Late stuff (Elon game)...

[gary-7]

...and I'm glad I watched this on DVR instead of live (I went to another game down here) --- I might've been as livid as Hubert was in the second half.

But yeah, I'll resist the temptation to jump to any conclusions from a first game, but there were some things we need to get cleaned up in a hurry, and these were as much mental as physical. First, credit to Elon --- they're much better than (inherently meaningless) preseason evaluations indicated, but that fact exposed the dangers of the sort of lapses we saw on our end.

With that said, at NO point in a second half should Elon ever lead this UNC team, so let's start with what went wrong:

- Shot-selection went thru some bad spells. RJ was hunting outside of flow due to his clunky start, and some of our shots around the paint were more throw-ups than strong gathers-and-finishes, all of which contributed to the lacksuster 32/80 perfomance

- JWash NOT taking shots he should have

- Some really bad decision-making by Seth in transition --- "give it up to get it back" is the way we're supposed to do things here

- Withers followed a good first half with a WTF second --- just yikes at some of those passes

- Jackson reverted back to his Memphis ice-skates --- take a deep breath, son

- Tyson looked lost, and we weren't effective in deploying him

- I continue to SMH at the stubborness of not forcing these guys into our tempo by mixing in traps

- And our vaunted Zone Offense --- sheesh. Elon deployed a 2-2-1 ameoba look that morphed into a 3-2 on wing passes, and we were just clunky as hell even getting into our pivot rotation.

- Gotta be careful with the cross-court pitch-aheads. Dean did not teach that as a routine for a reason --- you only used it for a WIDE-open look that would lead to a lay-up or create a 2-on-1. When in doubt, I want it in my elite PG's hands to create pressure with the Secondary.

Fortunately, disaster was averted with enough positives:
- When things worked, it was an enticing look at what we're capable of, incl some highlight film moments --- spectacular transition finishes, slick ball-movement, etc... LOVED that Dean Smith back-screen lob play late in first half, for example.

- RJ shook off a rough stretch to be the hero when things got dicey. It's great to have that guy when the chips are down.

- Time to recognize that Cadeau has turned into a not-just-good but excellent defender --- flashing some Joel Berry footwork to go with his quicks and ball-hawking instincts. And I think we can maybe put to rest the backing off of EC and Seth nonsense --- they combiined for 6/8 from deep (and Eliot had one taken away by an untimely whistle).

Anyway, for all the clunkiness, I'm glad Hubert didn't abandon utilizing depth. These are the precious few games that allow that to be built for down the road. So, how are we gonna do at KU? That's impossible to know, but at least the staff sure as hell should have some teaching material on film after this one...

 

[39 Feet Above Sea Level]

Thanks for the analysis, G7. 👍🏾 A win is a win, but …….

Hubert MIGHT have uttered his first cuss word ever when Elon took the second half lead
and thank goodness RJ quickly took matters into his hands by hitting some big shots.
He trusts himself and that’s good enough for me.

Elon was really stroking threes and l’ll give them kudos for their effort.
Lots of good, bad, and ugly for film sessions ahead of a tough challenge Friday vs the
Jayhawks.

I like our talent and our depth. I like Elliot’s improvements on defense and three
point shooting. Seth, thanks for returning to Chapel Hill. Ian and Drake are gonna
get better and better. I’m hopeful our front line demonstrates improved consistency
on both ends of the floor.

1-0, with a lot of challenges on the horizon. Go Heels ⛹🏾‍♂️.

 

[heels05champs]

I’ll just say this, if Hubert refuses to randomly full court press and half court trap with this team then he’s just never going to utilize it. This roster is tailor made for it and last night we saw basically none of it. Stop letting other teams dictate pace and force the pace onto them.

 

[dtodd4475]

1st game, and with some good, but plenty of areas of concern. The good for me starts with the uptempo pace while only having 6 turnovers/22 assists. RJ 8 assist - 0 TO's, EC 9 assist - 3 TO's. Seth and Elliot more confident 3 point stroke was nice to see. RJ is still a clutch bucket getter, even when he is having a sub par shooting night.

Concerning that we shoot 40% from 3land, and 82% from the charity stripe with only 6 turnovers and the game was in doubt late against a small mid major. Front court was as worrisome as most thought it would be. Washington and Tyson looked a step slow on everything. Only 1 game, hoping they can catch up with the flow.

It is going to be interesting how and who steps up in forming a rotation in these cupcake non conference games, especially if Seth's play continues to demands bigger minutes along with EC abd RJ.

It was a win on opening night, but questions abound with this challenging roster makeup.

 

[Tarheelsman71]

The depth and athleticism are at an all time high for us. But our halfcourt offense is (and has been) average at best. Chucking up 32 3's a game with no rebounding is NOT going to win big games. So use this depth and for 10 min a game play a suffocating press. Get some easy buckets and wear down the other team.

 

[notashelbyfan]

They are going to be fun to watch, and when they are hot they will really wear some teams out good or bad teams.

We had Bacot for 13 years and for the last 4 of them we knew he would be leaving sooner or later yet we still dropped the recruiting ball.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Great analysis G-7!

The atmosphere was lively and the game was definitely more exciting than I thought it would be. Some Elon fans near me actually asked me directly if I was afraid UNC could lose to the Phoenix. (BTW: They changed their name to the Phoenix after their main buildings burned to ashes over 100 years ago!) I found this out after I yelled, [" It is time for them to burst into flames!"] I told those fans that I never felt UNC could lose this game because it was obvious we could and would pull away from them as soon as we focused. Great to have RJ on our team and both EC and Seth have become zone busters! Their weird umbrella zone thingy did seem to confuse our guys but we solved it on most trips even though it did slow us down a bit. I feel Tyson, Ian, and Drake are making steps but all of them need time to find their footing!

 

[ThunderBox]

Tyson looks awful to me in these three games Inc preseason. He looks non-athletic and cannot create his own shot. His defense is slow and it honestly appears like he’s fouling constantly. I’m so unimpressed with his game. It’s early but he doesn’t show any sign of being a top talent from the transfer portal.

I really thought Withers played esp poorly in the second half. They placed him at the FT like when Elon went zone. They would get him the ball and he’d turn and no have a defender on him. Rather then go up with authority he created difficult shots for himself or passed out. His play this season is key and he should be better at this point

 

[gary-7]

I’ll just say this, if Hubert refuses to randomly full court press and half court trap with this team then he’s just never going to utilize it. This roster is tailor made for it and last night we saw basically none of it. Stop letting other teams dictate pace and force the pace onto them.

Amen to that, and it's even more frustrating that I know we've practiced it...

 

[gary-7]

I really thought Withers played esp poorly in the second half. They placed him at the FT like when Elon went zone. They would get him the ball and he’d turn and no have a defender on him. Rather then go up with authority he created difficult shots for himself or passed out. His play this season is key and he should be better at this point

Tyson is better than this --- he's searching for his niche right now --- but yes, Withers operating vs Zone is not a good thing. He's athletic as hell, but hands and passing will always be issues unfortunately.

 

[NathanFielder]

They'll eventually need to figure out the right substitution pattern for when Cadeau goes to the bench. I don't think RJ/Jackson/Powell at the same time will be a great combination. RJ and Jackson are really similar players and the offense stalls already with RJ being the primary ball handler. That was the main eye catching thing to me. How are they going to deal with Cadeau on the bench? I always thought Seth was more of a wing, so it doesn't look like he can be experimented as the PG2. So they'll have to manufacture some combination of a lineup with Cadeau where the offense doesn't sputter too much.

My other concern if Tyson. I thought UNC acquired maybe the best shooter in the country but if his lateral speed is what he showed against Elon, idk how he'll get open on the offensive end. And it looks like he might be a liability defensively. Only one game, but he was eye poppingly slow to me. I'll probably have to take back almost everything I said lineup wise regarding the necessity of having Cade Tyson in the starting 5, lol. But it's still early so hopefully he shows more.

I don't know what else there is to say about the bigs. I think they'll be like that all season. They're all pretty inconsistent or somewhat limited players. I just hope one breaks through where you at least know what you'll get out of them every game. Lubin seems to be the most likely of that to me? Kind of alarming that the bigs combined for 0 FT attempts. That's so unlike any UNC team I've ever seen.

It shouldn't be a huge surprise if RJ's FG percentage takes a dip this season. Without Bacot or Ingram, he's really the only late shot clock player on this roster unless Cadeau hunts for his offense more (which I think he should).

Cautiously optimistic that this is real from Seth and he'll be a huge factor for this team offensively and has become a legitimate 2-way player. That obviously opens up a ton of things and possibilities.

I think deep down we all know what this team will be. This will be a 3PT dependent team and a team that needs to shoot as many good 3PT shots as possible. They aren't built to win many 60-55 games by grinding it out from the FT line and off offensive rebounds. Let it fly with confidence. The good news is they can beat any team in the country if they hit shots. The bad news is they'll be susceptible against any team in the NCAA Tournament too.

 

[gary-7]

They'll eventually need to figure out the right substitution pattern for when Cadeau goes to the bench. I don't think RJ/Jackson/Powell at the same time will be a great combination. RJ and Jackson are really similar players and the offense stalls already with RJ being the primary ball handler. That was the main eye catching thing to me. How are they going to deal with Cadeau on the bench? I always thought Seth was more of a wing, so it doesn't look like he can be experimented as the PG2. So they'll have to manufacture some combination of a lineup with Cadeau where the offense doesn't sputter too much.

Indeed. By my quick notes (not double-checked) EC was +28 and no one else was close. More to the point, our team +/- with RJ at PG was negative, including with the lineup you mentioned. Honestly, I like Seth there as EC's backup, as he has learned the position enough to think his way thru it, and it seems to slow him down as in making better decisions.

That said, one thing that is glaringly obvious is the need for EC to be the minutes hog amidst the mixing and matching rotations.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

They are going to be fun to watch, and when they are hot they will really wear some teams out good or bad teams.

We had Bacot for 13 years and for the last 4 of them we knew he would be leaving sooner or later yet we still dropped the recruiting ball.

Omoruyi went 6-6 from the floor, 4-4 from the line and grabbed 8 rebounds in 19 minutes for Alabama. He's the Rutgers transfer we wanted.

 

[Indy_Heel]

...and I'm glad I watched this on DVR instead of live (I went to another game down here) --- I might've been as livid as Hubert was in the second half.

But yeah, I'll resist the temptation to jump to any conclusions from a first game, but there were some things we need to get cleaned up in a hurry, and these were as much mental as physical. First, credit to Elon --- they're much better than (inherently meaningless) preseason evaluations indicated, but that fact exposed the dangers of the sort of lapses we saw on our end.

With that said, at NO point in a second half should Elon ever lead this UNC team, so let's start with what went wrong:

- Shot-selection went thru some bad spells. RJ was hunting outside of flow due to his clunky start, and some of our shots around the paint were more throw-ups than strong gathers-and-finishes, all of which contributed to the lacksuster 32/80 perfomance

- JWash NOT taking shots he should have

- Some really bad decision-making by Seth in transition --- "give it up to get it back" is the way we're supposed to do things here

- Withers followed a good first half with a WTF second --- just yikes at some of those passes

- Jackson reverted back to his Memphis ice-skates --- take a deep breath, son

- Tyson looked lost, and we weren't effective in deploying him

- I continue to SMH at the stubborness of not forcing these guys into our tempo by mixing in traps

- And our vaunted Zone Offense --- sheesh. Elon deployed a 2-2-1 ameoba look that morphed into a 3-2 on wing passes, and we were just clunky as hell even getting into our pivot rotation.

- Gotta be careful with the cross-court pitch-aheads. Dean did not teach that as a routine for a reason --- you only used it for a WIDE-open look that would lead to a lay-up or create a 2-on-1. When in doubt, I want it in my elite PG's hands to create pressure with the Secondary.

Fortunately, disaster was averted with enough positives:
- When things worked, it was an enticing look at what we're capable of, incl some highlight film moments --- spectacular transition finishes, slick ball-movement, etc... LOVED that Dean Smith back-screen lob play late in first half, for example.

- RJ shook off a rough stretch to be the hero when things got dicey. It's great to have that guy when the chips are down.

- Time to recognize that Cadeau has turned into a not-just-good but excellent defender --- flashing some Joel Berry footwork to go with his quicks and ball-hawking instincts. And I think we can maybe put to rest the backing off of EC and Seth nonsense --- they combiined for 6/8 from deep (and Eliot had one taken away by an untimely whistle).

Anyway, for all the clunkiness, I'm glad Hubert didn't abandon utilizing depth. These are the precious few games that allow that to be built for down the road. So, how are we gonna do at KU? That's impossible to know, but at least the staff sure as hell should have some teaching material on film after this one...

Last two years I’ve yelled at Seth the give the ball up on a 2 on 1 fast break. He tends to always take it himself and missed too many layups. Give it up for an alley-oop back.

 

[NorCalTarheel]

Omoruyi went 6-6 from the floor, 4-4 from the line and grabbed 8 rebounds in 19 minutes for Alabama. He's the Rutgers transfer we wanted.

$2M seems like a good deal for him now (it seemed outrageous to me at the time).

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I haven't missed a shot in years and it means the same thing to the Heels as an Alabama player's stats!

What is the purpose of bringing this up in a thread about our team gritting out an exciting win when our best player was off for half the game! If the purpose is to rehash the tired nonsense about how bad our recruiting or NIL are, then keep it to yourself! The season has started and I intend to enjoy my contending team. I intend to support my coach and I intend to believe the success I see on and off the court. I never wanted ANY of the peeps who arrived with their hands out first; I always wanted those who want to win in general or want to play for UNC specifically! This team doesn't need one single dude out there and I know our cupboard will NEVER be bare!

 

[gary-7]

$2M seems like a good deal for him now (it seemed outrageous to me at the time).

Any issue we have at Center is not so much personnel as usage.

 

[Kool1234567]

Man 1 game into the season and we are already on the bubble….People say I am negative LOL…

 

[notashelbyfan]

Any issue we have at Center is not so much personnel as usage.

Fait point and I can buy that but if you can see it why can't the ones that are paid millions to coach see it?

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I haven't missed a shot in years and it means the same thing to the Heels as an Alabama player's stats!

What is the purpose of bringing this up in a thread about our team gritting out an exciting win when our best player was off for half the game! If the purpose is to rehash the tired nonsense about how bad our recruiting or NIL are, then keep it to yourself! The season has started and I intend to enjoy my contending team. I intend to support my coach and I intend to believe the success I see on and off the court. I never wanted ANY of the peeps who arrived with their hands out first; I always wanted those who want to win in general or want to play for UNC specifically! This team doesn't need one single dude out there and I know our cupboard will NEVER be bare!

Geez, you're getting as bad as some others here. I was responding to a comment on recruiting misses.

 

[tarheels0015]

Maybe elon will have a transfer or 2 next yr .. HD should contact if they do

 

[DSouthr]

Yeah, well, OK then... Thinking a bit ahead to Kansas maybe, not having the proper respect for the opponent maybe? I'm disappointed that this game had to come down to RJ going in to hero mode. Glad we won but seriously, that doesn't cut it against Kansas. Credit Elon for sure, they looked really solid in that zone this early in the season, their coach should be proud.

This team needs Cadeau on the floor, he runs this team and when he does they run! I saw to much shot hunting last night, to many forced shots with time on the clock? I saw a LOT of good shots that we just didn't make, stretch in the second half where we couldn't make wide open dunks or lay ups?

Looking at the box score, I see some interesting things, right off the top, our 2 freshmen need to drop those jump shots at a better clip. I did like Drake's shot selection and his form tells me his shots will begin to drop. Jack, his shot selection needs to tone down a bit, needs to start by driving to the rim and then let the jumpers come to him. Drake was 2-8 and Jack 2-7 and ended the game with the same 5pts they ended the first half with. What really jumps out to me from the box score is RJ, great assist numbers (7), great boards (7) but shooting, 7-19 thanks to a late hot streak after he hit those 3 free throws but he was a bit Caleb like in taking those earlier shots. Those last 2 treys, very fortunate they dropped but they were hard looks with a lot of time on the shot clock, earlier good shot selection isn't likely to need late hero mode. And, yet again, Cadeau goes to the bench and our pace slows. Then there is Tyson, 1-6, 0-1 from trey, and 2 boards for his 16mins, and being eaten up on the defensive end? The effort is there, he is trying but bottom line is his feet are slow.

Our front court, first JWash, son, good job stepping in to the middle of that zone but PLEASE go watch tape of Brice going against that Syracuse zone! PLEASE understand, it is actually OK to catch and face the basket and actually take a gosh darn mid range jumper, which just happens to be the real strength of your game? Lubin, he is Garrison Brooks, for better or for worse, I am not disappointed in that.

JWit, good job on the boards (10, led us) and a nice explosion of points in that first half but have you ever seen a more streaky guy? When he gets on a roll he shows off some special talent but when it goes away it goes away HARD. He goes from doing really good things to just doing bone headed things, I don't blame Hubert for getting so upset with that pass that clanged off the rim, exactly what were you trying to do? What annoys me is that kid just has way to much talent for that nonsense. I wish JWash had a little more of that need to prove himself that JWit plays to much with.

Big deal from the box score, we had 51pts at the end of the half, we ended up with 90, means we scored 39 in the second half. It was to me very clear that our second half pace was way slower than the first half, we ended up facing a lot of half court offense against a solid zone and we did a poor job of exploiting the weak spots of that zone.

We won, great, lot that has to improve to be in big time games vs big time opponents.

 

[gkss]

Good breakdown as usual, gary-7. Gonna take a while for everyone to fit into their role. RJ is gonna need some help. I would like to see up tempo when our opponents are jogging and backpedaling on D. I would like to see trapping as well. We have experience- our kids are gonna need to step it up. Not good that Elon took the lead and basically took it to us. We probably had 3 or four possessions where we came up empty and they took advantage. And unless I’m mistaken, RJ was on the bench during that stretch. RJ can’t be expected to bail us out all the time. We’re going to be fine. Looking forward to witnessing the growth.

 

[Kool1234567]

Thanks for the write up Gary…Why didn’t the kid from Ga Tech play I thought he had been cleared…Also we missed way to many layups….I think he will bring some toughness to the group inside….Look it’s going to be 4 guys down low playing and just need production from all 4….

 

[gary-7]

Thanks for the write up Gary…Why didn’t the kid from Ga Tech play I thought he had been cleared…Also we missed way to many layups….I think he will bring some toughness to the group inside….Look it’s going to be 4 guys down low playing and just need production from all 4….

Not sure. Wondered that myself. Will ask around...
[edit[ From what I can glean it was just a coach's decision.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Geez, you're getting as bad as some others here. I was responding to a comment on recruiting misses.

I stand by every word I said! I respect your opinions even when I don't agree with them, and I don't feel like I can categorize you as a problem poster. I am extremely tired of the recruiting "miss" conversation because I don't see what can be done now. The Elon game had everything to do with poor execution at times, focus/intensity, and missing bunnies! The post you responded to, and your post had nothing to do with this game and seems to be just an attempt to keep this tired narrative going. Adding another Big would not have made those layups or dunks fall. Heck, on one occasion during Elon's run, we had 4 opportunities at point blank range and 2 of them were missed dunks! I loved that the team suffered some adversity, and I feel that secretly so did Hubs! Did we know they had grit before getting down by 2 in the 2nd half? I also feel Hubs experimented with some lineups like this was an exhibition and Elon took advantage. I prefer they learn from a win but even a loss would have been an incredibly strong teaching tool! BTW: I haven't changed one bit since I joined this site, I have always supported my team and coaches (some would say to a fault) AND I always take a dim view of peeps who constantly harp on the negative or who won't let an issue go! This issue seems to be some peep's white whale, but I hope this exciting team will make it better once they start clicking!

 

[gary-7]

I stand by every word I said! I respect your opinions even when I don't agree with them, and I don't feel like I can categorize you as a problem poster. I am extremely tired of the recruiting "miss" conversation because I don't see what can be done now. The Elon game had everything to do with poor execution at times, focus/intensity, and missing bunnies! The post you responded to, and your post had nothing to do with this game and seems to be just an attempt to keep this tired narrative going. Adding another Big would not have made those layups or dunks fall. Heck, on one occasion during Elon's run, we had 4 opportunities at point blank range and 2 of them were missed dunks! I loved that the team suffered some adversity, and I feel that secretly so did Hubs! Did we know they had grit before getting down by 2 in the 2nd half? I also feel Hubs experimented with some lineups like this was an exhibition and Elon took advantage. I prefer they learn from a win but even a loss would have been an incredibly strong teaching tool! BTW: I haven't changed one bit since I joined this site, I have always supported my team and coaches (some would say to a fault) AND I always take a dim view of peeps who constantly harp on the negative or who won't let an issue go! This issue seems to be some peep's white whale, but I hope this exciting team will make it better once they start clicking!

I'll tell ya what, brother. There are always valid critiques and growing pains, but just wow at the reactionary bitching on here after one game.

I do these game analyses as a labor of love but after reading some of the utter CRAP in another thread that just got posted today, it honestly makes me wonder if I'm wasting my time...

 

[NorCalTarheel]

I'll tell ya what, brother. There are always valid critiques and growing pains, but just wow at the reactionary bitching on here after one game.

I do these game analyses as a labor of love but after reading some of the utter CRAP in another thread that just got posted today, it honestly makes me wonder if I'm wasting my time...

@gary-7 ... Please remember, Lions care not of the opinions of sheep.

 

[gary-7]

@gary-7 ... Please remember, Lions care not of the opinions of sheep.

Not sure if a Border Collie isn't a better metaphor here, but yeah

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I am extremely tired of the recruiting "miss" conversation because I don't see what can be done now.

I agree with the last part. I sometimes enjoy revisiting recruiting issues, though.

Getting to what's more important, I imagine our team will be much better prepared - mentally and physically - when we face Kansas. It's hard to know what to take away from a too-close win over an expected creampuff like Elon.

But the Elon game did raise some questions. Like whether JWash has the needed stamina and motor? Or, whether it's just taking Cade a moment to get his bearings or is this level too hard for him? Or, how long will it take Ian to turn the corner? And so on. Kansas should give us more useful data to go on.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

With the strength of my blue glasses, I don't remember a single recruiting "issue" since we recovered from the false narrative about fake classes! BUT I try to understand that peeps feel differently about many things like this and the value of advanced metrics!

When I see a potentially 10 deep roster that every pundit feels will contend for ACC and National Championships, I find it hard to find recruiting fault!

Elon did raise some questions AND it also answered some! I focus on positive elements like EC & Seth's shooting, and The team winning on an off night by RJ and the team showing enough grit to come back and win going away!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

When I see a potentially 10 deep roster that every pundit feels will contend for ACC and National Championships, I find it hard to find recruiting fault!

It certainly looks like we have a deep bench, but it isn't clear how good it is up front. I'm willing to be patient, and hope the kinks work out and a couple of guys step up. But who knows? You can be patient and still raise issues. Patience ≠ silence.

Obviously we can't change how the recruiting turned out. But it's hard to dispute that we missed on several top targets up front. Was it just money? Was it something else? Either way, how do we do better in the next portal and the current recruiting class? The how we do better question is legit.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I focus on positive elements like EC & Seth's shooting

Their improvements sure look like the real deal. Whew!

 

[DSouthr]

With the strength of my blue glasses, I don't remember a single recruiting "issue" since we recovered from the false narrative about fake classes! BUT I try to understand that peeps feel differently about many things like this and the value of advanced metrics!

When I see a potentially 10 deep roster that every pundit feels will contend for ACC and National Championships, I find it hard to find recruiting fault!

Elon did raise some questions AND it also answered some! I focus on positive elements like EC & Seth's shooting, and The team winning on an off night by RJ and the team showing enough grit to come back and win going away!

LOL, TP, you are with out doubt a glass half FULL guy so much so that at times (not often) I can't get there with ya. Others at times are clearly glass half empty as example the chappel nut job (you are not as extreme as he is). I try really hard to be that liquid in the glass is up to about the half way point, means I will dip my toes at times on either side looking for a net zero. I have great respect for those gall half full folks like you, I have very very little respect that are always gloom and doom. How ever, when we are involved in an individual topic discussion, I may be positive or negative on that individual topic. I want to neither keep my head buried in the sand or scream constantly the sky is falling.

I can't help but look at our last portal season, at least for now as well as how 25 high school recruiting has gone as being full of misses. I don't know how they can be defined any other way? I look at our roster right now and can't help but think, what if we got Aidoo, Omouryi, or (the big man from Stanford) Raymound, all 7footers,.. As opposed to a trio of 6'7" guys in Lubin, Tyson, and Claude? Getting any of the 3 we would have been in my mind a final 4 team, now, I just don't know, it is a harder path.

 

[TarHeelFanWV]

As good as Bacot was with his double doubles and being the all time leading rebounder, he isn't the end all, be all type player. He was a below the rim player who rarely showed up against athletic bigs. Lubin may not be 6'10 but I feel like he makes up his height with his athleticism. To me, he can get higher than Bacot could. Lubin is also very strong. I think Lubin should start ahead of Washington based off what I seen the first game, but again, let's try not to judge too hard after one game.


Also, by the end of the season I think James Brown can be a big help

 

[DSouthr]

It certainly looks like we have a deep bench, but it isn't clear how good it is up front. I'm willing to be patient, and hope the kinks work out and a couple of guys step up. But who knows? You can be patient and still raise issues. Patience ≠ silence.

Obviously we can't change how the recruiting turned out. But it's hard to dispute that we missed on several top targets up front. Was it just money? Was it something else? Either way, how do we do better in the next portal and the current recruiting class? The how we do better question is legit.

I do not disagree...

Hubert seems to me to be on the verge of a fantastic playing style and the absolute key to it is playing a VERY deep bench, I think we can go 11 deep with James Brown and Claude getting a few minutes. At to many times in the more recent past we would find ourselves in a 4 around 1 or 3 around 2 offensive attack. At best we have consistently had a min of 1 guy defenses could back off of and dare to shoot while they doubled a more dangerous shooter. WE have played far to much half court since Hubert took over, that is a problem when you are not bringing in those broad shoulder physically intimidating big men that control the boards. The way Hubert wants to play depends on speed and quickness, very high tempo, and solid jump shooting. To do that for 40mins means you MUST play a really deep bench or you burn your players legs.

The cool part is, I think this is a style of offense that big time players will want to play in, they have to see it successfully played for a season and post season. That not only helps us retain our returning guys but it draws the better talents from the portal and high school. It is a bit of a mix between how Houston plays and how UConn plays but doing it with a much deeper bench.

 

[DSouthr]

As good as Bacot was with his double doubles and being the all time leading rebounder, he isn't the end all, be all type player. He was a below the rim player who rarely showed up against athletic bigs. Lubin may not be 6'10 but I feel like he makes up his height with his athleticism. To me, he can get higher than Bacot could. Lubin is also very strong. I think Lubin should start ahead of Washington based off what I seen the first game, but again, let's try not to judge too hard after one game.


Also, by the end of the season I think James Brown can be a big help

JWash has to be out there but he needs ot get way more assertive looking for his mid range jumpers. What is happening now is he is drawing his defender out from the deep paint and that has been opening up a lot of Seth's and Cadeau's offense. As this season moves forward I think it will open up things for Cappy and Drake as well. I think we will begin to see a lot more drop played by opposing centers on us and when we do JWash is wide open for his shot if he looks for it as he should.

We have Kansas on deck, I am interested in how Self defends JWash, Dickerson I think will step out with him but I suspect Budinga will play drop most of the time to slow down those paint drives from Cadeau and Seth, we will see. I would start JWit at the 4 and Jwash at the 5, with the Seth, RJ, Cadeau back court. That Elon zone was geared to jam up the paint and it did in that second half, don't know that Self will play much zone.