Late stuff (KU game)...

[DSouthr]

Bama/Al Wood, I think you both raise really good points, I am a bit more toward the middle. I have been clear, I DO NOT LIKE RJ AT THE POINT but... At this point when Cadeau sits who gives us our best option at the point, I would have to agree that it is RJ. Had Seth been developed as a PG from day 1 I would have very likely said Seth but he wasn't. I love the role Seth is now playing, he is finding time at the 2 and 3 and bringing scoring now to go along with his amazing defense, we are a better team with Seth on the floor.

This was a concern I had going in to the season but a nice problem to have. We have RJ, Seth, Jack, and Drake that can ALL Play the 2 guard position at a very high level. Yet in my view, only Cadeau is a real up tempo running game great ball handler PG at this point. My ding on Seth at the point is his ball handles concern me, especially vs full court pressure and traps, I trust RJ just a little bit more in that aspect.

As our starting 2 guard as well as our most experienced guy and team leader, I do think RJ has to pull back some of those harder shots he is taking, at least until he catches a heater. I mean hey, if you are not shooting 30% from the field you should not be leading us in shot takes, maybe take better looks and discover better results.

Going to ask a really hard question and many may not like the answer to it... Cadeau is by far our best PG option, absolute starter at the position, anyone that does not agree with that is not watching the same games I am. RJ is our starting 2, is he producing more than any other candidate for the 2 spot? I would suggest maybe not.




Seth, though he now starts at the 3 as a under sized small forward, I do believe the 2 is the best fit for Seth's game. Defensively it isn't close, Seth is by far our best 2 guard defender, he is the best defender on this team, for my money the best back court defender in the country, maybe the best over all defender in the country. The difference now is that in addition to his defensive work Seth is now bringing good scoring from taking really good shots. So far, truth is RJ has struggled with his offensive efficiency and it is coming from taking to many harder shots. So who right now is earning the role?

Yeah but Seth is our starting 3 and in that role he is playing well? Yes he is but frankly, I like Drake at the 3 and I like Jack backing that up. Tyson has not shown me the foot speed or quickness to handle that role for big minutes. Drake is more length than Seth has and from what I see is likely to be seen as our second best defender by late season, at this point it is a matter of his jump shot dropping a little bit more, I do like his shot selection.

RJ starting, yeah, maybe best for team unity, he is seen as our un-questioned leader and does deserve a ton of respect. WE all have different views, I can only speak for my own and I look more to who is more efficiently producing on BOTH ends of the court and for now that may not be RJ? Is it more important to start a guy out of team chemistry rather than current production or is team chemistry challenged by starting lesser efficient guy over one that is at least for now producing more? Don't we favor a guy that is earning a role over one that maybe isn't? Hard question and not intended to throw shade at RJ but the hero mode deal has to get toned back some, has to pick his spots much better. If you are going to put on super man's cape you better be able to consistently deserve to wear it. I would still start RJ but his minutes may need to be adjusted to more reflect production (up or down), exactly what should have happened to Caleb but did not.

 

[alabamaheel]

Bama/Al Wood, I think you both raise really good points, I am a bit more toward the middle. I have been clear, I DO NOT LIKE RJ AT THE POINT but... At this point when Cadeau sits who gives us our best option at the point, I would have to agree that it is RJ. Had Seth been developed as a PG from day 1 I would have very likely said Seth but he wasn't. I love the role Seth is now playing, he is finding time at the 2 and 3 and bringing scoring now to go along with his amazing defense, we are a better team with Seth on the floor.

This was a concern I had going in to the season but a nice problem to have. We have RJ, Seth, Jack, and Drake that can ALL Play the 2 guard position at a very high level. Yet in my view, only Cadeau is a real up tempo running game great ball handler PG at this point. My ding on Seth at the point is his ball handles concern me, especially vs full court pressure and traps, I trust RJ just a little bit more in that aspect.

As our starting 2 guard as well as our most experienced guy and team leader, I do think RJ has to pull back some of those harder shots he is taking, at least until he catches a heater. I mean hey, if you are not shooting 30% from the field you should not be leading us in shot takes, maybe take better looks and discover better results.

Going to ask a really hard question and many may not like the answer to it... Cadeau is by far our best PG option, absolute starter at the position, anyone that does not agree with that is not watching the same games I am. RJ is our starting 2, is he producing more than any other candidate for the 2 spot? I would suggest maybe not.




Seth, though he now starts at the 3 as a under sized small forward, I do believe the 2 is the best fit for Seth's game. Defensively it isn't close, Seth is by far our best 2 guard defender, he is the best defender on this team, for my money the best back court defender in the country, maybe the best over all defender in the country. The difference now is that in addition to his defensive work Seth is now bringing good scoring from taking really good shots. So far, truth is RJ has struggled with his offensive efficiency and it is coming from taking to many harder shots. So who right now is earning the role?

Yeah but Seth is our starting 3 and in that role he is playing well? Yes he is but frankly, I like Drake at the 3 and I like Jack backing that up. Tyson has not shown me the foot speed or quickness to handle that role for big minutes. Drake is more length than Seth has and from what I see is likely to be seen as our second best defender by late season, at this point it is a matter of his jump shot dropping a little bit more, I do like his shot selection.

RJ starting, yeah, maybe best for team unity, he is seen as our un-questioned leader and does deserve a ton of respect. WE all have different views, I can only speak for my own and I look more to who is more efficiently producing on BOTH ends of the court and for now that may not be RJ? Is it more important to start a guy out of team chemistry rather than current production or is team chemistry challenged by starting lesser efficient guy over one that is at least for now producing more? Don't we favor a guy that is earning a role over one that maybe isn't? Hard question and not intended to throw shade at RJ but the hero mode deal has to get toned back some, has to pick his spots much better. If you are going to put on super man's cape you better be able to consistently deserve to wear it. I would still start RJ but his minutes may need to be adjusted to more reflect production (up or down), exactly what should have happened to Caleb but did not.

Good post south. I alluded to, that if RJ keeps struggling he will most definitely have to take less shots. My argument is I don’t think he’s doing anything different that he’s not done the past several years. The only problem is they aren’t falling for the past couple big games. Literally bama and Kansas. Seems nit picking to me considering he’s kept us in and won several games that we’ve needed someone to step up. So yes, he’s earned the right to keep shooting til he finds his way. The only problem is how long lol? I hate to watch anyone struggle, especially the ones that know what they have done before.

We’ve got more talent this year so that falls into the mix too. But, is that talent going to stay? No probably not and it sucks. The whole reason Seth is excelling is the whole reason UNC basketball has won what it has. Stay, develop, gain more experience and thrive. I think RJ has taken advantage of the same situation. He’ll snap out of it. It’s not like it’s been a whole season, literally a few games. No one complains when we are winning or he’s doing well. Kinda like whithers and his missing shots. When they fall we’re happy when they don’t he’s deemed as back to the same ol player. lol ridiculous. I didn’t like his late three in the bama game but he hadn’t made his shots like the other night. Oh well. Thanks for discussing. I like it.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I'm extremely proud of our guys! I said after Elon that the team learned it had grit and could face adversity! I now say the team KNOWS it can hang with anyone and with a bit more focus/late game execution can beat anyone! RJ is fine since he has the skill to go on a run and the savvy to figure out what is being done to silence him! JWit is finding his niche, Ian is finding his role, Drake is finding his confidence, and JB is finding out he can play at this level! Cade is still a little lost, but I fully believe he will click soon. JWash suffers from being as Hubs put it, "adorable". He is passive by nature and hasn't developed a nasty killer instinct! He has been put in places where his shot is available, but he hesitates. Hubs will light that fire, but more importantly, convince him the team needs him to shoot!

Great showing Family!

Go Heels!

 

[Heels5150]

5150, I want to talk more about what and why JWash needs to do and what RJ needs to do. IN a way they kind of fit together.

JWash, he is such a key to making us so much better, not because he is a future NBA all star but rather as a first domino that causes other things to happen. Common thing we see, JWash sets the high pick to give our ball handler a step on his defender, watch what JWash does AFTER setting that pick, the majority of the time he does exactly what Bacot did, rolls down the lane as a lob threat, the defending big man peels down with him between JWash and the driver, effectively allows that big man to defend both Jalen as well as the driver unless there is an exceptional pass in traffic. Typically that defending center will not step all the way out to JWash because he expects Jallen to peel back and he does not want to give his chaser the problem of having to fight thru both Jalen and himself when he goes under the screen. I know that is a bit to absorb but it is a situation we constantly see. What I want to see is JWash mix it up, yes of course peel back in the paint at times but it is really important that he pops up maybe past the trey but maybe just to the foul line extended. In either event, he is in PERFECT position for a hook pass back to him, his big man defender is trapped deep paint, who they gonna shoot at him, a wing to defend a guy with a high release and 7'5" reach? The big man defender is forced to step out on Jalen when he hits a couple of those, same defender has to at least consider Jalen may pop out so he is not as quick peeling back to help on our driver.

So the pay off when that center defender follows Jalen up, our driver has a step on his chaser and the defending center is up top with Jalen and Cadeau has the ball? LOL The defense has no choice, they either have to come off RJ to slow Cadeau or they crash the guy defending our 4, say JWit. THey are forced to give up either the clean open look to RJ or the short corner hard cut to the rim from JWit, else give Cadeau a warm up line lay up. THIS should be a staple of our offense, a look I would look to force EVERY time we go in to half court offense.

RJ, RJ is a really good HARD shot maker to a fault, to the point he tends to rely on that to much. I would like to see RJ start out his offense more going to the rim, maybe floaters or just hard drives, get to the free throw line. A kid that can shoots needs to see the ball go thru the hoop, when he does his lights go off. Before going to those harder looks, see the ball go in 2 or 3 times on easier looks, get to the foul line. Did ya notice against Elon, RJ gets fouled on a trey attempt and hits all 3, from that point his shots seemed way more accurate? That is how you get a good shooter off, not by the Caleb Love method of shoot enough shots that eventually you will shoot yourself hot because along the way you will shoot your team out of the game.

To me, maybe the most UNDER APPRECIATED aspect of the game is shot selection. Ask yourself why is Seth scoring so well this season, it is his shot selection has been outstanding. I do not recall a single bad shot from his so far this season and notice when he takes treys, it is after he has seen the ball go in several times and there is not a hand in his face, does not need to rush anything. Contrast that with the shot selection we have seen from RJ and there is no need to ask why RJ's start so far has been off.

JWit, folks, don't look now but JWit is doing a heck of a Ingram impersonation. Notice, Ingrams jump shot was a bit slow release, it was a modified set shot, started out low and rose up, when you get wide open looks you can have a slower release. JWit has a slower release as well, that jumper starts anywhere from his belly button to his chest. JUst hitting those shots does the same thing it did for us with INgram, his defender has to stay closer to him, they are going to still give him a solid look but they will have to stay closer to him, makes it harder to double way off to another threat. Honestly, if I am coaching against us, I am STILL going to dare JWit, Cadeau, Seth, and Lubin to shoot jump shots and take the results. Because if RJ and Jalen both get hot jump shooting this game is over anyway.

Folks, all these things allow us to spread the court with good balance, opens up driving lanes for guys like Cadeau, Seth, RJ. Seth's or catch in the deep corners and a pump fake drive by, all great things for us.

There is a lot to unpack there for sure, lol. J. Washington has a very smooth shot but he seems reluctant or he hesitates to take the shot. Albeit it is a very small sample size but even against Elon’s zone when Wash came up to the free throw line he wasn’t aggressive. That is why I think Wash needs to hunt for his jump shot if the defense is giving it to him. Last year everytime RJ or Wash shot from 3 I thought it was going in. Not RJ’s floating 3’s but his clean looks.

Cadeau also seems reluctant to just catch and shoot. His body language looks like he is thinking should I take this jump shot or not. Even when he does take it his release seems slow and methodical. IMO Cadeau could be a first team AA if he started to play more aggressively and with more confidence. Of course that is easier said than done. His passes are absolutely amazing at times. Cadeau just seems to be thinking too much when it comes to his outside game instead of just letting it fly. But I agree with you South if I was an opposing team I would let Seth, Cadeau, Withers and whoever else shoot outside until they have proved me wrong.

Seth’s has made significant strides to his overall game and it has been fun to watch. That is another thing that I hate about the portal. I used to love watching freshmen come in and develop from year to year. I was always excited to see our new toys at the start of every season. We just don’t see that in today’s game. Heck even with NIL you will see a player start and play significant minutes only to get poached by another University for more money. Of course those are 2 very different topics and I am getting away from the point. In Seth’s first year he would drive too far and get trapped by either going too deep and committing an offensive foul or just lose the ball altogether. In Seth’s 2nd season his decisions were becoming more precise and his jump shot started to improve. He couldn’t always get his timing down with his layups and he seemed to have more finesse when he jumped than power. Seth would glide but always without a purpose and he would get trapped off of his feet. This season it seems that Seth is realizing that with his athleticism and taking better angles no one can stay with him. He is jumping with more power and authority. His BB IQ has expanded and he is becoming a better all around player. Seth is not just relying on his athleticism now. He is becoming a very dynamic player

IMO for our Team to succeed this season we have to put as much pressure on opposing teams guards. Kansas out scoring us on turnovers 16-2 cannot happen in order for us to be successful. 11 turnovers isn’t bad for a heavy guard oriented team but when we can only force 4 turnovers and only get 2 points out of those turnovers than that is a huge problem. Also we have to hit from outside. We almost win at Kansas with both RJ and Cadeau shooting a combined 1-10 from 3. Yes Withers made several in the second half but I just don’t trust it. I hope I am wrong but my point to that is that we can’t rely on Withers. RJ and Cadeau have to step up in these situations. I think Ian should have gotten a lot more playing time in the second half and RJ should have sat for another 5-7 game minutes. Our backcourt is insanely quick and deep. Hubert has the players to put more pressure on opposing teams guards and help force more turnovers so hopefully we can get out in transition.

I wish Ingram would have comeback for another season. He would have thrived on this years team and it would have improved his draft status. But it is what it is. There are a lot of question marks with this team so I will be interested in seeing how we play in the next few games.

 

[DSouthr]

OK, I am just not a fan of "hero" ball, understand bama, I am all about a guy getting off and feeding him the ball, when a fire is blazing throw more wood on it! But hero ball is different, hero ball is "I have a ultimate green light to shoot and I am going to do just that UNTIL I get hot". Really good shooters fall in to this trap, it becomes almost like a gambling addiction, I will make all the misses up when I get hot. I saw Caleb hit major shots that beat duke in 2 mega games that ended K's career and we all loved that. But lost is how many misses it took to get there and how those misses may have played in to the need to have a mega shot made at the end to win?

A guy misses 8 in a row but hit's the 9th and it was a game winner, we forget that the 8 misses contributed to the need to hit a last second game winner in the first place? In my view, 5 beats 1, what allowed you to withstand all those misses was your team mates filling in the void, why not trust them now? If RJ has a clean look and is on balance for sure take it but a 35ft step back over a long defender is never a good shot, it may be a bad shot with a great ending but it is not ever going to be a good shot. IN this sport you simply are not going to win many games taking a lot of bad shots.

IN addition, the worst way for a guy to get hot is shooting a volume of misses. The far better way to get a player hot is for him to start off inside the paint to either finish, draw a foul, or both. A shooter just needs to see the ball go in the basket, not complicated. You get a shooter that has missed 3 in a row, pull him over to the bench and help him settle his mind down a little.

A lot of what is going on with RJ is he is constantly face guarded and doubled, he rarely gets clean looks because every opponent knows he is a deadly shooter, RJ is getting frustrated, I understand that. But RJ has to stay firm on what helps his team win games, if you are doubled someone else does not have a defender. If RJ plays a decoy role more, others will score and make it harder for them to double RJ, easier for RJ to get and take cleaner looks. That same thing applies to Tyson as well, stop forcing a harder shot, let it come to you by screening and moving off the ball. Right now Seth is teaching a master class on just this, one of those cases where the student may have a couple things the teacher can learn from?

BTW, I enjoy this type of discussion as well,k it is what I believe these boards should be, just sharing opinions and what we see. Thanks for that!

 

[DSouthr]

There is a lot to unpack there for sure, lol. J. Washington has a very smooth shot but he seems reluctant or he hesitates to take the shot. Albeit it is a very small sample size but even against Elon’s zone when Wash came up to the free throw line he wasn’t aggressive. That is why I think Wash needs to hunt for his jump shot if the defense is giving it to him. Last year everytime RJ or Wash shot from 3 I thought it was going in. Not RJ’s floating 3’s but his clean looks.

Cadeau also seems reluctant to just catch and shoot. His body language looks like he is thinking should I take this jump shot or not. Even when he does take it his release seems slow and methodical. IMO Cadeau could be a first team AA if he started to play more aggressively and with more confidence. Of course that is easier said than done. His passes are absolutely amazing at times. Cadeau just seems to be thinking too much when it comes to his outside game instead of just letting it fly. But I agree with you South if I was an opposing team I would let Seth, Cadeau, Withers and whoever else shoot outside until they have proved me wrong.

Seth’s has made significant strides to his overall game and it has been fun to watch. That is another thing that I hate about the portal. I used to love watching freshmen come in and develop from year to year. I was always excited to see our new toys at the start of every season. We just don’t see that in today’s game. Heck even with NIL you will see a player start and play significant minutes only to get poached by another University for more money. Of course those are 2 very different topics and I am getting away from the point. In Seth’s first year he would drive too far and get trapped by either going too deep and committing an offensive foul or just lose the ball altogether. In Seth’s 2nd season his decisions were becoming more precise and his jump shot started to improve. He couldn’t always get his timing down with his layups and he seemed to have more finesse when he jumped than power. Seth would glide but always without a purpose and he would get trapped off of his feet. This season it seems that Seth is realizing that with his athleticism and taking better angles no one can stay with him. He is jumping with more power and authority. His BB IQ has expanded and he is becoming a better all around player. Seth is not just relying on his athleticism now. He is becoming a very dynamic player

IMO for our Team to succeed this season we have to put as much pressure on opposing teams guards. Kansas out scoring us on turnovers 16-2 cannot happen in order for us to be successful. 11 turnovers isn’t bad for a heavy guard oriented team but when we can only force 4 turnovers and only get 2 points out of those turnovers than that is a huge problem. Also we have to hit from outside. We almost win at Kansas with both RJ and Cadeau shooting a combined 1-10 from 3. Yes Withers made several in the second half but I just don’t trust it. I hope I am wrong but my point to that is that we can’t rely on Withers. RJ and Cadeau have to step up in these situations. I think Ian should have gotten a lot more playing time in the second half and RJ should have sat for another 5-7 game minutes. Our backcourt is insanely quick and deep. Hubert has the players to put more pressure on opposing teams guards and help force more turnovers so hopefully we can get out in transition.

I wish Ingram would have comeback for another season. He would have thrived on this years team and it would have improved his draft status. But it is what it is. There are a lot of question marks with this team so I will be interested in seeing how we play in the next few games.

About the only thing I may see a bit different is the take on Cadeau. I see him playing way more confident this season but I think he understands his role. He is not a primary jump shooter, his role is to find our scorers in scoring position. He is in that this may be a good shot but is there a better one and he is finding those better ones.

 

[alabamaheel]

OK, I am just not a fan of "hero" ball, understand bama, I am all about a guy getting off and feeding him the ball, when a fire is blazing throw more wood on it! But hero ball is different, hero ball is "I have a ultimate green light to shoot and I am going to do just that UNTIL I get hot". Really good shooters fall in to this trap, it becomes almost like a gambling addiction, I will make all the misses up when I get hot. I saw Caleb hit major shots that beat duke in 2 mega games that ended K's career and we all loved that. But lost is how many misses it took to get there and how those misses may have played in to the need to have a mega shot made at the end to win?

A guy misses 8 in a row but hit's the 9th and it was a game winner, we forget that the 8 misses contributed to the need to hit a last second game winner in the first place? In my view, 5 beats 1, what allowed you to withstand all those misses was your team mates filling in the void, why not trust them now? If RJ has a clean look and is on balance for sure take it but a 35ft step back over a long defender is never a good shot, it may be a bad shot with a great ending but it is not ever going to be a good shot. IN this sport you simply are not going to win many games taking a lot of bad shots.

IN addition, the worst way for a guy to get hot is shooting a volume of misses. The far better way to get a player hot is for him to start off inside the paint to either finish, draw a foul, or both. A shooter just needs to see the ball go in the basket, not complicated. You get a shooter that has missed 3 in a row, pull him over to the bench and help him settle his mind down a little.

A lot of what is going on with RJ is he is constantly face guarded and doubled, he rarely gets clean looks because every opponent knows he is a deadly shooter, RJ is getting frustrated, I understand that. But RJ has to stay firm on what helps his team win games, if you are doubled someone else does not have a defender. If RJ plays a decoy role more, others will score and make it harder for them to double RJ, easier for RJ to get and take cleaner looks. That same thing applies to Tyson as well, stop forcing a harder shot, let it come to you by screening and moving off the ball. Right now Seth is teaching a master class on just this, one of those cases where the student may have a couple things the teacher can learn from?

BTW, I enjoy this type of discussion as well,k it is what I believe these boards should be, just sharing opinions and what we see. Thanks for that!

I don’t think RJ needs to shoot til he gets hot every game. Maybe til he gets if figured out. He’s never had to before. And I know Caleb is an easy comparison but not even close imo. RJ has been tons more effective more often and more consistent. Caleb does have the bigger individual games I think. I haven’t looked but I’d bet their percentages would prove my thoughts. I may be surprised.

I honestly think he’s had just as many good looks than usual. I also think the moment means more every time he shoots. Meaning a lot more pressure to perform in all he does. This is it for him. His last year, POY possibly, acc, wants another shot at a ncaa chip. That’s what I see as the problem and it’s between his ears. He’ll settle in I hope. We need him for sure.

Edit to say, I did go look and the only year it was close was 21 when they both shot 36 from deep. That’s also the year of all the great games came from Caleb. He then came back to earth.

 

[al would]

I honestly think he’s had just as many good looks than usual. I also think the moment means more every time he shoots. Meaning a lot more pressure to perform in all he does. This is it for him. His last year, POY possibly, acc, wants another shot at a ncaa chip. That’s what I see as the problem and it’s between his ears. He’ll settle in I hope. We need him for sure.

I agree 100% that he is putting undue pressure on himself to perform. I also believe he needs to understand that THIS TEAM"S ability to be successful is no longer dependent on him and if he was thinking he needed to return for UNC to be successful then he was misguided or delusional. There are better options this year. Pro prospects that may well be one and done but they need floor time to adjust and develop. Realistically speaking, at this point in time, RJ may be the fourth best 2 guard on this team although I like Drake better at the 3 on this team. How would RJ match up against Seth? How about Jack or Drake? How about if you flipped from an offensive to defensive play. In what order would you place RJ in the Seth, Drake, Jack defensive player list? I think RJ needs less pt at this point so he can better see his role this year. All my opinion and no shade to RJ. Just calling it like I see it.

 

[alabamaheel]

I agree 100% that he is putting undue pressure on himself to perform. I also believe he needs to understand that THIS TEAM"S ability to be successful is no longer dependent on him and if he was thinking he needed to return for UNC to be successful then he was misguided or delusional. There are better options this year. Pro prospects that may well be one and done but they need floor time to adjust and develop. Realistically speaking, at this point in time, RJ may be the fourth best 2 guard on this team although I like Drake better at the 3 on this team. How would RJ match up against Seth? How about Jack or Drake? How about if you flipped from an offensive to defensive play. In what order would you place RJ in the Seth, Drake, Jack defensive player list? I think RJ needs less pt at this point so he can better see his role this year. All my opinion and no shade to RJ. Just calling it like I see it.

And you have every right. And if you think either of the two freshman can out play him then that’s your right. As far as this teams dependency on him, I dare say that we’ve played two games and the first one we don’t win without him coming through once again. Like it or not, need it or not, want it or not, it’s true. I don’t think he needs to play lights out or even close to last year. But, we will not win it all without him playing and scoring. Who exactly out of that list you mentioned can shoot it to cover what he can bring? Seth can I think but as you’ve seen we are going to need him added to, not in place of. One or both of the freshmen? lol tyson? He’d better show up sometime. Who exactly will shoot the ball? EC? We need all hands on deck. I get it u don’t think we need him or his game and haven’t liked him for a couple years. Well who then? You cannot win it all without the deep ball. And we don’t exactly have the best frontline controlling the paint now do we?

 

[TPFKAPFS]

RJ is smart and experienced. He will figure it out and when he does, the team will soar! I have absolutely no issue with a player who has earned the right, deciding to do a step back 3 since it is clearly in his arsenal! Three tough issues that are emergencies are: Focus/Intensity on D/Rebounding from the jump, Cade finding his footing (or someone else stepping up), AND JWash taking open looks when they appear! Our 9-11 deep team has already answered all other questions! The good news is, we are a guaranteed 9 deep with Claude and Tyson being the possibles in our hand! (Yes, I'm counting JB. I think Claude should be counted too but he isn't seeing the floor. I believe Tyson will click soon too.)

 

[NathanFielder]

I don’t think RJ needs to shoot til he gets hot every game. Maybe til he gets if figured out. He’s never had to before. And I know Caleb is an easy comparison but not even close imo. RJ has been tons more effective more often and more consistent. Caleb does have the bigger individual games I think. I haven’t looked but I’d bet their percentages would prove my thoughts. I may be surprised.

I honestly think he’s had just as many good looks than usual. I also think the moment means more every time he shoots. Meaning a lot more pressure to perform in all he does. This is it for him. His last year, POY possibly, acc, wants another shot at a ncaa chip. That’s what I see as the problem and it’s between his ears. He’ll settle in I hope. We need him for sure.

Edit to say, I did go look and the only year it was close was 21 when they both shot 36 from deep. That’s also the year of all the great games came from Caleb. He then came back to earth.

If I were Hubert, I would have RJ in one of the corners for certain parts of the game as an option if Cadeau or Trimble is able to get penetration for a kickout. I like having RJ on the ballside wing and then him fading towards the corner on a same side drive to get him an open look.

But overall, I think there's been an issue where RJ gets the ball in a pretty static setup. He isn't moving a ton during the catch. I can only recall one set play where RJ is given a touch where he is moving when he catches the ball. This is usually that set play.

I would prefer he doesn't catch the ball so much from a static position.

 

[DSouthr]

I agree 100% that he is putting undue pressure on himself to perform. I also believe he needs to understand that THIS TEAM"S ability to be successful is no longer dependent on him and if he was thinking he needed to return for UNC to be successful then he was misguided or delusional. There are better options this year. Pro prospects that may well be one and done but they need floor time to adjust and develop. Realistically speaking, at this point in time, RJ may be the fourth best 2 guard on this team although I like Drake better at the 3 on this team. How would RJ match up against Seth? How about Jack or Drake? How about if you flipped from an offensive to defensive play. In what order would you place RJ in the Seth, Drake, Jack defensive player list? I think RJ needs less pt at this point so he can better see his role this year. All my opinion and no shade to RJ. Just calling it like I see it.

LOL, al would with the HOT take! LOL

To me it is pretty clear, our best 2 guard TODAY (which means not yesterday and maybe not tomorrow) isn't RJ, in my view it is Seth. I say that for 3 distinct reasons, first on the defensive end Seth is the gold standard for back court defenders, it really isn't a close call. Second, Seth's athletism allows him to defy a lot of defenders longer than he is. Seth is just nice not just athletically but he is physically really solid, has an NBA ready body. And third, Seth is now bringing in 3 level scoring to the table. It should not be taken as shade toward RJ to acknowledge what Seth is giving us.

I do think RJ is likely our second best 2, Drake and Cappy both have far more upside, who knows how they will develop by late season but I don't see them as better options right now nor do I really expect to later season. I am not looking to diminish RJ at all nor Drake & Cappy. But folks, Seth is doing really special things, I mean when you have a 3 level scorer with high efficiency that just oh by the way may be the best back court defender in the country, it is special.

Who would win a match up between RJ and Seth, man, I would love to see that battle, I would take Seth with his ability to lock down RJ defensively and athleticism to take RJ inside the paint. RJ vs Cappy, I take RJ for now but it would be closer than many think. Cappy has those long arms that are a problem for RJ to shoot over but RJ is very crafty getting a longer guy outside the paint 1 on 1. Drake would be a bit closer vs RJ, such a good defender for a freshman and if he could get in to the paint would scorch RJ near the rim. I take RJ because Drake would have a problem driving on RJ quickness and Drake's jumper has not been dropping..

 

[DSouthr]

If I were Hubert, I would have RJ in one of the corners for certain parts of the game as an option if Cadeau or Trimble is able to get penetration for a kickout. I like having RJ on the ballside wing and then him fading towards the corner on a same side drive to get him an open look.

But overall, I think there's been an issue where RJ gets the ball in a pretty static setup. He isn't moving a ton during the catch. I can only recall one set play where RJ is given a touch where he is moving when he catches the ball. This is usually that set play.

I would prefer he doesn't catch the ball so much from a static position.

I don't disagree with that at all. I would very much like to see RJ start out looking to pump fake and drive for the floater, he has that really nice floater in his tool bag. I would like for us to do a better job of off ball screening to spring RJ for some better looks. Rj does seem more comfortable shooting off of movement as opposed to the standard catch and shoot. When RJ does catch and shoot, he seems far more comfortable (as most shooters do) on a pass coming from inside the paint back out to him as a spot up as opposed to a passing coming from either side (where you have to catch, turn, gather, and pop), seems to like the corner trey a lot as well.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

If I were Hubs, I would run the offense we have been practicing for months! RJ isn't the issue, Seth is being used perfectly, JWit just played his best game as a Heel, Cap is finding his speed, EC is confident in his game and shooting, Lubin gave us exactly what we needed, Drake scored, rebounded, and guarded, JWash flashed some man-sized play and must increase it, sooooo.....you don't fix what ain't broke-you tweak what ain't working perfectly! AND we gave the best team we will face this year all they could handle and almost won!

 

[DSouthr]

If I were Hubs, I would run the offense we have been practicing for months! RJ isn't the issue, Seth is being used perfectly, JWit just played his best game as a Heel, Cap is finding his speed, EC is confident in his game and shooting, Lubin gave us exactly what we needed, Drake scored, rebounded, and guarded, JWash flashed some man-sized play and must increase it, sooooo.....you don't fix what ain't broke-you tweak what ain't working perfectly! AND we gave the best team we will face this year all they could handle and almost won!

Do you really see Kansas as the best team we will see this season? I am not sure they are, I would maybe have both duke and bama ahead of Kansas and Ky could move ahead of them. Tonight's game with duke vs Ky will be really interesting, kinda must see TV for we college basketball junkies.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Honestly, in my excitement I may have overstated that a bit, lol! BUT KU has a talented, long, and experienced lineup. Keep in mind my relentless positivity for my Heels is matched by my disdain for the pukies! I refuse to give that bunch of entitled and over-hyped beyotches any cred! UK is just behind them in hatred, but I can give them grudging respect. Bama is intriguing but I haven't seen them live. I am watching MSU give KU all they can handle too so.... I will watch puke v Kentuck tonight and hope for a meteor!

 

[dtodd4475]

I'm never rooting for Dook, but Flagg looks like the deal, not overhyped. Kid is still 17 as well. Just hoping his one year in college is not too special, cause I do believe he will be an all timer when he is done overall.

 

[al would]

Who exactly out of that list you mentioned can shoot it to cover what he can bring?

He was 3-13 and 1-7 from 3 so I'd say about anybody except for Tyson and me. Lets re-visit this after the GT game and see if RJ can get out of his funk and see how the frosh do over the next couple weeks. My biggest point about this entire thread was that RJ's minutes need to decrease so the frosh and newbies can get some time to acclimate and understand their respective roles .. RJ included.

 

[al would]

LOL, al would with the HOT take! LOL

To me it is pretty clear, our best 2 guard TODAY (which means not yesterday and maybe not tomorrow) isn't RJ, in my view it is Seth. I say that for 3 distinct reasons, first on the defensive end Seth is the gold standard for back court defenders, it really isn't a close call. Second, Seth's athletism allows him to defy a lot of defenders longer than he is. Seth is just nice not just athletically but he is physically really solid, has an NBA ready body. And third, Seth is now bringing in 3 level scoring to the table. It should not be taken as shade toward RJ to acknowledge what Seth is giving us.

I do think RJ is likely our second best 2, Drake and Cappy both have far more upside, who knows how they will develop by late season but I don't see them as better options right now nor do I really expect to later season. I am not looking to diminish RJ at all nor Drake & Cappy. But folks, Seth is doing really special things, I mean when you have a 3 level scorer with high efficiency that just oh by the way may be the best back court defender in the country, it is special.

Who would win a match up between RJ and Seth, man, I would love to see that battle, I would take Seth with his ability to lock down RJ defensively and athleticism to take RJ inside the paint. RJ vs Cappy, I take RJ for now but it would be closer than many think. Cappy has those long arms that are a problem for RJ to shoot over but RJ is very crafty getting a longer guy outside the paint 1 on 1. Drake would be a bit closer vs RJ, such a good defender for a freshman and if he could get in to the paint would scorch RJ near the rim. I take RJ because Drake would have a problem driving on RJ quickness and Drake's jumper has not been dropping..

Fair points all the way around 👍.

 

[alabamaheel]

He was 3-13 and 1-7 from 3 so I'd say about anybody except for Tyson and me. Lets re-visit this after the GT game and see if RJ can get out of his funk and see how the frosh do over the next couple weeks. My biggest point about this entire thread was that RJ's minutes need to decrease so the frosh and newbies can get some time to acclimate and understand their respective roles .. RJ included.

Great job of singling out A game. Literally one game lol. I agree with the younger players needing to find their way for sure. And they’ll definitely deserve his minutes if he doesn’t shoot it better.

 

[DSouthr]

Honestly, in my excitement I may have overstated that a bit, lol! BUT KU has a talented, long, and experienced lineup. Keep in mind my relentless positivity for my Heels is matched by my disdain for the pukies! I refuse to give that bunch of entitled and over-hyped beyotches any cred! UK is just behind them in hatred, but I can give them grudging respect. Bama is intriguing but I haven't seen them live. I am watching MSU give KU all they can handle too so.... I will watch puke v Kentuck tonight and hope for a meteor!

Honestly, last night I wanted Ky to win that game, with Calipari now gone they are a lot easier to like over duke. What I saw last night was duke had the far better talent level, Ky was much better coached.

 

[DSouthr]

I'm never rooting for Dook, but Flagg looks like the deal, not overhyped. Kid is still 17 as well. Just hoping his one year in college is not too special, cause I do believe he will be an all timer when he is done overall.

Flagg is absolutely the real deal, anyone that does not see that is blind as a bat.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I can't see where Face does any coaching. Pope turns out to be pretty good though. Our team when playing like we did in the second half can beat all 4 teams I watched. We will always have a height disadvantage, but our heart is way bigger. I trust our coaching above all of them except maybe Izzo too!

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Flagg is absolutely the real deal, anyone that does not see that is blind as a bat.

You can be the real deal AND overhyped and this is what is happening to me. He is not even close to a finished product no matter what DSPN says!

 

[heels05champs]

Honestly, last night I wanted Ky to win that game, with Calipari now gone they are a lot easier to like over duke. What I saw last night was duke had the far better talent level, Ky was much better coached.

Pope is a very likable dude and he is one of them just like Hubert is to Carolina.

 

[al would]

Great job of singling out A game. Literally one game lol.

I wasn't necessarily singling out RJ for one game for crappy shooting against KU but more for the type of shots he was taking against KU. He was forcing and pushing stuff trying to do things that weren't in the flow of the game. He wasn't playing team ball and when any player starts doing that they need to have a seat and gain some perspective.

 

[gary-7]

Flagg is absolutely the real deal, anyone that does not see that is blind as a bat.

He is quite advanced but I suspect his ceiling is also closer.
Also, he's definitely not 6'9.

 

[dtodd4475]

He is quite advanced but I suspect his ceiling is also closer.
Also, he's definitely not 6'9.

His wing span is the key. Long !!!!!

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I'll repeat, I would take Maudunga or Mariachi before I would take Flagg. The world is producing a ton of 6'7"-6'9" guys with skill but it doesn't spit out 7'+ dudes who are extremely bouncy and hard working that often! I think Flagg will be a really good pro (possibly All-Star level eventually), but nobody can really predict this (Zion says hello) . I think it is malpractice to anoint a 17 year old because no matter how grounded they are, they can't help but feel a little satisfied!

 

[DSouthr]

He is quite advanced but I suspect his ceiling is also closer.
Also, he's definitely not 6'9.

Funny, I was in that EXACT discussion with my dukie buddy this morning where I made the case that Flagg is good, darn good but if I had the #1 pick in the next draft I would take Bundinga over Flagg. My reason is that I am not sure how close to his ceiling Flagg is but Bundinga is nothing but upside.

 

[Bubspub88]

I think the kid has a world of potential, and unfortunately he will likely show both times against us. My opinion is Scheyer did him very wrong at the end of the game, having the 17 year old bring it up the court when you have two far more experienced guard on the floor?

He may be your best player but get him the ball where he is most comfortable, and I doubt that's off the in bounds pass. That dook roster still scares me, especially the big kid underneath.