Joel James appreciation thread

[TarHeelNation11]

I don't post much on Radar anymore but I did feel compelled to start this thread.

Let me say upfront that my two favorite Heels on this current version are Justin and Paige, but the player I definitely get the most "warm and fuzzies" watching is by far Joel James. I'm so proud and tickled that he's progressed as much as he has. You can see it in his face, his emotions, and how he carries himself on the court -- he's giving it his absolute all on every possession.

Without his six (?) points and his rebounds, we very well may lose to Syracuse yesterday. Players like Joel are what keeps me watching college basketball (well, Heels basketball). I love the progression Joel has gone through; I love that he's getting 100% out of his abilities and trying so hard. And I'll tell you what, I have a sneaky suspicion that he will have a big time game for us in a crucial spot somewhere down the line this season.

Discuss.

 

[tmatheny]

Thank you for starting this post. Big Joel deserves this credit and recognition. My dad early on couldn't understand why Roy played him at all. I sent him an article on his background as well as how he is the sole rep for all ACC student-athletes to the NCAA and how he loves, bleeds and dies UNC. As my dad said after all that, play the young man; that type of devotion and passion is what you want in college athletics. Paige is the outright leader of this team but Joel is right behind him

 

[TPFKAPFS]

The progression of this young man is astonishing! He has improved as much as any Tar Heel I remember. He works so hard and has learned how to use his big body. He plays with a joy and intensity that is fun to watch and his skills are catching up to his "want to".

Our staff really know how to develop bigs!

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

He's not 'soft' either, I love his toughness and effort. Great kid.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Yup, Joel is a valuable member of this Heels TEAM. Love that he's getting meaningful minutes.

 

[TarHeelMark]

Well said all. Here's to big Joel!

 

[al would]

Absolutely. He is a great representative of the UNC program as well as being an exemplary student athlete.

 

[mahncpa1]

Joel definitely gives great effort. He is now taking advantage of
teams paying more attention to Brice. I think Joel pushes the other big guys
In practice which makes them better. Way to go big fella!

 

[UNCbeliever]

Limited talent but has learned how he can be effective this year and is giving excellent minutes. Love his hustle, and he's a great kid.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

All I know he wears a Carolina jersey proudly and represents the university well and that is something all of his distractions can NEVER take away from him.

 

[Spacegrass]

He has filled in admirably while Meeks has been down.

 

[Archer2]

Great thread THN11! On a team full of likeable characters, JoEL and Stilman are my favorites.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Gotta LOVE kids like Big Joel, he could have went to several other places but WANTED to be a Tar Heel. Glad we have him.

 

[Archer2]

Me too Mike. He's contributing in games now. He's been doing so in practice and on the sidelines for a long time. Love me some Dancing Bear.