Stats and stuff (Clemson game)...

[gary-7]

First, a mini rant that I 100% stand by: The officiating was absolutely, inexcusably awful. Welcome back to ACC play, guys. And Tim Nestor needs to go the way of Karl Hess. Call us for breathing on somebody then let utter assault go uncalled. I watched a lot away from the ball and what they were getting away with on Brice was criminal. And ANY game where Clemson shoots almost twice as many FTs as UNC? YGTBFKM. Oh yeah, Hicks' blocked shot was NOT even close to goal tending.

*Anyway, back to numbers (and I kept these very closely --- they are accurate).
- 16 (true) Fast Break pts., 21 Secondary Break pts. out of 80 scored.
- 11/14 from the Line (both numbers should've been doubled) --- Our FT shooting continues to be a strength
- 50% FGs, 5/13 from 3 (largely thanks to our streaky Mr. Pinson being on a good jag tonight)

Stuff:
- We were not as multiple on defense as I would have liked, but we played several series of really strong team defense in our base 20 --- unfortunately several times they just hit heaves and throws late in the clock. Un-friggin-conscious.

- Good to see Justin hit a 3 --- hopefully that starts something positive. He is playing excellent all-around basketball otherwise.

- Big Joel (deep sigh) ... On he other side of that coin, Hicks is becoming an offensive force.

- We went "small" twice (Theo at the 4) in the second half and played well in that configuration.

- Nate had some of his old offensive issues, some rough patches, but I'm gonna praise him --- I watched pretty closely and he might have quietly had his best defensive outing. Kept his responsibilities and gave great effort.

- Berry and Paige logged 34 and 35 minutes respectively --- 27:50 together --- they are a pleasure for this ol' coach to watch.

- Marcus just thrives at the 2 and has the freedom to create his shot when he feels it's needed --- he sho nuff did tonight (albeit getting away with a couple of travels ). 18 big points (with only one made 3), and he worked for most of em.

- And Berry? It astounds me some folks haven't gotten just how good this kid is (Bilas sure gets it though). Hell, the stuff he does off the ball on both ends is a clinic. BTW, His real stat line: 16 pts., 4 boards, 4 Assists (4 more blown, 3 of which resulted in FTs), 3 (not 2) Steals (along with 3 more caused TOs), 0 TOs.

- Finally, does the fact that I take extreme pleasure in Clemson being 0-for-their-existence in Chapel Hill make me a horrible person? Well.... IDGAS! Bwah-hah-hah!

 

[soap - new and improved]

Both the Travel and the Palming/Carrying the ball calls should be scrapped completely, as they are only ever enforced in a HIGHLY arbitrary manner. Let's just use Aussie Rules Football statutes and only require a dribble or two here and there.

The officiating was utter garbage. I posted my observations in the game thread. Salt-n-pepper haired dude was killing us, seemingly with an agenda of keeping the game close.

 

[coryfly]

The Paige walks (though they certainly are walks) are hardly ever called anymore. Most jumpsteps are technically walks anyway. The only really egregious walk I saw go uncalled was the one in the first half where Blossomgame walked twice before being fouled by Brice.

I completely agree on Nate. He had some tough plays on offense but I thought his defense was about as good as it's been all year for him. The one three that dude put up Nate was all over him.

Berry, Paige, Jackson, Pinson, and Hicks were all very good. Brice was beat up off the ball pretty good, which is why he was so frustrated. It was that more than his lack of scoring that was bothering him IMO.

 

[DSouthr]

Clemson came to play and yeah, the refs did let them get away with a lot, we got some friendly calls to so not fussing so much about the refs but Brice & Hicks keep picking up ticky tack cheap fouls that limit them. If you know the ref is going to call it on you it doesn't matter if the other guy can get away with it, expect that when we play duke for example, you just have to realize you do not take the risk in the first half.

I felt like we missed Meeks more last night and primary due to Brice & Hicks picking up fouls but they played well thru it, especially Hicks. Brice got frustrated, ya got to hang in there & play big man and work on being worried about the next play, not the last one.

Nate Britt, I don't know, I just don't know, it is as if someone (maybe someone named Roy Williams) has lite a fire under that kids butt on the defensive end but for the last what, 3 games running Nate on the defensive end has been a completely different guy! Nate's on ball defense was outstanding, one play that stands out to me is the Clemson guard tried to take him left, reversed twice, pops out right and Justin gives him a quick hedge and right back on him is nate, drives nate deep to the paint pulls it back out front, nate on him like super glue, tried to take nate deep yet again and ends up falling on his face and picks up the travel call. You just will not see better on ball stay in front of your man, don't give him that step defense than what I saw from nate Britt right there. KUDOS YOUNG MAN KUDOS!!!

 

[Tom79]

Nate has played some very good defense of late. Now those TO's last night were a mystery to me as Nate is usually pretty solid in that department.
Walking? Big kid (#50?) took 3 huge steps bullrushing Brice under the basket and goes to the line. The off ball action last night for at least one of our kids was a game plan decision. Brad sent his rough and tumblers out there to play rough.

 

[DeanFor President]

The moving screens are just randomly called too. We get called for them but I almost never see the other teams get those whistles. It's like they call it on us when they want to impact the flow of the game.

 

[vikandpiratepride]

Was at the game last night and agree with all of your points. Refs were bad, Paige is great at the two, hicks is a monster, theo played great, berry keeps getting better, Jackson overall game, and Nate played some of the best d I've seen him play.

 

[Tru Blu Tar Heel]

First, a mini rant that I 100% stand by: The officiating was absolutely, inexcusably awful. Welcome back to ACC play, guys. And Tim Nestor needs to go the way of Karl Hess. Call us for breathing on somebody then let utter assault go uncalled. I watched a lot away from the ball and what they were getting away with on Brice was criminal. And ANY game where Clemson shoots almost twice as many FTs as UNC? YGTBFKM. Oh yeah, Hicks' blocked shot was NOT even close to goal tending.

*Anyway, back to numbers (and I kept these very closely --- they are accurate).
- 16 (true) Fast Break pts., 21 Secondary Break pts. out of 80 scored.
- 11/14 from the Line (both numbers should've been doubled) --- Our FT shooting continues to be a strength
- 50% FGs, 5/13 from 3 (largely thanks to our streaky Mr. Pinson being on a good jag tonight)

Stuff:
- We were not as multiple on defense as I would have liked, but we played several series of really strong team defense in our base 20 --- unfortunately several times they just hit heaves and throws late in the clock. Un-friggin-conscious.

- Good to see Justin hit a 3 --- hopefully that starts something positive. He is playing excellent all-around basketball otherwise.

- Big Joel (deep sigh) ... On he other side of that coin, Hicks is becoming an offensive force.

- We went "small" twice (Theo at the 4) in the second half and played well in that configuration.

- Nate had some of his old offensive issues, some rough patches, but I'm gonna praise him --- I watched pretty closely and he might have quietly had his best defensive outing. Kept his responsibilities and gave great effort.

- Berry and Paige logged 34 and 35 minutes respectively --- 27:50 together --- they are a pleasure for this ol' coach to watch.

- Marcus just thrives at the 2 and has the freedom to create his shot when he feels it's needed --- he sho nuff did tonight (albeit getting away with a couple of travels ). 18 big points (with only one made 3), and he worked for most of em.

- And Berry? It astounds me some folks haven't gotten just how good this kid is (Bilas sure gets it though). Hell, the stuff he does off the ball on both ends is a clinic. BTW, His real stat line: 16 pts., 4 boards, 4 Assists (4 more blown, 3 of which resulted in FTs), 3 (not 2) Steals (along with 3 more caused TOs), 0 TOs.

- Finally, does the fact that I take extreme pleasure in Clemson being 0-for-their-existence in Chapel Hill make me a horrible person? Well.... IDGAS! Bwah-hah-hah!

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Just a few comments:

You're absolutely SPOT ON on the officiating. Some of the calls were down right comical when you look at what Clemson was doing on the other end. There's no reason that Clemson should shoot more free throws than the Heels. One of the perfect examples was a play late: Joel Berry beat his man off the crossover and went into the lane to finish with no problems but the refs missed not one but TWO blatant swipes across his arm going to the rim.

I'm not as high on Britt as you are after last night. His pick & roll defense continues to be less than ok.

If I were the opposing coach, everytime Britt and James are on the floor together, I'm putting them both in the pick & roll. Britt's inability to get over the screen coupled with James overhedging is either going to end up in a bucket or a foul 90% of the time.

Lastly, Joel Berry is a NASTY, FILTHY, JUNK YARD DOG and it all starts for him on the defensive end. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE watching him get after it on that end of the court!

 

[TarHeelTroy]

I think Marcus's two jumpsteps were good no-calls. The game has evolved to the point that it's a totally legit move, and has been for years. There is really no difference in what Marcus did and for example a big guy on who takes one step then jumps off both feet to dunk it. Both were sweet moves. Check the video for the two Paige jumpstep highlights, one in each half.

 

[gary-7]

I think Marcus's two jumpsteps were good no-calls. The game has evolved to the point that it's a totally legit move, and has been for years. There is really no difference in what Marcus did and for example a big guy on who takes one step then jumps off both feet to dunk it. Both were sweet moves. Check the video for the two Paige jumpstep highlights, one in each half.

By rule, one was a definite travel, on the other he probably left his feet on he dribble pick-up just enough to be ok. College basketball should not turn into the joke "rule" of the NBA.
And BTW, in response to a post above, yeah Clemson traveled--- a LOT. Their inside guys were doing the damned bunny-hop on their fakes.

 

[gary-7]

Just a few comments:
You're absolutely SPOT ON on the officiating. Some of the calls were down right comical when you look at what Clemson was doing on the other end. There's no reason that Clemson should shoot more free throws than the Heels. One of the perfect examples was a play late: Joel Berry beat his man off the crossover and went into the lane to finish with no problems but the refs missed not one but TWO blatant swipes across his arm going to the rim.
I'm not as high on Britt as you are after last night. His pick & roll defense continues to be less than ok.
If I were the opposing coach, everytime Britt and James are on the floor together, I'm putting them both in the pick & roll. Britt's inability to get over the screen coupled with James overhedging is either going to end up in a bucket or a foul 90% of the time.
Lastly, Joel Berry is a NASTY, FILTHY, JUNK YARD DOG and it all starts for him on the defensive end. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE watching him get after it on that end of the court!

Yessir, Berry is a man out there, finished through (a LOT of) contact on that play, and was frustrating the hell outta his man on D.
Honestly, you are right about Nate and James, but I've noticed Nate is feeding off Berry's technique, i.e., learning to beat his man to the spot with his feet as opposed to chasing and reaching. He is getting better at that.

 

[Archer2]

You're spot on Gary. Playing defense is much more about anticipation and moving your feet than it is about using your arms. The sooner all players realize that, the better they'll become defensively and the less foul issues they'll have.

"More feet, less reach" was our defensive motto.

 

[Heelicious]

I enjoyed the game last night, and without having seen Clemson play this year before last night, I have to assume they likely played about their best game of the year. Shooting well, and strong presence inside.

Joel James - I know the kid gets ragged on a lot.... and he IS trying hard, no doubt about that. But does everyone (including Roy, other coaches), realize, that along with hands that are akin to having bricks inside greased boxing gloves; and his ability to tackle guys that would be a penalty in football; and his ability to miss a 4 foot shot - long by two feet...that he now TWICE has wiped out two free throws, by entering the lane early. Nobody should ever do that in their career. Maybe once get deeked by a guy delaying the release, but its OUR GUY on the line shooting.... but to have it happen once, then have it happen again? Un-freaking-acceptable! How does it happen twice to anyone? How is it not burned into your head? Does a guy his size really need to get the jump on the guy next to him?

In neither game where it happened, did it matter. I just hope against all hope, that Joel isn't anywhere near the court in a situation where it matters later in the season. If he screws it up again for a third or fourth time, and costs us a game because of it, how will people feel then about him being a good kid and trying hard (both points I agree with BTW). At some point if you are playing D1 basketball on a title contender, you need to be able to learn from mistakes, and especially not repeat mistakes that few junior high girl players ever make, let alone twice.

 

[HeelFan58]

First, a mini rant that I 100% stand by: The officiating was absolutely, inexcusably awful. Welcome back to ACC play, guys. And Tim Nestor needs to go the way of Karl Hess. Call us for breathing on somebody then let utter assault go uncalled. I watched a lot away from the ball and what they were getting away with on Brice was criminal. And ANY game where Clemson shoots almost twice as many FTs as UNC? YGTBFKM. Oh yeah, Hicks' blocked shot was NOT even close to goal tending.

*Anyway, back to numbers (and I kept these very closely --- they are accurate).
- 16 (true) Fast Break pts., 21 Secondary Break pts. out of 80 scored.
- 11/14 from the Line (both numbers should've been doubled) --- Our FT shooting continues to be a strength
- 50% FGs, 5/13 from 3 (largely thanks to our streaky Mr. Pinson being on a good jag tonight)

Stuff:
- We were not as multiple on defense as I would have liked, but we played several series of really strong team defense in our base 20 --- unfortunately several times they just hit heaves and throws late in the clock. Un-friggin-conscious.

- Good to see Justin hit a 3 --- hopefully that starts something positive. He is playing excellent all-around basketball otherwise.

- Big Joel (deep sigh) ... On he other side of that coin, Hicks is becoming an offensive force.

- We went "small" twice (Theo at the 4) in the second half and played well in that configuration.

- Nate had some of his old offensive issues, some rough patches, but I'm gonna praise him --- I watched pretty closely and he might have quietly had his best defensive outing. Kept his responsibilities and gave great effort.

- Berry and Paige logged 34 and 35 minutes respectively --- 27:50 together --- they are a pleasure for this ol' coach to watch.

- Marcus just thrives at the 2 and has the freedom to create his shot when he feels it's needed --- he sho nuff did tonight (albeit getting away with a couple of travels ). 18 big points (with only one made 3), and he worked for most of em.

- And Berry? It astounds me some folks haven't gotten just how good this kid is (Bilas sure gets it though). Hell, the stuff he does off the ball on both ends is a clinic. BTW, His real stat line: 16 pts., 4 boards, 4 Assists (4 more blown, 3 of which resulted in FTs), 3 (not 2) Steals (along with 3 more caused TOs), 0 TOs.

- Finally, does the fact that I take extreme pleasure in Clemson being 0-for-their-existence in Chapel Hill make me a horrible person? Well.... IDGAS! Bwah-hah-hah!

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Tim Nestor has no business on a college basketball court at any level.

 

[gary-7]

Thought the same thing. My best friend and HS teammate and I damn near came to blows over him doing that. I was the best FT shooter on the damned team and he cost me two front ends of 1-and-1s. Really is inexcusable.

 

[Archer2]

I enjoyed the game last night, and without having seen Clemson play this year before last night, I have to assume they likely played about their best game of the year. Shooting well, and strong presence inside.

Joel James - I know the kid gets ragged on a lot.... and he IS trying hard, no doubt about that. But does everyone (including Roy, other coaches), realize, that along with hands that are akin to having bricks inside greased boxing gloves; and his ability to tackle guys that would be a penalty in football; and his ability to miss a 4 foot shot - long by two feet...that he now TWICE has wiped out two free throws, by entering the lane early. Nobody should ever do that in their career. Maybe once get deeked by a guy delaying the release, but its OUR GUY on the line shooting.... but to have it happen once, then have it happen again? Un-freaking-acceptable! How does it happen twice to anyone? How is it not burned into your head? Does a guy his size really need to get the jump on the guy next to him?

In neither game where it happened, did it matter. I just hope against all hope, that Joel isn't anywhere near the court in a situation where it matters later in the season. If he screws it up again for a third or fourth time, and costs us a game because of it, how will people feel then about him being a good kid and trying hard (both points I agree with BTW). At some point if you are playing D1 basketball on a title contender, you need to be able to learn from mistakes, and especially not repeat mistakes that few junior high girl players ever make, let alone twice.

JoEl is one of my favorites because of his uplifting attitude. He simply doesn't possess the basketball aptitude that would enable him to take advàntage of his physical attributes. His inability to catch the ball in traffic is the deal breaker.

Still, I love his attitude and we're fortunate to have him with Kennedy out.