This kids has a chance at become a really good pro...so his decision isn't that bad. He has a chance to show the scouts and NBA execs his skills in workouts and what not. He has done the Tarheels a great deal by declaring for the draft, he didn't at all seem interested in many of the games this year and that hurt obviously. JP, I thank you for what you have done on the court for the Tarheel but also for what you might have done for the chemistry of next year's team. GOOD LUCK.
JP going bye bye
- Thread starter GACMAN
- Start date
It's been posted about him saying that Roy and the staff not pushing him. Things is you can push a horse to water but he has to drink on his on. Unc has always been team first starting back with Dean and it's the samething now with Roy. He has to realize no one player is bigger than that. So if a player can't handle that it best he move on. Hope he does great things in hi as future.
JP wasn't a college 2! He wasn't a 3 nor a 4 and Ol'Roy even tried to make him a 1! I have no idea what is going on in JP's camp; but, bottom line is he won't get drafted and will have little choice other than to play overseas. Perhaps with his name and hops, he can land a job in China. Of all the prospects on our team, JP needed another year to try and get a shooting touch. On the other hand, I wish him well!
JP is a good college basketball player and was a starter. I remember when people were happy that McAdoo left last year, thinking we would be better without him. That was not the case and we would have been a much better team with McAdoo. I think we would be a better team with JP returning. We need the depth and he is an explosive player that certainly improves our team. Unless we get a recruit to replace him, this really is going to hurt.
Good luck in the NBA JP. You will be missed much more then a lot want to admit.
2nd on the team in steals, assists, 3 point shooting average(37%). 2nd in FG% for all small forwards and guards. Also the best defender we had. You will not be easily replaced.
2nd on the team in steals, assists, 3 point shooting average(37%). 2nd in FG% for all small forwards and guards. Also the best defender we had. You will not be easily replaced.
Sometimes folks just can't outrun stupid, and that appears to be the case here. JP had all the physical gifts a player could ask for. Showed flashes, and should have been, a lock down defender. But as in the Wisconsin game, he seemed to just lose focus and give up easy baskets, and often at the most critical times. He could amaze with a pass, but them you would regret it when the next three attempts were stupid turnovers. He has no reliable jump shot. If he is also a problem in the locker room, that just adds to the problem. Sounds to me like JP isn't as in touch with reality as he should be, and believes he is much better than he really is. He might could slip into the dunk contest if he can latch on with a team, as that aspect is his best quality. But I wouldn't count on that. I fully expect to see PJ in the D-league, or playing in Europe. Sad as with his tools, he could have been a real good player. Evidently he feels he knows more than the coaches.
Some of you are going to have a heart attack over this stuff. Duke fans are very happy right now, but watch their attitude turn quickly if they drop out of the Top 20 next year. It's always about what have you done for me lately.When the season starts next year Duke's title will be forgotten.
Now JP.
I hesitate to jump into the annual thread about players leaving for the NBA because I'm a strong advocate of players leaving if they think it's the right thing to do. I said before the season that JP would leave after this season. If Paige would have been healthy all season he would be leaving also. Kendall Marshall was a terrible outside shooter when he left Chapel Hill, then he turns out to be one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA his rookie year. Danny Green was a good outside shooter for the Heels, but he is a much better outside shooter in the NBA. JP will be a better NBA player. I have no idea whether Brown are Ingram will opt for Chapel Hill now since JP has declared for the NBA, but think the chances are good that we get one of them. The Heels need a superstar freshman player to help them win it all. Ingram or Brown could be the missing piece. How much do you think Hicks and Brice would have developed if McAdoo would have been around this year? You think Duke would have won it all with Suilamon on the team? I wish JP all the best in the NBA and I think the NBA suits his game better than the college game. The Heels will be a better team next year if they land either Brown or Ingram. They may be better even if they don't land either Brown or Ingram. Berry is a Shane Larkin clone...watch out!
This post was edited on 4/9 11:01 AM by Steat
Now JP.
I hesitate to jump into the annual thread about players leaving for the NBA because I'm a strong advocate of players leaving if they think it's the right thing to do. I said before the season that JP would leave after this season. If Paige would have been healthy all season he would be leaving also. Kendall Marshall was a terrible outside shooter when he left Chapel Hill, then he turns out to be one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA his rookie year. Danny Green was a good outside shooter for the Heels, but he is a much better outside shooter in the NBA. JP will be a better NBA player. I have no idea whether Brown are Ingram will opt for Chapel Hill now since JP has declared for the NBA, but think the chances are good that we get one of them. The Heels need a superstar freshman player to help them win it all. Ingram or Brown could be the missing piece. How much do you think Hicks and Brice would have developed if McAdoo would have been around this year? You think Duke would have won it all with Suilamon on the team? I wish JP all the best in the NBA and I think the NBA suits his game better than the college game. The Heels will be a better team next year if they land either Brown or Ingram. They may be better even if they don't land either Brown or Ingram. Berry is a Shane Larkin clone...watch out!
This post was edited on 4/9 11:01 AM by Steat
KM one of the best 3 point shooters in the NBA? I am just not sure a player who's career average number of 3 point attempts is 2.3 and average makes per game is 0.9 can be considered one of the best 3 point shooters in the NBA. There is a lot of difference between hitting 30 odd per cent when you are left wide open because the defense doesn't think you can make the shot (and that is pretty much the only time you take it) and then when you shoot 30 odd per cent and you are a legitimate threat anytime in the game including crunch time. In the words of W. C. Fields "I'll have what you're having".
Marshall was hurt this past year. He shot enough 3 point attempts to "qualify" as one of the top ten 3-point shooters in the NBA his rookie season. Check the facts. Regardless, it has been proven over and over again that some players develop better in the NBA than in college. Let me give you an easy one....Michael Jordan.
I don't think folks have as big an issue with JP leaving regardless of how stupid we think it is, it's more how he left and the comments he made as part of his announcement.
Not a fan of guys who don't take responsibility for their own growth or development. And although JP was forced to play out of position some this year early in the year, he had 3 years body of work to show us and the coaching staff something different. But when you show up each year with a brokeback mountain jump shot, you are going to be relegated to a defensive player who we rely on to rebound and pass to guys who can hit the ocean.
Not a fan of guys who don't take responsibility for their own growth or development. And although JP was forced to play out of position some this year early in the year, he had 3 years body of work to show us and the coaching staff something different. But when you show up each year with a brokeback mountain jump shot, you are going to be relegated to a defensive player who we rely on to rebound and pass to guys who can hit the ocean.
If he put the work into his jumper he claims hes gonna he would def start AND STAR on unc next year. This would raise his draft stock to potential first rd and guaranteed money! This decision is costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars. There is just no way in hell anyone can spin this as a good decision for him. Good luck dude but u effed up.
Posted from Rivals Mobile
Posted from Rivals Mobile
JP was going to have a reduced role on the team next year and probably was going to lose his starting position on the team to Berry. Roy probably told him this. As much as I dislike K, he plays his best players and it paid off this year. After starting 2 years and going to the bench your senior year? JP made the best move and he will be better for it. He will do fine in the NBA. Everyone wins here.
Please you guys, stop using Michael Jordan's name in this thread. It's disrespect. lol. Especially talking about how much he improved solely in the nba. Name anyone that worked harder.. Name anyone that's as competitive. J.P. Tokoto isn't Mike in neither of those categories.
With all that said, I do agree J.P. 'could' improve his jumper for some pro team just as well as he could have improved it in Chapel Hill. My thing is, don't fool yourself into thinking he hasn't been working on it the last 3 years! He may just not be much of a shooter! I have no clue, but I'm pretty confident this staff has been pushing him to fix his main physical weakness during his tenure here.
Good Luck to him. I actually think people who think he doesn't get picked up are fooling themselves. Name an athlete better than Tokoto in this draft. Maybe Willie Cauley Stein, who can't score at all! He DOES take pride in DEFENSE and is going to be a lotto pick because of it. That's the thing I feel J.P. can refocus on and make his career worthwhile. The kid can't shoot, doesn't mean he can't develop that and play in the NBA. Iman Shumpert didn't have the prettiest shot when leaving Georgia Tech neither (please don't compare stats, he was their main option while there so was given every opportunity to score, very different than J.P).
As far as the small backcourt, I recall one of my favorite teams being just as small. The 98 Heels with the backcourt of Cota and Shammond. We had to play a lot more zone with them, and I don't see Roy not making that adjustment with these two. All is well in Chapel Hill!
With all that said, I do agree J.P. 'could' improve his jumper for some pro team just as well as he could have improved it in Chapel Hill. My thing is, don't fool yourself into thinking he hasn't been working on it the last 3 years! He may just not be much of a shooter! I have no clue, but I'm pretty confident this staff has been pushing him to fix his main physical weakness during his tenure here.
Good Luck to him. I actually think people who think he doesn't get picked up are fooling themselves. Name an athlete better than Tokoto in this draft. Maybe Willie Cauley Stein, who can't score at all! He DOES take pride in DEFENSE and is going to be a lotto pick because of it. That's the thing I feel J.P. can refocus on and make his career worthwhile. The kid can't shoot, doesn't mean he can't develop that and play in the NBA. Iman Shumpert didn't have the prettiest shot when leaving Georgia Tech neither (please don't compare stats, he was their main option while there so was given every opportunity to score, very different than J.P).
As far as the small backcourt, I recall one of my favorite teams being just as small. The 98 Heels with the backcourt of Cota and Shammond. We had to play a lot more zone with them, and I don't see Roy not making that adjustment with these two. All is well in Chapel Hill!
Frankly, it really doesn't matter to me why he is leaving. Kid put in 3 years with us and did a lot of good things. I personally didn't think he developed enough but that is me. I am not going to bash him or call him names, but his comments were somewhat puzzling and lead me to believe he may have been who Paige was talking about "not buying into" Roy's system. It happens. Now, if he turns all "McCants" on us, then it is open season, but otherwise I wish him all the best and hope he turns into a very successful pro.
Look, kids leave for a lot of reasons. We may not feel he should leave, but we don't know everything that goes on in his life or what is best for him and his family the way he does. As far as I am concerned he lived up to 3/4 of what I would term his responsibility to UNC (scholarship) and if he feels the time is right to leave now, doesn't "buy into" Roy's system or just doesn't want to be a part of this team, then I want him to move on. I would hate to see what a disgruntled player would do to this team that has so much potential next season, IF that is what he is - disgruntled.
Look, kids leave for a lot of reasons. We may not feel he should leave, but we don't know everything that goes on in his life or what is best for him and his family the way he does. As far as I am concerned he lived up to 3/4 of what I would term his responsibility to UNC (scholarship) and if he feels the time is right to leave now, doesn't "buy into" Roy's system or just doesn't want to be a part of this team, then I want him to move on. I would hate to see what a disgruntled player would do to this team that has so much potential next season, IF that is what he is - disgruntled.
The thing is he could actually hit a three or two, and could be good at attacking the rim, but still inexplicably took early shot clock 18 footers time and again and clanged a ton of them. I don't think he can blame coach for that - I sure don't think he was being told to take that shot.
Maybe what he said was taken out of context, but that quote seen on its own looks like an ignorant parting shot.
Best of luck to JP. If he can make it on a team in the NBA then good for him. If not, the average for playing overseas is $60,000 to $100,000 which is quite a bit more than I make. All that for playing a game, I don't blame him for leaving.
Obviously something's up. He either got the message he wasn't starting and didn't appreciate that or he enters only to withdraw before the deadline. Drafted or not he wont be on an NBA roster next year. Teams just can't afford his shot at this point and he will move to Europe sooner than he thinks. Great athlete, no doubt. Maybe the best we have seen in Chapel Hill in a long time if ever. But the name of the game especially in the NBA is putting points on the scoreboard. And unfortunately for JP he cannot shoot worth beans. We all know that, Roy knows that, and JP does as well.
I wish him all the best and hope I am wrong. But the smart thing is to stay in school and have Hubert work his shot to death. That IMO would be the best chance of a career in the NBA.
I wish him all the best and hope I am wrong. But the smart thing is to stay in school and have Hubert work his shot to death. That IMO would be the best chance of a career in the NBA.
Re: Another unpopular opinion (Tokoto)
Unless there is major magic in Bo Ryan's coaching, Tokoto would have been lucky to averagemore than 7 minutes per game on this Wisconsin team. Tokoto had wrose fundamentals on both halves of the court than the top 8 Badgers in minutes - and maybe the top 10. Ryan does not play people with poor fundementals just because they can make spectacular dunks.
It's really sad to see grown men bash a 21 year old kid that gave his all to the team for three years. Most schools don't keep their players that long in this one and done era. When JP came to Carolina I would never have expected him to stay for three years, but he did. I'm sure some time next year we will hear JP say a lot of people didn't like him, just like JMM said this year and that's not right. Maybe JP is saying if McAdoo can do it, then maybe I can too. Nobody knows the real behind the scenes stuff, unless you talk to Roy and JP. I personally think Roy's offense is not best suited for JP. Nothing wrong with that at all. Roy runs a fast break offense that focuses on the secondary break, and getting the ball inside to the big men regardless if they can score or not. Roy changed the offense when he put PJ into the starting lineup and PJ attacked the basket just as much as he shot threes. I think that would fit JP a lot better than standing around outside the three point line and passing inside to the big men. Also, I don't think it was a dig at Roy with him saying he can be pushed more if he left than he can being in school. I'd be willing to bet that all the people bashing JP would jump at the opportunity to make six figures or more playing basketball at the age of 21. Nobody knows what will happen, but he can make lots of money playing in Europe and some second round picks can get guaranteed money. It's happened lots of times. I wish JP well and just hope that he or his parents don't read this board. It could be reaHe may be an athlete, but I'm sure he has feelings too.
Good Luck JP!
Good Luck JP!
Originally posted by pratt3333:
It's really sad to see grown men bash a 21 year old kid that gave his all to the team for three years.
Yes it is. Pretty embarassing actually.
Most schools don't keep their players that long in this one and done era.
Umm, might want to recheck this one, of the 300+ D1 basketball schools, I'm willing to guess UK is the only one that has 50% or more of their players leave before the start of their junior year.
When JP came to Carolina I would never have expected him to stay for three years, but he did.
Not sure what gave you that impression, he was a 4* ranked 70th in his class... not exactly a one-and-done pedigree
I'm sure some time next year we will hear JP say a lot of people didn't like him, just like JMM said this year and that's not right. Maybe JP is saying if McAdoo can do it, then maybe I can too. Nobody knows the real behind the scenes stuff, unless you talk to Roy and JP. I personally think Roy's offense is not best suited for JP. Nothing wrong with that at all. Roy runs a fast break offense that focuses on the secondary break, and getting the ball inside to the big men regardless if they can score or not. Roy changed the offense when he put PJ into the starting lineup and PJ attacked the basket just as much as he shot threes. I think that would fit JP a lot better than standing around outside the three point line and passing inside to the big men. Also, I don't think it was a dig at Roy with him saying he can be pushed more if he left than he can being in school.
I agree with the general point here. JP should have been more of the slasher that PJ was and he may have been a better fit, but I agree that JP wasn't in the right offense.
I'd be willing to bet that all the people bashing JP would jump at the opportunity to make six figures or more playing basketball at the age of 21.
Uh, ya. I sure as hell know I would, and I think anyone who says they wouldn't is lying to themselves.
Nobody knows what will happen, but he can make lots of money playing in Europe and some second round picks can get guaranteed money. It's happened lots of times. I wish JP well and just hope that he or his parents don't read this board. It could be reaHe may be an athlete, but I'm sure he has feelings too.
Good Luck JP!
[/QUOTE]
Not sure I agree that many people are "bashing" JP on here. Lots of people surprised, but lots of people also think JP has potential to eventually develop at the next level. Lots of people like the starting lineup better with Berry and think Pinson is more than capable of filling in JP's role, but lots of people also recognize we are losing an important player and some critical depth. Lots of people think it might open the door for Ingram, but no one really knows. Overall though, I think most everyone has expressed that the really like JP and wish him well, even if they think the decision was probably not the most wise, of course not knowing all the details. Sure, a few people have bordered on excited that he's leaving because they think it makes the team better in the long run, but whatever. That's not bashing. No one on here has wished him anything but the best. Plus, he acknowledged himself he's not quite ready at the next level and has lots of work to do, so you can't be too surprised that the rest of the fan base was a little shocked by his decision.
Wow. Why are we suddenly acting like these guys are playing church ball and never a discouraging word should be spoken? Trust me, any player except for the walk-ons at the end of the bench come to UNC with visions of the NBA dancing at the forefront of their minds. It is a business. Like it, or not, the college game at this level is the minor leagues for the NBA. And I don't think anyone is wishing JP ill will. It just appears to be an uninformed decision based on his dreams rather than the reality of his game. And as many have alluded to on here, great chance that he would not have started next year. That just enhances the train of thought that JP maybe upset the whole locker room thinking his game was much better than it actually was. But he can leave if he wants. Let's just stop acting like we ought to pat him on the head for working up a sweat for dear old Carolina.
Not sure where you KM stats came from? Marshall has not been in top 20 in any year he has played in the NBA. I don't think any coach or player in the Association would tell you Marshall is a feared 3 point shooter. Like I said it is a big difference taking/hitting a wide open 3 versus it being in your normal arsenal of weapons and it just isn't a normal weapon of his. I personally like KM but staying or going probably didn't affect his 3 point shooting. He has been waived by the Suns.
Yeah, pretty much how I see it...
I know I am supposed to wish the kid good luck & stuff but really, considering his comments, good riddance cause it isn't like your replacement is not already waiting in the wings. WE all knew something wasn't right about this team, hard to really put a marker on exactly what it was but his parting words are those of a chemistry killer in the locker room. Kid is not nearly as talented as a basketball player that he thinks he is, track, maybe football but his basketball IQ is just not real high.
Hope ya studied your foreign languages really well cause ya gonna need one of them! He IMO is not nearly a NBA player, crazy athlete but very little basketball skill.
This is in no way a "sudden" change. There are constantly people on this board that think no Heel does any wrong, and would praise the character of a member of ISIS if they suited up in Carolina Blue. I think posting constructive criticism on current players is fine, and a worthwhile exercise to generate discussion on potential improvements (i.e. Nate Britt is a liability handling the ball late in games - Roy should consider playing Berry more).
However "bashing" JP doesn't do much good now. I have no problem with being real... his jump shot needs work... he's a projected 2nd round pick... or, this could be blessing in disguise in that it opens up a spot for a big recruit. But I don't see the point of saying stuff like "he's so stupid to make this decision" and "I wouldn't want him on the team next year anyways even over a walk on". No one knows his whole situation to the point that they can speculate on whether it was smart. And ya, I'd rather have Ingram than Tokoto next year if given the choice, but I'd rather have Tokoto than an empty scholarship.
Jftr i am not bashing tokoto. I'm bashing his decision. I wish him the best.
Posted from Rivals Mobile
Posted from Rivals Mobile
I think if JP would have just announced he was going most fans would have been cool with it. He didn't really do that though, which kind of brings out people's defensive nature. That is pretty reasonable, especially considering the way he said some of the things he did. If any player really had no right to say those things, he is at the top of the list.
Anytime anyone says anything negative about Roy it's hard not to get a little bit defensive at least. Roy is one of the most classy coaches that loves his players like his own sons. Tokoto is lucky that Jim Boeheim isn't his coach (because of what happened with Tyler Ennis in the 2014 draft). Even after Tokoto said Roy was hindering his development, Roy still issued a classy statement about supporting Tokoto's decision and continuing to help him. I realize 21 is a young age, but I just don't see how any former player could ever want to say one adverse word about Roy.
He didn't say Roy was hindering his development. He said he feels he could be developed more by focusing professionally. Obviously he is asked to sacrifice for the team as every player is. He feels that isn't letting him develop specifically in a way that will help him be a NBA player. Understandable.
Frankly, if Roy WANTS him back, I hope he comes back after testing the waters like Wayne E and a few others did. But I do kinda get the feeling JP has been somewhat of problem wrt chemistry and giving full effort.
For JP to leave like this with no chance of being a 1st rounder there is more to this like he must not have been getting alone with someone or no one!
I felt all year like there was something holding this team back like a locker room issue.
This could be a blessing and we just don't know it yet.
JP is one of my favs but to each his own and I wish him the best and good luck!
I felt all year like there was something holding this team back like a locker room issue.
This could be a blessing and we just don't know it yet.
JP is one of my favs but to each his own and I wish him the best and good luck!
BINGO!
Here is what Roy had to say................................
"J.P. and I have had multiple meetings since the end of the season,
including one yesterday afternoon," says University of North Carolina
head coach Roy Williams.
"He has made the decision to enter the NBA Draft at this time. We
support J.P. in his decision and will continue to assist him as he
pursues his dream of playing professional basketball. J.P. has made
significant contributions to our program. My staff and I wish him great
success as he moves forward."
AJ did a good job of dissecting the situation.
I hope Tokoto has a great professional career and I appreciate the work he put in and the efforts he made while at Carolina.
Meanwhile, Carolina lacrosse has a huge game tomorrow at 4p against Syracuse in Chapel Hill, followed up by another huge game next weekend at ND. The ACC is wide open coming down the stretch and the Heels have looked great this year. Yall should come to Fetzer tomorrow if you are looking to spend an enjoyable afternoon in the sun, watching an intense Carolina game. Eye candy should be out in full force too.
I hope Tokoto has a great professional career and I appreciate the work he put in and the efforts he made while at Carolina.
Meanwhile, Carolina lacrosse has a huge game tomorrow at 4p against Syracuse in Chapel Hill, followed up by another huge game next weekend at ND. The ACC is wide open coming down the stretch and the Heels have looked great this year. Yall should come to Fetzer tomorrow if you are looking to spend an enjoyable afternoon in the sun, watching an intense Carolina game. Eye candy should be out in full force too.
I have supported JP thru think & thin, I have critiqued his play but have always supported him but his comments about why he is leaving are insulting to Roy and to the school/program. They were not needed, they were self serving by a kid that just didn't accept the coaching or decisions made by his coaches. AS such, I can say today without hesitation that I do not want JP Tokoto on our team for next year. Had the kid just elected to enter the draft and not express his feeliings in such a negative way then I would support him, would not agree it was a great decision but would have supported it. I can no longer do that based on those parting shots he seemed to feel the need to deliver. I now see his parting shots as yet one more bone headed turn over that was not needed...
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