POLL: Should We Go to the NIT?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

And how strongly do you feel about it?

There's a vanishingly small chance we could make the Big Dance, but if we don't, we certainly ought to get an NIT bid (barring a total flame-out).

I was very mad that we passed on the NIT 2 years ago. I understand there were reasons other than just sulking that drove that decision, but speaking as a fan, more games are better.

Which is to say that I strongly favor going to the NIT, if that's the route we need to take to keep playing.

What about you?

 

[gunslingerdick]

The purpose of playing in the NIT historically is the benefit of more court time for young players that will be returning next year. It's a good teaching moment for them. But with the portal like it is now and the unlikelihood that most of our players return, what's the point now? Hell, our coach may not even be back. So I feel like there is much less benefit than there used to be. Frankly, I'll be surprised if the NIT is around in another 5 years.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

i’d propose we decline the invite and start the “moving on from Hubert” process quickly.

 

[kevindow]

March Madness currently invites 68 teams for the field. If UNC or any other college team is not in the top 68 teams, I believe they have not earned the privilege of playing in a post-season tournament. I regard the NIT just like the many worthless football bowls, involving marginal teams, which have no significance.

 

[vbrs]

I would rather go than not but I will not be crushed if we don't.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Playing brings experience to those who might return and exposes some to the playoff atmosphere. It also brings money to the program. I see no downside to going to the NIT. Peeps can speculate all they want to about who will or will not be here, but I love seeing my team play so this means more games!

I am still expecting an NCAA run but I will cheer just as hard if we go to the NIT!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

March Madness currently invites 68 teams for the field. If UNC or any other college team is not in the top 68 teams, I believe they have not earned the privilege of playing in a post-season tournament. I regard the NIT just like the many worthless football bowls, involving marginal teams, which have no significance.

That's what I said when they wanted to increase the field from 16 to 22. If you couldn't make the top 16, you clearly didn't deserve to continue playing.

My father took that same position when the NCAAT was doubled from 8 to 16 in 1951. I was too young to argue but obviously he was wrong.

I'm kidding, of course. I personally think the NCAAT should go to a 96-team field, with the top 32 getting a first round bye.

This Wiki article has lots of nifty info about the NCAAT.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_men's_basketball_tournament

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

i’d propose we decline the invite and start the “moving on from Hubert” process quickly.

Many people say that we declined the NIT 2 years ago so Hubert could move on quickly from several of his players.

Moving on quickly from Hubert sort of sounds like symmetry or karma, or both.

 

[gosburn]

Start the roster rebuild asap.

 

[UNC-75]

The NIT is irrelevant in the present era. I think time to retire the entire tournament. Not my choice but reality is hard to ignore.

 

[DSouthr]

And how strongly do you feel about it?

There's a vanishingly small chance we could make the Big Dance, but if we don't, we certainly ought to get an NIT bid (barring a total flame-out).

I was very mad that we passed on the NIT 2 years ago. I understand there were reasons other than just sulking that drove that decision, but speaking as a fan, more games are better.

Which is to say that I strongly favor going to the NIT, if that's the route we need to take to keep playing.

What about you?

I can't answer this poll, I don't have enough information to make a decision? If I knew that Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, Seth were all coming back, for sure play in the NIT, no question about it. I would play in it if I knew the first 3 were coming back because those guys can use all the plying time they could get. But if those 3 are not back I don't see the help to the program playing in the NIT could have? I clearly recall a NIT run where Henson finally emerged as a serous player, if for example a guy like Jalen could make such a jump in the NIT and he be back for next season, it would be golden.

 

[bleeduncblue]

Bubba will decline the invite as Hubert is clearing out his office.

 

[DaveChapelle]

Bubba will decline the invite as Hubert is clearing out his office.

How much you want to bet?

 

[DaveChapelle]

Start the roster rebuild asap.

Exactly.

We're probably going to need about 6 incoming transfers. We know we'll need a few UNC caliber starters. Most of the current roster will be gone once the season ends.

So why exactly would we waste time with the NIT?

 

[gosburn]

How much you want to bet?

Hello DaveChapelle,

Do you have a feel on if UNC's NIL budget will be increased enough to pay for the transfer portal players that will be availiable in the upcoming offseason?

 

[DaveChapelle]

Hello DaveChapelle,

Do you have a feel on if UNC's NIL budget will be increased enough to pay for the transfer portal players that will be availiable in the upcoming offseason?

The rumor is it will be significantly bigger than last offseason. Hubert made a big breakthru with boosters back in Dec/Jan, which played a big role in landing Caleb Wilson.

But there are still a lot of moving pieces in this puzzle. When will we hire the GM, who will it be, and how much autonomy will he have in deciding how the NIL funds are spent? How many players will we have to buy in the portal, and how many starting caliber players will we need?

The roster is going to need a major overhaul. We don't know who exactly is going to be available to fill our roster needs. We don't know what the bidding war for those players will be. Even with an increase in NIL budget, it's unlikely we'll be able to just outbid some of the programs we already know to have massive NIL funds. So it's going to take some smart moves from our GM, as well as some good recruiting from Hubert.

Also don't underestimate the role Cadeau plays in all of this. We know guys like Caleb Wilson and Ian Jackson have publicly stated their desire to play with Cadeau helped UNC land their commitments. Good players love playing with him because he's a pass first PG, and he could easily be a deciding factor in a big time transfer portal recruitment if the NIL offers are similar. I mention this because there are some "fans" who apparently want to run him off after his sophomore season. What those "fans" don't seem to realize is just how much that would hurt the overall team construction for next year. We'd have to spend a massive amount of NIL to pull a starting PG out of the portal, and that PG would likely be worse than a junior Cadeau. And we'd risk Wilson decommitting, as well as no longer being able to sell transfer portal players on UNC having a pass first PG to set them up for easy scoring opportunities. As such, one of the most important priorities this offseason is making sure Cadeau returns.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

If I knew that Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, Seth were all coming back

What do you think will happen with those players?

To my eye, Drake is assured of being drafted, but maybe not in the first round. He should enter the draft to get the feedback.

Seth might get drafted in the 2nd round and would very likely get picked up even if he goes undrafted. So he should test the waters, too.

Seth flirted with the portal last season but returned. He'll doubtless start next year. So unless he is guaranteed to be drafted or unless he's unhappy here, I expect him back.

Cadeau continues to show all the talent needed at the next level, but inconsistently and with questionable maturity. I can't see him being drafted, unless maybe late in the 2nd round. But he, too, might be picked up even if undrafted. Moreover, his upside still looks attractive, meaning some team might burn a higher pick on him. So he, too, should test the waters.

There have also been reports that Elliot (and especially his parents) are unhappy with how he's being used here. If true - and I have no inside info - it wouldn't come as a shock if he entered the portal.

I can't help but think JWash might do better somewhere else. He could start lots of places. If he has the stamina - and that's been a question his entire tenure here - he could play all he wants at many other decent programs. Frankly I'm surprised he didn't transfer last year. The fact that he didn't, makes me think he won't this year, either. But with High back and (we all hope) Hubert landing 1 or 2 starter-caliber bigs in the portal, he ought to be thinking about hitting the portal. Hubert tried to recruit over him last year but failed. With big NIL, failure is less likely.

It's hard to imagine Lubin going anywhere. He's a fine backup and occasional starter. He's been averaging 22 mpg lately and is likely to be in that ballpark next year, too. So if he's OK with that, why leave?

You didn't mention Cade. Perhaps you are among those who think he's a failure - as opposed to those of us who think the coaching staff failed him. Either way, I expect him to be in the portal.

Davis, Withers and Claude are seniors. Barring the unforeseeable, Ian will enter the draft and stay there.

Of the five guys you mentioned - Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, Seth - my bet is that 4 return, give or take 1. What's your bet?

 

[DaveChapelle]

Seth might get drafted in the 2nd round and would very likely get picked up even if he goes undrafted. So he should test the waters, too.

Seth flirted with the portal last season but returned. He'll doubtless start next year. So unless he is guaranteed to be drafted or unless he's unhappy here, I expect him back.

You're leaving out some pieces to the puzzle.

First off, older brother JP Tokoto was a starter who couldn't shoot and had bad draft stock. He was definitely going to start if he returned for his senior year. Yet he opted to turn pro after his junior year, and I'm not sure if he ever even set foot on a NBA court beyond summer league games. So this family clearly has their own ideas about what they are looking for when making draft decisions.

Then there is the concussion Trimble suffered this season. That's his 2nd concussion. Those can be scary. This might change his outlook on college vs pro ball, and his overall future plans.

Then there is the fact he lost his starting spot for a few games after he returned from injury. How did that sit with him and his family?

Then there is NIL. How much of our NIL budget will the new GM set aside for Trimble? How will that compare to what other schools offer him?

Then there is his role on the team. Does he understand why he isn't allowed to play point guard? Is he looking for the opportunity to play PG somewhere to showcase himself for the NBA?

Finally we come back to him quitting the team and entering the transfer portal on April 9th. That lasted 2 weeks before he withdrew his name. Why did he enter the portal? He had just successfully completed a season as the 6th man on a team that won the ACC and got a #1 seed. Was it all because of one game against Alabama where he got benched because Bama refused to guard him on the perimeter? Was it out of fear that Jackson and Powell would take his minutes? Was it pressure from family and friends?


Whatever decision Trimble makes this offseason, I would be surprised if it simply boils down to draft stock.

 

[DaveChapelle]

It's hard to imagine Lubin going anywhere. He's a fine backup and occasional starter. He's been averaging 22 mpg lately and is likely to be in that ballpark next year, too. So if he's OK with that, why leave?

He's transferred after every season of college ball he has played. He clearly wants to start but his bad hands, bad defense, and height make it unlikely he will ever be the starter on a good team. He was a part of the 2023 Team USA U-19 squad, so it wouldn't be surprising if he views himself as a very good player just looking for the right opportunity to become a star.

UNC's current top priority for the offseason is a UNC caliber starting center. That means Washington and Lubin, if they return, are going to compete for backup center minutes. Unless the new GM completely strikes out in the transfer portal, neither of those are getting major minutes for UNC next year.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Then there is NIL. How much of our NIL budget will the new GM set aside for Trimble? How will that compare to what other schools offer him?

I was going to raise that question next - for several of our guys - but you beat me to it.

I assume we won't try to compete with possible lottery money to keep Ian. But how about to keep Drake, Seth and Elliot from going to other schools with deep pockets? Maybe even JWash and Lubin.

I have no idea how much NIL we're talking about, but we MUST get a starting big. And several other capable players.

 

[DaveChapelle]

There have also been reports that Elliot (and especially his parents) are unhappy with how he's being used here. If true - and I have no inside info - it wouldn't come as a shock if he entered the portal.

Can you provide a link to these reports (and not just unconfirmed message board chatter)???

Cadeau has been the starting PG all year. He's had the ball in his hands all year, and had free reign to create or shoot at will. He really only sits when he's in foul trouble. At no point has he lost his starting spot, which is something most players can't say this year. Trimble, Powell, Jackson, Withers, Lubin, and Washington have all gained and lost stating spots throughout the season. But not Cadeau.

To me it looks like Hubert has shown that Cadeau is his PG. And frankly the only issue with how "he's being used" is we didn't give him any frontcourt talent to play with after Ingram and Bacot left. Caleb Wilson and a transfer portal center should fix that issue.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

He's transferred after every season of college ball he has played. He clearly wants to start but his bad hands, bad defense, and height make it unlikely he will ever be the starter on a good team. He was a part of the 2023 Team USA U-19 squad, so it wouldn't be surprising if he views himself as a very good player just looking for the right opportunity to become a star.

UNC's current top priority for the offseason is a UNC caliber starting center. That means Washington and Lubin, if they return, are going to compete for backup center minutes. Unless the new GM completely strikes out in the transfer portal, neither of those are getting major minutes for UNC next year.

If you're right, maybe add Lubin to the portal list.

 

[DSouthr]

What do you think will happen with those players?

To my eye, Drake is assured of being drafted, but maybe not in the first round. He should enter the draft to get the feedback.

Seth might get drafted in the 2nd round and would very likely get picked up even if he goes undrafted. So he should test the waters, too.

Seth flirted with the portal last season but returned. He'll doubtless start next year. So unless he is guaranteed to be drafted or unless he's unhappy here, I expect him back.

Cadeau continues to show all the talent needed at the next level, but inconsistently and with questionable maturity. I can't see him being drafted, unless maybe late in the 2nd round. But he, too, might be picked up even if undrafted. Moreover, his upside still looks attractive, meaning some team might burn a higher pick on him. So he, too, should test the waters.

There have also been reports that Elliot (and especially his parents) are unhappy with how he's being used here. If true - and I have no inside info - it wouldn't come as a shock if he entered the portal.

I can't help but think JWash might do better somewhere else. He could start lots of places. If he has the stamina - and that's been a question his entire tenure here - he could play all he wants at many other decent programs. Frankly I'm surprised he didn't transfer last year. The fact that he didn't, makes me think he won't this year, either. But with High back and (we all hope) Hubert landing 1 or 2 starter-caliber bigs in the portal, he ought to be thinking about hitting the portal. Hubert tried to recruit over him last year but failed. With big NIL, failure is less likely.

It's hard to imagine Lubin going anywhere. He's a fine backup and occasional starter. He's been averaging 22 mpg lately and is likely to be in that ballpark next year, too. So if he's OK with that, why leave?

You didn't mention Cade. Perhaps you are among those who think he's a failure - as opposed to those of us who think the coaching staff failed him. Either way, I expect him to be in the portal.

Davis, Withers and Claude are seniors. Barring the unforeseeable, Ian will enter the draft and stay there.

Of the five guys you mentioned - Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, Seth - my bet is that 4 return, give or take 1. What's your bet?

Well, I am not betting the ranch either way but wil share my best guess for now.

1) Cadeau - So momma isn't happy because her son is limiting his own PT by picking up to many needless fouls and committing far to many careless TOs, and struggles to shoot the ball? So rather than look at her son's short comings she lays blame at the feet of his coach? You are suggesting that the kid feels in a similar way as his mom? I would say if Cadeau does in fact feel that way that not only should he leave in the portal but I would want him to leave. He has been given EVERY opportunity but it is up to him what he does with it. I would HOPE that he is smarter than that and if he is I think he stays. I would go with 60/40 he stays.

2) Drake, yeah, should test the water but I think the NBA wants to see more consistent scoring from him. I think he is much better than take a 2nd round pick spot, came to UNC thinking 2yrs and I thibnk there is a great chance that is the course he stays on. I would put him at 75/25 back

3) Jalen, harder call than I wish it were, I very clearly want him back but what I think this team needs even more is to bring in not just 1 but 2 high quality big men. The smart move would be to move Jalen to the 4 to back up Wilson (who is a no brainer day 1 starter) and for Jalen to work especially hard re-grooving in his shooting and add some needed weight. Complicating this even more is High, who knows what he may give us. I will go with 55/45 Jalen is back but that may be more due to what I want to see happen. I am biased on this one, I admit it.

4) Lubin, he may be the hardest guy to keep after the smoke clears, if we get the big men I hope we get and BOTH Jallen and High are back there is really no PT for Lubin and he has played well enough that he can go else where and not just get good minutes but good NIL, I think we lose him in the end. Gone 75-25.

5) Seth, I* think he has to be slotted in as our starting 2 next season. His jump shooting for now is not what the NBA is looking for and I think the NBA scouts would question his ball handling, he plays college ball next season, I think he does that for UNC 85/15

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Can you provide a link to these reports (and not just unconfirmed message board chatter)???

Cadeau has been the starting PG all year. He's had the ball in his hands all year, and had free reign to create or shoot at will. He really only sits when he's in foul trouble. At no point has he lost his starting spot, which is something most players can't say this year. Trimble, Powell, Jackson, Withers, Lubin, and Washington have all gained and lost stating spots throughout the season. But not Cadeau.

To me it looks like Hubert has shown that Cadeau is his PG. And frankly the only issue with how "he's being used" is we didn't give him any frontcourt talent to play with after Ingram and Bacot left. Caleb Wilson and a transfer portal center should fix that issue.

Just what I've heard here.

So, what if we don't get a top center from the portal?

The portal is tricky. Unlike the draft, if you enter the portal, your position may be filled right away so you're out of luck if you change your mind.

Whereas, if you wait to enter the portal, and then they land someone who will steal your minutes, it may be too late. Or in Elliot's case, if you wait and then UNC doesn't land a top center, it may be too late.

I imagine (but don't know) that Seth's quick return last season might have been due to a "fish or cut bait" ultimatum from Hubert. Or maybe the offers he was hearing weren't good enough.

If you don't enter the portal, you have a harder time knowing if the NIL your current team is offering is competitive. But if you do enter the portal to find out, your current team may move on. Maybe that's what agents are for?

 

[DSouthr]

I was going to raise that question next - for several of our guys - but you beat me to it.

I assume we won't try to compete with possible lottery money to keep Ian. But how about to keep Drake, Seth and Elliot from going to other schools with deep pockets? Maybe even JWash and Lubin.

I have no idea how much NIL we're talking about, but we MUST get a starting big. And several other capable players.

I think we need 3 guys from the portal but depending on just how much High can bring to the table we may be able to get away with just 2 guys. Absolutely MUST have a quality broad shoulders 5, cal it a Lubin with an additional 5". What is increasing in importance for me, what may in fact be more important than a second big man is a PG. If Cadeau does stay who backs him up if we don't bring in a quality PG? The way he picks up fouls how can we not have a quality PG from the portal? And what if Cadeau does leave, the freshmen coming in with Wilson are combo 2s, not PGs.

 

[DaveChapelle]

I was going to raise that question next - for several of our guys - but you beat me to it.

I assume we won't try to compete with possible lottery money to keep Ian. But how about to keep Drake, Seth and Elliot from going to other schools with deep pockets? Maybe even JWash and Lubin.

I have no idea how much NIL we're talking about, but we MUST get a starting big. And several other capable players.

That's all on the GM. He has to look at our total NIL funds and figure out how to put together a UNC roster. The priority has to be starters who fit what Hubert is trying to run.

A starting center is a huge priority. Backups like Wash and Lubin aren't something you spend money on until the starting lineup is set.

Elliot is a huge priority. If he entered the portal he'd probably be the top available PG. He was the starting PG on a team that won the ACC and got a #1 seed. This season a lot of his issues come from him just trying to force things to help carry a team that is very poorly constructed and has a terrible frontcourt. Things would look a lot different if he had bigs with good hands that could consistently catch passes and finish inside. And despite a vocal minority of fans trying to run him off, it is highly unlikely we land a better PG in the portal. We'd probably have to pay a ton of NIL money for a combo guard or shoot first PG who wouldn't run the offense as well as a junior year Cadeau. Also Caleb Wilson named Cadeau as a reason he picked UNC. Players like to play with pass first PGs. We lose Cadeau, it will be harder to keep Wilson committed. We keep Cadeau, it makes it easier to recruit top portal recruits.

Powell is going to be a real interesting situation. He's hovering around the late first round right now. He could go first round and get a guaranteed NBA contract. He could slip into the second round where contracts aren't guaranteed. His draft stock is almost entirely based on upside. He's years away from being part of a NBA rotation. He doesn't even have a goto offensive move yet. If he goes pro, no matter where he's drafted, his next couple of years will be entirely in the G-League for development. From UNC's perspective he's currently a glue guy. He's helps the team in a ton of different ways, but he's rarely more than the 4th option on offense because he struggles to create and make his own shot. So if you're UNC's new GM, what type of value do you put on that? How much of our NIL would you spend on a guy that projects to be an elite defender, a great teammate, but who still has a long way to go on offense?

Then there is Trimble. In a lot of ways he's redundant with Powell. His offense is more advanced than Powell, but we still can't ask him to create his own shot or be a top offensive option. I'd argue Powell has already surpassed him on defensive impact in ACC play. Plus he's really a guy without a position. He's not a point guard at all. He's not a shooting guard bc of his offense. His biggest role on the team this year is rebounding because of our awful frontcourt, which hopefully won't be an issue next season. So he's definitely going to be one of our GMs biggest decisions, if he wants to return to UNC.

 

[DaveChapelle]

Of the five guys you mentioned - Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, Seth - my bet is that 4 return, give or take 1. What's your bet?

I think one of Cadeau/Trimble return, one of Lubin/Wash return, Brown returns, and Powell is the wildcard.

If I was GM my priorities would be Cadeau and Powell, maintaining Wilson's commitment, a top portal center who can defend the rim, and a tall 3 & D shooting guard.

Then I'd fill in the bench with whatever roles we still need to fill: backup PG, stretch 4, etc...

 

[DaveChapelle]

So, what if we don't get a top center from the portal?

Then the GM failed, our NIL failed, and we won't be competing for anything meaningful next season. Getting a top center is currently the #1 priority for UNC this offseason.

 

[DaveChapelle]

If you don't enter the portal, you have a harder time knowing if the NIL your current team is offering is competitive.

That's not true.

Teams are already reaching out to players, offering them money to lure them into the portal. Jeff Goodman reported numerous teams threw huge offers at RJ Davis to try and lure him into the portal last offseason.

Tampering is just a way of life now. Agents definitely act as middle men, as do family members and former coaches.

 

[Geth]

This team needs as much game time as they can get- that said it's NIL / one and done/ transfer wherever I want era so there's that. Prolly be a whole new team next year anyway with mass defections- and if Hubert is still the coach to rebuild again- next year isn't going to be much better.

SOOOO sick of this new "oooh I'm no longer the best on the team and my weaknesses are getting exploited- I'm transferring!" or the "my son is a future NBA all star- you better use him to the detriment of your team or we're transferring."

 

[DSouthr]

Just what I've heard here.

So, what if we don't get a top center from the portal?

The portal is tricky. Unlike the draft, if you enter the portal, your position may be filled right away so you're out of luck if you change your mind.

Whereas, if you wait to enter the portal, and then they land someone who will steal your minutes, it may be too late. Or in Elliot's case, if you wait and then UNC doesn't land a top center, it may be too late.

I imagine (but don't know) that Seth's quick return last season might have been due to a "fish or cut bait" ultimatum from Hubert. Or maybe the offers he was hearing weren't good enough.

If you don't enter the portal, you have a harder time knowing if the NIL your current team is offering is competitive. But if you do enter the portal to find out, your current team may move on. Maybe that's what agents are for?

WW, this is where the need for a GM is seen so strong, not just in a guy that can more accurately affix a $$$ value to a portal guy but to be able to screen thru many more guys that may be able to help us that may be under the radar. We need a GM that can set the table for Hubert to close the deal on the visit and not so much chasing our tails making a kid a priority that really isn't all that interested in us. WE chased our tails all last portal, can not afford to do that again.

BTW WW, you asked me why I have not included Tyson in my projections, I had to laugh when you asked me about Tyson! LOL WW, you already know how I see Tyson, you know and you know I know you know! LOL But hey, want me to say it again, sure, why not. I see Justin Pierce as a better grab from the portal than I do Tyson, I see Paxon as a far better player, I think Wes Miller's little brother was a better talent. He should call Belmont and see if he can get his old gig back, I think he has simply been a bust. Just my opinion. What I can not understand is how so many experts got it so wrong on him?

The more important guy you should have called me on was James Brown, I did forget about him, he is a guy I want us to bring back for sure, there is talent in that kid, this off season is critical for him to take a huge step up. Drastically needs to add weight and strength and add some kind of go to scoring move. He makes it even harder for Lubin to stay in my opinion.

 

[Geth]

And why in this era of cut throat are we putting any chips on High - he isn't even on a team this year- was a raw commodity with a chip on his shoulder last year who barely played. If we choose to bring him back vs. a big name in the portal we are dumber than I thought unless he's grown 2-3 inches, gained 30 lbs. of muscle and has been magically training in some European league somewhere.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

The more important guy you should have called me on was James Brown, I did forget about him

I assumed he'll be back.

 

[DSouthr]

This team needs as much game time as they can get- that said it's NIL / one and done/ transfer wherever I want era so there's that. Prolly be a whole new team next year anyway with mass defections- and if Hubert is still the coach to rebuild again- next year isn't going to be much better.

SOOOO sick of this new "oooh I'm no longer the best on the team and my weaknesses are getting exploited- I'm transferring!" or the "my son is a future NBA all star- you better use him to the detriment of your team or we're transferring."

For years now, the culture in the NBA has been why do I need to listen to a head coach that makes far less money than I as a player does? Hubert's base salary is now less than several on this team right now, RJ is making around 5 times in base pay than what Hubert is, has that been a problem?

I would suggest this team right now is 1 or 2 players short of being a serious contender. We are losing JWit, RJ, and Claude to no more eligibility. JWit and Claude have already been replaced and upgraded with Wilson. I think between Seth and the 2 freshmen more than make up for the loss of RJ. What we lose in scoring from RJ we more than make up for on the defensive end with more length.

Your second paragraph seems like a take on Cadeau and if it is accurate we don't need a guy like that on the team. But I think the kid has to be smarter than that, has to realize how his limitations have been self inflicted, he has been given every opportunity, much more than some of his teammates, it is up to him to take advantage of that and so far he is lacking in that area.

 

[DSouthr]

And why in this era of cut throat are we putting any chips on High - he isn't even on a team this year- was a raw commodity with a chip on his shoulder last year who barely played. If we choose to bring him back vs. a big name in the portal we are dumber than I thought unless he's grown 2-3 inches, gained 30 lbs. of muscle and has been magically training in some European league somewhere.

Actually the chip High played with was seen a far more positive than negative. Now what occurred that took him off this current team was simply not acceptable. The kid is now enrolled and taking classes at UNC so clearly he is of the understanding that he will rejoin the team after this season so he must be considered.

I do agree, have not seen the kid lately but added weight is a MUST in my view, as is really working on that jump shot that he seemed to believe in but was not dropping much. His potential minutes would be limited by Jalen and Brown's progression and who we get in the portal. We simply need length and physicality at the 5, just no way around it and what we know we have so far is light on physicality and girth deep in the paint.

 

[NathanFielder]

I won't care much either way. I know everyone will link back to John Henson benefiting from playing in the NIT. First off, I don't think anyone on this roster is a Henson-type player where he was a true unicorn who took an entire season to figure out he was a 4. People here were comparing him to Kevin Durant coming into college. It turned out he was more of a true 4.

This team doesn't have a John Henson who is that raw and that talented. I don't correlate that at all to Jalen Washington. At Jalen Washington's peak, we're probably talking about a borderline starting 4/5 on a really good team who already has a stud 4/5 with him. I don't think it will do much either way for Jalen Washington.

Also, it's not as if that NIT run propelled anything. It may have helped Henson. But it really freaking helped bringing in Harrison Barnes and then starting Kendall Marshall saved the season. None of those 2 things had anything to do with playing in the NIT the season prior. It's a nice story and it sounds good when you look back, but I don't think it makes much logical sense.

And I maintain that if Cadeau, Drake, Jalen, Lubin, and Seth are all back next season and Cadeau/Seth/Drake/Washington are all starting, then this team is going to have major issues next season too. They need to upgrade in skill, size, and talent across the board. Playing in the NIT this season isn't going to suddenly make Cadeau 6'3", Trimble 6'6" or turn Washington into a stronger player.

To do any connecting the dots to next season based on any tournament (NCAA included) is something we do as a public with no proof that it actually leads to anything definitive. Hell, James Michael McAdoo had a great NCAA Tournament as a freshman. He was basically the same player as a sophomore, he just played more minutes.

I enjoy watching UNC play basketball so if they decide to play, I will root for them and enjoy (or try to this season, lol) watching them play. If they don't, oh well.

 

[DaveChapelle]

Yeah the NIT isn't going to help anything. What few returning players we bring back will get more out of working with a trainer than they would playing some NIT games. The key to next season is fixing the roster. Getting UNC caliber frontcourt talent, and getting role players that fit the system.

Best case scenario IMO:

- Cadeau
- Tall 3 & D shooting guard
- Powell
- Wilson
- top portal center

Bench
- Backup PG who can play some off guard
- Denis
- Dixon
- Backup stretch 4
- Washington
- Brown

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Playing more games, especially high stakes, playoff type game always helps! Anything else we say is pure speculation! Every post in the history of me being on these sites that starts with any variation of: "If so and so starts we will suck" has turned around to bite the mouth that uttered it! It will this time too, but that is hardly surprising! The Hubs sucks brigade who revel in the idea that UNC should abandon its values and jettison Family before giving them a realistic chance to improve actually suck the joy from these supposed bball discussions so there's that!

The FACT that there cannot be a single positive discussion on these boards is why you will only see me on Prediction Threads and those that come from AJ going forward. I will no longer allow the negativity to impact the joy I find in cheering for my Heels! I also intend to brave the snow to try to help us beat Moo! What are you willing to do beside complain????

 

[NathanFielder]

Yeah the NIT isn't going to help anything. What few returning players we bring back will get more out of working with a trainer than they would playing some NIT games. The key to next season is fixing the roster. Getting UNC caliber frontcourt talent, and getting role players that fit the system.

Best case scenario IMO:

- Cadeau
- Tall 3 & D shooting guard
- Powell
- Wilson
- top portal center

Bench
- Backup PG who can play some off guard
- Denis
- Dixon
- Backup stretch 4
- Washington
- Brown

I think if it's Cadeau, his 2-guard needs to be a legitimate number one perimeter option scorer. Not just a 3/D guy. Unless Powell becomes a much better offensive player... I just don't know about him right now, especially on the offensive end.

Who knows... Maybe Denis or Dixon turn out to be like Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears. He's had a good season. Although he's had a pretty brutal conference season in obviously a difficult conference. But Fears was the 40th ranked freshmen so that's my hope that one of the incoming freshman guards outplays his ranking.

 

[NathanFielder]

Playing more games, especially high stakes, playoff type game always helps! Anything else we say is pure speculation! Every post in the history of me being on these sites that starts with any variation of: "If so and so starts we will suck" has turned around to bite the mouth that uttered it! It will this time too, but that is hardly surprising! The Hubs sucks brigade who revel in the idea that UNC should abandon its values and jettison Family before giving them a realistic chance to improve actually suck the joy from these supposed bball discussions so there's that!

The FACT that there cannot be a single positive discussion on these boards is why you will only see me on Prediction Threads and those that come from AJ going forward. I will no longer allow the negativity to impact the joy I find in cheering for my Heels! I also intend to brave the snow to try to help us beat Moo! What are you willing to do beside complain????

Uhhhh, ok?

First off, not every post in the history of "if so and so starts we will suck" has been wrong. It hasn't been wrong this season for the several board members who predicted a disappointing season if they didn't upgrade at the 5. And there have been several other accurate predictions when it came to lesser-quality players. Brandon Huffman wasn't a starting-caliber player at UNC. There were plenty of people who said PJ Hairston should start over Desmond Hubert and they were right. And even though that isn't an exact example, it's probably safe to assume those posters thought UNC would suck if Desmond Hubert continued to start. Let's not make this out to be UNC has never had less than-ideal basketball talent. They've had more good years than bad years for sure though.

And I think I can speak for the majority of Hubert skeptics (myself included). We want Hubert to work out. It would be the easiest way to make everyone happy. It would make the true believers of the Family happy and it would make fans who care more about the basketball product happy too. Of course, that's what fans would love in a perfect world. The fear is what if that isn't the case? Then what? I don't think any UNC fan likes the results of this season so far regardless if you're pro or against Hubert being the longterm solution at UNC.

You do whatever you feel is best for you. You have every right to do that. But let's see where UNC is at right now. Before a win at a bad Syracuse team, UNC just 5-of-7 where they were utterly uncompetitive at their biggest rival and at Clemson. The 2 wins came on a fairly fortunate home win to Boston College, one of the worst teams of the P5 teams and Pitt in a 50/50 game that went UNC's way. Where are you expecting the positivity to come from? Positivity usually comes from winning and winning against good teams. This team's last win over an NCAA Tournament team came over a month ago.

Very odd to call out "negative fans" when the program hasn't done much positive stuff on the court for a while now.