Good Signs and the Possible Bad Scenario

[imajericho]

The good things...

1. We didn't crumble after a loss we absolutely could have collapsed after.

2. Justin Jackson is starting to perform well again and if he continues his momentum it will be huge for us in the tourney.

3. We still haven't gotten a consistent output from Paige. If he starts consistently producing come tourney time and every one else continues performing well, we are hands on favorites.

4. All of our losses were only a possession or two. That means, if we lose it's a squeaker, but if we win we are winning at a much better spread.

5. We control our own destiny for the ACC championship and #1 seed.

6. Depth - We haven't really gotten an injury that affects the team in a good while.

7. Bench is playing relatively good. Maye is showing some good signs (despite still getting freshman goofs here and there).



The Bad Possibilities/Questions...

1. What if Paige never does consistently perform? This could be the thing which kills us in a close game.

2. Basketball IQ is a bit suspect. We tend to not make the smart decision in game situations which are most advantageous to us.

3. If our consistency again plummets on others who are performing well.

4. We could play ourselves out of a good seed / location in the tourney still.

5. Still have question marks from 3 and defending the 3. Can we shore these up? If we can make the 3 consistently then defending the 3 doesn't become as big of an issue.

6. Dribble Drive Defense is severely lacking and if the game is called tight our bigs tend to be in foul trouble.




Thoughts? Anything to add?

 

[imajericho]

Also, our biggest threat to the ACC crown is ironically Notre Dame. Their schedule is soft and they are a 1.5 games back and have the tie breaker over us.

 

[Archer2]

The Bad Possibilities/Questions...

1. What if Paige never does consistently perform? This could be the thing which kills us in a close game.

2. Basketball IQ is a bit suspect. We tend to not make the smart decision in game situations which are most advantageous to us.

3. If our consistency again plummets on others who are performing well.

4. We could play ourselves out of a good seed / location in the tourney still.

5. Still have question marks from 3 and defending the 3. Can we shore these up? If we can make the 3 consistently then defending the 3 doesn't become as big of an issue.

6. Dribble Drive Defense is severely lacking and if the game is called tight our bigs tend to be in foul trouble.




Thoughts? Anything to add?

These are all legitimate concerns, IMO. There is much that is yet to be determined, including the ACC Champion, NCAA seeds, and the NCAAT winner itself. I know I'm considered one of the "Sunshine Boys" but I still like our chances. It's all about getting hot at the right time. UConn lost 8 games before they won their last 6 to win the whole enchilada in '14.

We aren't a dominant team but I don't see any dominant teams out there. I think we have as good a chance to make the Final Four as any team. Once you get there, anything can happen.

 

[acarter0277]

My other concern would be Meeks. After getting benched, does he flip the switch and become an animal, or does he check out like JP did last season.

 

[UNC&ME]

the main aspect I wonder is RW-will he change his approach-every game is OAD-such as calling TOs in the first half after almost never having to during the season? will he shorten the rotation-use a TO for rest to keep best players fresh and keep the focus(basketball IQ-set play for Paige/Brice)..............every team(bluebloods and pre season favorites) has lost a game or two that makes the head scratch-the brackets may not follow form and end up very favorable-wait and see til bracketology there..the main is the team playing well defensively-the coaching will be on high alert ...the great mystery will be officials in the early rounds until the better officials call the Elite 8 and so on

 

[imajericho]

My other concern would be Meeks. After getting benched, does he flip the switch and become an animal, or does he check out like JP did last season.

I think Meeks is what he is. He doesn't generally have high energy high motor plays. A lot of his good games are simply games where he was in the right position at the right time.

 

[Spacegrass]

I am just glad Roy seems to have decided to make the change and let Hicks be the 2nd big man behind Brice. Plus Meeks and James seem to play better together.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Play like we did today and we are national championship, that's good play like we did Wednesday and we could be gone on the first weekend!

 

[bleeduncblue]

Also, our biggest threat to the ACC crown is ironically Notre Dame. Their schedule is soft and they are a 1.5 games back and have the tie breaker over us.

ND will lose at GT this evening. Book it.

 

[Ozheelfan]

My other concern would be Meeks. After getting benched, does he flip the switch and become an animal, or does he check out like JP did last season.

Sure as hell hope not. He has the potential to bring court smarts, shot blocking and decent scoring in off the bench this year.
I'm hoping too that Kennedy now sees the NBA is still way off in the distance. I still believe he can work himself into Pro shape but enough dieting and running, he needs to seek out Guru Sheed in the summer for a double dose of man pills.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Also, our biggest threat to the ACC crown is ironically Notre Dame. Their schedule is soft and they are a 1.5 games back and have the tie breaker over us.

The UVa game next weekend is for the ACC regular season championship.

 

[Heelicious]

I think Meeks is what he is. He doesn't generally have high energy high motor plays. A lot of his good games are simply games where he was in the right position at the right time.

I thought Meeks looked decent today. Maybe even outfought some guys for a couple rebounds and loose balls. Looked good on offense. I think relying on him to be a 20-12 guy is unrealistic, but he doesn't need to be. He does need to move quicker on defense though. I think I'd take what he gave us today, for the rest of the year.

And..... I totally like Hicks starting (but I'd play him longer) and bring Meeks off the bench.

 

[Heelicious]

The good things...



The Bad Possibilities/Questions...

1. What if Paige never does consistently perform? This could be the thing which kills us in a close game.

2. Basketball IQ is a bit suspect. We tend to not make the smart decision in game situations which are most advantageous to us.

3
5. Still have question marks from 3 and defending the 3. Can we shore these up? If we can make the 3 consistently then defending the 3 doesn't become as big of an issue.

6.

Thoughts? Anything to add?

All good positive points. the Bad ones are legit too, but here are my thoughts....

I think Paige would be fine if he took a bit better shots. The 3s hi missed today were desperation, closely guarded, under duress of shot clock, floating sideways, or some combo. I think he can be fine when he takes it to the hole, or gets a good squared up 3.

I think our basketball IQ is basically absolutely fine. I didn't watch the Duke game, but today I didn't sense any times really today were we took dumb shot after dumb shot. It seems we moved the ball really nicely today, and people thought through passing up an OK shot to move the ball and get a great shot. Especially Paige, Berry, Britt. I sense that is the opposite of what happened against Duke

I believe we're even OK from 3. Not saying we can go cold, but there are fewer times when we leave people wide freaking open for 3 seconds to line up the seams on the ball and get their feet set. We just need to make sure we have the right guys taking them at the right (unguarded) times for us.

One "bad" for us. We still have a lot of work to do on the defensive boards and on getting 50/50 balls. We did rebound better in the second half but they got too many O rebs in first half, and they got a couple 50/50 balls because they had the will to get on the floor, when we just stood there and refused to get on the floor for it.

 

[imajericho]

All good positive points. the Bad ones are legit too, but here are my thoughts....

I think Paige would be fine if he took a bit better shots. The 3s hi missed today were desperation, closely guarded, under duress of shot clock, floating sideways, or some combo. I think he can be fine when he takes it to the hole, or gets a good squared up 3.

I think our basketball IQ is basically absolutely fine. I didn't watch the Duke game, but today I didn't sense any times really today were we took dumb shot after dumb shot. It seems we moved the ball really nicely today, and people thought through passing up an OK shot to move the ball and get a great shot. Especially Paige, Berry, Britt. I sense that is the opposite of what happened against Duke

I believe we're even OK from 3. Not saying we can go cold, but there are fewer times when we leave people wide freaking open for 3 seconds to line up the seams on the ball and get their feet set. We just need to make sure we have the right guys taking them at the right (unguarded) times for us.

One "bad" for us. We still have a lot of work to do on the defensive boards and on getting 50/50 balls. We did rebound better in the second half but they got too many O rebs in first half, and they got a couple 50/50 balls because they had the will to get on the floor, when we just stood there and refused to get on the floor for it.

Paige is forcing a lot of shots. Which plays into what you said.

 

[imajericho]

ND will lose at GT this evening. Book it.

That was hella ballsy.

 

[bleeduncblue]

That was hella ballsy.

I'm on a bigtime roll today ... UNC -6.5, Oklahoma money line, Ga Tech money line ... if the Warriors can cover -4.5 vs the Clippers, mmmmmmmm baby

 

[keysersosay#1]

man A GOOD day just got even BETTER with ND going down. The Heels win, Dook and ND lose....... SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sk1310]

I'm on a bigtime roll today ... UNC -6.5, Oklahoma money line, Ga Tech money line ... if the Warriors can cover -4.5 vs the Clippers, mmmmmmmm baby

Dang dude. Share the love haha

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

A big positive today was the point production from the 2nd unit of Britt, James, Pinson and Meeks...That unit had at least 30 points...

 

[strummingram]

UVa is the team we have to beat now. In Charlottesville, ranked higher, probably a more consistent team, and arguably the best team we've played thus far.

 

[bleeduncblue]

UVa is the team we have to beat now. In Charlottesville, ranked higher, probably a more consistent team, and arguably the best team we've played thus far.

Mooooo is the team we need to beat now -- in no way should our crew look past this one in Raleigh, we will get their absolute best, as we all know.

 

[bleeduncblue]

Dang dude. Share the love haha

I jinxed myself ... the dang Warriors had a 16 point lead with 4 minutes left ... and won by 3 points. Sickening!

 

[Archer2]

That's my kinda luck right there Bleed.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

UVa is the team we have to beat now. In Charlottesville, ranked higher, probably a more consistent team, and arguably the best team we've played thus far.

NOT better than Maryland.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Also, our biggest threat to the ACC crown is ironically Notre Dame. Their schedule is soft and they are a 1.5 games back and have the tie breaker over us.

Good point about ND. Here's their remaining schedule (cut and pasted from another thread). While there's plenty of upset potential there, ND should win 3 or 4 of those games.

24 - Notre Dame (18-8 9-5)
136 - Wake
55 - Florida St
15 - MIAMI
63 - NC STATE

 

[32TheEnigma]

Miami is hot garbage. That win proved nothing.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Miami is hot garbage. That win proved nothing.

Baaaa, go home..that game was for 1st place in the ACC with handful of games left..I guess we'll take it

 

[Archer2]

Miami is hot garbage. That win proved nothing.

Is this the same Miami that is 21-5 and tied for 2nd in the league? The same team that has beaten:

Utah
Butler
Florida
Syracuse
dook
ND
Pitt
And swept FSU? They're "hot garbage" and dominating them means nothing?

I would venture that most basketball fans would disagree.

 

[gobblercalls]

I would venture that most basketball fans would disagree.

I would venture that most basketball fans with at least half a brain would disagree. Fixed it for you Archie 2. Hope that's okay!

 

[illini-heel]

Is this the same Miami that is 21-5 and tied for 2nd in the league? The same team that has beaten:

Utah
Butler
Florida
Syracuse
dook
ND
Pitt
And swept FSU? They're "hot garbage" and dominating them means nothing?

I would venture that most basketball fans would disagree.

Florida (17-10), Syracuse (56 RPI) and Butler (62 RPI) are TERRIBLE! They are all bubble teams. That said, Miami has some decent wins, but several are less impressive than once thought.

 

[BeezerHeel]

Play like we did today and we are national championship, that's good play like we did Wednesday and we could be gone on the first weekend!

Considering Miami hasn't done jack in the tournament that's not very reassuring for me. Even when they won the conference they were run out in the 2nd, I believe.

 

[BeezerHeel]

Sure as hell hope not. He has the potential to bring court smarts, shot blocking and decent scoring in off the bench this year.
I'm hoping too that Kennedy now sees the NBA is still way off in the distance. I still believe he can work himself into Pro shape but enough dieting and running, he needs to seek out Guru Sheed in the summer for a double dose of man pills.

Lol. Ra would scare his little heart all the way back to CLT.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Considering Miami hasn't done jack in the tournament that's not very reassuring for me. Even when they won the conference they were run out in the 2nd, I believe.

Yeah but you know as well as I do our winning and losing is all about us not about who we play!

We are our own worst enemy, I fully believe we are the most talented team in the country and yesterday we showed what we can do to any team in the country if they play engaged!

 

[Bubspub88]

One of the biggest plays was in second half. Theo made a lazy pass right o a Miami player but busted his butt to get back and dove to knock it away. Heels came up with the turnover to prevent a transition basket. Heels were as focused on the floor as I have seen this year.

 

[BeezerHeel]

Yeah but you know as well as I do our winning and losing is all about us not about who we play!

We are our own worst enemy, I fully believe we are the most talented team in the country and yesterday we showed what we can do to any team in the country if they play engaged!

I can't argue with you when you say we are our own worse enemy. #truth

We could lose in the 2nd round or we could go to the FF. Nothing will shock me or any of us, I imagine

 

[Archer2]

Miami is hot garbage. That win proved nothing.

Miami beats UVA tonight. Still think they're hot garbage?

 

[imajericho]

Louisville is now our main threat to the acc championship.

 

[r_u_worthy]

Miami winning tonight is a good result for us. By owning the tiebreaker vs the canes we have a virtual 2 game lead on the field except the cards who are not eligible for post season.

 

[Archer2]

Just curious. If UofL were to win the ACC, would the 2nd place team receive the automatic bid, possibly enabling a bubble team from the ACC to get in? Or are they even eligible to win the ACC since they are banned from postseason play? Strange situation.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Just curious. If UofL were to win the ACC, would the 2nd place team receive the automatic bid, possibly enabling a bubble team from the ACC to get in? Or are they even eligible to win the ACC since they are banned from postseason play? Strange situation.

I'm not positive, but I'd assume Louisville would get credit for the regular season conference championship, but then the second place team would get the #1 seed in the ACCT. I don't know what would happen with the auto bid, but I'm not sure that it matters. Regardless of if the auto bid went to #2, or just disappeared, the committee would end up just picking the last team in from the bubble, and I would imagine they wouldn't ensure it was an ACC team if the first team out wouldn't have been ACC.