Late stuff (KU game)...

[gary-7]

...and well, damn.

As I tried to explain beforehand, beating KU at Phog was a monumental task, but y'know what? We damn near did.
So, let's take a look:

- Sorry (not) if it offends anybody, but some of the nonsense I've seen posted here was exposed for what it is. We just walked into the toughest environment in college hoops, against the #1 team, and took it to the wire. This UNC team is not a "mess". It has strengths and weaknesses and is a work-in-progress.

- So, basic stuff. KU got "home cooking" in being allowed to be "physical" and Good Lord at the uncalled illegal screens --- I counted TWELVE of the handoff/ass-check variety --- but here's the good news: As I've harped on over and over, the AGGRESSOR gets the calls, and we didn't back down. Instead, we maintained aggressiveness and kept attacking the basket, and started getting enough calls to get to the line enough to make a difference. This was vital, as we shot 28/31 FTs.

- Reality check: OK -- we all know that we lack bulk inside, but as I mentioned pregame, Dickinson cannot guard JWash. Well, turns out he couldn't guard Withers either. JWit knoked down huge 3s and drove to the rack effectively in the second half.

- In the texts I get from my "coach-mafia" during games, the adjective that is so often used to describe Cadeau is "sick". Well yeah... my boy is SICK. Folks, we're watching something VERY special here, and he needs to play 35+ each and every game, as he is the ONE guy we can't replace.

- Our "comeback" was fueled by what I prescribed pregame --- REBOUNDING!!! They were unconscious shooting in the first half, but we cleaned glass in the second, and the transition game got going. After getting bullied on the glass in the first half, we ended up outrebounding them by one for the game!

- On a personnel note. Harris is a dirty little f***, and EC flat took him to school.

- Bad news: Too much "hero-ball". Shot-selection hurt us late. RJ was forcing all game, and despite Withers' key shots, he also forced late.

- As for the Frosh, Jackson rose to the occasion with some key ifrst-half contributions. Powel gave as good as he got, and our guy James Brown acquitted himself well.

- Hubert, my brother: PLEASE run more offense thru JWash and PLEASE utilize scrambles; These guys are made for it and our personnel can't be allowed to be sitting ducks. FORCE THE ACTION instead of allowing opponents to bully.

Anyway, hopefully we can stop dissing this team. There are areas for needed improvement for damned sure, but we can compete with ANYBODY...

 

[gkss]

...and well, damn.

As I tried to explain beforehand, beating KU at Phog was a monumental task, but y'know what? We damn near did.
So, let's take a look:

- Sorry (not) if it offends anybody, but some of the nonsense I've seen posted here was exposed for what it is. We just walked into the toughest environment in college hoops, against the #1 team, and took it to the wire. This UNC team is not a "mess". It has strengths and weaknesses and iis a work-in-progress.

- So, basic stuff. KU got "home cooking" in being allowed to be "physical" and Good Lord at the uncalled illegal screens --- I counted TWELVE of the handoff/ass-check variety --- but here's the good news: As I've harped on over and over, the AGGRESSOR gets the calls, and we didn't back down. Instead, we maintained aggressiveness and kept attacking the basket, and started geting enough calls to get to the line enough to make a difference. This was vital, as we shot 28/31 FTs.

- Reality check: OK -- we all know that we lack bulk inside, but as I mentioned pregame, Dickinson cannot guard JWash. Well, turns out he couldn't guard Withers either. JWit knoked down huge 3s and drove to the rack effectively in the second half.

- In the texts I get from my "coach-mafia" during games, the adjective that is so often used to describe Cadeau is "sick". Well yeah... my boy is SICK. Folks, we're watching something VERY special here, and he needs to play 35+ each and every game, as he is the ONE guy we can't replace.

- Our "comeback" was fueled by what I prescribed pregame --- REBOUNDING!!! They were unconscious shooting in the first half, but we cleaned glass in the second, and the transition game got going. After getting bullied on the glass in the first half, we ended up outrebounding them by one for the game!

- On a personnel note. Harris is a dirty little f***, and EC flat took him to school.

- Bad news: Too much "hero-ball". Shot-selection hurt us late. RJ was forcing all game, and despite Withers' key shots, he also forced late.

- As for the Frosh, Jackson rose to the occasion with some key ifrst-half contributions. Powel gave as good as he got, and our guy James Brown acquitted himself well.

- Hubert, my brother: PLEASE run more offense thru JWash and PLEASE utilize scrambles; These guys are made for it and our personnel can't be allowed to be sitting ducks. FORCE THE ACTION instead of allowing opponents to bully.

Anyway, hopefully we can stop dissing this team. There are areas for needed improvement for damned sure, but we can compete with ANYBODY...

Spot on gary-7! I loved how we came out in the second half and took it to them! Our D stepped up and boy did we rebound! So awesome to have a true PG! Cadeau is an elite level passer! The contributions we got was good off the bench. I really like Trimble and what he brings. It’s early and guys are learning roles. A lot of learning and growing went on in that second half. You nailed it Gary- we forced it a little in crunch time, but will learn from it! We showed we can play with anybody!

 

[dtodd4475]

Valiant effort, and with some guys making a push to claim those open minutes. I really like the low turnovers, only 9 in another up tempo game after only 6 opening night. Great free throw shooting 28 - 31 (Seth 10 - 10).

If Seth, RJ, and EC are the heavy minute guys, small ball will indeed be the main entrée this year. I think they played 33, 35, 37 minutes respectively.

Withers played well, active, shooting it well. Lubin gave some much needed physicality and battled. Washington is still in between, too light in the arse to hold his ground in the paint, a step slow outside of it. Gotta get to his strengths in other areas to offset that. Cap Jack showed some flashes, and Drake versatility is starting to show.

RJ had another extended run at point while we did good work in the 2nd half. It might be hard to get clean looks for him if Tyson is a swing and miss, unless Seth, EC, Withers become that 2nd stay at home with 3 shooter.

Still time for others to establish themselves, but a core 8 may be emerging watching who stepped up in one of if not the most difficult road venues against a loaded Jayhawk roster.

Plenty to like, and plenty to work on and sort itself out. Hopefully Tyson can acclimate to this level. The jury is still out for me as I said pre season on that for sure, but not counting him totally out yet either.

Can't wait to see them back in action to see how they develop, it's going to be interesting.

 

[39 Feet Above Sea Level]

You get down 20 in half one at Phog and have the lead in the last two minutes? 😳How does that happen?
Because our guys are tough m’fers, and manned up BIG TIME. I wish l had been privy to Hubert’s halftime
locker room “discussion”. Even in a loss, there is so much to like about this team.
Keep coaching ‘em up, Hubert! GDTBATH ⛹🏾‍♂️

 

[tcb22]

All the warts that this team has were on full display in the first half, but man did they regain their composure in the second half. And, they did this at Kansas! This probably prepared them for Cameron and other similar places. I was also impressed with us out rebounding a big team. JWashington can hold his own as can Lubin. Withers did alright as a "big". Really wonder about Cade.

 

[heels05champs]

Something I would add, please stop pulling EC at the first media timeout. Hubert did this last year too. Sure enough, we lost momentum from our strong start and Kansas made a run as soon as EC went to the bench at the first media timeout.

 

[Deezheelz]

All in all I like what I saw last night especially in the 2nd half. Happy to see our guys take a punch and punch right back! Starting to become concerned with Tyson though.

 

[Kool1234567]

Team played hard just came up a little short…Love that EC took that shot at the end…This game will make us better…

Also I want to see more James Brown…

 

[vikandpirate4christ]

Spot on Gary! Thank you for your post as always. I’m actually thrilled to see the guys upset over the defeat as well, it’s shows me that they care, and that they expected to win, even when no one else expected them too

 

[vikandpirate4christ]

Team played hard just came up a little short…Love that EC took that shot at the end…This game will make us better…

Also I want to see more James Brown…

I think brown may be a little better than some were expecting

 

[NathanFielder]

The offensive blueprint every game should be trying to get to the bonus as early as possible. That will offset a poor shooting game from the key players.

And I’m not going to criticize anyone who had negative opinions about this team. Frankly, this game validated literally everyone’s opinion about this team. They looked overmatched for a third, they looked better than KU for a third, they looked even with KU for a third.

There was a 3 minute stretch in the 2nd half where KU had like 4 or 5 premium looks and the ball went in and out each time. So as much as people will complain about this break or that break, I think that stretch where KU was thisclose to re-establishing a huge lead was key. But that’s basketball.

There’s a lot to build on. But there’s a lot this team has to improve on too.

Its really simplistic but I don’t think this team can consistently win this type of game with only 2 guys making multiple 3s. It’s why Tyson being a 0 so far this season is a concern to me.

It’s early but Hubert trusts 8 guys right now. Maybe James Brown is 8.5. But Tyson has some work to do to earn Hubert’s trust and make this team as deep as people are saying they are. Maybe he didn’t play because of the matchup.

 

[gary-7]

All the warts that this team has were on full display in the first half, but man did they regain their composure in the second half. And, they did this at Kansas! This probably prepared them for Cameron and other similar places. I was also impressed with us out rebounding a big team. JWashington can hold his own as can Lubin. Withers did alright as a "big". Really wonder about Cade.

Cade needs a chance to get minutes and thus a feel for how he fits. We need a confident Tyson to be a part of this.

 

[gary-7]

Something I would add, please stop pulling EC at the first media timeout. Hubert did this last year too. Sure enough, we lost momentum from our strong start and Kansas made a run as soon as EC went to the bench at the first media timeout.

Amen to that. I harped on that last year. That said, I could see he got a bit gassed from being so active from the tip, but that's what the Timeout is for, right?

 

[gary-7]

Team played hard just came up a little short…Love that EC took that shot at the end…This game will make us better…

Also I want to see more James Brown…

Brown has been a pleasant surprise as to his development level. He has genuine size and his body is already showing the work.

 

[Geth]

This team is going to be terrible". "We're in for alot of heavy losses."

We lost but it sure would be refreshing in this age where accountability is no longer a requirement to be considered a man or adult for those who whined cried and threw the team under the bus before the season even started to give credit where and when its due.

 

[DSouthr]

Heck of a game for sure, atmosphere felt more like a post season game than only the second game of the season. Kansas played that first half lights out, don't know that they have a higher level than that, they owned the paint scoring and they hit jumpers, we were abused in the paint and didn't match their jump shooting, to the tune of a 20pty lead at one point deep in to the first half. There is a real reason Kansas is ranked #1 in the country. But there is as well a reason we are ranked #9 in the country.

I felt at times our freshmen looked like freshmen, I saw some hesitation from them, this was a huge game in a storied gym. Was nice to see Cappy drop a couple treys but the strength of his game is going to the rim and he did struggle with that. In large part due to Kansas being able to clog up the lane blunting driving lanes. Drake has to start dropping those jumpers, needs top start his scoring more inside just to see the ball go in before taking those coffin corner treys. I felt James Brown came in and really gave us a spark, kid played hard. This was not a game that Tyson should have been in, his feet are just to slow for those Kansas match ups.

I do love that they came out second half really committed to driving and getting to the foul line, especially Seth and Cadeau, they just played inspired ball. RJ played hard and as physical as he could but he is forcing those jump shots. I keep going back to shot selection, not sure I have seen Seth take in my mind a bad shot yet this season, really wish I could say that about RJ. Maybe the pre-season hype of ACC POY and pre-season NCAA 1st team is getting to him but he is pressing to much that isn't there.

That Kansas front court is bigger, longer, and stronger but those Tar Heel kids worked. I did think JWash had a rough game, looked like he was giving up about 30lbs to Dick'son, just to big and to strong. Lubin worked his butt off but was really abused at times, giving up all that length as well as weight. JWit played maybe his best game ever in a Tar Heel jersey, he straight up battled, his first half foul trouble, the over all front court foul trouble in that first half hurt us but if not for Seth and Cadeau, JWit would have been player of this game, really good to see. I still do not trust his corner treys but he has made them first couple games and he does not hesitate to take them.

You never want to lose but in a lot of ways this Tar Heel team needed this. Go in to maybe the most difficult gym in the country to play against the #1 team in the country that is extra strong at our weak spots. To find ourselves in a 20pt hole late first half, to end the half down 16 because we got a last second put back to drop only to come back to lead by 4 with under 4mins to play? This team showed the heart of a champion, it took everything Kansas had to get that 3pt win. This was a fantastic learning opp for this team, I think especially our freshmen will learn a ton from it, so much room for growth there.

Said this before this game, hate it had to be played this early, this game deserves a late season match up when both teams have fully gelled. I honestly thought we would lose by 15 before the start of it but a heck of a lot of growing up happened, beware ACC, we are coming, we see you dukies, we see you... You better see us...

 

[DSouthr]

This team is going to be terrible". "We're in for alot of heavy losses."

We lost but it sure would be refreshing in this age where accountability is no longer a requirement to be considered a man or adult for those who whined cried and threw the team under the bus before the season even started to give credit where and when its due.

The average IQ in this country is clearly no longer anywhere near 100 either so I'm asking for miracles.

"This team is going to be terrible". "We're in for alot of heavy losses.""

Where is being said? I have shared that I do have concerns with our front court, hard not to see just that last night? Maybe it is comments I have not seen?

One thing Hubert does need to tweek, we need to invert JWash more to bring those big man shot blockers away from the paint, Jalen has to be not just willing but eager to take those jumpers else the shot blocking bigs will not follow him out. I am talking about creating wider driving lanes for guys like Seth, Cadeau, and RJ but also Cappy and Drake. Fortunately, JWit has taken and made jumpers that pulls his man outside more and that has allowed some driving but JWash hitting those draws the opposing center out much of the time.

 

[thomdrix]

Love RJ but he’s off to a rough start. Mediocre game for him and we win.

 

[tarwhiz]

...and well, damn.

As I tried to explain beforehand, beating KU at Phog was a monumental task, but y'know what? We damn near did.
So, let's take a look:

- Sorry (not) if it offends anybody, but some of the nonsense I've seen posted here was exposed for what it is. We just walked into the toughest environment in college hoops, against the #1 team, and took it to the wire. This UNC team is not a "mess". It has strengths and weaknesses and is a work-in-progress.

- So, basic stuff. KU got "home cooking" in being allowed to be "physical" and Good Lord at the uncalled illegal screens --- I counted TWELVE of the handoff/ass-check variety --- but here's the good news: As I've harped on over and over, the AGGRESSOR gets the calls, and we didn't back down. Instead, we maintained aggressiveness and kept attacking the basket, and started getting enough calls to get to the line enough to make a difference. This was vital, as we shot 28/31 FTs.

- Reality check: OK -- we all know that we lack bulk inside, but as I mentioned pregame, Dickinson cannot guard JWash. Well, turns out he couldn't guard Withers either. JWit knoked down huge 3s and drove to the rack effectively in the second half.

- In the texts I get from my "coach-mafia" during games, the adjective that is so often used to describe Cadeau is "sick". Well yeah... my boy is SICK. Folks, we're watching something VERY special here, and he needs to play 35+ each and every game, as he is the ONE guy we can't replace.

- Our "comeback" was fueled by what I prescribed pregame --- REBOUNDING!!! They were unconscious shooting in the first half, but we cleaned glass in the second, and the transition game got going. After getting bullied on the glass in the first half, we ended up outrebounding them by one for the game!

- On a personnel note. Harris is a dirty little f***, and EC flat took him to school.

- Bad news: Too much "hero-ball". Shot-selection hurt us late. RJ was forcing all game, and despite Withers' key shots, he also forced late.

- As for the Frosh, Jackson rose to the occasion with some key ifrst-half contributions. Powel gave as good as he got, and our guy James Brown acquitted himself well.

- Hubert, my brother: PLEASE run more offense thru JWash and PLEASE utilize scrambles; These guys are made for it and our personnel can't be allowed to be sitting ducks. FORCE THE ACTION instead of allowing opponents to bully.

Anyway, hopefully we can stop dissing this team. There are areas for needed improvement for damned sure, but we can compete with ANYBODY...

Playing through Washington more and using scramble defense was at the top of my list of multiple comments throughout the game last night.
Hubert needs to give JWASH a confidence push in the right direction to be an offensive minded big beyond the free throw line. He probably should have attempted 3-5 shots from beyond the 3 point line we last night to bring Dickinson and Bundingo out of drop coverage.

 

[gary-7]

Love RJ but he’s off to a rough start. Mediocre game for him and we win.

Here's the thing with RJ --- part of the evolution of this team will be him adjusting from last season where we dumped so much responsibility on him. RJ is an alpha scorer and as we saw vs Elon, he can deliver in the crunch, but that doesn't need to be the norm. If we're playing well he shouldn't need to hunt his shot. KU made it obvious they were not gonna let RJ have an easy look so forcing shots played into their hands. If you key on one guy it opens up everyone else and we have plenty of weapons If we make teams pay for smothering RJ then it will stop and he can settle into the flow.

 

[gary-7]

Playing through Washington more and using scramble defense was at the top of my list of multiple comments throughout the game last night.
Hubert needs to give JWASH a confidence push in the right direction to be an offensive minded big beyond the free throw line. He probably should have attempted 3-5 shots from beyond the 3 point line we last night to bring Dickinson and Bundingo out of drop coverage.

Yep, and there were too many times in which Wash didn't even look at the basket.

 

[tarwhiz]

Cade needs a chance to get minutes and thus a feel for how he fits. We need a confident Tyson to be a part of this.

Agreed. Cade needs to be spoonfed minutes these next 3 games to build confidence. If he is still a non factor vs American, Hawaii and Dayton?......then he shouldn't expect to see the floor in the 2nd round game in Maui.

 

[tarwhiz]

Brown has been a pleasant surprise as to his development level. He has genuine size and his body is already showing the work.

His length will be a factor. He looks like raw Brandon Wright, Ed Davis types. He is not as far along at the same age as they were, but that just means we could get that version or more from him as a Jr/ Sr

 

[thomdrix]

Here's the thing with RJ --- part of the evolution of this team will be him adjusting from last season where we dumped so much responsibility on him. RJ is an alpha scorer and as we saw vs Elon, he can deliver in the crunch, but that doesn't need to be the norm. If we're playing well he shouldn't need to hunt his shot. KU made it obvious they were not gonna let RJ have an easy look so forcing shots played into their hands. If you key on one guy it opens up everyone else and we have plenty of weapons If we make teams pay for smothering RJ then it will stop and he can settle into the flow.

Agree. Taking tough shots and missing likely caused him to miss some bunnies. Tough adjustment for him I’m sure but likely would’ve won us this game if he didn’t force shots.

 

[DSouthr]

Agreed. Cade needs to be spoonfed minutes these next 3 games to build confidence. If he is still a non factor vs American, Hawaii and Dayton?......then he shouldn't expect to see the floor in the 2nd round game in Maui.

There will be plenty of games where Tyson will match up better than last night. I asked, more than once well before practice even began, is Cade more Manek or more Paxon? I think he is dead in the middle of those 2, he just is not a quick twitch athlete. I am disapointed so far in that his shot release seemed a lot quicker in his Belmont vids, looks more deliberate so far. He does rebound better than I thought he would.

 

[tarwhiz]

There will be plenty of games where Tyson will match up better than last night. I asked, more than once well before practice even began, is Cade more Manek or more Paxon? I think he is dead in the middle of those 2, he just is not a quick twitch athlete. I am disapointed so far in that his shot release seemed a lot quicker in his Belmont vids, looks more deliberate so far. He does rebound better than I thought he would.

I don't think he is the athlete his brother was, but I thought he was more skilled as an offensive player than Hunter. I hope the latter proves out.

 

[Heels5150]

We go into #1 KU and take the lead late and almost beat them with both RJ and Cadeau shooting a combined 1-10 from 3.

RJ’s shot has been off ever since the Alabama game last year. In order for this team to succeed he needs to get back to a consistent 40% 3 point shooter.

J. Washington has to start hunting for his shot. He also needs to play stronger.

Cade Tyson is a big concern. It seems like the game is way too advanced and fast for him. I am trying to take it with a grain of salt because it is a very small sample size.

Cadeau is an absolute beast. He could average over 10 assists a game if guys would start hitting their average layups and jump shots percentages. I agree with everyone in that Hubert cannot take Cadeau out at the first media timeout. This destroys our continuity and flow.

Withers always scares me. It’s either feast or famine with him. I’ve never seen such an athletic guy get bumped off of his trajectory so easily. His lower foundation is very weak. Every game he goes flying to the floor. I just don’t trust his BB IQ. Although as of right now what are our choices?

Our defense needs to be more aggressive.

This game was very encouraging considering that we shot poorly from the outside and we had 11 turnovers to their 4. Almost a 3-1 ratio. Plus they converted 16 points off of our turnovers and we only scored 2 points. So early in the season and a lot to build off of going forward. GDTBATH

 

[tarheels0015]

I hate we lost ... shouldn't have ... I'd rather beat them when it really counts in late March or April

 

[pittsburghheel]

I believe in moral victories when dealing with young collegiates.
This morning, I had the same feeling as when we lost to Michigan Christmas of 1992 in Maui by 1 point. We had something special. Everyone knows what happened 3 months later vs. Michigan in New Orleans.
This team could give us much to cheer for, even without an interior threat.

 

[gary-7]

I believe in moral victories when dealing with young collegiates.
This morning, I had the same feeling as when we lost to Michigan Christmas of 1992 in Maui by 1 point. We had something special. Everyone knows what happened 3 months later vs. Michigan in New Orleans.
This team could give us much to cheer for, even without an interior threat.

And we need not be without an interior threat. Simply play to Wash's strengths by getting him the rock in the mid-post areas for face-ups and turn-around Js. Easy enough to run Flex-cuts to get him to optimum spots for catches. He needs to be a threat in his touches and not merely a garbage man.

 

[alabamaheel]

Here's the thing with RJ --- part of the evolution of this team will be him adjusting from last season where we dumped so much responsibility on him. RJ is an alpha scorer and as we saw vs Elon, he can deliver in the crunch, but that doesn't need to be the norm. If we're playing well he shouldn't need to hunt his shot. KU made it obvious they were not gonna let RJ have an easy look so forcing shots played into their hands. If you key on one guy it opens up everyone else and we have plenty of weapons If we make teams pay for smothering RJ then it will stop and he can settle into the flow.

He was fine and not hunting his shot yesterday. Plenty of wide open looks that just weren’t falling. But I agree with others stepping up and being weapons on offense though. We need Cade to bow up imo. He can do it, just needs some burn imo. If not then someone else needs to step up. Was nice to see Ian’s shot fall some.

 

[TarHeelFanJ]

There will be plenty of games where Tyson will match up better than last night. I asked, more than once well before practice even began, is Cade more Manek or more Paxon? I think he is dead in the middle of those 2, he just is not a quick twitch athlete. I am disapointed so far in that his shot release seemed a lot quicker in his Belmont vids, looks more deliberate so far. He does rebound better than I thought he would.

I’ll throw out another name…Justin Pierce (2020 - 6’7” transfer from William & Mary)

 

[gary-7]

He was fine and not hunting his shot yesterday. Plenty of wide open looks that just weren’t falling. But I agree with others stepping up and being weapons on offense though. We need Cade to bow up imo. He can do it, just needs some burn imo. If not then someone else needs to step up. Was nice to see Ian’s shot fall some.

Sorry, but he was absolutely hunting shots --- not in a selfish manner, just from feeling a need to make something happen, and thus he was often off-balance --- but that is easily correctable as team chemistry develops, as I said.

But yes, Cade needs extended run to find his mojo and fit.

 

[alabamaheel]

Sorry, but he was absolutely hunting shots --- not in a selfish manner, just from feeling a need to make something happen, and thus he was often off-balance --- but that is easily correctable as team chemistry develops, as I said.

But yes, Cade needs extended run to find his mojo and fit.

He shot enough to have some off balance lol. But I didn’t see any out of the flow of the game. Just normal RJ to me. He needs some tweaking for sure though. As someone stated above, since their last ncaa tournament game he’s been off. Of course that’s just a few games. He’ll be ok.

 

[gary-7]

He shot enough to have some off balance lol. But I didn’t see any out of the flow of the game. Just normal RJ to me. He needs some tweaking for sure though. As someone stated above, since their last ncaa tournament game he’s been off. Of course that’s just a few games. He’ll be ok.

Adding to that, once he starts taking the pressure off of himself, I think it'll be earier to recapture his rhythm. As I noted preseason, this team will be more successful if RJ averages 18 than if he averages 21 --- and we know he can microwave at any time when needed.

 

[al would]

He shot enough to have some off balance lol. But I didn’t see any out of the flow of the game.

Guess we saw it different ways then bama. I thought he was pushing and forcing almost everything as there were very few of his shots taken in the flow of the game where he could set his feet and get a good look. He got way more minutes than I would have given him considering his offensive (lack of) discipline. He played a better part of the game in his hero/zero ball mode and it cost us in this one. He also still has no business bringing the ball up or trying to sub as a pg. 3 of 13 and 1 for 7 pretty well sums up his performance. Ball don't lie. jmo

 

[DSouthr]

I’ll throw out another name…Justin Pierce (2020 - 6’7” transfer from William & Mary)

I actually liked Justin Pierce but he was not the answer for that team as a transfer, thaty team was so badly in need of much more front court size. Had Roy got Pierce as a freshman I think by the time he was a senior he may have been a nice player for us, he had some grit about him, he just was not ACC level developed in my view. Plus the situation on that team was that he had to be the first "big man" off the bench at 6'7" and around 205lbs or so? Not that I would call Justin "quick" but from what I see he was a good bit quicker than Tyson, I don't see quick twitch so far. So Hubert will have to be selective about who he matches Tyson up against but make no mistake, his jump shot is still a weapon we will need, I do take him over Paxon but he isn't Brady.

 

[DSouthr]

We go into #1 KU and take the lead late and almost beat them with both RJ and Cadeau shooting a combined 1-10 from 3.

RJ’s shot has been off ever since the Alabama game last year. In order for this team to succeed he needs to get back to a consistent 40% 3 point shooter.

J. Washington has to start hunting for his shot. He also needs to play stronger.

Cade Tyson is a big concern. It seems like the game is way too advanced and fast for him. I am trying to take it with a grain of salt because it is a very small sample size.

Cadeau is an absolute beast. He could average over 10 assists a game if guys would start hitting their average layups and jump shots percentages. I agree with everyone in that Hubert cannot take Cadeau out at the first media timeout. This destroys our continuity and flow.

Withers always scares me. It’s either feast or famine with him. I’ve never seen such an athletic guy get bumped off of his trajectory so easily. His lower foundation is very weak. Every game he goes flying to the floor. I just don’t trust his BB IQ. Although as of right now what are our choices?

Our defense needs to be more aggressive.

This game was very encouraging considering that we shot poorly from the outside and we had 11 turnovers to their 4. Almost a 3-1 ratio. Plus they converted 16 points off of our turnovers and we only scored 2 points. So early in the season and a lot to build off of going forward. GDTBATH

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.

 

[alabamaheel]

Guess we saw it different ways then bama. I thought he was pushing and forcing almost everything as there were very few of his shots taken in the flow of the game where he could set his feet and get a good look. He got way more minutes than I would have given him considering his offensive (lack of) discipline. He played a better part of the game in his hero/zero ball mode and it cost us in this one. He also still has no business bringing the ball up or trying to sub as a pg. 3 of 13 and 1 for 7 pretty well sums up his performance. Ball don't lie. jmo

And that’s the glory of it all, we don’t have to agree. I think he does fine and it showed in the second half with him bringing the ball up with EC was on the bench. He couldn’t hit a simple six or 8 foot push shot that he automatically hits any other time. And that’s OK. Kids are gonna have a bad night just like the pros will have a bad night. we’re not going to agree and that’s quite alright.

So my question for you would be who would you put in to take RJ‘s minutes if he’s playing so bad or can’t play point position? He had a bad game shooting against Bama and now Kansas. If the pressure of possibly being considered for player of the year is going to get to him, then he needs to bow up and find a way. If he doesn’t, then Hubert will have to find someone who can make some shots. Once again, who is going to do that on this roster? He’s Done it many times and has proven he can be the man to score. People just can’t roar their heads when someone has a bad game and stay quiet when they win a game for us. And that goes for any player.

 

[al would]

And that’s the glory of it all, we don’t have to agree. I think he does fine and it showed in the second half with him bringing the ball up with EC was on the bench. He couldn’t hit a simple six or 8 foot push shot that he automatically hits any other time. And that’s OK. Kids are gonna have a bad night just like the pros will have a bad night. we’re not going to agree and that’s quite alright.

So my question for you would be who would you put in to take RJ‘s minutes if he’s playing so bad or can’t play point position? He had a bad game shooting against Bama and now Kansas. If the pressure of possibly being considered for player of the year is going to get to him, then he needs to bow up and find a way. If he doesn’t, then Hubert will have to find someone who can make some shots. Once again, who is going to do that on this roster? He’s Done it many times and has proven he can be the man to score. People just can’t roar their heads when someone has a bad game and stay quiet when they win a game for us. And that goes for any player.

Without harping on it I think when RJ see's that 3pt line when he's bringing the ball up it's like he hit's an electric fence and be it it intentionally or subliminally he is by default looking for HIS shot .. be it past the 3 or an opening to drive instead of looking for a better or more unselfish option.

Options to RJ I think are obvious for both the 2 and 1. I would really like to see Seth play the 2 with EC @pg (a lot more) and when EC needs a blow I'd like to see Seth there instead of RJ. Seth is a + defensive asset and he is a ton more athletic with much better size and quickness than RJ. Seth also plays better within the team concept and I think both Jack and Drake could easily fill the 2 or 3 with Seth or RJ off the floor. Both Jack and Drake are NBA players. They are athletic alpha players with NBA size and they need some run early so they can acclimate themselves to both the team and college environment. RJ Davis will not be the player that takes this team to the next level this year unless he accepts a lesser role and understands he is not the "go to" guy anymore. @gary-7 hit the nail on the head when he said UNC would be a better team this year not depending on RJ to carry anything resembling a scoring load and I would say that's an understatement.

I'm just saying what I think and I have no great basketball IQ but I know what I see on the floor and it is my opinion RJ is not one of the best 5 (athletes) UNC can consistently put on the floor this year because there are much better options. Question is will Hubert coach in that direction .. I doubt it. He may well once again try to rise and fall with his legacy players which I totally disagree with. jmo guys ..