Final preseason notes...

[gary-7]

With scrimmages and exhibitions on the horizon, and ACC media hype outta the way, just offering a quick addendum vis-a-vis practice take-aways. First, everything I posted previously still holds... so, a few quick add-ons:

- As some others have observed and players have commented on, this is indeed a collectively more "athletic team" than last year, and the staff has wisely sought to take full advantage with more aggressive tempo --- and yes (thankfully), even on made shots (!!).
Caveat #1: Will that translate into real games?... i.e., will Hubert back off his habit of defaulting to set plays so much? Practices sure seem to make it seem that way --- we shall see...
Caveat #2: Will he resist the temptation to take the foot off the gas too soon? Again, only games will tell..,.

- As to said athleticism and tempo, expect to see way more free-wheeling transition and finishes, including a lot more lobs (in the half-court as well). All this depends on EC with the keys, and then expect to see guys like JWash, Withers, Seth, Jackson and Powell doing some flushing off the dime.

- Literally every source I know has pointed to JWash as a force on both ends so far --- shooting, finishing, rebounding and rim-protecting. If we can spell him with wider bodies and he resists the ticky-tack fouls, he can break out.

- It's likely the "regular" starting lineup could be fluid early, but i suspect the only position ultimately up in the air is the "4". We have myriad options for both "big" and "small" configurations. Drake is probably the most likely frosh to crack it, and that depends on his rebounding willingness, as he may well be asked to play some 4.

- Once again, it's a truly deep team and I expect that to be used in a legit manner, and scoff if you will, but the best statistical precursor of success will be if EC leads in minutes and nobody is having to log 35-per.

- Finally, the team has indeed practiced traps and Zone --- but will we utilize them much? We should -- this bunch could rain hell in Scrambles --- but that I dunno.....

 

[al would]

It's unfortunate that it seems the wild card these last few seasons has been the coach and I would think we'll find out early as to what the coach will do with a very talented and versatile team. Be nice to see Andrew do a piece on the coach to get his preseason thoughts on how he envisions this years team and how he would like use it. But what he says and does may well be 2 different things. You're on the clock coach.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Thanks, G! We appreciate the fact that your eye test is one we can believe in! You haven't said anything i didn't expect but it is good to see the confirmation. I have a little more trust in the coaching staff, but I understand the hesitancy! Just like players have developed well, I think our coaches have too!

This is gonna be a fun ride!

 

[39 Feet Above Sea Level]

I have high expectations for Carolina hoops this season.
We have plenty of talent and a deep bench.
If descriptions of a fast offensive thrust can be meshed with some
suffocating defense, we can be special.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Be nice to see Andrew do a piece on the coach to get his preseason thoughts on how he envisions this years team

LOL. I'd love to see that interview, but you know the only negative you'll hear from Hubert is that only 5 of his players can be first team All Americans.

Don't get me wrong, I like it that Hubert exudes positive vibes, but he has a tendency to go over the top.

 

[DSouthr]

Hearing pretty much the same that gary has shared. There is a growing sense of excitement around Jalen that may surprise many. Word I hear is that even thou went took a shot at some centers in the portal it was always felt that Jalen was our starting 5 but a center would be given a shot to beat Jalen out for the starting role if they could. Don't be shocked if Jalen plays his way in to the first round of the next NBA draft, not saying he will but saying he for sure can.

Cade Tyson, as advertised, knock down jump shooter, the surprise for some may be that he isn't just a shooter, he is kind of sneaky athletic, I think he starts at the 3 (Drake and Ian come off the bench but get solid minutes). Cadeau, no surprise by now, he is shooting the ball well, shooting it with confidence. Teams will make him prove that and by game 4 or 5 they will stop daring him to shoot it. RJ is RJ, nuff said.

Ian and Drake have fit in great, both have the mindset of what ever I have to do that helps this team win, not prima donnas! BOTH Seth and JWit have turned heads and are considered major contributors, starter level players no matter who begins the game. Hubert seems to know that he has 9 starter level players and has to get all of the solid minutes, best way to do that is high tempo running!