Roy doin' work...

[gary-7]

Talked to a couple of folks, including my AAU coach friend for a good long time last night and got some pretty promising intel to supplement what we've been discussing here recently. I'll put the '16 stuff I heard here, and post some '17 stuff later.

First, let's get inside Roy's head as to what needs he knows he's gonna have.for '16 and '17.
We know Brice and Paige are gone, and folks. go ahead and count on (barring injury) Jackson showing out this season and moving on to the NBA. We could theoretically lose Berry if we win it all, but not necessarily --- he is not in a hurry from what I understand.
So, that leaves us with two returning starters in Berry a the 1 and Meeks at the 5, Theo and Hicks ready to slide into the 3 and 4 respectively, and a question mark at the 2 (Williams if he's ready, Britt if he's not). While we still have some quality depth in Maye up front, and White and Britt at the 1, we are thin otherwise and Roy's gonna want to infuse some fire-power to fill the Paige/Jackson/Johnson void.

'16 recruiting
Dennis Smith - I'll just start by saying that I heard some stuff last night that's making me more inclined to believe that Boo Williams may not have been just blowing smoke (I still ain't totally sold, but... ). Apparently Smith saw some things at a couple of his other finalists that "he didn't like". And yes, he loves him some Roy.
DSJr still likely intends to be a one-and-done. The injury makes it even more imperative to have a strong freshman season to reassure the NBA scouts. So no, he doesn't want to sit behind another PG. No worries. Smith recently said he wouldn't mind playing with another "dynamic PG" (Hello. Can you say Joel Berry?) and Roy is selling the idea of running with JB, and he is listening. Smith, despite his stature, has the athleticism and scoring chops to run 2 (um, sorta like Paige) and of course swing to the 1 when needed. A Berry/Smith backcourt? Yes, please.

Miles Bridges - We are facing major depth issues among true wings and Roy has been shot-gunning offers as we know, BUT, he would prefer to have one of his top choices. He is pushing hard to get a big-time 3 man in this class. The news we heard last night on MB is very promising!

Laurie Markannen - VERY high on my personal list, and Roy has a great chance with him. True stretch-4, 6'10 and can play and help quickly.

Bam - So, if Smith comes, does Bam follow? Don't know, but we would take him. Our frontcourt may be a bit crowded for his liking though, because word is he wants to be a one-and-done. Hmmm?...

Seventh Woods - This is the one I've been sitting on, because of the shrill push-back I've gotten when I've discussed him before. My only real problem with his game is that someone in his circle told him he needs to play PG in college and IMO that is a bad fit for UNC. My coach mafia likes him better as a combo/2 (he's a freaky athlete and dynamic scorer) and I think Roy does as well. Word has been that he's been ours for the taking, but what if the DSJr thing is legit? Most think Woods would go elsewhere. If he doesn't see himself as one-and-done that might not be an issue. Hopefully, we'll get to see...

 

[viking131]

Top notch info, thx Gary!

 

[OldSchoo01]

Big fan of Smith, Bridges...Add Woods and Markannen, awesome class!I know he wasn't mentioned, but is Giles a pipe dream right now?

 

[gary-7]

Big fan of Smith, Bridges...Add Woods and Markannen, awesome class!I know he wasn't mentioned, but is Giles a pipe dream right now?

I meant to mention that. He's the one guy it seems quiet on. Not exactly sure why.

 

[Bur-Heel]

Bam - So, if Smith comes, does Bam follow? Don't know, but we would take him. Our frontcourt may be a bit crowded for his liking though, because word is he wants to be a one-and-done. Hmmm?...

Shouldn't be too crowded with just Meeks and hicks still around..you mentioned James but he will be gone

 

[gary-7]

Shouldn't be too crowded with just Meeks and hicks still around..you mentioned James but he will be gone

Oh, my bad. good catch. Edited to fix.

 

[Jarrod Hardy]

Great info Gary !!!!! Def think Lauri can start dominos

 

[Steat]

Giles is a heavy Duke lean. It would be a shock to many if he selected any other school not named Duke.

 

[Jarrod Hardy]

I think so too about giles to duke. But wake forest coaches and community think harry will stay home and play. Feel they have it in the bag, not sure if I believe that at all!

 

[BillyL]

Doesn't matter if its Wake or dOOk, Giles is not coming to UNC . . this is old news, folks.

As I have posted in the past, we have a shot at Dennis Smith, though IMO, he's not even a lean towards us at all . . and jftr, Boo Williams is full of crap

 

[Jarrod Hardy]

Billy if Giles isn't at unc would rather him go to wake than duke, stop with the negativity. Hope and have faith

 

[ACokeForRoy]

Good intel Gary. I don't think Roy has thrown his last pitch to Giles yet... but what concerns me is K has his last visit. Any info on Tony Bradley? I remember reading recently he was quoted as saying he's still waiting on an offer he hasn't received. That statement gave me pause...

 

[BillyL]

Billy if Giles isn't at unc would rather him go to wake than duke, stop with the negativity. Hope and have faith

I'm not being negative as much as being realistic.

There are other things working against us when it comes to the top 10 recruits than just that NCAA cloud.

 

[ACokeForRoy]

I'm not being negative as much as being realistic.

There are other things working against us when it comes to the top 10 recruits than just that NCAA cloud.

Do tell BillyL...Do tell...

 

[Crimson Ghost]

Thanks for all the info these last couple days Gary!

 

[gary-7]

Good intel Gary. I don't think Roy has thrown his last pitch to Giles yet... but what concerns me is K has his last visit. Any info on Tony Bradley? I remember reading recently he was quoted as saying he's still waiting on an offer he hasn't received. That statement gave me pause...

I left out Bradley because I'm still trying to flesh out the scuttlebutt. Word is that Avery Johnson at bama has set his sights on him, which normally wouldn't even register, except that Johnson is quite the used car salesman and bama has few if any scruples, shall we say.
Bradley was a very solid UNC lean... may still be... just havent heard anything definitive enough to speculate.

 

[BillyL]

I'll agree w/ Gary on this . . . . . At one time, Bradley was a heavy lean towards UNC . . . I'm not sure that is the case right now.

 

[ohio tarheels]

I'm glad to be reading ur info Gary... hopefully things will start to turn around in Chapel Hill!!!

 

[gary-7]

Top notch info, thx Gary!

You're welcome. I know everyone's anxious this year... just want to share what I'm fortunate enough to hear.
It's all TIFWIW til they sign, of course, but it's always good to hear that Ol' Roy's still got something up his sleeve in these trying times.

And if you don't mind, I'll use this space to make an additional comment concerning Boo Williams. It's easy enough to dismiss him as FOS --- he is indeed something of a character. I've encountered Boo a few times over the years, mostly back when I coached, talked to him maybe twice, but my buddy knows him much better.
The thing about Boo is that he is a MD/VA "homer". Some may remember how vocally upset he got when Carmelo Anthony went to Syracuse (Melo's from Baltimore) instead of U.MD. He later fell out some with Gary Williams over his AAU criticisms and wasn't happy about MD going to the Big 10, but you get the picture.
I also know he has been less than thrilled over the many Virginia players who have left the state for UNC. While he'll certainly crow if a player from his program is successful at UNC, I can't recall him ever pushing any kid to us. He vocally predicted Kenny Williams to UVA for the reasons I posted in the previous thread, i.e.., he wanted it to be true. On the other hand, Dennis Smith going to UNC would NOT be something he would want to be true.

So, I'll just leave this here: My buddy actually corrected me this weekend as to my description here of Boo's pronouncement about Smith. Apparently "irritated" and "annoyed" didn't adequately describe Boo's demeanor. There were some expletives included in his stuttering statements.
Again TIFWIW

 

[Bur-Heel]

I'll agree w/ Gary on this . . . . . At one time, Bradley was a heavy lean towards UNC . . . I'm not sure that is the case right now.

How could we be sure?..especially when he mentions that he's waiting on other offers!!

 

[DSouthr]

Talked to a couple of folks, including my AAU coach friend for a good long time last night and got some pretty promising intel to supplement what we've been discussing here recently. I'll put the '16 stuff I heard here, and post some '17 stuff later.

First, let's get inside Roy's head as to what needs he knows he's gonna have.for '16 and '17.
We know Brice and Paige are gone, and folks. go ahead and count on (barring injury) Jackson showing out this season and moving on to the NBA. We could theoretically lose Berry if we win it all, but not necessarily --- he is not in a hurry from what I understand.
So, that leaves us with two returning starters in Berry a the 1 and Meeks at the 5, Theo and Hicks ready to slide into the 3 and 4 respectively, and a question mark at the 2 (Williams if he's ready, Britt if he's not). While we still have some quality depth in Maye up front, and White and Britt at the 1, we are thin otherwise and Roy's gonna want to infuse some fire-power to fill the Paige/Jackson/Johnson void.

'16 recruiting
Dennis Smith - I'll just start by saying that I heard some stuff last night that's making me more inclined to believe that Boo Williams may not have been just blowing smoke (I still ain't totally sold, but... ). Apparently Smith saw some things at a couple of his other finalists that "he didn't like". And yes, he loves him some Roy.
DSJr still likely intends to be a one-and-done. The injury makes it even more imperative to have a strong freshman season to reassure the NBA scouts. So no, he doesn't want to sit behind another PG. No worries. Smith recently said he wouldn't mind playing with another "dynamic PG" (Hello. Can you say Joel Berry?) and Roy is selling the idea of running with JB, and he is listening. Smith, despite his stature, has the athleticism and scoring chops to run 2 (um, sorta like Paige) and of course swing to the 1 when needed. A Berry/Smith backcourt? Yes, please.

Miles Bridges - We are facing major depth issues among true wings and Roy has been shot-gunning offers as we know, BUT, he would prefer to have one of his top choices. He is pushing hard to get a big-time 3 man in this class. The news we heard last night on MB is very promising!

Laurie Markannen - VERY high on my personal list, and Roy has a great chance with him. True stretch-4, 6'10 and can play and help quickly.

Bam - So, if Smith comes, does Bam follow? Don't know, but we would take him. Our frontcourt may be a bit crowded for his liking though, because word is he wants to be a one-and-done. Hmmm?...

Seventh Woods - This is the one I've been sitting on, because of the shrill push-back I've gotten when I've discussed him before. My only real problem with his game is that someone in his circle told him he needs to play PG in college and IMO that is a bad fit for UNC. My coach mafia likes him better as a combo/2 (he's a freaky athlete and dynamic scorer) and I think Roy does as well. Word has been that he's been ours for the taking, but what if the DSJr thing is legit? Most think Woods would go elsewhere. If he doesn't see himself as one-and-done that might not be an issue. Hopefully, we'll get to see...

Woods is in my back yard gary, pretty well known that the kid really wants to play the point and pretty well known that didn't go as well as he wanted it to over the summer. if we get a PG commit, like a DSJ it ain't maybe it takes us out. It is a tuff situation, kid wants to be a Heel but he needs PT and wants it to be at the point. Georgetown has stepped in and of course Frank martin and SC Alums are working over time to get this kid snagged. Kid does not have the handlers we worry about but family is telling him you need to get ready to be a NBA PG and IMO that is just bad advice. be the best player you can be and don't worry what position you play from. Good kid and not like his family is a problem like some families we have had but family prefers SCarolina. Don't be shocked if Gtown sneaks in and steals this kid.

DSJ, as I have always put it, he is a domino for this class, he is maybe the biggest domino in this class. I don't think it is over stating that where ever Jr goes he will bring either Bam or Giles and at this point Bam is the more likely to follow him. Giles anywhere else hurts very little if we get Bam.

I know folks have got a little concerned about Bradley, I think as soon as well snag a big man or get close I really think we see bradley announce for us. I do think he wants a couple of resume building offers, Ky for sure as one but in the end I see this kid as a Tar Heel and a VERY important recruit.

Markkannen is a kid I really love, I honestly think he will do the 3 visits just to see if either of the other 2 surprise him and fit him better. But I think what we have in him is a kid that will look for reasons not to commit to Roy and not so much look for a reason to, much better position for us. One thing, I am not sold that in college he will be as much a step back shooter, more of an opportunistic jump shooter than a guad or wing in a 4 or 5s body. I see a lot of (have said this since first view) Zeller in him, maybe more Cody than Tyler. This kid could be the steal of this recruiting class.

I would be over the top happy if we can snag DSJ, Bam, Bradley, and Markkansen and if we could find a way to add Bridges it would be a MONSTER class for us.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

I would be over the top happy if we can snag DSJ, Bam, Bradley, and Markkansen and if we could find a way to add Bridges it would be a MONSTER class for us.

OH MY! That would make this old Tar Heel smile for quite some time!

 

[gary-7]

Woods is in my back yard gary, pretty well known that the kid really wants to play the point and pretty well known that didn't go as well as he wanted it to over the summer. if we get a PG commit, like a DSJ it ain't maybe it takes us out. It is a tuff situation, kid wants to be a Heel but he needs PT and wants it to be at the point. Georgetown has stepped in and of course Frank martin and SC Alums are working over time to get this kid snagged. Kid does not have the handlers we worry about but family is telling him you need to get ready to be a NBA PG and IMO that is just bad advice. be the best player you can be and don't worry what position you play from. Good kid and not like his family is a problem like some families we have had but family prefers SCarolina. Don't be shocked if Gtown sneaks in and steals this kid.

DSJ, as I have always put it, he is a domino for this class, he is maybe the biggest domino in this class. I don't think it is over stating that where ever Jr goes he will bring either Bam or Giles and at this point Bam is the more likely to follow him. Giles anywhere else hurts very little if we get Bam.

I know folks have got a little concerned about Bradley, I think as soon as well snag a big man or get close I really think we see bradley announce for us. I do think he wants a couple of resume building offers, Ky for sure as one but in the end I see this kid as a Tar Heel and a VERY important recruit.

Markkannen is a kid I really love, I honestly think he will do the 3 visits just to see if either of the other 2 surprise him and fit him better. But I think what we have in him is a kid that will look for reasons not to commit to Roy and not so much look for a reason to, much better position for us. One thing, I am not sold that in college he will be as much a step back shooter, more of an opportunistic jump shooter than a guad or wing in a 4 or 5s body. I see a lot of (have said this since first view) Zeller in him, maybe more Cody than Tyler. This kid could be the steal of this recruiting class.

I would be over the top happy if we can snag DSJ, Bam, Bradley, and Markkansen and if we could find a way to add Bridges it would be a MONSTER class for us.

Nothing I can argue with in this, Dave. Spot on. Great summary of the Woods situation and jibes totally with the scuttlebutt outside of SC.

 

[DSouthr]

Nothing I can argue with in this, Dave. Spot on. Great summary of the Woods situation and jibes totally with the scuttlebutt outside of SC.

I should add, on Woods that this is a really good kid, the kind of kid that Tar Heels love to represent the university. I want to make sure I don't paint his family with a negative brush either, this is not one of those over baring family situations but more a family that sincerely wants what is best for their son. I just do not agree with some of what they are being told and the way they genuinely feel the kid should move toward.

I really don't think this kid's personality is a great fit with Frank Martin, I don't think he will be as comfortable as he needs to be to commit to Martin in the end. Kid wants to play for Roy, really likes Roy and the family does as well but gary, ya want to know why I feel so good about DSJ...Woods wants to be a Tar Heel and wants to be a PG and yet he has not pulled the trigger, could he strongly feel UNC will get another PG that is rated as maybe the best in the country? Wonder who that may be...

I REALLY wish this kid and those he listens to would take the position of just being the best basketball player he could be no matter what position on the floor he may be playing at any given time. Giles wants to be a 4 and not a center, Ingram wanted to be a wing and not a 4? if these kids would simply worry about being the best basketaball player they could be and let their coach decide who plays what position they would IMO be 1 million times better served... Let the coach do his job and you just be the best player you can be. They actually pay every floor position there is really well in the NBA...

 

[dlew71]

if these kids would simply worry about being the best basketaball player they could be and let their coach decide who plays what position they would IMO be 1 million times better served... Let the coach do his job and you just be the best player you can be. They actually pay every floor position there is really well in the NBA...

Agreed what position does Lebron James play .... i would think the modern player would embrace the flexibility model more
The NBA is fast transitioning to the 6'6" to 6'8" multipurpose player league paired with scoring combo guards
I don't have concrete stats at hand but i am willing to wager the top 10 rated "point guards" in the NBA average 14+ pts per game
True points don't really exist in the modern game do they ? They are scoring guards and by nature of height and ball skills play the point position ... is Steph Curry really a point guard or just a short scoring guard with very good ball skills ?
how many times do you see the "3 and D" comment related 1/2/3 positions in the NBA

 

[gary-7]

I should add, on Woods that this is a really good kid, the kind of kid that Tar Heels love to represent the university. I want to make sure I don't paint his family with a negative brush either, this is not one of those over baring family situations but more a family that sincerely wants what is best for their son. I just do not agree with some of what they are being told and the way they genuinely feel the kid should move toward.

I really don't think this kid's personality is a great fit with Frank Martin, I don't think he will be as comfortable as he needs to be to commit to Martin in the end. Kid wants to play for Roy, really likes Roy and the family does as well but gary, ya want to know why I feel so good about DSJ...Woods wants to be a Tar Heel and wants to be a PG and yet he has not pulled the trigger, could he strongly feel UNC will get another PG that is rated as maybe the best in the country? Wonder who that may be...

I REALLY wish this kid and those he listens to would take the position of just being the best basketball player he could be no matter what position on the floor he may be playing at any given time. Giles wants to be a 4 and not a center, Ingram wanted to be a wing and not a 4? if these kids would simply worry about being the best basketaball player they could be and let their coach decide who plays what position they would IMO be 1 million times better served... Let the coach do his job and you just be the best player you can be. They actually pay every floor position there is really well in the NBA...

Dave you're nailing it again, bro... on all counts.
My AAU coach buddy and I have been joking back and forth for months now "looks like we're stuck with Woods", But again it's an inside joke because we know he's a UNC lock, but we both love him as a combo/2, but it's like here we go again, another kid wanting to be promised to play a certain position (I keep having nightmare visions of Henson trying to be a 3 ). And yes, we've had the discussion more than once about why Seventh hasn't gone ahead and committed. We speculated that either Roy hasn't promised anything or, yes, that Roy is still on the trail of a '16 legit PG. Trust me, that Boo Williams episode (seems, at least) to fill in a big blank in that speculation... sure hope so!

 

[gary-7]

Agreed what position does Lebron James play .... i would think the modern player would embrace the flexibility model more
The NBA is fast transitioning to the 6'6" to 6'8" multipurpose player league paired with scoring combo guards
I don't have concrete stats at hand but i am willing to wager the top 10 rated "point guards" in the NBA average 14+ pts per game
True points don't really exist in the modern game do they ? They are scoring guards and by nature of height and ball skills play the point position ... is Steph Curry really a point guard or just a short scoring guard with very good ball skills ?
how many times do you see the "3 and D" comment related 1/2/3 positions in the NBA

Yeah, the NBA has become a league of 'tweeners. Pure PGs are there for sure --- Ray, Ty, CP3, et al, but a lot of NBA points are scorers who can pass some.

 

[Jarrod Hardy]

I really think woods wants to play with dennis !!!!! Bam wants to play with dennis. Everybody wants to play with dennis. Is it true Roy is pitching dennis and seventh backcourt, been hearing it on the low for awhile now, ever since they both visited UNC. I really deep down think woods wants to run and play under Roy and had been for a long time now. People are trying to pull pj dozier situation in and get woods to go there and play hometown hero. I feel woods needs to not focus on a position and see what position he fits in best, which is running and gunning and he will excel on defense and runnin the break.

 

[gary-7]

I really think woods wants to play with dennis !!!!! Bam wants to play with dennis. Everybody wants to play with dennis. Is it true Roy is pitching dennis and seventh backcourt, been hearing it on the low for awhile now, ever since they both visited UNC. I really deep down think woods wants to run and play under Roy and had been for a long time now. People are trying to pull pj dozier situation in and get woods to go there and play hometown hero. I feel woods needs to not focus on a position and see what position he fits in best, which is running and gunning and he will excel on defense and runnin the break.

I agree on the 'should' but the queation is the 'will he?'. DSouther absolutely nailed his current situation/dilemma.

DSJr is a one-and-done. SW isn't... or at least he shouldn't be thinking that. However, IF DSJr comes to UNC there will be few if any PG minutes available the first year on a team with JB and DSJr. Now, if he was patient?... I don't get that impression. It's prolly more likely he is waiting to see if Smith is going elsewhere.
Like Dave said, the SC homeboy pull may be attractive. Interesting contrast at least. SW is a good kid. Dozier is a, um, bit of a knucklehead. Watch out for an outsider like GTown.