Some mid-season intel...

[gary-7]

...for my Heel brethren, from the latest installment I just got from my source:

Caveat: This is as of now...

1. I've held this back, but now the cat is pretty much outta the bag: Kennedy will be leaving --- that decision was made this past summer. It actually makes sense in that he was at the time considered draftable, and his draft grade will not improve.

2. No matter what, and despite his slow start, assume Justin will be gone as well. He has a first-round grade which will not improve by staying.

3. Now the good news: (this could change with a natty, but...) Berry is probably staying. He likes college, he has a solid family background and he and his dad know he could improve his status by coming back and going for the Cousy. And as of now, Hicks comes back as the man in the paint. What that means is that we bring back a nucleus of Berry/Pinson/Hicks w/ Maye and Bradley competing for the other Big starter, and Williams and Woods competing for the starting 2. Robinson is blowing up in his Sr HS season and should be ready to back up Theo at the 3. In other words, we'll still be pretty doggone good.

4. 7th is coming in with the realization that he will NOT get much PT at PG as a frosh, and has been working hard on his perimeter stroke to compete for the starting 2-guard spot. That is good news.

5. Speaking of which, we are fortunate to have such an alumni presence in Charlotte. Suffice to say that some prominent alums (MJ, PJ, Psycho, et al, as well as Sheed) have had about enough of the shenanigans (we have discussed on here) that have been recently perpetrated by AAU handlers and "mentors" on behalf of the likes of Gott and K (in-state), and of course, Cal.... Let me put it this way: Our alums are using their influence and resources (within the allowable NCAA parameters) to create a support network for current and prospective Carolina players. This network was fomented this summer via on-and-off-campus pick-up games and enhanced communications. Y'know, the ironic part of NCAA rules is that current UNC players have to be more careful about hanging out with our NBA alums (outside of pick-up games) than HS prospects. Go figure...

6. Speaking of which, here is a quote from one of those aforementioned alums from this past summer's activities: "Just watch. Don't worry when Paige leaves --- Berry will be the man".

Anyway, got a good dose of info tonight --- just wanted to share......

 

[TarHeelTroy]

Meeks going I can definitely see, but it surprises me about Jackson that it's as set as you describe. It wouldn't shock me if he did go, but lock for 1st round? Seems a bit off. LATE 1st round at best

Thanks kindly for the info!

 

[Steat]

If the Heels win the title I doubt Berry or Hicks will be back.

 

[Steat]

...for my Heel brethren, from the latest installment I just got from my source:

Caveat: This is as of now...

1. I've held this back, but now the cat is pretty much outta the bag: Kennedy will be leaving --- that decision was made this past summer. It actually makes sense in that he was at the time considered draftable, and his draft grade will not improve.

2. No matter what, and despite his slow start, assume Justin will be gone as well. He has a first-round grade which will not improve by staying.

3. Now the good news: (this could change with a natty, but...) Berry is probably staying. He likes college, he has a solid family background and he and his dad know he could improve his status by coming back and going for the Cousy. And as of now, Hicks comes back as the man in the paint. What that means is that we bring back a nucleus of Berry/Pinson/Hicks w/ Maye and Bradley competing for the other Big starter, and Williams and Woods competing for the starting 2. Robinson is blowing up in his Sr HS season and should be ready to back up Theo at the 3. In other words, we'll still be pretty doggone good.

4. 7th is coming in with the realization that he will NOT get much PT at PG as a frosh, and has been working hard on his perimeter stroke to compete for the starting 2-guard spot. That is good news.

5. Speaking of which, we are fortunate to have such an alumni presence in Charlotte. Suffice to say that some prominent alums (MJ, PJ, Psycho, et al, as well as Sheed) have had about enough of the shenanigans (we have discussed on here) that have been recently perpetrated by AAU handlers and "mentors" on behalf of the likes of Gott and K (in-state), and of course, Cal.... Let me put it this way: Our alums are using their influence and resources (within the allowable NCAA parameters) to create a support network for current and prospective Carolina players. This network was fomented this summer via on-and-off-campus pick-up games and enhanced communications. Y'know, the ironic part of NCAA rules is that current UNC players have to be more careful about hanging out with our NBA alums (outside of pick-up games) than HS prospects. Go figure...

6. Speaking of which, here is a quote from one of those aforementioned alums from this past summer's activities: "Just watch. Don't worry when Paige leaves --- Berry will be the man".

Anyway, got a good dose of info tonight --- just wanted to share......

You left out Britt.

 

[RoseHeel]

If the Heels win the title I doubt Berry or Hicks will be back.

If we win the title I wouldn't even be upset about this.

 

[RoseHeel]

Thanks for the intel. It's good you gave it to us straight about Meeks. I was beginning to fool myself into believing he could possibly return.

Definitely all the more reason we could use an Udoka commitment today!

Although I would love another year of Jackson, it could hurt us in the long run with recruiting when coaches start bringing up how he'd been around for 3 years.

 

[viking131]

Not enough info Gary, I want more ... Jk, thanks!!

 

[Archer2]

Hope JJ and Isaiah both return. But I can see how that might not happen. I'm just going to enjoy the ride and not worry about it.

 

[Grayhead]

I fully expect JJ to blow up over the next couple of weeks. We saw what he did last year. That spurt at the end of the season will be what sends him packing to the big check. With a natty in hand, that will be just fine

 

[DSouthr]

...for my Heel brethren, from the latest installment I just got from my source:

Caveat: This is as of now...

God stuff gary, I want to add a few comments if you don't mind, even if ya do LOL !

1. I've held this back, but now the cat is pretty much outta the bag: Kennedy will be leaving --- that decision was made this past summer. It actually makes sense in that he was at the time considered draftable, and his draft grade will not improve.

Draft stock will not improve but my question so far has it slipped? Has this season so far shown a bit less transformation in his game than was maybe expected? Nice scoring game yesterday but it was mostly stick backs, feel like I would need to see some consistency with at least a mid range jumper before I would feel good, sp far I see the same meeks I saw last season, would that not cause his draft stock to slip some? How far does it slip before his decision last summer is re-considered?

2. No matter what, and despite his slow start, assume Justin will be gone as well. He has a first-round grade which will not improve by staying.

I strongly feel Justin's 3pt shooting has to improve, I think it will but the NBA looks at him as more a specialist and his shooting is a big key for him. I think it is close to 50/50 and maybe a hedge toward him being back, right now, i do expect that to change how ever.

3. Now the good news: (this could change with a natty, but...) Berry is probably staying. He likes college, he has a solid family background and he and his dad know he could improve his status by coming back and going for the Cousy. And as of now, Hicks comes back as the man in the paint. What that means is that we bring back a nucleus of Berry/Pinson/Hicks w/ Maye and Bradley competing for the other Big starter, and Williams and Woods competing for the starting 2. Robinson is blowing up in his Sr HS season and should be ready to back up Theo at the 3. In other words, we'll still be pretty doggone good.

Joel has some of the same problem Marcus has, considered not great NBA PG size and for now maybe not seen as a great scorer at that level. I would be very surprised to see him leave after this season. Now Hicks, aside from foul trouble shows me more upside potential than maybe anyone else on our team. he gets and stays in attack mode, stronger than Brice but does not drift in & out like Brice has a habit of. Frankly, I am a bit concerned that we could lose Hicks after this season, especially if he finds a stretch where he is not limited due to fouls and can get some extended minutes.

4. 7th is coming in with the realization that he will NOT get much PT at PG as a frosh, and has been working hard on his perimeter stroke to compete for the starting 2-guard spot. That is good news.

7th to me just is not a natural PG, he can fill in when needed but for me the kid is a 2 guard, great news that he is working on his shooting, he needs to get that really honed in. Amazing athlete, plays above the rim, tar Heels gonna love him and Jalek.

5. Speaking of which, we are fortunate to have such an alumni presence in Charlotte. Suffice to say that some prominent alums (MJ, PJ, Psycho, et al, as well as Sheed) have had about enough of the shenanigans (we have discussed on here) that have been recently perpetrated by AAU handlers and "mentors" on behalf of the likes of Gott and K (in-state), and of course, Cal.... Let me put it this way: Our alums are using their influence and resources (within the allowable NCAA parameters) to create a support network for current and prospective Carolina players. This network was fomented this summer via on-and-off-campus pick-up games and enhanced communications. Y'know, the ironic part of NCAA rules is that current UNC players have to be more careful about hanging out with our NBA alums (outside of pick-up games) than HS prospects. Go figure...

Would LOVE to see how this works, really hope this takes what Dean pu tin place, the UNC Family, and takes it to the new millenium level.

6. Speaking of which, here is a quote from one of those aforementioned alums from this past summer's activities: "Just watch. Don't worry when Paige leaves --- Berry will be the man".

Berry will be the man but 7th, Jalek, and Robinson will be the men to! And I am telling you right now, you may not see it yet but Kenny Williams will be a big time player for us before he is thru, mark my words!

Anyway, got a good dose of info tonight --- just wanted to share......

 

[gary-7]

If the Heels win the title I doubt Berry or Hicks will be back.

As I said, Natty's can change things but what I'm hearing says otherwise.

 

[Archer2]

I hope you cleared your post with the dookies Gary. Methinks they're not going to like it very much. Because we all know no fanbase is as knowledgeable about sports as dook's. Maybe you should start vetting your posts with them before posting.

OST, just continue to be a pea under the princesses' collective mattresses and keep them awake at night. It's your higher calling.

 

[gary-7]

You left out Britt.

I'm assuming Britt plays pretty much the same role as this season.

 

[dlew71]

I would expect the following starter / back up scenario

stillman might play an interesting role next year as well at the combo guard spot
also expect Coach to tinker with guard combos early on until he has a feel for the rooks

PG - Berry / Woods
SG - Britt / Williams
SF - Pinson / Robinson
PF - Hicks / Maye
C - Bradley / ??

 

[gary-7]

I would expect the following starter / back up scenario

stillman might play an interesting role next year as well at the combo guard spot
also expect Coach to tinker with guard combos early on until he has a feel for the rooks

PG - Berry / Woods
SG - Britt / Williams
SF - Pinson / Robinson
PF - Hicks / Maye
C - Bradley / ??

Again, while he may get more minutes, I would be surprised to see Nate start (unless neither Woods nor Williams is ready). He will probably swing btw the 1 and 2 again. And as I posted, unless JB goes, Woods will likely be primarily a 2 --- he is a scorer whose PG skills are a work in progress. I agree that Stilman could play a larger role as a utility guy --- he likely would be this season had Nate not come on the way he has.
BTW: I fully expect Williams to make a Sophomore jump over the summer. He has a large up-side.

 

[soap - new and improved]

I will be shocked if Williams starts at all next season. He reminds me so far of Hicks, lots of early talk about how great he is/will be, but very little evidence as a Frosh. Hicks also struggled as a Soph, so I am keeping my expectations for Kenny in check for next season. Will be very surprised if a Soph Williams starts over a Sr. Britt.

Stillman won't even take a shot in mop up minutes. I like the young man a lot, but at this point I have abandoned the idea he will ever see much "real" game time barring mass exodus or injuries.

 

[dlew71]

Gary-7

I hope you are correct on Williams over the summer as this team will need scoring across the board to make up for the exodus

I expect a 68 pt scoring average out of this group therefore defense should be a hallmark of this group next year at the 1-3 positions especially given the talents

I have a feeling learning the system and defensive assignments will be a concern at the two and Coach will start Britt there - however if your theory proves out then perhaps Williams is the starter and that would be a positive development

What i like about the make of this group is the "Combo-ability" of the guards

may see more small ball next year out of necessity

rebounding will be an early concern and foul trouble for the bigs - very thin up front unless some positive news plays out soon

 

[gary-7]

I will be shocked if Williams starts at all next season. He reminds me so far of Hicks, lots of early talk about how great he is/will be, but very little evidence as a Frosh. Hicks also struggled as a Soph, so I am keeping my expectations for Kenny in check for next season. Will be very surprised if a Soph Williams starts over a Sr. Britt.

Hey, it's all spec now of course, but I might take that bet. Once that "confidence light" goes on we'll have a very nice player in KW. His summer will be pivotal for him --- maybe even late this season --- if that light comes on.

 

[gary-7]

Gary-7

I hope you are correct on Williams over the summer as this team will need scoring across the board to make up for the exodus

I expect a 68 pt scoring average out of this group therefore defense should be a hallmark of this group next year at the 1-3 positions especially given the talents

I have a feeling learning the system and defensive assignments will be a concern at the two and Coach will start Britt there - however if your theory proves out then perhaps Williams is the starter and that would be a positive development

What i like about the make of this group is the "Combo-ability" of the guards

may see more small ball next year out of necessity

rebounding will be an early concern and foul trouble for the bigs - very thin up front unless some positive news plays out soon

100% agree on more "small" next season. Sliding Theo to the 4 in that kind of lineup would be hard to guard.
But... I will 100% disagree on the offensive production. Unless we have a worst-case mass exodus, we'll still score the rock. For example JB could easily be an 18 pt-6 assist guy and Hicks could avg 18 or 19 and be a consistent double-double guy, with a lot of other contributors as well.

 

[HeelFan58]

I will be shocked if Williams starts at all next season. He reminds me so far of Hicks, lots of early talk about how great he is/will be, but very little evidence as a Frosh. Hicks also struggled as a Soph, so I am keeping my expectations for Kenny in check for next season. Will be very surprised if a Soph Williams starts over a Sr. Britt.

Stillman won't even take a shot in mop up minutes. I like the young man a lot, but at this point I have abandoned the idea he will ever see much "real" game time barring mass exodus or injuries.

White is a good kid , just doesn't have major college talent. Is what it is.

 

[UNCbeliever]

Meeks is DEFINITELY gone; hicks is starting to get attention from scouts; stillman wouldn't start for Fairfield; berry doesn't break down defenders and nba guards need to; JJ is a 2nd rounder purely on upside and nothing more t this point; we have no depth next year by anything yet seen even if all others stay but Meeks

 

[Archer2]

Meeks is DEFINITELY gone; hicks is starting to get attention from scouts; stillman wouldn't start for Fairfield; berry doesn't break down defenders and nba guards need to; JJ is a 2nd rounder purely on upside and nothing more t this point; we have no depth next year by anything yet seen even if all others stay but Meeks

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

 

[Ozheelfan]

Gary, your OP is the sort of post that makes reading this board worthwhile, so thank you.

Meeks: agree and I think he's a high 2nd rounder now, could squeeze into the first with a good tourney.

But Hicks may drop Kennedy a draft spot. He has much more 'upside' and is starting to show real flashes - his pump-fake, spin, drop-step, 2 handed slam in the first half against Moo was one of those 'wow' moves (I said to myself at the time "he just made money with that")

Justin in the mean time is costing himself some $. I really hope he finds that shooting touch soon.

I like what you say about Berry but I worry about the Kendal Marshall scenario where he might not want to be left behind. That said, Butter's struggles to stick in the league may keep Berry at school for another year.

I agree, Williams needs the light to go on and don't discount an offseason of real improvement for Theo.... He hasn't had a proper one yet.

 

[RoseHeel]

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

My thoughts exactly. It's too damn early in the CURRENT season to even start climbing up for the ledge of next season. Especially when we're playing the best ball in the country right now. Jeez, let's see how this one plays out first

 

[gary-7]

Meeks is DEFINITELY gone; hicks is starting to get attention from scouts; stillman wouldn't start for Fairfield; berry doesn't break down defenders and nba guards need to; JJ is a 2nd rounder purely on upside and nothing more t this point; we have no depth next year by anything yet seen even if all others stay but Meeks

Seriously? GMAFB.on all that BS.

 

[gary-7]

Gary, your OP is the sort of post that makes reading this board worthwhile, so thank you.

Meeks: agree and I think he's a high 2nd rounder now, could squeeze into the first with a good tourney.

But Hicks may drop Kennedy a draft spot. He has much more 'upside' and is starting to show real flashes - his pump-fake, spin, drop-step, 2 handed slam in the first half against Moo was one of those 'wow' moves (I said to myself at the time "he just made money with that")

Justin in the mean time is costing himself some $. I really hope he finds that shooting touch soon.

I like what you say about Berry but I worry about the Kendal Marshall scenario where he might not want to be left behind. That said, Butter's struggles to stick in the league may keep Berry at school for another year.

I agree, Williams needs the light to go on and don't discount an offseason of real improvement for Theo.... He hasn't had a proper one yet.

Well remember, Oz, Butter only left because of the injury.

 

[ohio tarheels]

I always enjoy reading your posts Gary... Good info and insight but i am enjoying watching this year unfold in front of us

 

[Sk1310]

Meeks is DEFINITELY gone; hicks is starting to get attention from scouts; stillman wouldn't start for Fairfield; berry doesn't break down defenders and nba guards need to; JJ is a 2nd rounder purely on upside and nothing more t this point; we have no depth next year by anything yet seen even if all others stay but Meeks

JB can't break down defenders? What are you watching? He has attacked the rim very well this year AFTER breaking down his defender. We have no depth of everyone stays but Meeks? We just beat a team with Marcus and Bricr scoring 9 points. That EQUALS depth. We add 3 nice recruits next year plus not done. No idea what your talking about.

 

[Archer2]

UNCnonbeliever would be a more appropriate name.

 

[soap - new and improved]

Hey, it's all spec now of course, but I might take that bet. Once that "confidence light" goes on we'll have a very nice player in KW. His summer will be pivotal for him --- maybe even late this season --- if that light comes on.

As always, I hope Kenny will be the best ever at his position.

But we have had predictions about a lot of guys who were supposed to be this or that in such and such a time frame. Most of those predictions have proven to be overly optimistic. Hicks is the latest in a long line of similar situations. It has taken him 2+ seasons to become what many predicted he would be as a freshman.

So far Kenny Williams looks like he is in way over his head. And that's fine, he's a frosh in the ACC and wasn't a top rated prospect. IF he makes the jump to starter next year without MAJOR defections/injuries it will be one of the greatest "jumps" in UNC history.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Just can't see Jackson go unless he goes to a team that needs a shooting guard. He does not rebound at all and basically had just shown 2 offensive moves. He might become a Danny Green crone if he can drastically improve his corner jumper. Hicks has really improved his aggressiveness in the paint but he has shown no improvement on short jumpers which as a power forward is essential in the NBA. He might consider staying another year like Hans did just to work on extending his scoring touch. Berry has improved a ton but I just think he just just too small even if he is a tough son of a gun to stick in the NBA. Meeks has a NBA type body but his vertical is still bad. Wesley Unseld was not the tallest center in the league when he played but he was in the league a long time so you just don't know. I really don't want one of these guys to leave too early like Joe Forte or Marvin Williams where a extra year of ball at the college level would have helped their game. Just my personal opinion and if the team does cut the nets down all bets are off but all of the four have flaws and if I was GM

 

[heels05champs]

Assuming we lose JJ and Meeks along with the seniors, next season will be very up and down. I could envision a team that struggles to score at times and shoots a poor percentage behind the 3pt. line. The poor 2015 signing class will be mostly felt over the next two seasons.

 

[notashelbyfan]

Jackson leaving really I don't see it he shows nothing that would be an upside for the NBA!

 

[gary-7]

Just can't see Jackson go unless he goes to a team that needs a shooting guard. He does not rebound at all and basically had just shown 2 offensive moves. He might become a Danny Green crone if he can drastically improve his corner jumper. Hicks has really improved his aggressiveness in the paint but he has shown no improvement on short jumpers which as a power forward is essential in the NBA. He might consider staying another year like Hans did just to work on extending his scoring touch. Berry has improved a ton but I just think he just just too small even if he is a tough son of a gun to stick in the NBA. Meeks has a NBA type body but his vertical is still bad. Wesley Unseld was not the tallest center in the league when he played but he was in the league a long time so you just don't know. I really don't want one of these guys to leave too early like Joe Forte or Marvin Williams where a extra year of ball at the college level would have helped their game. Just my personal opinion and if the team does cut the nets down all bets are off but all of the four have flaws and if I was GM

I'd love for em to stay too, but today's world is what it is. Just realize that Jackson has been on the NBA scouts' radar going back to AAU. He would have been s first-rounder in the last draft. It's sad that players' brands can he damaged by staying in school. Now one caveat: I didn't say JJ is 100% gone --- his parents are big on academics --- but that first-round grade is nothing to sneeze at, so my message is to assume he goes.
As for JB, I' m just gonna say that our pro alums have a much higher and first-hand assessment of his talents.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Unreal---we haven't been to a Final 4 since '09 and we worry about who's staying..we dont have immediate impactful player in the NBA on our roster. Enjoy a decent Carolina team and quit wishing to next year..

 

[dlew71]

Unreal---we haven't been to a Final 4 since '09 and we worry about who's staying..we dont have immediate impactful player in the NBA on our roster. Enjoy a decent Carolina team and quit wishing to next year..

not wishing this year away and don't believe others are either - i do enjoy multi-tasking aka enjoying this year as it unfolds and looking ahead as well

 

[Jarrod Hardy]

if justin leaves rawle i got a feeling will come to carolina.

 

[notashelbyfan]

if justin leaves rawle i got a feeling will come to carolina.

If Jackson leaves he will leave be a main stay in the D league he is not ready for that I just don't see it, but who knows!

 

[UNCbeliever]

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

I'm a Tar Heel fanatic who refuses to bury his head in the sand

 

[UNCbeliever]

I'd love for em to stay too, but today's world is what it is. Just realize that Jackson has been on the NBA scouts' radar going back to AAU. He would have been s first-rounder in the last draft. It's sad that players' brands can he damaged by staying in school. Now one caveat: I didn't say JJ is 100% gone --- his parents are big on academics --- but that first-round grade is nothing to sneeze at, so my message is to assume he goes.
As for JB, I' m just gonna say that our pro alums have a much higher and first-hand assessment of his talents.

Players brands aren't hurt by staying in school, but because they never reach their projected potential and are found to be what they really are