Stats and stuff (OSU game)...

[gary-7]

...on a solid, if uncomfortable win.

- After the stuff I posted last nght, let me start off with effort... and it was certainly there from the outset. I would've expected no less today, but it was impressive. The first-half defensive performance was exceptional on many occasions (not quite as good in the second). On the other side, execution is still leaving something to be desired. Granted, OSU was making that difficult. Their coach definitely brought the Butler street-fight mentality to Columbus, and they held a lot thru our screens and cuts.

- Referencing that difficulty of movement, I didn't like that we were having to rely on 3s in the first half --- but it sure is nice to have that in our arsenal when needed --- and in the second half we got tougher on drives and cuts and attacked the rim stronger.

- Unfortunately, the transition game didn't get cranked up except in spells. There's still some uncertainty in movement after the initial iteration, but mostly we're not busting out after rebounds quite as quickly as Roy would like. We ended up with only 8 Fast Break and 23 Secondary Break points, and converted 14 of 25 transition oppportunities. I would like to see both the number of opportunites and conversions increase.

- Speaking of rebounds we did manage to clean the boards against a team with some size (and girth), holding a 39-26 advantage, and kept them off the offensive glass for the most part. Luke (10) and Theo (5) were doing some grunt-work on the glass, but it was a team contribution with our perimeter guys all chipping in.

- It's still concerning we're getting little offensvely from the 5. As I said last night, they don't have to be world-beaters, just work to make themselves viable options for our signature inside-out game. We became MIA in the paint in the first half. Again, thank heavens for the 3-ball.

- Speaking of the 3-ball, I was pleased to see Theo take and hit the rhythm-3 to open the game. We shot more than we'd like (25), but they were pretty much all good looks and it helps a lot when you hit 13.

- That leads to our bench. Today it went from MIA Weds. to crucial --- 32 points combined (!), and our bench was 7/10 from 3. Cam started it, but then Jalek (who half the Tar Heel Nation was relegating to the scrap-heap) was almost heat-checking (4/5). Speaking of Jalek, he immediately made a bad TO upon entering but quickly redeemed himself by hitting shots a making some nice feeds. He needs to cut down the silly mistakes, but he did give better effort on D. I still want to see more aggression from Andrew, and for BRob to just take a breath.

- We went Utra-Small late a few times. I'll just say we still haven't figured that one out but I think it could amount to something valuable down the road.

- FTs: We let these guys hang around too long, and needed FTs down the stretch... well, we got them. We were money at the line (21/25), and perfect in crunch time. Theo's 10/10 was huge.

- As for the Core Four, OSU was blanketing (and mugging) Luke, but he played within himself, was tough and didn't force. Theo's FT shooting enabled a career-high 19, even saw a few minutes at the 2, and he was looking to score more on drives. He still took it into no-man's land a couple of times, but today was a step in the right direction. Kenny plays so damned hard on defense and continues to be a charge-drawing machine --- I wonder if it affects his offensive aggression sometimes. Speaking of playing hard, if anything Joel was playing too hard in the defensive end, trying to help seemingly everyone, resulting in leaving his man too far away to close out on a few times. Dog's still pressing some on offense as well, but I'll tell ya what --- every time things got sketchy late JB restored order by taking it to the rack. We needed every one of his 19 pts.

Anyway, we fought thru a physical contest (in which Roger Ayers, one of the best in the business, had about as good a day today as we had Weds.), kept our heads about us and showed the ability to score from the perimeter in the first half, and attack the rim in the seoond. Not always pretty, but a solid Power-5 win. On to ACC play next weekend...

 

[bax4444]

Platek and b rob minutes should be paired way down in acc play.

 

[al would]

I just posted a new thread about the possibilities of the "smaller" ball line up and it's an interesting scenario. Jalek Felton is $$$ and you can bet on that .. and when it comes down to a big stepping forward I question Brooks minutes over Manley ... but I don't have the luxury of watching practice .. or seeing inside Roy Williams head.

 

[FranktheHeel]

Great to see a lot of guys diving on the floor for the ball. It was funny that Roy mentioned Jalek hitting the floor for his first time in practice and how he said his arm was hurting from it, but then gave him credit for his performance. Gotta love Ole Roy!!

Luke diving on the floor getting us the possession was a great hustle play and exactly the effort that needs to be shown. I think Luke showed that he can impact the game in other ways not just through scoring. He had 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists. Also, have to note that the kid is a workhouse he played 31 minutes today and was battling all day for positioning.

Cam is a huge piece for us and he's going to be even better once he gets back to full strength. I thought he rebounded very well and when he couldn't get there he was able to tip it to one of our guys. Cam's mid range game looked really good that is going to be very important for him by simply using a ball fake off a contested 3 point look in order to get an easier look for himself or by coming off of a screen like we saw today. Also, his free throw stroke is very sweet too, its great to have 3 guys who can go to the line late in the game and knock them in at a very high rate.

Berry loves ending the scoring droughts. You could see in the 3 minute stretch where we didn't score that he wanted the ball in his hands and wanted to get one in to silence the crowd which he did.

Jalek Felton came out with some better effort and energy on the defense end too. He had a nice sweet stroke from 3 giving us a nice burst off the bench. You heard Roy yell at Jalek during the game to make the easy play which I totally agree with sometimes he just needs to slow down and then go attack. This kid has the vision and ability to be a very good passer, and with time he will learn which passes need to be made. Ill take those 5 assists every game. Loved seeing Roy point to Jalek after the nice pass to Brooks, eat crow Joey.

Theo picked things up in the 2nd half on both ends of the floor. 10/10 from the charity stripe is absolute money. He just needs to keep attacking the basket, he will get a lot of opportunities to convert for himself. Good bounce back game for him.

Kenny is a defensive stopper, I have never seen a kid so committed to this end of the floor and being able to keep up that intensity the entire game. And he drew 3 charges!!

Like you said Gary, I thought we did a better job of having a more balanced attack in the second half as we were able to get the ball into the lane and attack the hoop, having the ability to do this will also open up opportunities for more open looks from 3 as the defense collapses. I still would like to see us get the ball in the post more even just simply for a touch to create some more space and open driving lanes especially for Joel and Theo to attack.

Rebounding as a unit. The two that stood out to me were our Sparkers off the Bench- Cam had 5 rebounds and Jalek had 4. Also, Theo added 5, Luke had 10, Joel and Kenny each with 3. That's the way it has to be done throughout the rest of the season especially if we want to go small. I saw that we only allowed 3 offensive rebounds off of 33 Ohio State misses, that is very impressive.

Roy takes pride in being a teacher and it was on display today I saw him spend meaningful minutes 1 on 1 with Jalek and B-Rob on the bench after coming out of the game. He also did the same with Huff while he was on the bench even though he didn't play. Yes, he is going to demand a lot from you, but he is there to help you get it and really wants to see you do it. I also was very impressed with his approach to the Wofford game, he decided to review the film with the team most likely with a lot of critiquing, but mostly with the thought process of having them see the areas they needed to improve and to learn from it. There's a reason he gets the results he does.

 

[al would]

Sometimes the best thing Jalek can do is not to look to pass but just take the open shot .. he's that good .. jmho

 

[gary-7]

Platek and b rob minutes should be paired way down in acc play.

I don't believe that is a practical or viable option. What we saw today will likely be common --- Cam getting big minutes, Manley backing up Brooks, Jalek backing up JB... but we need those other two guys to give us depth at the Wing positions.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Sometimes the best thing Jalek can do is not to look to pass but just take the open shot .. he's that good .. jmho

His shot is good, however his best play of the game (imo) was off a great defensive sequence - he’d stuck to his player like glue... the turnover came and on the break up the court he nailed Garrison for the dunk.

So yeah, Jalek can shoot but I think he has a better mindset and appreciation for the ball when he’s knuckles down on defense first.

 

[Ozheelfan]

I don't believe that is a practical or viable option. What we saw today will likely be common --- Cam getting big minutes, Manley backing up Brooks, Jalek backing up JB... but we need those other two guys to give us depth at the Wing positions.

Also remember there’s a reason BRob and Platek are getting reasonable minutes... Roy does this every year early in the season... it’s to give them real game time and to prepare them for when needed later in the season.

 

[gary-7]

Roy takes pride in being a teacher and it was on display today I saw him spend meaningful minutes 1 on 1 with Jalek and B-Rob on the bench after coming out of the game. He also did the same with Huff while he was on the bench even though he didn't play. Yes, he is going to demand a lot from you, but he is there to help you get it and really wants to see you do it. I also was very impressed with his approach to the Wofford game, he decided to review the film with the team most likely with a lot of critiquing, but mostly with the thought process of having them see the areas they needed to improve and to learn from it. There's a reason he gets the results he does.

Yep. One minute Roy'd be ready to throttle them, then he's coaching them up.

 

[bax4444]

I don't believe that is a practical or viable option. What we saw today will likely be common --- Cam getting big minutes, Manley backing up Brooks, Jalek backing up JB... but we need those other two guys to give us depth at the Wing positions.

I wonder why you say this. How many teams go 2-3 deep at every backcourt spot and why is it necessary? Between Theo, cam, Kenny, seventh, Jalek, and Joel..in fact I'll go ahead and say that I'd rather see jalek/Joel slide off the ball and be another option to go to ahead of platek/Robinson. when the pressure is on in acc play that's all anyone needs.

Of course I agree it's nice to have these guys ready in case of injuries etc but let's be real- they don't really give us enough to justify it, at least in my view.

 

[bax4444]

Also remember there’s a reason BRob and Platek are getting reasonable minutes... Roy does this every year early in the season... it’s to give them real game time and to prepare them for when needed later in the season.

I agree and have no issue with it now. But based on the way both have performed so far I really feel like there's little need to force them into playing time vs acc teams. We have way too much depth and talent ahead of them at their spots.

 

[gary-7]

I wonder why you say this. How many teams go 2-3 deep at every backcourt spot and why is it necessary? Between Theo, cam, Kenny, seventh, Jalek, and Joel..in fact I'll go ahead and say that I'd rather see jalek/Joel slide off the ball and be another option to go to ahead of platek/Robinson. when the pressure is on in acc play that's all anyone needs.

Of course I agree it's nice to have these guys ready in case of injuries etc but let's be real- they don't really give us enough to justify it, at least in my view.

Andrew is Kenny's first backup, and has played very well overall. He just needs to be more aggressive offensively. He does an awful lot right, beyond his years. BRob is versatile enough to play either wing. He's just struggling to find his feel. Right now Kenny is gassing himself and Theo is busting ass as well. We need them both fresh in crunch time.

The ACC is a grind and takes its toll. By and large, rotations tighten as you get toward March. Not the best time to be doing that just yet.

 

[bax4444]

Andrew is kennys first backup? Lol. When seventh was healthy that definitely wasn't true and now that cam is back it certainly isn't. i don't think we are gonnna get very far with this discussion If that's what you really believe.

I have no problem with them getting minutes now. But with all the players we have that are so much better than either of them at their respective spots- for you to say it isn't "viable" is just bizarre. Roys had great teams where he didn't need to go 3 or 4 deep at the wing spots at all, and that's the strength of this team, on the wings.

 

[Heels5150]

I noticed at the 16 minute mark of the second half we had 14 assists and we finished with 17 assists. Just 3 assists in 16 game minutes is not good for us. I know a lot of our scoring late came from the free throw line. Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe Kenny drew 4 charges today and could have been 5 if that call was not corrected. Some D1 starters do not do that in a whole season let alone one game. Gary is right he is a machine. I thought that was a very quite 14 point game. It was nice to see Theo come out and keep the defense honest by hitting that 3 to open the game. He has to keep making teams play him honest for us to be successful. We still have opened our last 3 games with 3 careless turnovers before the first media timeout at the 15 minute mark. Also in our last 2 games we opened up the second half the same way. I am very excited about Cam coming back. I think he will open up the floor tremendously and hopefully will take some weight off of Joel.

 

[gary-7]

Andrew is kennys first backup? Lol. When seventh was healthy that definitely wasn't true and now that cam is back it certainly isn't. i don't think we are gonnna get very far with this discussion If that's what you really believe.

I have no problem with them getting minutes now. But with all the players we have that are so much better than either of them at their respective spots- for you to say it isn't "viable" is just bizarre. Roys had great teams where he didn't need to go 3 or 4 deep at the wing spots at all, and that's the strength of this team, on the wings.

Don't know why you're lol and there is nothing bizarre about what I wrote. First, 7th wasn't backing up Kenny --- he was coming in mostly at the 1, with sometime JB sliding to the 2 for short spells, and Andrew was already starting to get more and more minutes before 7th went down. And Cam isn't playing the 2.

Moreover, Roy doesn't (and shouldn't) cut down rotations in January. That's not a viable way to build a team that plays at our tempo. There's commonly a top-8 guys in minutes and at least 2 others who get minutes as needed. That's exactly what we had today. Brandon and Andrew got 8 each, which was perfectly fine.

 

[bax4444]

Don't know why you're lol and there is nothing bizarre about what I wrote. First, 7th wasn't backing up Kenny --- he was coming in mostly at the 1, with sometime JB sliding to the 2 for short spells, and Andrew was already starting to get more and more minutes before 7th went down. And Cam isn't playing the 2.

Moreover, Roy doesn't (and shouldn't) cut down rotations in January. That's not a viable way to build a team that plays at our tempo. There's commonly a top-8 guys in minutes and at least 2 others who get minutes as needed. That's exactly what we had today. Brandon and Andrew got 8 each, which was perfectly fine.

I'm not saying they shouldn't play at all. But 8 each is too many if they continue to play the way they have been. Again, it's not like we're hurting for depth in the backcourt. Quite the opposite.

 

[Archer2]

IMO, Cam should be backing up the SF position, not the SG position. At the college level, he is more of a SF than a SG, I don't think there's much doubt of that. I think our rotation is set, at least until Seventh's return. Jalek for Joel, Andrew/Brandon for Kenny, Cam for Theo, and Sterling for Brooks. When Seventh returns, he will give us another option. Until then we have 9 strong players we can rely on.

 

[gary-7]

IMO, Cam should be backing up the SF position, not the SG position. At the college level, he is more of a SF than a SG, I don't think there's much doubt of that. I think our rotation is set, at least until Seventh's return. Jalek for Joel, Andrew/Brandon for Kenny, Cam for Theo, and Sterling for Brooks. When Seventh returns, he will give us another option. Until then we have 9 strong players we can rely on.

Yeah, and that's exactly what Cam is doing... and actually we're at 10 now. What 7th's role will be on return will be an interesting question.

 

[2DDIMOND]

I'm not saying they shouldn't play at all. But 8 each is too many if they continue to play the way they have been. Again, it's not like we're hurting for depth in the backcourt. Quite the opposite.

This is a little contradictory, we are definitely hurting for depth in the backcourt if we don't play (or play them as much) Platek & Robinson as you suggest.

 

[bax4444]

This is a little contradictory, we are definitely hurting for depth in the backcourt if we don't play (or play them as much) Platek & Robinson as you suggest.

Please explain how. I'm aware there are those here who just assume Berry and/or Felton shouldn't ever play off the ball. But if we take that off the table and admit our best lineups could eventually involve one of them off the ball then it really leaves little room for platek/rob getting adequate minutes. Actually, platek is really the one who I think minutes should be cut to almost zero. He shows me almost nothing.

Edit: these are our backcourt players

Berry
Woods
Felton
Williams
Johnson
Pinson
Robinson
Platek

Teams would absolutely kill to be that deep. In fact, that's my whole point. There's not another acc team that could theoretically go 8 deep in the backcourt. Hence, really no need to go beyond your top 5-6 when it gets to league play(with what the players in question have shown thus far). At the least Robinson has shown the ability to rebound and get to the line so I guess I'm fine with him getting spot minutes .

 

[al would]

His shot is good, however his best play of the game (imo) was off a great defensive sequence - he’d stuck to his player like glue... the turnover came and on the break up the court he nailed Garrison for the dunk.
So yeah, Jalek can shoot but I think he has a better mindset and appreciation for the ball when he’s knuckles down on defense first.

Yeah man .. I get the defensive side of it but Jalek's no hesitation shot is slicker than a silk sheet. He waltzed in the game and dropped a couple 3's and never hit the rim. That young'un has got a text book jumper .. great arc .. great mechanics .. great rotation .. within the next month I'd say his minutes will about double. He is that good. jmho

 

[gary-7]

Please explain how. I'm aware there are those here who just assume Berry and/or Felton shouldn't ever play off the ball. But if we take that off the table and admit our best lineups could eventually involve one of them off the ball then it really leaves little room for platek/rob getting adequate minutes. Actually, platek is really the one who I think minutes should be cut to almost zero. He shows me almost nothing.

Edit: these are our backcourt players

Berry
Woods
Felton
Williams
Johnson
Pinson
Robinson
Platek

Teams would absolutely kill to be that deep. In fact, that's my whole point. There's not another acc team that could theoretically go 8 deep in the backcourt. Hence, really no need to go beyond your top 5-6 when it gets to league play(with what the players in question have shown thus far). At the least Robinson has shown the ability to rebound and get to the line so I guess I'm fine with him getting spot minutes .

Sure, Berry can play off the ball when needed --- and has occasionally --- but he can't play 40 minutes a game. He needs a break. Jalek is already enduring a steep learning curve trying to master PG. Roy is not gonna be trying to teach him the 2 just yet. Thus, it's not practical for either to be considered part of the 2 rotation.
Theo is your starting 3 and backup 4, and Cam plays what Theo isn't at any given time. BRob thus gives us a guy who can play either Wing and Andrew is a solid backup for Kenny. We are not overloaded by any means, and are just an injury or foul trouble away from needing those two guys to step up majorly.
And with all due respect, if you can't see what Andrew is bringing to the table I would suggest watching more closely in all phases of his game.

 

[Archer2]

Theo is your starting 3 and backup 4, and Cam plays what Theo isn't at any given time. BRob thus gives us a guy who can play either Wing and Andrew is a solid backup for Kenny. We are not overloaded by any means, and are just an injury or foul trouble away from needing those two guys to step up majorly.
And with all due respect, if you can't see what Andrew is bringing to the table I would suggest watching more closely in all phases of his game.

Indeed.

 

[bax4444]

Indeed.

Ok so you two obviously watch him in all phases much closer than me cuz I'm quite clearly missing something. So-platek does what out there exactly? I saw him cost us vs wofford. Today he looked overmatched. He's had a few games where I supposes he's played decent defense, and I don't deny he hustles and scraps, but that should not be a prerequisite for minutes at a place like unc if your not bringing much else to the table.

 

[TarHeelMark]

While Roy's crazy lineups can be frustrating at times, I've grown to accept his mad scientist ways. He has the big picture in mind, and getting those guys meaningful minutes now will pay off down the road. I think it's a pretty good chance that BRob or Andrew will come up big for us in a key game later this season.

 

[gary-7]

Yeah man .. I get the defensive side of it but Jalek's no hesitation shot is slicker than a silk sheet. He waltzed in the game and dropped a couple 3's and never hit the rim. That young'un has got a text book jumper .. great arc .. great mechanics .. great rotation .. within the next month I'd say his minutes will about double. He is that good. jmho

Brother, I'm a huge believer in Jalek, but until not only his defense, but taking care of the ball tightens up that ain't happening. Let's get him to double-digit minutes consistently first. He is that talented, but not yet that good. Let's hope that latter part kicks in more and more as we go. Then we'll see where he's at in February.

 

[Archer2]

Ok so you two obviously watch him in all phases much closer than me cuz I'm quite clearly missing something. So-platek does what out there exactly? I saw him cost us vs wofford. Today he looked overmatched. He's had a few games where I supposes he's played decent defense, and I don't deny he hustles and scraps, but that should not be a prerequisite for minutes at a place like unc if your not bringing much else to the table.

Let's see.

Plays good defense/hustles? Check.
Values the ball/minimizes TO's? 3 to 1 A/TO ratio. Check.
Makes the extra pass/understands our offensive system? Again 3 to 1 A/TO ratio. Check.
Knocks down the open shot? 52% FG%, 43% 3FG%, 75% FT. Check.

What more does the kid have to do to impress you as a freshman? Good grief!

 

[gary-7]

Z

Ok so you two obviously watch him in all phases much closer than me cuz I'm quite clearly missing something. So-platek does what out there exactly? I saw him cost us vs wofford. Today he looked overmatched. He's had a few games where I supposes he's played decent defense, and I don't deny he hustles and scraps, but that should not be a prerequisite for minutes at a place like unc if your not bringing much else to the table.

He has played very good defense --- and not just in a few games --- and he gets the team concept of our D, which doesn't come easy to most freshmen. He executes his offensive assigments, understands spacing and takes care of the ball, and is already comfortable in our free-lance game. He needs to get stronger but the rest is more a matter of aggression than being overmatched.

Make no mistake, he and BRob are auditioning for minutes in March. Brandon's challenge is getting things to slow down for him and blending into the system. Andrew's challenge is translating his ability and fundamentals into offensive production when it counts.

Neither are finished products but they are both guys we will need as we go.

 

[Archer2]

We always have complaints about Roy playing too many people, especially in December and January. But he eventually pares down his rotation and also manages to develop his depth along the way.There is simply no one better at this aspect of the game.

 

[bax4444]

Let's see.

Plays good defense/hustles? Check.
Values the ball/minimizes TO's? 3 to 1 A/TO ratio. Check.
Makes the extra pass/understands our offensive system? Again 3 to 1 A/TO ratio. Check.
Knocks down the open shot? 52% FG%, 43% 3FG%, 75% FT. Check.

What more does the kid have to do to impress you as a freshman? Good grief!

I mean you posting stats for a player who's taken probably 5 shots all season is pretty meaningless in general, but good effort, same for assist to turnover ratio. Those get a big LOL. But ok. I said he looks like he plays good d and hustles for the most part. But there's been times where he's actually really hurt the team just by his presence on the floor(see wofford) and/or looked way overmatched(see today).

I know this Is what Roy does early in the season, and I've no issue with it. Unlike last year or years where we were ultra talented however, I feel like he won't be able to get away with it anywhere near as much in acc play and beyond. I truly think this years team will need their best on the court a lot more against even middle of the pack acc teams.

Last year dicking around with lineups agajnst say a bc or Clemson probably meant that the game was a lot closer but it was still a w. This year there's no way unc has that luxury.

 

[FranktheHeel]

We always have complaints about Roy playing too many people, especially in December and January. But he eventually pares down his rotation and also manages to develop his depth along the way.There is simply no one better at this aspect of the game.

And the reason he does this was shown through Luke's performance in Memphis last year, I truly believe if he didn't develop that confidence throughout the season by getting the ability to get minutes off the bench throughout games even in short spurts he wouldn't have been ready to step up in that big stage like that, but thanks to Roy he was. This has totally translated to Luke's play this year and his ability to step into a major role with confidence and showing leadership right away especially through his example on and off the court.
Roy always talks about he doesn't just play for one game, he plays for the entire season as a whole which is why we are so well prepared, you see guys making improvements and we get contributions across the board come March.

 

[gary-7]

And the reason he does this was shown through Luke's performance in Memphis last year, I truly believe if he didn't develop that confidence throughout the season by getting the ability to get minutes off the bench throughout games even in short spurts he wouldn't have been ready to step up in that big stage like that, but thanks to Roy he was. This has totally translated to Luke's play this year and his ability to step into a major role with confidence and showing leadership right away especially through his example on and off the court.
Roy always talks about he doesn't just play for one game, he plays for the entire season as a whole which is why we are so well prepared, you see guys making improvements and we get contributions across the board come March.

Spot on, Frank. I seem to recall there were some treating Luke like an extraneous afterthought this time last season. Imagine that.

 

[bax4444]

Again, you guys are sort of missing the point. Idk if it's intentional or what but.. this years team isn't last years or any of Roys super talented teams. . I think it's awesome Roy does what 90% of other coaches don't and gives deep bench guys chances to develop. However..

As I said this isn't one of those years where I feel we can get away with doing that too much. There's a large gap between our top 7-8 guys and the rest of our roster. We just aren't talented enough to have weird combos on the court for any length of time in league play.

 

[gary-7]

Again, you guys are sort of missing the point. Idk if it's intentional or what but.. this years team isn't last years or any of Roys super talented teams. . I think it's awesome Roy does what 90% of other coaches don't and gives deep bench guys chances to develop. However..

As I said this isn't one of those years where I feel we can get away with doing that too much. There's a large gap between our top 7-8 guys and the rest of our roster. We just aren't talented enough to have weird combos on the court for any length of time in league play.

Not sure where you're going with this. What does "getting away with it" even mean? It's not like we didn't lose games last season --- in fact we lost several. You said it yourself, it's about building a deep bench, and there ain't but one way to do that. By the logic of what you're advocating Luke would've been riding pine during the ACC season last year... and with that would have gone our Natty.

 

[bax4444]

Not sure where you're going with this. What does "getting away with it" even mean? It's not like we didn't lose games last season --- in fact we lost several. You said it yourself, it's about building a deep bench, and there ain't but one way to do that. By the logic of what you're advocating Luke would've been riding pine during the ACC season last year... and with that would have gone our Natty.

We lost 6 games in the regular season if I remember right. Not sure I'd call that several. The Luke thing is a bad analogy, mostly because he was surrounded by a much better group of big men and could develop relatively comfortably with little pressure.

For me developing a deep bench this year is not remotely close to years past when Roy did it, and our bench talent is nothing remotely like years past, either. I stand by what I said- utilizing 10 or 11 guys a game with this squad will get us beat-and it will be several as opposed to 6 or 7 in a title year. Platek and Robinson from my view are all well behind the curve(although brob brings some things I like) and when you factor in the 3 bigs our room for error is way way less. To compare it to last year is disingenuous.

 

[HeelsSupporter123]

I wonder why you say this. How many teams go 2-3 deep at every backcourt spot and why is it necessary? Between Theo, cam, Kenny, seventh, Jalek, and Joel..in fact I'll go ahead and say that I'd rather see jalek/Joel slide off the ball and be another option to go to ahead of platek/Robinson. when the pressure is on in acc play that's all anyone needs.

Of course I agree it's nice to have these guys ready in case of injuries etc but let's be real- they don't really give us enough to justify it, at least in my view.

Brandon Robinson has been a bad jumper or turnover waiting to happen. Platek at least makes the right decisions, he's just playing like a freshman. BRob has been here and should be showing more. Sit him on the bench. Plenty of talent. Don't need 2-3 guys deep at every position.

 

[bax4444]

Brandon Robinson has been a bad jumper or turnover waiting to happen. Platek at least makes the right decisions, he's just playing like a freshman. BRob has been here and should be showing more. Sit him on the bench. Plenty of talent. Don't need 2-3 guys deep at every position.

Agreed on your last sentence completely. Pretty much my point in the thread. This isn't 2012 or pick another highly talented unc team where we had 11 burger boys. Totally different make up

 

[HeelsSupporter123]

Just re-read a lot of the comments and I can see where people are coming from on Platek but just don't see it with BRob. Blame it on injuries or whatever you want but what exactly does he bring to the table? Someone's saying he gets to the line? He plays out of control and hasn't found his shot. Am I missing something?

 

[bax4444]

Just re-read a lot of the comments and I can see where people are coming from on Platek but just don't see it with BRob. Blame it on injuries or whatever you want but what exactly does he bring to the table? Someone's saying he gets to the line? He plays out of control and hasn't found his shot. Am I missing something?

That was me saying at least he rebounds occasionally and gets to the line. In general I agree, though. He should be much further along at this point. I said up thread that neither he nor platek deserve very much run once we get into acc play.

 

[HeelsSupporter123]

That was me saying at least he rebounds occasionally and gets to the line. In general I agree, though. He should be much further along at this point. I said up thread that neither he nor platek deserve very much run once we get into acc play.

I said that earlier in a thread. Got banned though and the thread went away. Probably because I stated very clearly that BRob, Platek and Huff should get no run at all. I still agree though..maybe steal 2-4 minutes with Platek out there.