Late stuff (Cuse game)...

[gary-7]

...and there was some classic Carolina Basketball played tonight.

- Since the technical issues with the broadcast killed my keeping stats, I'm just gonna concentrate on the execution and our system: As I posted earlier today, our Zone-O is devastating when we execute,and the Bomb Squad made it even more dangerous. It's the concept based on Dean's old "T-Game", with contant post interchanges from the Wings to the Foul Circle to the Short Corners, and the motion tonight was constant and fluid. And bonus, with modern defenses having to be aware of the 3-ball threat, that just opens up more space to operate. Behold:

1. Set play on our first non-transition possession.Beautiful bounce-pass entry to the hgh post, whilst Luke draws the Center to the Short Corner, which opens a cut lane for Cam to the block. Great feed. Lay-up.

2. Terrific team movement off the normal continuity Zone-O. Watch Luke Theo and Sterling work the "T", and of course "Meadowlark" Pinson completes the sweet over-the-shoulder dish.

3. Meanwhile, there was some sweet transition happening. Textbook 3-on-2 Break. excellent spacing by KW and Theo, and JB running point to perfection with the early give-up before a Cuse defender could recover to "stop the ball", with Theo maintaining distance for the finish. Hell, JB even tried to stop at the Foul Line like you're taught unitl he was plowed over from behind.

4. And simply the most important play of the game. After we went from leading all game to Cuse having the ball to take the lead, JB does what JB does when it counts, and finishes thru a helluva lot of uncalled contact to boot. #Dog

...so yeah, watching all that it's pretty easy to see how we had 25 Assists on 29 made baskets

- As for the rest, playing against Syracuse's very good Zone threw Theo into his favorite briar patch, and damn if he's not gettin' frisky from outside all of the sudden! Career game for #1 tonight. 23, 6 and 7, and wait for it, 2/2 from 3!

- Kudos to Cam and Kenny for gettin' after it on the boards despite having quiet scoring nights.

- Great to see Andrew nail the 3-ball early. 5 quick points for the Upstate NY boy in front of his homies.

- Syracuse exposed some defensive rotation issues off their wing and cross-back drives, and that's one caveat of the Bomb Squad without a rim-protector. But then their Guards are exceptionally long and can get ttheir shot up over most anyone.

- With Cuse's length, we needed a contribution from big Manley and we got it. 12 and 6 in just 17 minutes.

- Just finshed watching the replay and good Lord, JB is just so damned good at everything. Not just his 18, 4 and 3 line, but whenever we needed something badly, #2 delivered. Big-time buckets, and 3 consecutive defensive stonings down the stretch, in addition to the plays above. Take whoever you want, when I pick first at PG I'm taking Joel Berry. Then just roll the ball out...

- Oh, and good TO by Roy to get Luke in late, although it might've come better a possession sooner.

Anyway, I'll take a win in the Carrier Dome by any margin or circumstance... and I guess that puts an end to the10-8 confernce finish talk I saw on the board earlier. Now it's time to get ready for what will be a very emotional Senior Night...

 

[imajericho]

Was a good game. We have started not helping as much off shooters. Why lot of teams are driving on us more. Platek got blown past tons of times, and seventh doesn't seem to be in game shape with how he went from our best defender to getting torn to shreds out there.

Manley played decently.

 

[tarheel0910]

Manley came up big in this game. If he gets in the work during the off-season, he is going to end up being really good.

 

[gary-7]

Manley came up big in this game. If he gets in the work during the off-season, he is going to end up being really good.

Indeed he will.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Nice wrap up Gary.... I know you're gun-shy about commenting on the refs, so I will.... some of the calls were total BS! Heels called for blocking foul after blocking foul while Cuse players would have looked at home playing Rugby.
The late game block on Manley looked good.... till ESPN showed the replay with the cuse defender blocking with his right hand while his left hand was firmly planted on Sterlings shoulder!
And the absolute mugging of Joel on the break-away?
The heels did very well to keep their composure and seal the win under those circumstances

 

[imajericho]

Nice wrap up Gary.... I know you're gun-shy about commenting on the refs, so I will.... some of the calls were total BS! Heels called for blocking foul after blocking foul while Cuse players would have looked at home playing Rugby.
The late game block on Manley looked good.... till ESPN showed the replay with the cuse defender blocking with his right hand while his left hand was firmly planted on Sterlings shoulder!
And the absolute mugging of Joel on the break-away?
The heels did very well to keep their composure and seal the win under those circumstances

Berry drive wasn't a foul if you are talking about the one he was blocked on. The guy was straight up and Berry went into his chest. Manley was absolutely fouled. A lot of the blocks were called correctly. Berry was fouled on his steal and break away though that he made.

 

[shun1]

as always,...THANKS GARY...you are a decent man in my book,...BROTHER

!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TAR HEELS !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Archer2]

Great write up Gary, we're playing some beautiful basketball right now. As I stated earlier, every starter with at least 3 boards and 3 assists. This is as unselfish a basketball team as I've ever seen.

 

[Tom79]

A good win, and thanks espn for your poor feed, borrow some $ from abc....geez.
Hate zone but dang the kids tore it up! Good on us and staff 'cause they were prepared and executed well.
The last portion of the second half was a foul fest, many of them not called.

 

[BillyL]

Manley came up big in this game. If he gets in the work during the off-season, he is going to end up being really good.

AND1 . .

Here's a small tidbit on Mr. Sterling Manley . .

In his last 15 games (all in 2018) . . he has made 28 of his 34 free throws attempted. That equates to 82.35% . .

His season average is now up to 68.5%.

 

[Archer2]

The big guy has great touch at the line. Looks like his stamina is improving too. He had a very productive stint last night.

 

[DeanSmithForever]

I like the video clips that help me visualize the plays, Gary

Pinson really dominated this game as a playmaker, and then Berry took over like he does when it counted. If Syracuse doesn’t shoot lights out from the foul line, we win this game more comfortably by 8-10 points. As noted, there are still some defensive issues we need to work out especially in regard to driving guards, but with the game on the line, the D came through and got the stops we needed. This was a great road victory as we continue our longest winning streak of the season.

 

[FranktheHeel]

Theo Pinson had a night!! His confidence was super contagious tonight and it really can’t be said enough of how great of a playmaker he is. If you want to see another reason of why Theo is so valuable to our team, let this stat speak for itself we are 15-1 when Theo has 5 or more assists.

Closing out games- Our guys pulled through once again in crunch time led by our senior leaders. In the last 2 minutes, we had 4 straight stops, blanking Cuse for the rest of the game and closed it out on a 4-0 run all from Berry’s points especially that huge “tough little nut” play which was very fitting as Roy called him one in his presser on Tuesday. And you know what, how great that play was, his defense in those last few minutes was straight up lockdown.

We saw it last year in the tournament, how important it is to come together defensively in those last few minutes (Arkansas game really stands out) and how it really swings momentum to get those stops and makes the difference in tight games. I've always felt that a good team is measured in how they play in crunch time with the game on the line and I have to say that with the experience of this group and the increase in chemistry that they've shown I really do like our chances with our 5 starters on the floor to be able to come out on top in close games.

Nice road win in a hostile environment and we are now to 10 Q1 wins too.

Impressive tidbit, this is the 8th straight year that we have had at least a six-game winning streak in ACC play. Two claps for Roy!!

 

[dadika13]

I watch a lot (too much) college basketball...I can safely say we're the best passing team in the country.

We're rounding into form here for a nice potential Final Four run. Need to avoid the injury bug and play defense more consistently to take it to the next level.

 

[heelmanwilm]

Was cuse playing a box and one on luke? If so that is the ultimate compliment

 

[DSouthr]

Watching this game, our ball movement was just so good, could not help but think back to the UVa game where our ball movement was not very good, oh what could have been. Roy just has his teams ready for Bohiem's zone, understands how to attack it and they just execute execute execute. Was concerned that cuse was able to get a lot of rather easy drives late to make this one a bit of a late nail biter. Cuse had cut our lead to 3 on 3 or 4 different points in the game but we blew it back up to double digits each time, got concerned when cuse was able to break thru to tie it up. But in our starters we do have so much experience and being able to protect a lead in a road game like this experience really is a key.

This winning streak now at 6 games is becoming a bit of a Roy trade mark, it has changed the picture from that low point in ACC play. The cream is rising and some of the paper tigers are now slipping. Cuse had to make a lot of really hard shots just to be in this game in front of their home crowd, wins like that are huge!

 

[DSouthr]

Was cuse playing a box and one on luke? If so that is the ultimate compliment

Not that I saw but they did try to make sure he was accounted for in their zone and seemed slower to release him than they do most centers.

 

[gary-7]

Was cuse playing a box and one on luke? If so that is the ultimate compliment

That's an adjustment out of their match-up Zone as opposed to a traditional Box-and-1, but they were often shading him and we took advantage of that

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Good report gary. Vids made for a really nice touch. Good job.

 

[acarter0277]

...and there was some classic Carolina Basketball played tonight.

- Since the technical issues with the broadcast killed my keeping stats, I'm just gonna concentrate on the execution and our system: As I posted earlier today, our Zone-O is devastating when we execute,and the Bomb Squad made it even more dangerous. It's the concept based on Dean's old "T-Game", with contant post interchanges from the Wings to the Foul Circle to the Short Corners, and the motion tonight was constant and fluid. And bonus, with modern defenses having to be aware of the 3-ball threat, that just opens up more space to operate. Behold:

1. Set play on our first non-transition possession.Beautiful bounce-pass entry to the hgh post, whilst Luke draws the Center to the Short Corner, which opens a cut lane for Cam to the block. Great feed. Lay-up.

2. Terrific team movement off the normal continuity Zone-O. Watch Luke Theo and Sterling work the "T", and of course "Meadowlark" Pinson completes the sweet over-the-shoulder dish.

3. Meanwhile, there was some sweet transition happening. Textbook 3-on-2 Break. excellent spacing by KW and Theo, and JB running point to perfection with the early give-up before a Cuse defender could recover to "stop the ball", with Theo maintaining distance for the finish. Hell, JB even tried to stop at the Foul Line like you're taught unitl he was plowed over from behind.

4. And simply the most important play of the game. After we went from leading all game to Cuse having the ball to take the lead, JB does what JB does when it counts, and finishes thru a helluva lot of uncalled contact to boot. #Dog

...so yeah, watching all that it's pretty easy to see how we had 25 Assists on 29 made baskets

- As for the rest, playing against Syracuse's very good Zone threw Theo into his favorite briar patch, and damn if he's not gettin' frisky from outside all of the sudden! Career game for #1 tonight. 23, 6 and 7, and wait for it, 2/2 from 3!

- Kudos to Cam and Kenny for gettin' after it on the boards despite having quiet scoring nights.

- Great to see Andrew nail the 3-ball early. 5 quick points for the Upstate NY boy in front of his homies.

- Syracuse exposed some defensive rotation issues off their wing and cross-back drives, and that's one caveat of the Bomb Squad without a rim-protector. But then their Guards are exceptionally long and can get ttheir shot up over most anyone.

- With Cuse's length, we needed a contribution from big Manley and we got it. 12 and 6 in just 17 minutes.

- Just finshed watching the replay and good Lord, JB is just so damned good at everything. Not just his 18, 4 and 3 line, but whenever we needed something badly, #2 delivered. Big-time buckets, and 3 consecutive defensive stonings down the stretch, in addition to the plays above. Take whoever you want, when I pick first at PG I'm taking Joel Berry. Then just roll the ball out...

- Oh, and good TO by Roy to get Luke in late, although it might've come better a possession sooner.

Anyway, I'll take a win in the Carrier Dome by any margin or circumstance... and I guess that puts an end to the10-8 confernce finish talk I saw on the board earlier. Now it's time to get ready for what will be a very emotional Senior Night...

That's the only thing I was screaming at the end. Manley against that press and scramble was scaring me to death. Wanted that TO about 3 possessions earlier. Luke was at the table a long time.

 

[acarter0277]

Manley came up big in this game. If he gets in the work during the off-season, he is going to end up being really good.

The one thing that bothers me about Manley is that every time he gets bumped, he flails around like he was shot at point blank range. He's got to be able to absorb contact and keep moving. He's come a long, way, but has a ways to go. He's got to get tougher and stronger. Hopefully that will come with another off-season with Jonas.

 

[Heels5150]

I started thinking with Kenny getting his confidence back, Joel has got the pulse of the team right now. Now you throw in Theo’s outside shooting becoming respectable. Cam, Sterling, Luke this team is becoming awfully dangerous

 

[Archer2]

Sterling needs to get stronger.

In other news, water is wet.

 

[gary-7]

AND1 . .

Here's a small tidbit on Mr. Sterling Manley . .

In his last 15 games (all in 2018) . . he has made 28 of his 34 free throws attempted. That equates to 82.35% . .

His season average is now up to 68.5%.

Yep, he had a rough stretch from the line in the middle of the season (as all our Bigs did) but that stroke is damned solid. Bodes well to have inside guys who can convert FTs.

 

[superstar57]

Pinson passing seems to be fueling this team lately. Manley growing up down low has been timely (still has plenty of freshman moments).

Berry IMHO has actually been playing great all year, but with everyone playing better he is not playing under so much pressure. Cam finally looks like a real contributer (I was really unimpressed at first).

Luke is well "cool Luke" I never liked him as a first option on offense, but will dominate any game if defense is not keying on him. Kenny has been amazing as a three point shooter, and actually getting better finishing at rim.

Right now I'll take our starting 5 and Manley against anyone. I really would have been happy with a strong 20 win season, and a sweet 16 appearance.

Now we have to be considered in the running for another Final four (Can't lose any of top 6 guys to injury).

Roy national coach of year with Bennett winning ACC coach of year. This has been a fun year for sure.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I don't think peeps are giving our perimeter D enough credit. I think we did really well, but the numbers got a little skewed by 7th and Platek getting Jobbed by the Cuse big, strong, fast guards and those same players hitting some tough, guarded shots! As soon as Roy put KW, JB, and TP back together, we shut their behinds down!

BTW: Like a fine wine, G-7 gets better with time!

 

[gary-7]

I don't think peeps are giving our perimeter D enough credit. I think we did really well, but the numbers got a little skewed by 7th and Platek getting Jobbed by the Cuse big, strong, fast guards and those same players hitting some tough, guarded shots! As soon as Roy put KW, JB, and TP back together, we shut their behinds down!

BTW: Like a fine wine, G-7 gets better with time!

Yeah, and in fairness the guys behind them were late in a couple of rotations. Cuse's Guards were a hand-full on drives, and as Boeheim said, that's how they play with no actual PG on the floor --- drive, shoot, drive, shoot. Andrew and 7th got caught napping a couple of times not beating them to early spots. They'll learn.

And you're right, we stymied them late after they crawled back into the game. If you catch the replay, watch JB's D on their last 3 possessions, and all 5 of our guys were on point blocking out on those missed shots. We locked down when it counted.

 

[BillyL]

BTW: Like a fine wine, G-7 gets better with time!

For an already old wine, he's getting better by the game . .

 

[Heels5150]

Carolina is playing so efficient right now it is so fun to watch. 25 plus assists, controlling the boards, not panicking under duress. This Is like the 06 Team that was so fun to watch but it’s ceiling is extremely higher than that year. Manley is doing an exceptional job of clearing rebounds and finishing around the rim. Next to JB of course he has become our rim protector. Lol. 50-50 balls are going our way and as JB put it they are playing for their teammates. I would love a huge statement game on Senior night for Joel and Theo. I will miss these kids emensely but I am extremely excited for our future if we can solidify a dominant PG. I have a fealing if Jalek doesn’t come back there is one kids I would want the ball in his hands and that is Coby. Rechon ‘Leaky’ Black is a Theo 2.0 and it will take a while for him to get acclimated to the Tar Heel system. I just don’t want as none of us do a repeat of 2012 when Marshall went down. Stillman did the very best he could. Have fun Heels and take what’s yours!