tony/Isaiah. That's one athletic, long armed squad. It would be somewhat scoring challenged though.

 

[gary-7]

I think our best starting lineup out of the gate is Joel, Theo, JJ, Isaiah, and Kennedy. I really believe Theo deserves to start, I'm just not sure he will. I do think he will get starter's minutes, regardless. He brings defense, the ability to slash to the basket, passing ability, and plays with great intensity. There's no doubt in my mind that he's one of our top five players, actually top four IMO.

HST, we need scoring from the SG spot next year and Theo's jumper is still a work in progress. If it has improved to the point where he is at least a viable threat from long distance, he'll play a lot. But I think he's more of a hybrid SF who is capable of sliding down to the PF slot when we go small, something that worked very effectively last year. So I see him getting minutes at three positions next year, with the amount at SG being determined by how ready Kenny/BRob/7th are to play and be productive.

NTL, Theo will be a vital part of our squad, certainly the most versatile guy on the team. I drool at the thought of how good we could be defensively with a lineup of Joel, Kenny, JJ, Theo, and Tony/Isaiah. That's one athletic, long armed squad. It would be somewhat scoring challenged though.

I don't think you'll hafta worry about Kenny being scoring-challenged this season.

 

[Archer2]

If not and with his defense, he'll get a lot of PT Gary.

 

[DSouthr]

Damn , forever. I have to ask if you had won the bet , what was your reward?

I think it was that guy had to spell Tar Heel right.

 

[DSouthr]

I think our best starting lineup out of the gate is Joel, Theo, JJ, Isaiah, and Kennedy. I really believe Theo deserves to start, I'm just not sure he will. I do think he will get starter's minutes, regardless. He brings defense, the ability to slash to the basket, passing ability, and plays with great intensity. There's no doubt in my mind that he's one of our top five players, actually top four IMO.

HST, we need scoring from the SG spot next year and Theo's jumper is still a work in progress. If it has improved to the point where he is at least a viable threat from long distance, he'll play a lot. But I think he's more of a hybrid SF who is capable of sliding down to the PF slot when we go small, something that worked very effectively last year. So I see him getting minutes at three positions next year, with the amount at SG being determined by how ready Kenny/BRob/7th are to play and be productive.

NTL, Theo will be a vital part of our squad, certainly the most versatile guy on the team. I drool at the thought of how good we could be defensively with a lineup of Joel, Kenny, JJ, Theo, and Tony/Isaiah. That's one athletic, long armed squad. It would be somewhat scoring challenged though.

IDK that it would be so scoring challenged, consider when we went to it later part of last season and in the post season, Marcus was still in his shooting slump and yet we seemed to either produce leads or expand leads from this small ball look. To me it seemed to flow just as strong no matter if it was Hicks or Brice in as the sole big man, I didn't think it was as effective with Meeks in as the sole big man because meeks struggled to finish inside much more than Brice or Hicks did. The real x-factor difference in it this season IMO is Marcus is not in it.

Now without Marcus we lose that proven jump shooter, maybe the most respected by defenses jump shooter, even mired in a slump defenses still keyed on not giving marcus good looks. This season someone else will have to demand that level of respect from defenses. That is why I don't like Theo at the 2, because until we see different he is a we dare you to shoot jump shooter and we need a we can't let you have the shot jump shooter at the 2, this is a absolute key for us IMO.

I think you need, to be a really deadly team in todays game, 3 jump shooters on the floor that all demand defensive respect, it is what I call a 3 legged stool of shooting. It gives you the ability to spread out defenses when they can not leave any of those 3 deadly jump shooters. Joel showed us last season, he can handle one of those legs, at ties Justin showed this as well and i expect that to be to an even higher level this season, and that leaves us that one other legs for our stool to be balanced. I strongly think that 3rd leg can be kenny, what I have to see isn't as much can he shoot but can he put the ball on the floor and create when they closed out on his shot, can he kick it out to another shooter spotted up? I know he can just need to see it.

Now this allows Theo to take a big man up top, not many power forwards are going to hang with Theo 30+ feet from the basket so Theo is able to create with a constant mismatch and the big man in for us is able to work one on one inside for solid position and guards can cut off of Theo's play making. If they switch to zone the big man doesn't follow Theo out but then Theo is able to have a clear look for his passes and as we saw you don't give Theo those clean looks at passing to cutters. Now if Theo can add a reliable jump shot to the mix then you have to go with him up top and takes you out of that zone. You are not guarding 3 solid jump shooters with zones long but if Theo adds a solid jump shot to that mix you absolutely will not guard 4 that can shoot or put the ball on the floor and drive by you on the pump fake and we all know the key to those pump fakes is to be able to drain the shot if they don't close out to you strong..

And that is just what it gives us in a half court offense but we know, it gives us so much more if we can get out and run. It allows us to switch screens and have long middle defenders that are very athletic going to the offensive and defensive boards. I don't see us having that dominating inside the paint game like we had for example with Zeller & Henson or even at times with Brice and Hicks last season. The small ball look with really long middle guys (2 wings with good length) can be just as effective if we can jump shoot from 3 different threats on the floor and play make with a wing being guarded by a big man out in space.

 

[DSouthr]

I don't think you'll hafta worry about Kenny being scoring-challenged this season.

Yeah, I agree gary, hey, are you & I gonna argue about who got on kenny's band wagon first like we did about Joel? LOL

I am nearly if not just as solid about kenny as I was about Joel, the one thing I want to see is how he can put the ball on the floor in tight game action. I want to see him shoot off the dribble, most what we saw from him in very limited action last season was more catch & shoot, I need to see him able to pump fake, put the ball on the floor, and pull up in live game action, again, I know he can but need to see it.

I noticed last season kenny seemed very selective about his shots unless it was mop up minutes and I really don't look much at those. Almost to the point of hesitating to take a good shot, did see him pass up some shots I felt he may have been better off putting up, some freshman mind set going on there IMO. he always came in cold and knew he would not be in for a long stretch and seemed to realize he could best help his team by defending and not taking a bad shot. Don't want him taking LMac like heat checks but I think he needs to start taking clean looks to get his confidence going.

kenny in a way was like Joel was as a freshman, seemed to have that bench player hesitation to really feel as if he belongs out there and ends up deferring to the upper classmen maybe a touch to much at times. I would love to see him be able to start and gain that full fledged ownership of the game, that full confidence of being a starter like we saw Joel embrace more and more as last season progressed to the point that IMO this team actually began to be led by Joel late season and in to the post season. Marcus and Brice got the kudos and were very good senior leaders but IMO Joel didn't get nearly the credit he deserved because a LOT of what Brice was able to do last season was because of what Joel was doing to set the table,many times Brice just had to eat what Joel set up so nicely on the table. I think we can see a similar growth explosion from kenny once he embraces how important he is now to this team.

One more thing about Joel berry, they maybe should create a new stat in his honor, cal lit the duo-assist, the pass to the guy that passes for the assist. It was amazing at times and yet not talked about a lot but Joel's passes that set up the assist were outstanding last season, many times all it took was a touch pass to complete the assist because Joel set up the right rotation. You know, Joel watches our big man cut and passes over to a Justin to make the entry angle easier and Justin re-directs the touch pass to the well positioned inside big man to finish. That is Joel setting it up but not getting the assist but without his pass the assist does not happen. Just wanted to mention that, it is like Joel is playing chess out there at times and looking 2 passes ahead.

 

[carolinablue34]

Whoa dude. Have a seat and count to 10. Didn't realize the dukie got you so worked up.
I don't post much here but I read the board almost daily and you seem to have good takes which is why I was a little surprised by the comment. Didn't mean for it to sound like I was calling you out. Just wanted clarification in case I was missing something.

CC

Yeah seriously dsouthr, why do you always get your panties in a bunch whenever a duke fan offers a slightly differing opinion? It's annoying to see you rip the guy's throat out.

 

[DSouthr]

Yeah seriously dsouthr, why do you always get your panties in a bunch whenever a duke fan offers a slightly differing opinion? It's annoying to see you rip the guy's throat out.

Ya know what, this thread was finally evolved in to reasonable discussion so I want to take the moment to personally think you for trying to side track it back in to something negative. BY the way, the only panties you need to worry about are the ones you wear!

 

[gary-7]

IDK that it would be so scoring challenged, consider when we went to it later part of last season and in the post season, Marcus was still in his shooting slump and yet we seemed to either produce leads or expand leads from this small ball look. To me it seemed to flow just as strong no matter if it was Hicks or Brice in as the sole big man, I didn't think it was as effective with Meeks in as the sole big man because meeks struggled to finish inside much more than Brice or Hicks did. The real x-factor difference in it this season IMO is Marcus is not in it.

Now without Marcus we lose that proven jump shooter, maybe the most respected by defenses jump shooter, even mired in a slump defenses still keyed on not giving marcus good looks. This season someone else will have to demand that level of respect from defenses. That is why I don't like Theo at the 2, because until we see different he is a we dare you to shoot jump shooter and we need a we can't let you have the shot jump shooter at the 2, this is a absolute key for us IMO.

I think you need, to be a really deadly team in todays game, 3 jump shooters on the floor that all demand defensive respect, it is what I call a 3 legged stool of shooting. It gives you the ability to spread out defenses when they can not leave any of those 3 deadly jump shooters. Joel showed us last season, he can handle one of those legs, at ties Justin showed this as well and i expect that to be to an even higher level this season, and that leaves us that one other legs for our stool to be balanced. I strongly think that 3rd leg can be kenny, what I have to see isn't as much can he shoot but can he put the ball on the floor and create when they closed out on his shot, can he kick it out to another shooter spotted up? I know he can just need to see it.

Now this allows Theo to take a big man up top, not many power forwards are going to hang with Theo 30+ feet from the basket so Theo is able to create with a constant mismatch and the big man in for us is able to work one on one inside for solid position and guards can cut off of Theo's play making. If they switch to zone the big man doesn't follow Theo out but then Theo is able to have a clear look for his passes and as we saw you don't give Theo those clean looks at passing to cutters. Now if Theo can add a reliable jump shot to the mix then you have to go with him up top and takes you out of that zone. You are not guarding 3 solid jump shooters with zones long but if Theo adds a solid jump shot to that mix you absolutely will not guard 4 that can shoot or put the ball on the floor and drive by you on the pump fake and we all know the key to those pump fakes is to be able to drain the shot if they don't close out to you strong..

And that is just what it gives us in a half court offense but we know, it gives us so much more if we can get out and run. It allows us to switch screens and have long middle defenders that are very athletic going to the offensive and defensive boards. I don't see us having that dominating inside the paint game like we had for example with Zeller & Henson or even at times with Brice and Hicks last season. The small ball look with really long middle guys (2 wings with good length) can be just as effective if we can jump shoot from 3 different threats on the floor and play make with a wing being guarded by a big man out in space.

Dave, if what I've been told (and seen) is correct I expect JB to assume a Lead Guard primary scorer role this season along with his PG duties... which is another case for Theo to play beside him. What Theo lacks in perimeter shooting consistency he makes up for in floor awareness and playmaking from the wing. Rewatching some of the March games Theo really stepped up in that capacity, slashing and dishing and moving the rock.

 

[Archer2]

He's definitely one of our better passers/facilitators, Gary. And that may very well offset his jump shooting skills.

 

[DSouthr]

Dave, if what I've been told (and seen) is correct I expect JB to assume a Lead Guard primary scorer role this season along with his PG duties... which is another case for Theo to play beside him. What Theo lacks in perimeter shooting consistency he makes up for in floor awareness and playmaking from the wing. Rewatching some of the March games Theo really stepped up in that capacity, slashing and dishing and moving the rock.

OK, consider this, while Roy did start Theo at the 2 for the handfull of games marcus missed to begin last season what do we know about Roy at the beginning of seasons? I think you mentioned it gary, someone did that Roy loves to tinker with his lineups early. Those early games are games we should win easily so it is a great time to tinker with things and see how they run.

But had marcus not been hurt I think we all agree Marcus would have begun game 1 at the 2 and Theo would have come off the bench. Reason I say what we all know there is to lead in to a question of what did Roy do once marcus came back, who came in to marcus's spot when he took a breather in games for the majority of last season. It wasn't Theo, it was Nate, after marcus came back from that early injury Theo came off the bench to play the 3 and at times the 4, I don't recall him coming in at the 2 after marcus came back.

I would submit the tinker with Theo at the 2 was done last season and the results are what yielded our watching Theo come in for Justin and get a lot of time in our later season small ball look at the 4 and it was Nate that came in when Marcus sat. Kenny got some cameo time at the 2 as well when Marcus went out but mostly it was Nate. I just don't see what we were doing late changing all that much so I see nate starting in place of marcus until and if one of the group of kenny/7th/BRob show they are ready and can step in to an expanded role at the 2.

The ONLY way I see Roy using Theo at the 2 would be if that trio just is not getting it done and I will be shocked if that is the case, way to much talent at our 2 guard spot to have to get by using a wing at the position. Really, the only way I see Joel's role changing is that he will look to score more than he did in the early portion of last season, in other words game 1 like the last part of last season or a better way to say it last season ending carry over to this season as it applies to Joel's role.

I personally do not want to see Joel try to be what Yogi was for IU when we played them in the NCAAT or what cat barber tried to be for the wuffs, I don't think we need that, we are better balancing the scoring between 2 and point and wing. As I have said before I have a ton of confidence in kenny/7th/Brob, I think one of those 3 will step up big and get starter like minutes, I think a second one will step up strong and get solid minutes and one likely to fade back a little and get about the same minutes kenny got last season. Now that is just my opinion and what I am expecting.

I think what Roy would really like to see is 7th become able to handle the back up PG duties and pair him up with either Nate or Joel at the 2 so he can have an experienced guy on the floor with 7th in a duo PG roles like we saw with Marcus and Joel or Marcus & Nate. Now the jury is out on will 7th be able to do this by the start of next season so we will have to wait and see if it develops or not. IMO...

Archer, the memory of our using a wing that was a challenged shooter at the 2 guard and a time when we did not have a dominating front court flashes me back to JP's last season with us, that was not good. because we do not seem at this point to have that dominating interior scoring to rely on I think we have to jump shoot effectively, even more than last season and that to me screams that we have to have a solid jump shooting 2 guard in there at all times. To fill that need is why I turn the wheel more toward kenny and the 2 frosh.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I repeat: JB, JJ, TP, KM. IH. (I see some of you coming around, lol)This is based on their performance last year, expected improvement in certain peeps(JJ more Alpha, TP shooting/handes better, KM playing with confidence and smarts, IH fouling less, JB more of the same), AND Roy's history!

Why would we need more shooting from the 2 IF our 1 and 3 hit a good percentage? Why would we need more handles if 1-3 can all handle? What are other teams going to do if all 5 positions can rebound AND defend?

Go Tar Heels!

 

[HeelFan58]

What are other teams going to do if all 5 positions can rebound AND defend?

LOSE

 

[TPFKAPFS]

AMEN!