Theo's Game

[keysersosay#1]

I love this youngin and love what he does on the court. In looking at Theo, it strikes me that he is rather unique How would you describe his game ?? I really cannot think of a comparable Carolina Player to him, really I cannot. His game is different... he does NOT force things, he is a VERY good passer and looks to get his teammates involved all the time. He lets the game come to him, and plays very good defense... yet he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. The game seems effortless to him at times.

I really enjoy his play yet I cannot put my finger on a similarity to anyone at Carolina in the past. I look forward to him making great progress this year....he is a key member of this team

 

[ChiShankCity]

I love this youngin and love what he does on the court. In looking at Theo, it strikes me that he is rather unique How would you describe his game ?? I really cannot think of a comparable Carolina Player to him, really I cannot. His game is different... he does NOT force things, he is a VERY good passer and looks to get his teammates involved all the time. He lets the game come to him, and plays very good defense... yet he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. The game seems effortless to him at times.

I really enjoy his play yet I cannot put my finger on a similarity to anyone at Carolina in the past. I look forward to him making great progress this year....he is a key member of this team

People talk about energy big guys. I think he's an energy guard/wing.

College comp.... A college Kawhi Leonard. Leonard was a much better rebounder but was a complete player without a consistent jump shot in college. Now, Leonard is probably a top 15 player in the NBA, and Pinson will probably not get to that level, but if Pinson got 33 minutes/game like Leonard did, I think Pinson could be a 12/6/4 player.

I loved Roy going small tonight. We have some lineup versatility this season and it was good to see some small ball.

 

[JimmyinVA]

...he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. ...

he's a streaky shooter with poor mechanics. so it's logical to predict he could be an excellent, consistent shooter with some good coaching and hard work in the offseason. theo's got very good quickness and an aggressive mindset, so a year or two in the weight room could give him a strong drive to the basket to complement his outside game. pinson has HUGE potential.

 

[gary-7]

he's a streaky shooter with poor mechanics. so it's logical to predict he could be an excellent, consistent shooter with some good coaching and hard work in the offseason. theo's got very good quickness and an aggressive mindset, so a year or two in the weight room could give him a strong drive to the basket to complement his outside game. pinson has HUGE potential.

...and we have to remember this is basically an extension of his freshman year given the injury. Very high ceiling.

 

[Bubspub88]

He kinda reminds me of Sweet D without the consistent jumper. Great instincts and can do so many different things from that wing position that can create mismatches. Not saying he is another Walter Davis just seems to play similar.

 

[DSouthr]

He kinda reminds me of Sweet D without the consistent jumper. Great instincts and can do so many different things from that wing position that can create mismatches. Not saying he is another Walter Davis just seems to play similar.

For me the compare to a former Tar Heel player is easy but a lot and maybe most will not agree with me. Theo to me is Brain Reese, a touch more aggresive version of Brian and with out the medical issue that limited Brian. Reese had athletically induced astma, many do not realize that but it limited his ability to practice or play for long stretches in games. I*n a way watching the development of Theo is for me like being able to see what Brain could have been had it not been for the astma and I look forward to that. Another comparison I could go along with is Reggie Bullock without the jump shot, call it Reggie as a freshman.

I absolutely agree, Theo is not a great jump shooter, yet he has shooters instincts, and he seems to have the hand eye coordination a really good shooter needs, his shooting form needs work but I strongly suspect he is one of those fellas that we see his jump shooting drastically improve as he learns to use proper form in the heat of a game. He is a better free throw shooter than his percentage may reflect and that is an area I think we will see improve dramatically over time. It is like Theo never really had to work on proper jump shooting form because he was always able to out athlete everyone until he got to this level. Now he has to skill develope and that is going to take him a while.

As I have said several times, as gary offers in this thread, this is really not as much a true soph season for Theo because he just was not able to get in the off season work most freshmen are able to that reflects that huge up tick in their game from frosh to soph seasons, yes it is for the most part an extention of that freshman season.

 

[RobJones__]

I love this youngin and love what he does on the court. In looking at Theo, it strikes me that he is rather unique How would you describe his game ?? I really cannot think of a comparable Carolina Player to him, really I cannot. His game is different... he does NOT force things, he is a VERY good passer and looks to get his teammates involved all the time. He lets the game come to him, and plays very good defense... yet he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. The game seems effortless to him at times.

I really enjoy his play yet I cannot put my finger on a similarity to anyone at Carolina in the past. I look forward to him making great progress this year....he is a key member of this team

That's the fun thing about basketball. Sometimes players don't fit the typical mold of a specific position but are simply basketball players. Put them on the floor and just let them play where they fit in for that game flow. For me Pinson is simply a basketball player.

 

[Tru Blu Tar Heel]

I love this youngin and love what he does on the court. In looking at Theo, it strikes me that he is rather unique How would you describe his game ?? I really cannot think of a comparable Carolina Player to him, really I cannot. His game is different... he does NOT force things, he is a VERY good passer and looks to get his teammates involved all the time. He lets the game come to him, and plays very good defense... yet he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. The game seems effortless to him at times.

I really enjoy his play yet I cannot put my finger on a similarity to anyone at Carolina in the past. I look forward to him making great progress this year....he is a key member of this team

I can compare him to a QUITE recent player. JP Tokoto.....well, what JP Tokoto could have been had he not pressed and had he developed a jump shot. Pinson is the spitting image of what I hoped JP had turned into by his junior year on the Hill.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Pinson plays with a joy that is beautiful to behold! He brings energy and athleticism to the team, but his best contribution to me is that he is hard to game plan against. He brings so many intangibles and does so many things well that it is hard to figure out how to guard him. Put a big body on him and he can out-quick them; put a smaller body and he can overpower them. Play off and he can stick the jumper; play close and he can slash; double or hedge toward him and he can make the assist. If we get one more year of him, the NCAA better watch out!

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Gotta love kids like Theo. Good things happen when he's on the floor.

 

[TarHeelTroy]

Love Theo's game, attitude and energy. In Clemson game he came in for Big Joel at a time when Clemson was making a run, and he within a few seconds swished a three and then got a putback layup on a hustle play. Immediate impact player!

 

[gary-7]

That's the fun thing about basketball. Sometimes players don't fit the typical mold of a specific position but are simply basketball players. Put them on the floor and just let them play where they fit in for that game flow. For me Pinson is simply a basketball player.

Rob, I agree. Even if you're into comparisons, I've got a pretty stout memory for Heel players and Theo is rather unique. Raw energy and athleticism and enthusiasm... still learning to be a full-time face-up player (a common transition for HS stars his size) but excellent natural instincts. Still gets ahead of himself at times, and shaky shooting mechanics, but those are two things that can and will likely improve. Again, Very high ceiling.

Also, Theo and his roomie JB are tight and are enjoying the ride... kinda like those goofballs Psycho-T and Bobby Frasor did
<a href="https://t.co/sGJEjzfka1">pic.twitter.com/sGJEjzfka1</a></p>&mdash; Joel Berry II (@JoelBerryII) <a href="">December 31, 2015</a></blockquote>

 

[gunslingerdick]

Theo is the quintessential "junkyard dog". A guy that can and will do anything that the team needs to be successful. And they have to have that certain grit to their game. We all like to make the Tokoto comparison and their games were indeed similar in a lot of ways. But while JP could do pretty much anything, he wasn't always willing to do anything. And he also didn't have that gritty style that basically says, "you better bring it, because I sure as hell will."

A comparison I can think of is Ademola Okulaja. Granted, they had different games but their mentalities were of similar make up. As far as a comparison to a professional of recent memory, I liken Theo's game to Gerald Wallace.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

I love young Theo! He brings such a relaxed/confident approach to every game. I'm so happy he chose Chapel Hill!

 

[soap - new and improved]

People keep talking about Theo's shooting form? As long as he keeps banging them in at better than 42% I could not care less how he "looks" doing it. Right now he is hitting them at .424.

 

[Archer2]

People keep talking about Theo's shooting form? As long as he keeps banging them in at better than 42% I could not care less how he "looks" doing it. Right now he is hitting them at .424.

I would like to see his form improve. TBS, he can shoot them underhanded, like Rick Berry used to shoot FT's, as long as he converts 42℅.

 

[jah420]

David Noel

 

[keysersosay#1]

Interesting responses to this..... I don't agree on some of the comparisons but David Noel is possibly a good one.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Longer than Noel and not as strong, but I see it. I think TP needs to work on his form for the next level, but that work will be done in the off-season. This year, he is just what we need, an unpredictable factor that can take over a game for stretches and keeps opposing coaches up trying to figure him out!

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Pinson ' s Posse are alive and doing fine

 

[Steat]

That's the fun thing about basketball. Sometimes players don't fit the typical mold of a specific position but are simply basketball players. Put them on the floor and just let them play where they fit in for that game flow. For me Pinson is simply a basketball player.

Yep, simply a basketball player that plays an important role in leading a team to a NCAA title. He is special.

 

[Archer2]

I love his enthusiasm and his versatility. He can score, rebound, and drop a dime. In fact, his passing ability is the biggest surprise to me. And he is developing into a lockdown defender. As mentioned, he really hasn't had as much PT as most sophs.


And he doesn't mind bringing high energy off the bench, willing to do whatever he can to help the team. IOW, a team player.

 

[UNCbeliever]

I think Theo does force shots occasionally, but otherwise is brings aggressiveness, confidence, energy, and a back for making things happen. Carolina charts station seen in most box scores, the floor game stuff, and Theo is definitely a stat stuffer there.

 

[Heelicious]

Interesting responses to this..... I don't agree on some of the comparisons but David Noel is possibly a good one.

I was thinking this, too, and maybe a bit like Marcus Ginyard.... who was a great passer, good defender, and could generate some offense when needed. Also a very smart player, and a guy who was "totally bought in" every game. If I recall correctly, Marcus was a junior during the '09 title year, and was injured much of the last part of the year. I felt so bad for him, to not be a big part of the title run. Then when he came back in '10 he - and the team - weren't nearly at the same level as '09.

 

[dadika13]

Ginyard is the guy I go to as well. I remember when Roy came in and told MG that he wasn't allowed to shoot 3's anymore and it dramatically changed our offense (Matt D let him do whatever he wanted). I think we should do something similar with Theo until he develops that jumper. It is horribly inconsistent because of his form and footwork.

Love when he's doing everything else though, similar to how I felt when MG was out there.

 

[Archer2]

Theo is shooting 41% from long distance, I wouldn't call that horribly inconsistent. Nare is at 41% and Joel 37%. I'll take that all season long.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Ginyard is the guy I go to as well. I remember when Roy came in and told MG that he wasn't allowed to shoot 3's anymore and it dramatically changed our offense (Matt D let him do whatever he wanted). I think we should do something similar with Theo until he develops that jumper. It is horribly inconsistent because of his form and footwork.

Love when he's doing everything else though, similar to how I felt when MG was out there.

Think your memory is bad. Ginyard NEVER played for Matt, Roy recruited him.

 

[ACokeForRoy]

 

[dadika13]

Think your memory is bad. Ginyard NEVER played for Matt, Roy recruited him.

Ugh, mixed him up with Jackie Manuel. Won't be the last time I do that either, those two blend together for me.

 

[adwood81]

I love this youngin and love what he does on the court. In looking at Theo, it strikes me that he is rather unique How would you describe his game ?? I really cannot think of a comparable Carolina Player to him, really I cannot. His game is different... he does NOT force things, he is a VERY good passer and looks to get his teammates involved all the time. He lets the game come to him, and plays very good defense... yet he is not a great shooter and not a one on one slasher type. The game seems effortless to him at times.

I really enjoy his play yet I cannot put my finger on a similarity to anyone at Carolina in the past. I look forward to him making great progress this year....he is a key member of this team

Las night Pinson had a positive impact on the game and didn't score a point. He played solid defense and pulled down some very important rebounds. He his all his shots against Clemson. This is a young man who does what is necessary to win ball games. He makes mistakes but those will diminish with playing time. I am much more comfortable with him in the game than I ever was with JP. Theo is a glue guy this year with a lot of up-side if he stays healthy.

 

[Grayhead]

He is one of my favorites. Seems to enjoy every minute of his time. I think we have yet to see his potential

 

[ThunderBox]

I appreciate all the positive comments but I am down on him this year. I saw more promise last year. he will get better but he (as someone said above) forces it way too much. He makes silly moves and I would imagine he is about to drive Roy nuts. he cannot shoot from what I have seen and when he does he looks terrible. Watch the game from last night again. he would throw up junk instead of passing it out. Thank goodness his teammates were there to clean up and rebound or dunk off his misses. anyone see when he started to size of his defender in the second half and got into the drive position and FSU stole the ball. All this in front of the bench. He tried it again a couple of possessions later and stepped out of bounds. on defense I would expect him to excel but he continually gets beat off the dribble. again, I appreciate the positive and I am pulling for him but his game it not good right now.

 

[Ozheelfan]

I appreciate all the positive comments but I am down on him this year. I saw more promise last year. he will get better but he (as someone said above) forces it way too much. He makes silly moves and I would imagine he is about to drive Roy nuts. he cannot shoot from what I have seen and when he does he looks terrible. Watch the game from last night again. he would throw up junk instead of passing it out. Thank goodness his teammates were there to clean up and rebound or dunk off his misses. anyone see when he started to size of his defender in the second half and got into the drive position and FSU stole the ball. All this in front of the bench. He tried it again a couple of possessions later and stepped out of bounds. on defense I would expect him to excel but he continually gets beat off the dribble. again, I appreciate the positive and I am pulling for him but his game it not good right now.

I see what you're saying but I'm not down on Theo, I think he's working his way through the adjustment of having started at the beginning of the season to now coming off the bench. When he started he had more time to work into the flow of a game, now he has to produce instantly off the bench.

Also, to start the season he was playing mostly at #2 now coach is throwing a lot of responsibility at the kid - he covered at least 3 positions against LSU including defacto PF!! That's a big ask for a soph/frosh (I call him that since his freshman year and off season was so diminished)

There are issues with his shooting which he couldn't work on over the summer due to his rehab from surgery, and it's obvious he isn't a primary ball handler (on a couple of occasions at FSU he got caught with the ball and nowhere to go)

So the kid is pure energy this year, there'll be improvement, but that's hard to do during the season with Game prep, Games and classes. Good news is, I believe there's more to come when he can spend a full off season working on his game