How about a starting backcourt of Felton and Berry

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Yea we all know Coach Williams does not like to start freshmen unless he is forced to due to circumstances like a massive exodus,of players to the NBA or a unexpected transfer but with the points of Meeks and Hicks and Jackson no longer available and Bradley might staying in the draft points must come from somewhere and teaming Felton and Berry together might offset the lost of points from the starting front court of last season.

I expect Pinson and Maye to average close to ten points apiece but someone else will need to step up to give the Heels another scorer. Williams and Woods will be vastly improved and Platek is suppose to be a sharp shooter that Carolina has not had in a while but only time will tell.

There is going to be a ton of pressure on Berry to score big until a 2nd and 3rd scorer can emerge and my hope is that Felton can emerge by the time the ACC wars start in January as one of those scorers.

 

[Jafo4444]

I'm hoping that it's a Berry-Felton backcourt. Williams can come off the bench. Felton is a superior player, he should be getting the majority of the minutes at the 2 imo. Williams is a good kid and plays tough D, but he's not in Felton's league

 

[Sk1310]

I think that's what it will end up being

 

[tarheel0910]

Kenny will start. Roy won't start a freshman over an experienced and capable junior. Felton might end up getting starter minutes, but he won't start.

 

[RP12]

Kenny will start. Roy won't start a freshman over an experienced and capable junior. Felton might end up getting starter minutes, but he won't start.

That would be my expectation to start the season, but I think it depends on Kenny's aggressiveness on offense to keep that starting role. Roy's loyalty is always part of discussing him, and rightfully so, but he will play the best players and do what's best for the team. I could see Kenny benefitting from coming off the bench.

 

[dadika13]

Yep, last two posts are spot on.

 

[superstar57]

Berry-Williams, but if Felton is that guy I could see Roy starting him after awhile. Think Woods becomes this years Nate Britt meaning he gets a chance every game, but his PT depends on him not turning the ball over, but can be that spark also that gets team going.

Felton and Woods will be interesting to see who is getting the back up minutes (if we play up tempo it will not matter).

As far as starting Berry-Williams should be one of highest scoring back courts in the country.

 

[DSouthr]

Yea we all know Coach Williams does not like to start freshmen unless he is forced to due to circumstances like a massive exodus,of players to the NBA or a unexpected transfer but with the points of Meeks and Hicks and Jackson no longer available and Bradley might staying in the draft points must come from somewhere and teaming Felton and Berry together might offset the lost of points from the starting front court of last season.

I expect Pinson and Maye to average close to ten points apiece but someone else will need to step up to give the Heels another scorer. Williams and Woods will be vastly improved and Platek is suppose to be a sharp shooter that Carolina has not had in a while but only time will tell.

There is going to be a ton of pressure on Berry to score big until a 2nd and 3rd scorer can emerge and my hope is that Felton can emerge by the time the ACC wars start in January as one of those scorers.

ID, I don't agree that Roy does not start freshmen unless he is forced to, He wasn't forced to start Marcus as a frosh, in fact many of us wanted PJ to start. Not sure he had to start Justin (with JP there) thou it was his best option. Roy requires a freshman to work on the defensive end more than most freshmen are ready to. Even thou a freshman may be perceived as giving a bit more offensively Roy is going to give the closer call to the upper classman due to knowing the system more and inspiring the frosh to work harder.

WE will see some Joel/Jalek back court, Kenny is going to have his hands full holding on to his starting spot but I suspect he both can and will, mostly because he is a solid defender but he does need to really work on his shooting this off season, has to get more confident in that stroke.

 

[heels05champs]

Kenny will start. Roy won't start a freshman over an experienced and capable junior. Felton might end up getting starter minutes, but he won't start.

Exactly. Anyone that has watched Roy operate over the last 14 years should know that Game 1, Kenny Williams will be starting.

 

[gary-7]

There is going to be a ton of pressure on Berry to score big until a 2nd and 3rd scorer can emerge and my hope is that Felton can emerge by the time the ACC wars start in January as one of those scorers.

You'll defintiely see them on the court together at times, although I suspect we'll see KW starting, but that's not written in stone.

How about this for a possible Roy ACC rotation scenario?

- JB and KW start.
- Just before the Under-12 Jalek replaces KW at the 2.
- Then just before the Under-8, JB goes out and Jalek slides to the 1 and 7th comes in to play the 2.
- JB and KW return at the Under-4 for the duration of the half.

That would translate to about 15-16 minutes for JB, 8-10 for KW, 8-10 for Jalek and 5-6 for 7th for the half, which would fit a nice backcourt rotation where the following would be a typical game line:
Joel 30+ (all at PG)
Kenny 20 + (mostly 2, with some occasional 3)
Jalek 20ish (split between the 2 and PG)
7th 10ish (ideally all at the 2)
(I suspect Platek will see good spot minutes early in the season like BRob did last year, but the rotation will tighten in ACC play)

I think this is very possible, and I'll go on record now asserting that out best chance for success (especially with Tony gone) is JB putting up Phil Ford numbers and Jalek being his primary back-up.

 

[trestyles]

I would prefer Joel and Felton to start. KW being offense off the bench, and playing big mins in crucial moments doing the line. I think Felton would be too talented to bring off the bench. However, we never know with Roy and freshman.

 

[Steat]

I don't think Felton or Williams start. My prediction for game one starters (assuming Cam comes on board)

Berry
Pinson
Johnson
Maye
Brooks

First 5 subs
Woods
Felton
Williams
Huffman
B-Rob

 

[gary-7]

I would prefer Joel and Felton to start. KW being offense off the bench, and playing big mins in crucial moments doing the line. I think Felton would be too talented to bring off the bench. However, we never know with Roy and freshman.

And don't forget about defense and physical maturity. Kenny is a proven "plus" defender, and Jalek will have to show Roy he's willing and able to defend at a strong level for Roy to give him the starting nod over KW.

Either way, as I said above I see 20+ min/game for Young Felton. MY biggest thing is I want Jalek to take all the backup PG minutes.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Williams will be the starter based on experience and defense.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

There is no chance that 7th doesn't get some of the back up PG minutes! He will get most of his minutes there. JB and KW will start nexte season, but Felton could reach starter level minutes between the 2 positions by ACC time! Roy does what is best for the team and sometimes this means starting the apparently lesser talented player if the mentality of the players demands it or the team dynamic does. D will clearly separate them as well as their dedication to practice! I do see some 3/4G potential with JB, KW, Felton, and TP in at the same time though! Add Brooks or Huff to this mix and wow! I expect 7th to make a serious leap next season and he will have us calling for more PT!

 

[Tom79]

Agreed TPFK, 7th is, IMO, going to get minutes at PG not SG, sorry gary7, he hasn't hit the broadside of a barn, yet.
Having watched Jalek he is a layer and he can bring a great deal to the backcourt, at the 2. If he and JB are on the floor look out. Same with TP if he slides out, kids better be looking for those passes from Jalek or TP from anywhere, and I mean anywhere on the floor. A sure positive is that Jalek and Huff have played together and some of the passes he delivers to the big un are supper.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Yup. Felton has already shown the ability to make his team mates better. Those drop offs to Huff made his shots so easy. How many one step slams did he get? JB, JF, and TP slinging passes all over the court could possibly make up for what we lost.

Lineup I want to see:
JB
JF
TP
LM
Brooks
3 elite passers, 3 shooters, 5 willing rebounders, 4 potentially elite defenders (1 willing but athletically challenged), 3 ball handlers (2 elite), 5 great attitudes!

 

[Tom79]

TAR HEELS! I like the way you think TPFK. They could hurt some teams with that lineup. Huff or Brooks work for me.

 

[tarheel0910]

I don't think Felton or Williams start. My prediction for game one starters (assuming Cam comes on board)

Berry
Pinson
Johnson
Maye
Brooks

First 5 subs
Woods
Felton
Williams
Huffman
B-Rob

I would be very surprised if Pinson plays anything besides the 3/4 unless the situation calls for it. I think him starting at the 3 is almost a lock.

 

[imajericho]

Williams is not starting. Berry Felton Pinson Maye Brooks.

 

[imajericho]

Also who the hell is Johnson???

Did I just forget a player randomly? Nvm Cam.


If Cam comes I think the starting 5 should be...

Berry
Felton
Johnson
Pinson
Brooks

Or

Berry
Johnson
Pinson
Maye
Brooks

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

I think Maye will start next year, and I'm not nearly as nervous about that as I was halfway through last season. He should be the starter - he's the most experienced big we have.

If we get Cam Johnson - it's possible he starts at the 2. Even though he's a first year player for the team, he wouldn't be a freshman which seems to be Roy's reluctance to start. Anyone who thinks Felton will start to begin the year (without any unforeseen injuries), clearly hasn't paid much attention the last few years with Roy's loyalty to upperclassmen. He tried to cram the square peg (Nate Britt) through the round hole (starting spot) for as long as he possibly could before he eventually threw in the towel, FFS.

 

[gary-7]

Agreed TPFK, 7th is, IMO, going to get minutes at PG not SG, sorry gary7, he hasn't hit the broadside of a barn, yet.
Having watched Jalek he is a layer and he can bring a great deal to the backcourt, at the 2. If he and JB are on the floor look out. Same with TP if he slides out, kids better be looking for those passes from Jalek or TP from anywhere, and I mean anywhere on the floor. A sure positive is that Jalek and Huff have played together and some of the passes he delivers to the big un are supper.

Well Tom, all I can say is the PG position at Carolina is crucial, and the 7th experiment unfortunately left a lot to be desired. I was encouraged to hear Roy make a point the other day to say that Jalek would play some 1 when he was asked about him playing the 2.

I think Jalek is ready to come in and swing back and forth between backcourt positions, and playing a lot of 1 this season makes a whole lot of sense. After all, next season he needs to be our starting PG!

As for 7th, he is not as bad a shooter as he displayed. In fact I was told he lit it up in a couple of last summer's pick-up games (when he was playing off the ball). He is known to be streaky, so with some adjustment and confidence the kid can score, and IMO that will be better facilitated by relieving him of the burden of trying to run the show, which just doesn't come naturally to him.

 

[Tom79]

We seemed to have Nate out of his position at times last season gary, and the same was true for 7th, so to me 7th seemed to improve by seasons end, if he develops a handle, improves shooting then I'm good with him at the 2 although he gives a few inches Jalek does not or KW does not. If I had to guess Roy is going with JB and KW to start out front and as you (?) mentioned in your 4-5 minute splits, almost everyone (out of need) will see the court.

 

[gary-7]

We seemed to have Nate out of his position at times last season gary, and the same was true for 7th, so to me 7th seemed to improve by seasons end, if he develops a handle, improves shooting then I'm good with him at the 2 although he gives a few inches Jalek does not or KW does not. If I had to guess Roy is going with JB and KW to start out front and as you (?) mentioned in your 4-5 minute splits, almost everyone (out of need) will see the court.

One of the more intriguing questions for sure. I know I harp on it, but PG play is the single biggest factor in the Carolina system being successful, and he doesn't have to be a Phil Ford or a JB, he can also be a Jimmy Black. The key is having a feel for spacing and where the ball is supposed to go to make the offense function, and where it's NOT supposed to go.

That's the part Nate always struggled with and why he ended up helping us more at the 2 despite his physical stature. I fear that putting 7th into the PG position will always be forcing a square peg into a round hole. On the other hand his explosiveness and finishing ability can translate well to the 2, and his athleticism can overcome his modest stature. If he can polish that stroke and get some confidence going I think 7th can be a big contributor off the ball.

Moreover we have a natural born Lead Guard in Jalek ready to learn from and ultimately receive the torch from our current great Lead Guard. I can't see any good reason now to continue to force an experiment in between the continuity of those two studs.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Williams is not starting. Berry Felton Pinson Maye Brooks.

How much would you like to wager on that?

 

[UNCFanforLife]

Roy is going to be in mad scientist mode early in the season. We are going to see all kinds of combos.
My best guest to start on day 1 is.
Berry
Williams
Pinson
Maye
Huffman/Brooks

Though a line up of
Berry
Felton
Williams
Pinson
Huffman/Brooks wouldn't shock me.

Roy is going to be subbing fast and often early.

 

[gary-7]

How much would you like to wager on that?

Yeah, predicting season-opening starting lineups with Roy is hazardous because of his tendency to tinker (and of course balancing personalities and egos), and those starting lineups sometimes change by mid/late-season.

If I had to guess, knowing Roy's history I think JB/KW/TP/LM and Pick-a-Big is pretty safe. I'll hazard the guess of Brooks, because I think Center will be a three-headed rotation... but then again he may want Garrison backing up Luke.

 

[imajericho]

N

How much would you like to wager on that?

Not a lot

 

[2DDIMOND]

Is there any chance we see Berry some at the 2 while Jalek is running the point?

 

[gary-7]

Is there any chance we see Berry some at the 2 while Jalek is running the point?

Probably not, but in our system there are times when the other guy grabs Point while the Secondary is in progress since the 1, 2 & even the 3 become interchangeable for a couple of iterations. Works even better when you have two PGs playing together, plus a Wing who can pass like Theo. I can see Jalek really excelling in the transition game.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I agree that 7th is a streaky shooter and struggled with decision making last year, BUT he has 0 shot at 2 in the pros! He and Roy know this so he will be point for most of the time with a little time at 2 when needed. I can foresee 7th, JB, and Jalek in at the same time though and just letting the near side guard bring it up with others filling in! I also think Brooks will get the first nod at 5. I wonder if we will see any Brooks/Huff frontcourt action together. Roy has already said he will play small more often next year and he has the pieces to do some exciting experimentation! LM and KW will be keys to our success next year IMO!

 

[superstar57]

I agree that 7th is a streaky shooter and struggled with decision making last year, BUT he has 0 shot at 2 in the pros! He and Roy know this so he will be point for most of the time with a little time at 2 when needed.

Are we really talking 7th and pros? IMHO 7th will be a better Nate Britt and will be used a lot like Britt as a spark or change of pace. 7th's atlethecism should be more on display this year as the game should be slowing down for him. I think 7th is another guy that can push the basketball, and will come in at both PG and SG, but his job on court will remain same and that is to push the ball.

 

[gary-7]

I agree that 7th is a streaky shooter and struggled with decision making last year, BUT he has 0 shot at 2 in the pros! He and Roy know this so he will be point for most of the time with a little time at 2 when needed. I can foresee 7th, JB, and Jalek in at the same time though and just letting the near side guard bring it up with others filling in! I also think Brooks will get the first nod at 5. I wonder if we will see any Brooks/Huff frontcourt action together. Roy has already said he will play small more often next year and he has the pieces to do some exciting experimentation! LM and KW will be keys to our success next year IMO!

Well, at this point I'm hoping it's not about anyone's potential pro career. 7th was recruited explicitly as a Combo, and with a 30+ minute starter and the luxury of other fail-safe options Roy stated he was gonna let 7th concentrate on learning PG last season. Hopefully now it's time to learn the 2.

Given the burden falling on our peimeter guys this season, if we've got a Jalek Felton to back up Joel Berry at the most crucial position on the court I would hope we would cease with the experiments and work on passing the torch to the bonafide future star PG.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I disagree that it isn't about someone's pro career! If we believe UNC and Roy are actually different, then we must expect that Roy will consider team goals first, but he also will consider what is in the player's best interest too! I think 7th could grow into an excellent PG with dedication and time. Roy will give him the time and give him a shot to get a look at the pros here or overseas. I THINK Jalek might become an elite PG, but I'm glad we have another being groomed to double our chances. I saw vast improvement in 7th by the end of this year and I am counting on a leap this Summer, but practice will determine peep's PT!

AND I talk about all Tar Heels' chances at the pro level. We have a history of role players getting drafted here or overseas so why not discuss it? Matt Wenstrom played for the Celtics = case closed!

 

[gauchoheel]

You'll defintiely see them on the court together at times, although I suspect we'll see KW starting, but that's not written in stone.

How about this for a possible Roy ACC rotation scenario?

- JB and KW start.
- Just before the Under-12 Jalek replaces KW at the 2.
- Then just before the Under-8, JB goes out and Jalek slides to the 1 and 7th comes in to play the 2.
- JB and KW return at the Under-4 for the duration of the half.

That would translate to about 15-16 minutes for JB, 8-10 for KW, 8-10 for Jalek and 5-6 for 7th for the half, which would fit a nice backcourt rotation where the following would be a typical game line:
Joel 30+ (all at PG)
Kenny 20 + (mostly 2, with some occasional 3)
Jalek 20ish (split between the 2 and PG)
7th 10ish (ideally all at the 2)
(I suspect Platek will see good spot minutes early in the season like BRob did last year, but the rotation will tighten in ACC play)

I think this is very possible, and I'll go on record now asserting that out best chance for success (especially with Tony gone) is JB putting up Phil Ford numbers and Jalek being his primary back-up.

I like this a lot. What about playing Joel off ball some though? He is such a good shooter. Would it make sense to let Felton play point with JB sometimes? Felton looks like a penetrator, although I know he's supposed to be a good shooter too.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

That's what Paige did basically his last two years on the hill and I like the idea of Berry playing the two

 

[gary-7]

I like this a lot. What about playing Joel off ball some though? He is such a good shooter. Would it make sense to let Felton play point with JB sometimes? Felton looks like a penetrator, although I know he's supposed to be a good shooter too.

Personally I love two-PG backcourts. JB and Marcus were very effective.

 

[DSouthr]

I like this a lot. What about playing Joel off ball some though? He is such a good shooter. Would it make sense to let Felton play point with JB sometimes? Felton looks like a penetrator, although I know he's supposed to be a good shooter too.

7th did improve a lot on the fly last season, once he finally got healthier, keep in mind the kid was dinged up to begin last season. I do not agree that the point is a bad fit for 7th, just the fact the kid is seen by most as a combo says there is some PG in his make up. What I saw later season has me confident that 7th has more a PG mindset than Nate did, 7th will constantly look to attack from the PG spot, Nate tended to pull back and reset. Now at times 7th did attack a bit to much (when nothing was really there) but that attacking mindset I do like a lot.

Roy really loves to have 2 PGs on the floor playing together, you are going to see a lot of Joel and Jalek together but I think we will as well see some 7th & Joel in together, maybe some Jalek/7th as well. Really want to see 7th work on his jump shooting, to me that is a real key for him and there is a lot that needs working on there. Needs to stay tied to the hip with Joel this off season and do everything Joel does, just as Joel learned from Marcus.