Theo...

[gary-7]

...participated in first practice per a couple of reports.
Cleared to practice, participated in drills but still being held out of live play stuff.
Makes sense to ease him back in. Positive news though.

 

[yrusonvus]

Great news. Can't wait until he's 100%.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Awesome! I really want to see a healthy TP run roughshod over wings in the ACC! Good luck, Mr. Allen! Theo plays with such joy and energy that he could mean much more than his numbers suggest to this team!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Berry starts unless/until Theo is ready. But if that comes late in the season, would Roy change what we all assume will be a highly successful starting lineup? In that case, my guess is that Theo will just start getting more and more time off the bench.

I know there are people who think Theo should start if he's healthy. But doesn't he need to improve his shooting a good bit before he can be considered for starting honors?

 

[Bur-Heel]

I know 99% of the unc fans have berry starting this year..but don't rule out him being in the starting lineup with Paige,Meeks,BJ and JJ!!

 

[Bur-Heel]

I know there are people who think Theo should start if he's healthy. But doesn't he need to improve his shooting a good bit before he can be considered for starting honors?

It worked with Jackie Manuel!!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

It worked with Jackie Manuel!!

True, but did we have better options? Assuming Berry is as good as we all expect, we do have a better option this season.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

To be fair, Berry also has to prove himself this season. After all, he was also injured and while it certainly looked like he was turning the corner after coming back from that injury, we only saw that for a few games. But I think I'm not alone in expecting Berry to pick up where he left off. Which is why I think it will be hard for Theo to squeeze into the starting lineup unless he's healthy and shooting well fairly soon.

 

[UNC&ME]

this year's edition is not comparable/not better - to the starters alongside Manual..and the rules are different..and most teams play at a high tempo..in my scouting report against the Heels - Pinson must prove he can shoot the three well-otherwise he simply look to pass-a 30 second could be a disadvantage

 

[gary-7]

I know 99% of the unc fans have berry starting this year..but don't rule out him being in the starting lineup with Paige,Meeks,BJ and JJ!!

Well, I'm not sure it's quite 99%, but I'll just say that any other course of action would be a self-inflicted wound of epic proportions.
As for Theo, a full healthy season from him is a vital ingredient in our anticipated run. His presence provides a slashing, athletic contrast backing up JJ at the 3, and he has the strength and versatility to move down to the 4 in small lineups and get some minutes at the 2 in big lineups. He is potentially capable of guarding different positions. Gotta get those wheels right so he can play his full game.
Also hoping to see that shooting stroke improve, which is his next step in his becoming a complete player. If (when) JJ leaves for the league next season Theo should be right there ready to take over the starting role at that position.

 

[UNC&ME]

best be patient concerning shooting stroke--has not been running or playing over the summer- being in game shape sprinting then having proper form and legs in a good jump shot...not the same as shots at the basket..come mid season when lineups are set..I want to see lineups to finish games..poise and pressure

 

[BillyL]

Berry started at PG in the scrimmage at the end of practice the other day and looked very, very good.

I truly don't expect Theo to be much better than what level he was at when he got hurt. He simply hasn't been able to do much of anything since, he was limited all summer to take just shooting around (jump shots not permitted) . . and he's still being held out of any contact drills. Hopefully, he'll make those improved playing skills that we expect from 1st year to 2nd year as the season progresses.

As for who starts, that matters little, as Roy will play the better players more minutes regardless . . as Theo improves, he'll get extra minutes. We should all be praying that Justin Jackson stays healthy this year, as we are extremely thin at the SF position until Theo can return to 100%.

 

[gary-7]

. as Theo improves, he'll get extra minutes. We should all be praying that Justin Jackson stays healthy this year, as we are extremely thin at the SF position until Theo can return to 100%.

Billy, you said a mouthful there, my brother. Thin at the 3 without him is an understatement. A healthy Theo is a vital cog in this machine if it's to take us to the promised land

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

My first post, I've enjoyed everyone's insight for years..I'm a true Tar Heel, unfortunately my 1st experience in CH and DES center was the Iowa game last year.. Not to change the topic, Theo is a major part of this team, a 2nd year 5* Micky D and a great kid--I believe Roy is stressing lock down D with him -Go Heels and I'll be back soon

 

[gary-7]

My first post, I've enjoyed everyone's insight for years..I'm a true Tar Heel, unfortunately my 1st experience in CH and DES center was the Iowa game last year.. Not to change the topic, Theo is a major part of this team, a 2nd year 5* Micky D and a great kid--I believe Roy is stressing lock down D with him -Go Heels and I'll be back soon

Welcome!
Hopefully this will be a fun season for everyone on this board --- except for the dookie and UK lurkers, of course

 

[imajericho]

Is BillyL coming around on Berry starting? Sounds like it.

 

[HeelFan58]

this year's edition is not comparable/not better - to the starters alongside Manual..and the rules are different..and most teams play at a high tempo..in my scouting report against the Heels - Pinson must prove he can shoot the three well-otherwise he simply look to pass-a 30 second could be a disadvantage

Berry likewise must prove he can shoot the 3.

 

[coryfly]

I think Berry is going to have a big year. His shooting was great at the end of the year when he was healthy. I don't love the fact that Pinson still needs to be out but as long as he is healthy for the season that is all that matters. He is an extremely important piece this year.

 

[gary-7]

Berry likewise must prove he can shoot the 3.

Did you check his 3 point pct down the stretch? (46.4% after Xmas I believe)
I think the jury's already in on that one.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

I also want Berry to hit some threes but more importantly I want him to go strong to the hole to score or get a trip to the line. Neither Paige or Britt attack the basket which is a shame because they both are terrific from the line. Berry does not have to be a Lawson or Felton flying to the hole but I will take free throws all game long.

 

[32TheEnigma]

I think Berry is going to have a big year. His shooting was great at the end of the year when he was healthy. I don't love the fact that Pinson still needs to be out but as long as he is healthy for the season that is all that matters. He is an extremely important piece this year.

So what are you predicting in terms of numbers from him?
A big year for Berry means playing big in big games against other top guards and we all know what those big games will be. 1st up will be MD, then both matchups with Duke, the matchup against UVA's guards, and also ND. How he does against the likes of Wofford, the Techs and other ACC bottom feeders will not really show you very much. So what that means is you won't really know what he's truly capable of until early February. Save for the MD game, we don't play any Top 20 teams until then. I will say that's some very good scheduling because on our parts, because if we beat MD, we should cruise through Jan and early Feb. ranked in the top 4 with a top seed assured until we meet up some of the bigger boys in mid Feb.

 

[Archer2]

I also want Berry to hit some threes but more importantly I want him to go strong to the hole to score or get a trip to the line. Neither Paige or Britt attack the basket which is a shame because they both are terrific from the line. Berry does not have to be a Lawson or Felton flying to the hole but I will take free throws all game long.

I agree Dunk. Also, bring Theo along slowly if we must because we're going to need him come ACC time. His health is a critical issue, as is Kennedy's IMO.

 

[DSouthr]

Berry started at PG in the scrimmage at the end of practice the other day and looked very, very good.

I truly don't expect Theo to be much better than what level he was at when he got hurt. He simply hasn't been able to do much of anything since, he was limited all summer to take just shooting around (jump shots not permitted) . . and he's still being held out of any contact drills. Hopefully, he'll make those improved playing skills that we expect from 1st year to 2nd year as the season progresses.

As for who starts, that matters little, as Roy will play the better players more minutes regardless . . as Theo improves, he'll get extra minutes. We should all be praying that Justin Jackson stays healthy this year, as we are extremely thin at the SF position until Theo can return to 100%.

Yeah, Theo was in a boot for most of the off season, really hard for him to hone in the area I really see him needing to work on and specifically IMO that is jump shooting. Theo strikes me as a kid that can develope a solid jump shot, seems to have good hand eye and feel but his form is a real problem. He has been able to be a athletic slasher up to now but at this level he is going to have ot get that jump shot solid. Having said that, I love this kid's motor, he effects the game as a whole, he finds a way to get in to the middle of the action. I LOVE the emotional leadership I saw from the kid even as a freshman, he just has a passion for being out there that is unable to be denied. I recall describing another Tar Heel player after his frosh season in a very similar way, that kid did pretty well with us, his name George Lynch.

The staff is going to erase Theo back in, he would not be doing anything in practice right now if the staff did not feel he was ready so take the fact the kid is doing anything in practice as a really great sign. I don't see how he can be in game shape as long as he was not allowed to run this off season, anyone know if he participated in the Carolina Mile?

 

[DSouthr]

Did you check his 3 point pct down the stretch? (46.4% after Xmas I believe)
I think the jury's already in on that one.

Agreed and I want folks to understand, Joel does not have to shoot like Marcus Paige, he just needs to be able to prove that you can not leave him alone and go double Marcus or Jackson. And while I do agree that his shot based on last season, does/did need to be finer tuned, he clearly showed enough last season that teams will need to have a man on him and not leave him open to double Marcus. I do suspect that teams, when given Marcus and Jackson in our back court will still force Joel to prove game by game that you leave him he will make you pay either by splashing the jumper or driving in to the lane and finishing or dishing. They are going to really want him to try the jumpers because you (opponents) do not want Joel berry driving the lane with no one in front of him to hinder.

 

[gary-7]

...participated in first practice per a couple of reports.
Cleared to practice, participated in drills but still being held out of live play stuff.
Makes sense to ease him back in. Positive news though.

Well, Roy said today in his presser Theo is on restrictions for 3 more weeks.
That's OK. Whatever keeps him on the court longer is better in the long run.