Late stuff (VT game)...

[gary-7]

...and it's hard to complain about TCBing on the road with a flair.

Just watched the game and it's late, so I'll be brief. We defintely got the D-team for announcers --- almost makes Cory seem tolerable by comparison --- ok, NAHHHH...

So, let's start with a general thought: I was aware, as I'm sure most here were as well, that during our winning streak the 3-ball has been our friend. What I didn't know was that we were leading the nation during that 5-game stretch. Now, y'all know me --- I'm always skeptical of living on that edge if the 3s start clanking in a given game. Well... we didn't need to sweat that tonight at least... I mean, sheesh, 15/28? Ok, let's enjoy that, but that isn't what I'm looking at vis-a-vis sustainability, so let's get into that:

- Our intensity for the first dozen minutes was not what I wanted to see in a potential road trap game, and given that VT is literally the loosest team in the ACC with the rock, I was curious as to why we weren't pressing them? Welp, as it turned out, we did so for the first time at the 8:21 mark, and that (along with an under-8 bench lecture) got our blood up, and even though we didn't really press further, our intensity ramped up.

- THIS, folks was what I was looking for, as we suddenly started HELPING on D with active hands (which we don't always do) and cleaning the glass like we f***ing meant it (after allowing second-chance points early). AND, on th eother end we quit half-assing finishes. THAT is what gave us our working lead to close the half, and THAT is what is sustainable, no matter how we shoot.

Beyond that, just some brief random thoughts:

- Boy, it's fun to watch us attack in transition and especially, Seth flying, EC dishing, RJ hitting pull-ups. and even with our not running Secondary properly very often, we still got some points there --- ALTHOUGH, the coolest play of the night was Lubin RIM-RUNNING the way UNC Bigs are supposed to and flushing the lob (on his way to finally getting a double-double).

- - Love the extra-pass plays with guys actually cutting from the baseline. Cuts can still be sharper, but maybe somebody read my last rant on that subject...

- Also fun to watch the Frosh continue to expand their confidence, Cade make the most of his minutes, and Wash hit another 3. Also interesting to see Withers dust up and get benched by Hubert over saying somthing after poor execution --- and good to see him then return to the game and play hard.

- And finally, fun to watch Eliot lay out 12 dimes (along with 8 more unconverted potentials) and not get jacked out of any by the home stat keeper (as happened once again vs Miami Saturday). WIth that said, they did wrongly stick him with a TO that wasn't his. And it was good to be able to let Seth get a little run at PG to prep for emergencies, and get Blue Steel some road minutes while the rotation guys were able to enjoy one and turn the focus to the dookies.

- Oh, and Lunardi can still GFH.

Anyway, the other sustainable thing from this one is using actual depth --- 46 outta our 91 came from the bench --- and the guys developing some signs of chemistry, and that I will take. Now, just keep bringiing it...

 

[notashelbyfan]

I said in the game thread this is either the best coached season or the worse coached season ever!

Im not sure which one it is?

 

[39 Feet Above Sea Level]

Yes indeed. That was a take-em-to-the woodshed CLINIC. Right on, Gary- shooting 54% from the arc
isn’t gonna happen often, and probably not vs the dookies, but every other aspect of good
basketball that we have recently demonstrated can be part of our arsenal:
- continuous movement without the ball
- solid shot selection
- active hands on defense in the passing lanes
- going hard to the rim for rebounds
- utilizing our depth to stay fresh
- determined attitude to leave no doubt about who’s gonna win.

Bring it all to the Dean E. Smith center on Saturday, Tar Heels!

 

[tarwhiz]

...and it's hard to complain about TCBing on the road with a flair.

Just watched the game and it's late, so I'll be brief. We defintely got the D-team for announcers --- almost makes Cory seem tolerable by comparison --- ok, NAHHHH...

So, let's start with a general thought: I was aware, as I'm sure most here were as well, that during our winning streak the 3-ball has been our friend. What I didn't know was that we were leading the nation during that 5-game stretch. Now, y'all know me --- I'm always skeptical of living on that edge if the 3s start clanking in a given game. Well... we didn't need to sweat that tonight at least... I mean, sheesh, 15/28? Ok, let's enjoy that, but that isn't what I'm looking at vis-a-vis sustainability, so let's get into that:

- Our intensity for the first dozen minutes was not what I wanted to see in a potential road trap game, and given that VT is literally the loosest team in the ACC with the rock, I was curious as to why we weren't pressing them? Welp, as it turned out, we did so for the first time at the 8:21 mark, and that (along with an under-8 bench lecture) got our blood up, and even though we didn't really press further, our intensity ramped up.

- THIS, folks was what I was looking for, as we suddenly started HELPING on D with active hands (which we don't always do) and cleaning the glass like we f***ing meant it (after allowing second-chance points early). AND, on th eother end we quit half-assing finishes. THAT is what gave us our working lead to close the half, and THAT is what is sustainable, no matter how we shoot.

Beyond that, just some brief random thoughts:

- Boy, it's fun to watch us attack in transition and especially, Seth flying, EC dishing, RJ hitting pull-ups. and even with our not running Secondary properly very often, we still got some points there --- ALTHOUGH, the coolest play of the night was Lubin RIM-RUNNING the way UNC Bigs are supposed to and flushing the lob (on his way to finally getting a double-double).

- - Love the extra-pass plays with guys actually cutting from the baseline. Cuts can still be sharper, but maybe somebody read my last rant on that subject...

- Also fun to watch the Frosh continue to expand their confidence, Cade make the most of his minutes, and Wash hit another 3. Also interesting to see Withers dust up and get benched by Hubert over saying somthing after poor execution --- and good to see him then return to the game and play hard.

- And finally, fun to watch Eliot lay out 12 dimes (along with 8 more unconverted potentials) and not get jacked out of any by the home stat keeper (as happened once again vs Miami Saturday). WIth that said, they did wrongly stick him with a TO that wasn't his. And it was good to be able to let Seth get a little run at PG to prep for emergencies, and get Blue Steel some road minutes while the rotation guys were able to enjoy one and turn the focus to the dookies.

- Oh, and Lunardi can still GFH.

Anyway, the other sustainable thing from this one is using actual depth --- 46 outta our 91 came from the bench --- and the guys developing some signs of chemistry, and that I will take. Now, just keep bringiing it...

" B team for announcers" You have lost your mind now. Crispin is one of the very best color guys in the business. FACT!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

During our 5-game win streak Withers had been averaging around 12 and 7, including 2 double-doubles and 1 MVP. So I was concerned what would happen when he (inevitably) had an off game.

Turns out, I didn't need to worry.

 

[Kool1234567]

Team is playing well…The Real Test will be Saturday and then we will see how far they have truly come and maybe how far they can go…

 

[RP12]

I'm continually amazed by how little the announcers know about the teams they're working. They either run with assumptions off of one or two recent games or just plain get narratives totally wrong.

 

[gary-7]

" B team for announcers" You have lost your mind now. Crispin is one of the very best color guys in the business. FACT!

You go with that.

 

[gary-7]

I'm continually amazed by how little the announcers know about the teams they're working. They either run with assumptions off of one or two recent games or just plain get narratives totally wrong.

^^^

 

[tarwhiz]

^^^

Crispin is repeatedly asked to be on every radio talk show and podcast available because he absolutely knows in depth the teams that he covers and the entire landscape of college basketball.
He normally does Big 10 and Big East games and those that follow those leagues love him.
I think I can probably guess at what point in the second half you molded your opinion of him lol.
You are consistent, I will give you that.

 

[gary-7]

Crispin is repeatedly asked to be on every radio talk show and podcast available because he absolutely knows in depth the teams that he covers and the entire landscape of college basketball.
He normally does Big 10 and Big East games and those that follow those leagues love him.
I think I can probably guess at what point in the second half you molded your opinion of him lol.
You are consistent, I will give you that.

Then perhaps he should stick to those conferences.

And no, you didn't "guess" a damn thing. The FACT is, I turned off the sound before halftime due to the annoyance factor, which was reaching near Jimmy Dykes level.

Like who you want, but keep your passive-aggressive remarks to yourself.

 

[2DDIMOND]

I'm continually amazed by how little the announcers know about the teams they're working. They either run with assumptions off of one or two recent games or just plain get narratives totally wrong.

The guys at halftime in the studio also said dook just finished their 2nd straight undefeated season at home. Ummm, I think we kicked their ass in HIS last year, guess again.

 

[gary-7]

The guys at halftime in the studio also said dook just finished their 2nd straight undefeated season at home. Ummm, I think we kicked their ass in HIS last year, guess again.

Next they'll be "remembering" how K won his home finale there...

 

[Geth]

I'm continually amazed by how little the announcers know about the teams they're working. They either run with assumptions off of one or two recent games or just plain get narratives totally wrong.

Whomever that crispy guy was last night he didn't seem to give two dumps about calling the game proper much less being up on things like facts.

Although in this new eve of dystopian reality facts don't really exist much less matter. .. Just say what you want loudly on camera and hope it sticks with enough people who will keep you employed.

 

[tarwhiz]

Whomever that crispy guy was last night he didn't seem to give two dumps about calling the game proper much less being up on things like facts.

Although in this new eve of dystopian reality facts don't really exist much less matter. .. Just say what you want loudly on camera and hope it sticks with enough people who will keep you employed.

What facts did he get wrong last night?
Not saying he didn't, just looking for clarity

 

[tarwhiz]

Whomever that crispy guy was last night he didn't seem to give two dumps about calling the game proper much less being up on things like facts.

Although in this new eve of dystopian reality facts don't really exist much less matter. .. Just say what you want loudly on camera and hope it sticks with enough people who will keep you employed.

What facts did he get wrong last night?
Not saying he didn't, just looking for clar

Then perhaps he should stick to those conferences.

And no, you didn't "guess" a damn thing. The FACT is, I turned off the sound before halftime due to the annoyance factor, which was reaching near Jimmy Dykes level.

Like who you want, but keep your passive-aggressive remarks to yourself.

I watch and follow all of College basketball.
Maybe you branch out?
Sorry about the " Passive aggressive "
I should have been straight forward with you and accused you of dislike for Crispin due to him offering criticism of your son

My bad😙

 

[Geth]

What facts did he get wrong last night?
Not saying he didn't, just looking for clar

My bad, I think the ridiculous joke of a live political reality show that I watched right after the game might have skewed my interpretation.

 

[tarwhiz]

My bad, I think the ridiculous joke of a live political reality show that I watched right after the game might have skewed my interpretation.

No worries. That was a circus 🎪 😄

 

[DSouthr]

Commentary of the game and politics is all you guys come up with after what may have been one of the 3 best games we have played since Hubert took over as head coach?

6 games in a row now beating the spread in all and last night was a jewel. The difference is the quality of shots we are taking, we are not taking so many high degree of difficulty shots, gosh doesn't that make a difference. One thing last night could not be more clear, Cadeau makes a bad TO, picks up 2 quick fouls and the score is what 21-23 and Hubert pulls Cadeau, all the sudden a blow out is begun and it just didn't stop. Cadeau had some bad mistakes in that first half but to be fair he also had 6 assists vs 3 TO in that first half, came out of half time and Cadeau had 6 assists in that second half and ZERO TOs!

WoW, how good was Seth last night, he was more than just good, he may have been the best player on the floor. RJ, I have lost count of how many times I have said I would be glad to never see RJ as our PG again, well last night RJ was really really solid at the point, he is becoming exactly what I have wanted from him, not the star but a strong role player, not forcing things that are not there but taking what the offense gives, getting his in the flow of the offense rather than outside of it. Drake and Jack constant movement and taking solid clean looks. Lubin has just been so solid, he is a big time garbage man, every team needs that guy. JWash, found early foul trouble and did not really seem in to it, loved the no hesitation trey he hit, his effort just is not consistent. Tyson gave us some solid minutes, JWith started off not shooting like he has of late but did nail a couple treys and didn't put up heat checks.

When money is on the line, sports betting lines set point spreads to equalize out the 2 teams, like a golf handicap, makes far more sense than this quadrant nonsense, last 6 games this team has beaten the equalizer spreads, that has to be considered when we talk bubbles.

 

[RP12]

The guys at halftime in the studio also said dook just finished their 2nd straight undefeated season at home. Ummm, I think we kicked their ass in HIS last year, guess again.

I was lucky enough to be able to skip that entirely

 

[gary-7]

What facts did he get wrong last night?
Not saying he didn't, just looking for clar

I watch and follow all of College basketball.
Maybe you branch out?
Sorry about the " Passive aggressive "
I should have been straight forward with you and accused you of dislike for Crispin due to him offering criticism of your son

My bad😙

Really? You watch and follow all of college basketball? Well, good for you and, oh... bless your heart.
(see how the passive-aggressive junk works?)

And now you're insinuating that I don't watch a lot college hoops? 😂 Ok well... I'll hafta to share that one with my circle --- they'll find it quite amusing.
But ok, maybe you're right. I mean, sure, it's true that I was watching AZ-ASU until 1 am after I wrote the OP, and that I'll be at the UGA-Vandy game Saturday afternoon in Athens (one of several non-ACC games I've attended this season (incl non-Power-5), and then watching AU-bama on my computer on the way back home to watch the dook game. But yeahhh... maybe I need to "branch out", huh?...

But, enough of this --- let's cut to the chase, shall we? You started this shit a few games ago after you assumed something I said in one of my "stuff" posts was directed at you (it wasn't), and frankly, you've been acting like a flaming jackass ever since. If you want to talk hoops (something you're clearly interested in), then I'm all for it, but if you're going to continually take shots at me or my posts, then do yourself and everyone else a favor and don't read them.

 

[tarwhiz]

Really? You watch and follow all of college basketball? Well, good for you and, oh... bless your heart.
(see how the passive-aggressive junk works?)

And now you're insinuating that I don't watch a lot college hoops? 😂 Ok well... I'll hafta to share that one with my circle --- they'll find it quite amusing.
But ok, maybe you're right. I mean, sure, it's true that I was watching AZ-ASU until 1 am after I wrote the OP, and that I'll be at the UGA-Vandy game Saturday afternoon in Athens (one of several non-ACC games I've attended this season (incl non-Power-5), and then watching AU-bama on my computer on the way back home to watch the dook game. But yeahhh... maybe I need to "branch out", huh?...

But, enough of this --- let's cut to the chase, shall we? You started this shit a few games ago after you assumed something I said in one of my "stuff" posts was directed at you (it wasn't), and frankly, you've been acting like a flaming jackass ever since. If you want to talk hoops (something you're clearly interested in), then I'm all for it, but if you're going to continually take shots at me or my posts, then do yourself and everyone else a favor and don't read them.

I commented on a single line about you post and it didn't have anything to do with the breakdown of the team.
I have concurred with your breakdowns of more secondary break, multiple defenses, using players in more optimal ways.
You can choose to remember that or go look for yourself.
The only times we have had disagreements have been when I have called out Cadeau on ANYTHING.
I KNOW you watch a lot of basketball, so I also KNOW you are also very familiar with Crispins work.
Hence I made the connection with what he said not being lockstep with your affection for EC.
So saying " Branch out" was my ill fated attempt at humor in this case.
You know Crispin.
You obviously know basketball.
To know basketball, and NOT appreciate the job Crispin does calling and talking about games, doesn't jive, unless he hit a nerve with you.
I enjoy your posts, and I would save myself a lot of stress if I would simply not respond to the Cadeau rose colored glasses and constant referee bashing.
I will now read without responding, as that seems who you are directing your posts to.

 

[tarwhiz]

Commentary of the game and politics is all you guys come up with after what may have been one of the 3 best games we have played since Hubert took over as head coach?

6 games in a row now beating the spread in all and last night was a jewel. The difference is the quality of shots we are taking, we are not taking so many high degree of difficulty shots, gosh doesn't that make a difference. One thing last night could not be more clear, Cadeau makes a bad TO, picks up 2 quick fouls and the score is what 21-23 and Hubert pulls Cadeau, all the sudden a blow out is begun and it just didn't stop. Cadeau had some bad mistakes in that first half but to be fair he also had 6 assists vs 3 TO in that first half, came out of half time and Cadeau had 6 assists in that second half and ZERO TOs!

WoW, how good was Seth last night, he was more than just good, he may have been the best player on the floor. RJ, I have lost count of how many times I have said I would be glad to never see RJ as our PG again, well last night RJ was really really solid at the point, he is becoming exactly what I have wanted from him, not the star but a strong role player, not forcing things that are not there but taking what the offense gives, getting his in the flow of the offense rather than outside of it. Drake and Jack constant movement and taking solid clean looks. Lubin has just been so solid, he is a big time garbage man, every team needs that guy. JWash, found early foul trouble and did not really seem in to it, loved the no hesitation trey he hit, his effort just is not consistent. Tyson gave us some solid minutes, JWith started off not shooting like he has of late but did nail a couple treys and didn't put up heat checks.

When money is on the line, sports betting lines set point spreads to equalize out the 2 teams, like a golf handicap, makes far more sense than this quadrant nonsense, last 6 games this team has beaten the equalizer spreads, that has to be considered when we talk bubbles.

Good post David. I got sidetracked by a single sentence from the OP.
Everything you said was right on.
Seth was great! R.J was great!
Jackson was great on offense, but I can see subtle improvements on defense with him. He is starting to get it there too.
Drake is going to be a stud next season.
Cadeau started slow, but really played well in the second half. I want to see more leadership from him, but that may not come until RJ is no longer in the backcourt next season.
I hope Cadeau is in our backcourt next season. We have gotten immature EC for two years, sure would love to get high ceiling EC for the last two years.
I still think he will be an outstanding college pg. We see glimpses.
Lubin had a quiet double double too.

 

[gary-7]

I commented on a single line about you post and it didn't have anything to do with the breakdown of the team.
I have concurred with your breakdowns of more secondary break, multiple defenses, using players in more optimal ways.
You can choose to remember that or go look for yourself.
The only times we have had disagreements have been when I have called out Cadeau on ANYTHING.
I KNOW you watch a lot of basketball, so I also KNOW you are also very familiar with Crispins work.
Hence I made the connection with what he said not being lockstep with your affection for EC.
So saying " Branch out" was my ill fated attempt at humor in this case.
You know Crispin.
You obviously know basketball.
To know basketball, and NOT appreciate the job Crispin does calling and talking about games, doesn't jive, unless he hit a nerve with you.
I enjoy your posts, and I would save myself a lot of stress if I would simply not respond to the Cadeau rose colored glasses and constant referee bashing.
I will now read without responding, as that seems who you are directing your posts to.

That's fine either way and I've always enjoyed interacting with you over the years, so allow me to answer the question you posed about what Crispin got wrong: Even before the first under-16, when he went out of his way to defend TV Teddy for not calling a BLATANT foul right in front of him (where the VT guy grabbed Withers by the arm with both hands on the Lubin miss on a fast break, and literally pull Withers out of bounds, preventing an easy rebound and put-back).

That it was a missed call is simply inarguable and Withers had no culpabiliy there --- but ok, these happen --- and as a color guy he could've easliy just ignored it and moved on with the game, but for whatever reason he thought it was a good idea to take it upon himself to circle back to defend the indefensible. And he just got more annoying from there, so after about 10 more minutes I just muted the sound so I could concentrate on my game notes.

 

[DSouthr]

Good post David. I got sidetracked by a single sentence from the OP.
Everything you said was right on.
Seth was great! R.J was great!
Jackson was great on offense, but I can see subtle improvements on defense with him. He is starting to get it there too.
Drake is going to be a stud next season.
Cadeau started slow, but really played well in the second half. I want to see more leadership from him, but that may not come until RJ is no longer in the backcourt next season.
I hope Cadeau is in our backcourt next season. We have gotten immature EC for two years, sure would love to get high ceiling EC for the last two years.
I still think he will be an outstanding college pg. We see glimpses.
Lubin had a quiet double double too.

Good post David. I got sidetracked by a single sentence from the OP.
Everything you said was right on.
Seth was great! R.J was great!
Jackson was great on offense, but I can see subtle improvements on defense with him. He is starting to get it there too.
Drake is going to be a stud next season.
Cadeau started slow, but really played well in the second half. I want to see more leadership from him, but that may not come until RJ is no longer in the backcourt next season.
I hope Cadeau is in our backcourt next season. We have gotten immature EC for two years, sure would love to get high ceiling EC for the last two years.
I still think he will be an outstanding college pg. We see glimpses.
Lubin had a quiet double double too.

Our 2 prized freshmen, it is almost a disservice to the sport to realize there is such a strong chance that one or both will not be back for next season. This is such a critical time in their development, would be so good to see them both come back and become the players they could be. What they need both is to play in a setting where the true weight of games is more on them, to experience the success that so ingrains that top level confidence that a star player can feel. I would love to see them both go to the NBA but I want to see them both leave when they are really ready to help their NBA team be better day 1.

Ya know what is odd? First, after what to me is absolutely the best we have played for and entire game this season, what I would suggest top 3 games we have played since Hubert was named head coach, there are so few fans talking about it today? Why is that, the season is where it is, but this game, this team, really deserves better from its fans, how freakin spoiled are we... I take each game as it's own entity, I don't consider this game as yeah, good but this season sucks, maybe the season does but this game sure didn't.

Know what else is odd, 6 games ago, we got blown out by Clemson and this board was jumping the day after that Clemson loss, comments were coming out of the wood work, all negative of course, it was a parade of posters that seemed to try to out do each other in terms of how badly they wanted Hubert fired. And I am not snapping at those posters that were so negative, they had reason to feel as they did, I watched that crap show of a game as well, finding anything positive in that clown show was near impossible unless you are a Clemson fan. I watched our team have no answers, none from the players and none from our coach or his staff. But I watched a well coached UNC team play last night, I watched some beautiful basketball being played and I saw a bunch of kids working their butts off and I saw a head coach that seemed to have the pulse of this game in his hands.

I am not at all expecting us to beat duke Sat but last night I did see the glimmer of a chance, 6 games ago I did not see that. When so many felt we just did not have the talent to play at a high level I disagreed, we had the talent but we had to play in a different way than we were, the key was starting as big a front line as we could and not stranding Drake there with his 6'6" and 205lbd frame, now Drake is where he should be, the 3 and he is beginning to elevate his game. Jack is now beginning to believe that his offense is to important to disappear and Seth, well Seth is over than concussion and is back to the player he was very early season. This team now has it weapons properly aimed and we ain't looking for a cease fire, we are now looking to engage.

 

[tarwhiz]

That's fine either way and I've always enjoyed interacting with you over the years, so allow me to answer the question you posed about what Crispin got wrong: Even before the first under-16, when he went out of his way to defend TV Teddy for not calling a BLATANT foul right in front of him (where the VT guy grabbed Withers by the arm with both hands on the Lubin miss on a fast break, and literally pull Withers out of bounds, preventing an easy rebound and put-back).

That it was a missed call is simply inarguable and Withers had no culpabiliy there --- but ok, these happen --- and as a color guy he could've easliy just ignored it and moved on with the game, but for whatever reason he thought it was a good idea to take it upon himself to circle back to defend the indefensible. And he just got more annoying from there, so after about 10 more minutes I just muted the sound so I could concentrate on my game notes.

Yes. I am in agreement with you on that.
I think calling a game makes an announcer walk a fine line that I don't always like.
If it is a bad call, say so.
Vitale and Packer never allowed perception to stop them from critiquing the refs.
Too many announcers now are neutral to a fault.