Hubert Davis

[big_deez]

It is striking to me to think, Hubert was hired out of a broadcast booth by Roy, was Roy's assistant coach for all those years, was Roy's hand picked successor, yet guides his teams to play in a way that is polar opposite to what Roy did? Now Roy was not a clone of Dean, Roy passed on the multiple defensive approach Dean ran to perfection. Never understood why actually, always felt Roy would have had much better defensive teams had he used more of Dean's defensive approach. But Roy did bring a LOT of Dean's approach to offense, the breaks were basically institutionalized, as was owning the boards, playing thru your big men, ect.

Hubert has strayed so far from what both Roy or Dean taught that it is just not recognizable on either end of the court. Not all students walk lock step with their teacher. But you need to do no more than read this thread from page 1 to now page 6 to see that many and I do believe many more when Hubert was chosen, really wanted and expected more of a continuation of what has led UNC to be a MT Rushmore level program. Some alter, tweaks, and pivots sure (LOL) but the ability to clearly see UNC in the way the teams played. I don't think anyone was looking for experimental ball, let's try this and see IF it works. The expectation was let's do what we know works, tweak it sure but don't toss the old to the trash heap of history? It is a constant hammer of square pegs in to round holes, why do you still have square pegs to your desired approach 3.5yrs into your tenure as head coach? You don't have the excuse that you are having to work with Roy's players, you have a grand total of 1 Roy player remaining, you have more players on this team developed by other college coaches than you have those developed by Roy.

There has been a concern from the very day Hubert was picked to be our head coach, had nothing to do with his race and I should not even have to say that, it was all about Hubert's lack of experience as a head coach, much less a head coach at this level. UNC is simply not a place for OJT as a head basketball coach, no Rushmore level program is. New coaches have to develop just like new players have to develop, it is a huge risk to ignore that, it is a gamble and UNC just is not a program to gamble it legacy with.

There has been 1 and only 1 guy that I felt could have taken on the job and come close to what Dean did (who was himself and exception but in a very different time than we have now) and do so because he was a walking talking near clone of Dean in his vision of how the game should be played on both ends of the court, Phil Ford. I actually think Hubert could be a really good head coach at a major program given around 10yrs or so to perfect his approaches, get the tinkering out of the way and understand what works and what doesn't but you don't get tinker time at UNC, you hit the ground running or you hit the road, to whom great things are given, great things are expected. I am not able to see great things right now and I expect less and less every season of late, that is not UNC level.

I like Hubert, I think he is a great man, wish more men were like Hubert Davis, this world would be a much better place. How I see him as a man has nothing to do with how I see him as a coach.

Ds, good stuff from you here. Before I even read his name, I knew you were going to say Phil Ford. I have been thinking that for a while but just didn't have to balls to mention his name here, honestly didn't feel like responding to all the potential negativity lmao...Honestly, I think he would have been a very good fit. Is it too late to at least bring him in?

 

[big_deez]

Objective fans saw this as the likely scenario when the hire was made. And here we are. Mired in mediocrity and underperforming against teams with less talent because of a coaching deficiency. How many games have you felt like HD really out coached the opposing coach? For me it hasn’t been very often.

But the Carolina arrogance of hiring a Carolina guy and then hiring an all Carolina staff has led us here so nobody to blame but those from within the family that made this happen.

Does bubba have the guts to correct this at the end of the season?

Exactly man, to add... When Steve Robinson was sent packing, I knew that was going to be a big problem...

 

[NathanFielder]

Objective fans saw this as the likely scenario when the hire was made. And here we are. Mired in mediocrity and underperforming against teams with less talent because of a coaching deficiency. How many games have you felt like HD really out coached the opposing coach? For me it hasn’t been very often.

But the Carolina arrogance of hiring a Carolina guy and then hiring an all Carolina staff has led us here so nobody to blame but those from within the family that made this happen.

Does bubba have the guts to correct this at the end of the season?

On the middle paragraph, Hubert said during his intro presser that you need to be a UNC guy to coach here. So it will at least take him to admit that mistake or be forced into making changes to that.

It’s a truly bizarre, almost cult-like belief.

 

[dtodd4475]

The College Football Championship may give Hubert a glimmer of hope. 😆 Each coach was hearing fire him, he's not ready for this level heavily from their fanbases after disappointing years last year and an unforgivable loss this year. ND to Northern Illinois, and Ohio State to Michigan.

Both are getting the love now. Especially Freeman.

 

[ACokeForRoy]

I catch On3 Twitter- X post weekly about 4-5 stars in the class of 25 or 26 and what schools are in contact the most. I haven't seen 1 kid mention UNC has been in contact. Tells you a lot.

 

[1heel4life]

I agree that season went totally south. I do not think Roy would have lost that team to that extent, but I also do not think that team would of been there in the first place, they would have split off.

Hubert has earned his position squarely on the hot seat, that is the nature of the beast. I think the remainder of this year, and next will determine his status. I do not think he will go after this year, and certainlywon't be extended.

Good year last year, followed by what looks to be bad, without some crazy run that is. Great tourney run, national runner-up, after taking down a loaded dook team in epic fashion twice, followed by a total flop. Equals hot seat, success and failures early on.

This 3 and a half year run is not an unprecedented struggle though for UNC, heck the 4 years preceding it was worse. I just don't see the ax being so near as some. Seat is warm though, and rightfully so

I catch On3 Twitter- X post weekly about 4-5 stars in the class of 25 or 26 and what schools are in contact the most. I haven't seen 1 kid mention UNC has been in contact. Tells you a lot.

Scheyer will still be at dook long after Hubs is long GONE!!!!!!!!!

 

[DSouthr]

So let me ask this question what would Roy have done with the returning team the year after the Natty game run? Roy would not have IMO lost the team the next year that Hubert missed the tournament with. We had the tool the next year and we dropped the ball, windows for winning championship is small and if you miss those they re hard to get again. It's not like they was good and just slipped up and lost they was never even close and I think coaching is to blame.

Really interesting question, off top of my head, I do think there would have been some changes. First, strongly believe we would have had Adioo. Aidoo didn't like Hubert working to bring Kessler back and not treating him like a major recruiting focus. BTW, I 100% agreed with Hubert working to get Kessler back. I think we would have got Manek but doubt we would have got involved with Garcia, we may have added a more classic 4 however. I think Roy would have wanted Manek because he would realize he needed big time jump shooting from either the 3 or the 4 and Leaky would have been our 3 so he needed a jump shooting 4. I think he would have rotated Leaky between the 2 and 3, making a good bit of use of Styles and Puff at the 3/4.

I think Roy would have greatly toned down Caleb's shooting, RJ as well but Caleb would have been either a far more defensive presence or be shown the door. I would not say Roy was overly happy with either Caleb or RJ as PGs, doubt one of the two would have made it past that first second season with us. I would suggest we would not have seem nearly as much Caleb and RJ on the floor together, Demarco Dunn I think would have got a stronger look as a soph, I suspect he and both don't transfer out. I as well strongly suspect we don't lose Ant Harris to grades, Roy had a pretty good handle on his players that were close grade wise. Kind of feel losing him was a bit of rookie head coach not having a great handle on what may have been seen as a small thing that really isn't small. But I can't know that so I will come from a no Ant Harris aspect (but Ant starts if he was on the team). 2 guys that Roy really liked were Ant and Styles. I think Garrison Brooks stays for his last season.

I do not think you would have seen an iron 5 because I don't think Garcia would have been interested, he was looking for more of a featured role. Puff getting hurt but you would have seen much more Styles. Bacot would not have had to be in for as many minutes. lessening the ankle issue, because we would have had Aidoo in the wings. The ball would go thru the big men, it would have for sure touched the paint much more. Roy would not have talked about his team playing fast, they would have played fast, we would be in full use of both primary and secondary breaks and not nearly as much half court slow down offense. I think it would look like:

Bacot backed up by Aidoo at the 5
Brooks backed up by Manek at the 4
Styles, backed up by Puff and Leaky swinging to the 3 when needed
Leaky (don't forget Roy loved his defensive ace Kenny Williams) backed up by Caleb and Demarco
Caleb backed up by RJ and those 2 may switch later season, especially with Caleb getting shot happy.

Solid team, I think they would have had a very UNC like regular season, around a 3 seed going in to the tourney and considered a elite 8 level team that could have still got hot and made the natty game. BUT, Bacot's ankle would not have been the issue it became. We could have allowed him the time for it to heal in the regular season, we had Aidoo and Brooks to handle the 5 if Bacot had to rest that ankle.

 

[DSouthr]

Exactly man, to add... When Steve Robinson was sent packing, I knew that was going to be a big problem...

I didn't think it was a big deal when Steve left but Steve was much more of a guy that the players went to than I realized, they loved and trusted him. His leaving was a much larger thing that I realized at the time, he was in a way Roy's version of coach Gut, someone like that Hubert desperately needs..

 

[ACokeForRoy]

Ds, good stuff from you here. Before I even read his name, I knew you were going to say Phil Ford. I have been thinking that for a while but just didn't have to balls to mention his name here, honestly didn't feel like responding to all the potential negativity lmao...Honestly, I think he would have been a very good fit. Is it too late to at least bring him in?

I believe this is the reason Steve Robinson wasn’t retained. Too much like Roy for Hubert.

I didn't think it was a big deal when Steve left but Steve was much more of a guy that the players went to than I realized, they loved and trusted him. His leaving was a much larger thing that I realized at the time, he was in a way Roy's version of coach Gut, someone like that Hubert desperately needs..

I want someone to ask Hubert about coach Robinson at one of post game interviews. Just interested to hear what Hubert has to say.

 

[Oak ridger]

Scheyer will still be at dook long after Hubs is long GONE!!!!!!!!!

I agree

 

[DSouthr]

Scheyer will still be at dook long after Hubs is long GONE!!!!!!!!!

You may be right, things absolutely have to change for the better for Hubert to out last Schyer but that is more a problem of Hubert that praise for Schyer. I suspect, given the same players Schyer has been GIFTED by K, there are well over 300 NCAA coaches right now that would have brought in similar results.

I can't judge how good Schyer is as a coach, appears to be a good baby sitter but outside of that who couldn't bring in a big time season with 3 NBA next draft first rounders and possibly 2 of them being lotto. Could even have at least 1 more NBA first rounder in the next draft for a total of 4? And of course he already has the legacy Boozer twins on the way for next season. At some point, he is going to have to go out and win the recruits that are not hand delivered or not looking to play with their buddy that was hand delievred him, then we may see what level coach he is. I suspect he is not experienced enough to be a great coach, he was never a head coach before getting picked by K either.

 

[notashelbyfan]

I want someone to ask Hubert about coach Robinson at one of post game interviews. Just interested to hear what Hubert has to say.

He can't answer that question and when I say he can't answer that question I mean literally. You were asking a lot he can't even articulate why a defensive switch or substitution was made in a game that was played 20 minutes before he stepped into the room.

Hubert reminds me of a guy that's trying the "fake it till you make" way of thinking but he not very good at it. As my dad used to say he don't have a bullshitter bone in his body.

 

[big_deez]

I believe this is the reason Steve Robinson wasn’t retained. Too much like Roy for Hubert.

I want someone to ask Hubert about coach Robinson at one of post game interviews. Just interested to hear what Hubert has to say.

AC, yea, I'd love to hear his response on that one. However I suspect we know why, you mentioned it, seems like HD wanted his own gig, clear out the RW way. Mainly tho, having Mr. Robinson with more experience and knowledge, would cause an uncomfortable level of accountability for HD, and he knows it...

 

[GoNtheDistance]

He can't answer that question and when I say he can't answer that question I mean literally. You were asking a lot he can't even articulate why a defensive switch or substitution was made in a game that was played 20 minutes before he stepped into the room.

Hubert reminds me of a guy that's trying the "fake it till you make" way of thinking but he not very good at it. As my dad used to say he don't have a bullshitter bone in his body.

the accuracy here

 

[dtodd4475]

Really interesting question, off top of my head, I do think there would have been some changes. First, strongly believe we would have had Adioo. Aidoo didn't like Hubert working to bring Kessler back and not treating him like a major recruiting focus. BTW, I 100% agreed with Hubert working to get Kessler back. I think we would have got Manek but doubt we would have got involved with Garcia, we may have added a more classic 4 however. I think Roy would have wanted Manek because he would realize he needed big time jump shooting from either the 3 or the 4 and Leaky would have been our 3 so he needed a jump shooting 4. I think he would have rotated Leaky between the 2 and 3, making a good bit of use of Styles and Puff at the 3/4.

I think Roy would have greatly toned down Caleb's shooting, RJ as well but Caleb would have been either a far more defensive presence or be shown the door. I would not say Roy was overly happy with either Caleb or RJ as PGs, doubt one of the two would have made it past that first second season with us. I would suggest we would not have seem nearly as much Caleb and RJ on the floor together, Demarco Dunn I think would have got a stronger look as a soph, I suspect he and both don't transfer out. I as well strongly suspect we don't lose Ant Harris to grades, Roy had a pretty good handle on his players that were close grade wise. Kind of feel losing him was a bit of rookie head coach not having a great handle on what may have been seen as a small thing that really isn't small. But I can't know that so I will come from a no Ant Harris aspect (but Ant starts if he was on the team). 2 guys that Roy really liked were Ant and Styles. I think Garrison Brooks stays for his last season.

I do not think you would have seen an iron 5 because I don't think Garcia would have been interested, he was looking for more of a featured role. Puff getting hurt but you would have seen much more Styles. Bacot would not have had to be in for as many minutes. lessening the ankle issue, because we would have had Aidoo in the wings. The ball would go thru the big men, it would have for sure touched the paint much more. Roy would not have talked about his team playing fast, they would have played fast, we would be in full use of both primary and secondary breaks and not nearly as much half court slow down offense. I think it would look like:

Bacot backed up by Aidoo at the 5
Brooks backed up by Manek at the 4
Styles, backed up by Puff and Leaky swinging to the 3 when needed
Leaky (don't forget Roy loved his defensive ace Kenny Williams) backed up by Caleb and Demarco
Caleb backed up by RJ and those 2 may switch later season, especially with Caleb getting shot happy.

Solid team, I think they would have had a very UNC like regular season, around a 3 seed going in to the tourney and considered a elite 8 level team that could have still got hot and made the natty game. BUT, Bacot's ankle would not have been the issue it became. We could have allowed him the time for it to heal in the regular season, we had Aidoo and Brooks to handle the 5 if Bacot had to rest that ankle.

That's an awful lot of speculation on who would of this or that. The team was splintering up though for sure, and I do believe Manek said he was going pro, if not for Hubert, changed his mind, was play for him or go pro, his words. Garcia was portalled first, wasn't a perfect match at all with Dawson committed. Maybe, Roy would of done similar, I think that is doubtful. Manek wasn't coming or Garcia to what Sharpe and Kessler played as the previous year.