Late late stuff (Hawaii game)...

[gary-7]

Without RJ we are 2-2 with a devastating loss to Elon. With him we are 3-1.

Yep.

 

[tarwhiz]

My ass --- not one single ounce of "truth" in that pile o' sh**.

I've never said anything about EC that wasn't spot-on true, and let the record show I have indeed critiqued him when warranted.

And let the record further show that (for example) I TOLD this board exactly what we had in Butter and Berry (before they even signed here) and most recently the same for Cadeau. Because the actual truth is, I know a thing or two about this stuff --- especially PG play --- and I still have connections in the coaching and AAU ranks and I make a point of keeping up with what's out there vis-a-vis UNC. I have been happy to share that information, as well as my takes on games, for folks here who enjoy it.

Disagree with my take? --- fine, that's why they're called "takes" --- but do not EVER accuse me of distorting my information and analysis because a pleyer is "my guy", or that pointing up objective positives about EC's play is somehow "at the whole team's expense". Again, GMAFB.

TBH, in this case it sounds more like a "you" problem, as you apparently think "your guy" (RJ) is being slighted. So, one last time, let the record show that what I have (quite accurately) said about RJ this season is that he faces a challenge of adjusting his role now the Eliot has the keys ---which includes adjusting to a different "flow" than we saw last season --- and that ain't easy. To his credit, we are starting to see that adjustment --- and @Rabidfrog was correct about his improved passing --- because RJ is a terrific player and not the sort of guy to rest on his laurels.

@gary-7 our 2025-26 pg is????
Not trying to fast forward through this season, but that will be the million dollar question before next season.
Cadeau?
Portal?
European?
Keep your ears open 👂

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Dixon or Denis will step up if we don't have any hold over guards. (Both combos but one slants 2 more) BUT I would assume Hubs will either retain, develop, or mine the portal! In any case, we are golden!

 

[imajericho]

Wow. I will never understand the hate RJ gets from our fan base.

He has had passing skills this entire time. His assists have always been there and his ball handling has always been tight. He just isn't the pass first PG you guys all want.

And anyone who cringed when RJ came back this year is wild. He still remains our best player. A small drought at the beginning of the season doesn't change that. Dude is gonna end up the all time leading unc scorer (with the 5th year asterisk I'm well aware) and never was truly appreciated by his fan base because he doesn't play the way they wanna play.

 

[alabamaheel]

Wow. I will never understand the hate RJ gets from our fan base.

He has had passing skills this entire time. His assists have always been there and his ball handling has always been tight. He just isn't the pass first PG you guys all want.

And anyone who cringed when RJ came back this year is wild. He still remains our best player. A small drought at the beginning of the season doesn't change that. Dude is gonna end up the all time leading unc scorer (with the 5th year asterisk I'm well aware) and never was truly appreciated by his fan base because he doesn't play the way they wanna play.

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve found myself feeling like I’ve had to take up for him all because of seeming like an underdog lol. His game frustrates me at times but he fills a need that every winning team has to have. He can shoot and score. His shooting ability opens up his scoring. Our team would be killer if EC could, would shoot. He’s already fallen back into last year’s habit of deferring to the drive, which makes being guardable easier imo. I don’t understand it at all because he shot so well to start the season. We have to have EC. He’s our best facilitator. I do realize not everyone shoots the same amount, and has their own roll. Marcus chewed his rear end last night and he listened.

I like this board for discussion and different opinions. Like most people I like to argue and can be persuaded at times. Just because I disagree doesn’t mean we can’t get along. To imajericho’s point we don’t have to all agree. Basketball is played many different ways and styles. From the lowest levels all the way to the highest, it’s all different. We have our preferences sure but that doesn’t mean that it’s to be played one way. Players should be the same. I like coaches who can adjust to the talent and players they have, instead of gripping for not having the talent or fit that they “need”.

I loved the adjustment from Wash last night. Hopefully with those extended minutes and need he eventually filled will spark his game. Still really early and a lot of development to be had. I’d like to see Drake start at the 4. I’m seeing teams having to adjust to our play. FINALLY!!! With Seth being the scoring threat he’s turned into I think teams have changed some of their lineups to adapt. I love when teams have to adjust to us.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Wow. I will never understand the hate RJ gets from our fan base.

He has had passing skills this entire time. His assists have always been there and his ball handling has always been tight. He just isn't the pass first PG you guys all want.

And anyone who cringed when RJ came back this year is wild. He still remains our best player. A small drought at the beginning of the season doesn't change that. Dude is gonna end up the all time leading unc scorer (with the 5th year asterisk I'm well aware) and never was truly appreciated by his fan base because he doesn't play the way they wanna play.

This is not what is being said. He has tight handles, yes, but he is not the best option to bring the ball over halfway. All players have strengths and weaknesses and pointing out weaknesses is not hate, it is purely observation.
I absolutely loved RJ last year and I think he's now heading for a great 5th year, and how that 5th year goes will depend on his patience and his ability to work to his strengths.
It's not about him playing the way we wanna him play, it's about him playing to maximise his and the team's output.

 

[imajericho]

This is not what is being said. He has tight handles, yes, but he is not the best option to bring the ball over halfway. All players have strengths and weaknesses and pointing out weaknesses is not hate, it is purely observation.
I absolutely loved RJ last year and I think he's now heading for a great 5th year, and how that 5th year goes will depend on his patience and his ability to work to his strengths.
It's not about him playing the way we wanna him play, it's about him playing to maximise his and the team's output.

You need to read more of the posts here, especially in game threads, and those of the fan base on Facebook.

Your personal opinion doesn't change what others have said.

 

[al would]

it is purely observation.

Be nice if more people understood that as opposed to automatically thinking your trying to trash a player.

 

[Ozheelfan]

You need to read more of the posts here, especially in game threads, and those of the fan base on Facebook.

Your personal opinion doesn't change what others have said.

Fair enough. I used to enjoy the game threads, haven’t joined them for a long time due to the toxic negativity.