TarHeelIllustrated - Daily Drop: Is Jalen Washington Ready To Start In The Post For UNC?
The most debated topic in recent weeks regarding North Carolina basketball has centered around the Tar Heels’ post
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That made me spit out my iced tea laughing.I’d be thrilled if Jalen Washington could average 15 points, 9 rebounds, and a few blocks per game. I'd be equally thrilled if Jennifer Aniston asked me out on a date. I doubt either will happen, but I hope I'm wrong on both counts. I'd happily eat humble pie if proven otherwise.
But not the other way around.I’d be thrilled if Jalen Washington could average 15 points, 9 rebounds, and a few blocks per game. I'd be equally thrilled if Jennifer Aniston asked me out on a date.
Player | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | Fouls |
JWash | 11.6 | 7.7 | 1.7 | 4.1 |
Lubin | 10.9 | 5.6 | 0.9 | 1.8 |
JWit | 8.5 | 7.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 |
Totals | 31.0 | 20.6 | 3.6 | 8.8 |
Player | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | Fouls |
JWash | 11.6 | 7.7 | 1.7 | 4.1 |
Lubin | 10.9 | 5.6 | 0.9 | 1.8 |
JWit | 8.5 | 7.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 |
Armando | 11.9 | 8.4 | 1.3 | 2.3 |
Washington can't defend the modern stretch 4. He can't close out on shooters, navigate screens, stay in front of drivers... basically every aspect of perimeter defense. There's a reason the staff played him pretty much exclusively at Center. Unless we encounter a team that plays a traditional post player at PF, I wouldn't expect Washington to see any minutes at the 4.A lot of people talk like Tyson could/should start or play a lot at PF, but that's hard to see unless JWash doesn't make the expected improvements.
I’d be thrilled if Jalen Washington could average 15 points, 9 rebounds, and a few blocks per game. I'd be equally thrilled if Jennifer Aniston asked me out on a date. I doubt either will happen, but I hope I'm wrong on both counts. I'd happily eat humble pie if proven otherwise.
I wasn't saying Washington would play PF (although some have suggested that). Just that if Washington can play starter minutes, that doesn't leave many for Tyson at the PF. Because Lubin and Withers will get starter-level minutes. It's just math.Washington can't defend the modern stretch 4. He can't close out on shooters, navigate screens, stay in front of drivers... basically every aspect of perimeter defense. There's a reason the staff played him pretty much exclusively at Center. Unless we encounter a team that plays a traditional post player at PF, I wouldn't expect Washington to see any minutes at the 4.
It's going to be Tyson and Withers as our primary 4s. We've already seen them matched up in the brief clips the UNC basketball Instagram account posted.
I think Tyson is stepping into Ingram's role. Starting stretch 4 with some minutes at the 3. It will fluctuate based on matchups.I wasn't saying Washington would play PF (although some have suggested that). Just that if Washington can play starter minutes, that doesn't leave many for Tyson at the PF. Because Lubin and Withers will get starter-level minutes. It's just math.
I thought that was a very good, yet objective, perspective of Wash and what fans should expect, or look for, this season. I really like his game and think he will have a great pay for play career. I also think that even though this years team will be very versatile I do think that a consistently dependable inside game will be a key to this teams success this season because it will open up so many opportunities for other players and so many options for the outside shooters, drivers and dishers. One of the most overlooked and least glamorous parts of UNC bball over the years has been that 10-15 ft. game from either the baseline or slots that have been the bread and butter for many a banner hanging in the dome. Nice piece AJ.![]()
TarHeelIllustrated - Daily Drop: Is Jalen Washington Ready To Start In The Post For UNC?
The most debated topic in recent weeks regarding North Carolina basketball has centered around the Tar Heels’ postnorthcarolina.rivals.com
She's looking kind of rough these days. Kind of like a man.
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With the guys we have, will we see a traditional center or just "front line guys" who play either or both positions?Personally I don't see Lubin or Washington playing much at the 4. They are our centers.
Swami sez ... probably not, the game has changed.Years ago we used to talk like our front line guys were interchangeable. With 3 basket-facing bigs, we could be returning to those days.