Really need Meeks back soon because

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Neither Hicks or Johnson can go 30 plus minutes and be sharp and more importantly stay out of foul trouble. Hicks has really developed these last 5 games while Meeks has been nursing his injury and Johnson except for tonight has been a double double machine. Even if Meeks cannot average the 12 points he was putting up before the injury just having a extra big down low will allow Hicks and Johnson a chance to get some additional rest. Next Monday when the Heels play FSU they will be playing a team that are taller than some NBA teams. Yes I don't want Meeks to come back until he is medically cleared but his bulk is needed because Johnson and Hicks got beat up a lot tonight.

 

[ChiShankCity]

Neither Hicks or Johnson can go 30 plus minutes and be sharp and more importantly stay out of foul trouble. Hicks has really developed these last 5 games while Meeks has been nursing his injury and Johnson except for tonight has been a double double machine. Even if Meeks cannot average the 12 points he was putting up before the injury just having a extra big down low will allow Hicks and Johnson a chance to get some additional rest. Next Monday when the Heels play FSU they will be playing a team that are taller than some NBA teams. Yes I don't want Meeks to come back until he is medically cleared but his bulk is needed because Johnson and Hicks got beat up a lot tonight.

Foul trouble is a problem for all our big guys. Meeks is by far the best and averages to commit 3.9 fouls/40 min.

I hope his injury prevented his lack of offensive rebounding. His offensive rebounding rate has decreased about 15% this season compared to last year and that's an area we've actually excelled in Meeks' absence and should be an area we are dominant.

It's a bit disappointing to me that our big guys haven't learned to play defense without fouling but because that's a habit and will probably continue to be a problem, you're 100% right. He needs to come back and I'm likely 100% wrong questioning whether he should start or not.

 

[DSouthr]

Yeah, last night to me was the most we have felt the loss of Meeks, it isn't as if we need to get Hicks & Brice more rest, it is more if they are going to be picking up the fouls I would rather see Meeks in there than Joel. His coming back will cut some of Luke's time as well, I am OK with that because a healthy Meeks has many talking about him as a NBA ready player, not sure I agree with that but IMO he is by far our best option between he, Joel James, and Luke.

 

[Grayhead]

Does his body language make it seem as if he wants to play? To me he looks content where he is at. Marcus told coach to let him play against unc-g. Maybe Meeks needs to do the same. I know it would be killing me to not be able to play in the bigger games

 

[Tru Blu Tar Heel]

His coming back will cut some of Luke's time as well,....

Sadly you are correct. I wish it would cut more out of Joel James' time than Maye's though.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Meeks should come back when he is 100%. It would be idiotic to risk him for the long haul just to win one game in early January. Our bigs are doing the job well. No matter how much we talk about what they don't do well, they are stepping up when we need them. Meeks goes down and JJames, BJ, Hicks, and Maye all increase their effectiveness. In a touch foul year, none of them are fouling out, but we have problems with them getting their money's worth. My glass half full says, they are playing tough and intense D and getting fouls from their hustle. Even Brice's questionable foul at the end of the half was the result of him trying to make a play; we had no problem with him doing the exact same thing when it resulted in a 5 second call though.

Did I actually hear someone question Meeks toughness or desire to play? WOW! You peeps haven't paid attention to the incredible work he put in just to be able to run up and down the court AND get in the best shape of his life. Give me and the Tar Heels a break! I hope we have Meeks for FSU, but if not, I am confident in the peeps we have!

 

[Grayhead]

No one questioned his toughness. He just seems content at the moment. I hope he fully recovers soon. When he comes back, he needs to bring it. Hicks has excelled in his absence.

 

[gary-7]

Sadly you are correct. I wish it would cut more out of Joel James' time than Maye's though.

I disagree. My gut tells me Roy sees the handwriting. As much as he personally loves Big Joel, I suspect (once Meeks gets back) the big fella will be limited to spot duty when opponents have a true Center or we're in foul trouble. I'm thinking Luke ends up with more minutes than him the rest of the way.
I believe our bench rotation going forward will be (in order of minutes):
Theo (first 3-man / occasional 2 / 4 when we go small)
Hicks (first Big, and his minutes will increase)
Nate (first 2, 1 behind Berry)
Luke (second Big)
James (spot Big)
Williams (spot Wing duty --- 2 and 3)

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Yeah, last night to me was the most we have felt the loss of Meeks, it isn't as if we need to get Hicks & Brice more rest, it is more if they are going to be picking up the fouls I would rather see Meeks in there than Joel. His coming back will cut some of Luke's time as well, I am OK with that because a healthy Meeks has many talking about him as a NBA ready player, not sure I agree with that but IMO he is by far our best option between he, Joel James, and Luke.

I've never heard anyone say Meeks is "NBA ready" certainly not anyone who knows anything about the NBA..I love the young man, but he would get bullied around in the NBA right now with his disposition

 

[Tom79]

As Idunk mentions, Kennedy could be available for the FSU game. Noticed the guys doing the game mentioned he had not been "cleared" by medical staff so we'll see what comes by Saturday, noon. Granted we should not need Kennedy against the Bugs but against the group from Tallacrappy we will have a really tough time. So rather than two weeks rest he is headed to a full three weeks. Get better soon Kennedy! We need ya!

 

[Archer2]

We do need Kennedy back. I would love to see a little more killer instinct from him. And so would the pro scouts, I'm guessing.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I said toughness OR desire to play, btw. The comment is open for interpretation. Second, where some see contentment, I see a good teammate that is happy when his team does well and is supportive of the guys while they are playing. He is an asset on the bench and not a complainer that would drag chemistry down!

Regardless, I don't see why some say we really needed him in that game. Looks like we did well to me. We won and almost fouled out their entire front line, so why the great need? (2 had 4 fouls and 2 had 3)

 

[Archer2]

I disagree. My gut tells me Roy sees the handwriting. As much as he personally loves Big Joel, I suspect (once Meeks gets back) the big fella will be limited to spot duty when opponents have a true Center or we're in foul trouble. I'm thinking Luke ends up with more minutes than him the rest of the way.
I believe our bench rotation going forward will be (in order of minutes):
Theo (first 3-man / occasional 2 / 4 when we go small)
Hicks (first Big, and his minutes will increase)
Nate (first 2, 1 behind Berry)
Luke (second Big)
James (spot Big)
Williams (spot Wing duty --- 2 and 3)

I agree. Hopefully, Kennedy will be back for FSU. We really need him against their size.

 

[Tru Blu Tar Heel]

I agree. Hopefully, Kennedy will be back for FSU. We really need him against their size.

Yeah I was hoping the same but doesn't look like that's going to happen. Brice and Hicks need to stay out of foul trouble and the Heels absolutely need good quality minutes from Joel James.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

We need Kennedy for any type of ACC Title or #1 seed..We won 2 against lower tier teams...We'll be in a fight Monday. If he's not ready, hold him out another week or two..Roy knows not to rush it.

 

[keysersosay#1]

James with the Offensive EXPLOSION today!!!