THI Podcast: The Most Important Position To Fill From A Transfer Is?
Jacob & AJ give their takes on what position UNC should fill through the portal if there was just one choice.
THI Podcast: The Most Important Position To Fill From A Transfer Is?
- Thread starter andrew jones
- Start date
Thanks for the pod @andrew jones ! No mention of Cadeau. Why? I think he's more likely to start next year than Wilcher.
THI Podcast: The Most Important Position To Fill From A Transfer Is?
Jacob & AJ give their takes on what position UNC should fill through the portal if there was just one choice.northcarolina.rivals.com
You also said (paraphrasing) "They're not gonna get a guy like Cam, Barnes, etc in the portal". Why not? They got Cam in the portal. We've seen three years of Bacot + Davis playing together, and it hasn't led to a top team. They're pretty good, but I don't think at the level of Carolina stars we're used to. If we just get three complementary guys to go around them, I imagine we will see another year of middling success. I think the staff believes (correctly) that we need another star to go with them.
That's not an easy task, but probably necessary. You're down on our portal odds, so here's another way to look at it: the last three years we've gone to the portal for a starter we've gotten Cam, Manek, and Nance. One of them didn't work out, but two were home runs. It may be that Timberlake, Knecht, etc become great players, but I think we're limiting ourselves if this is the absolute ceiling for our starting additions. Maybe one of them can start, but if so we need the other four guys to be studs.
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It really depends on who the 3 is.
I don't disagree with you, IF the 3 is a long athletic player.
I think the 3 guard lineup will be full force if Cadeau comes, so I want another athletic player in the lineup. Of course I am selfish and want him to be a shooter too.
Moses Wood perhaps?
Moses Wood 44% and 42% from 3 last two years. 15.3/ 6.2 this past season and had a terrific athletic dunk and multyple blocked shots vs the Tar Heels in Portland.
The pod was about the portal and adding a piece from it. No mention of Cadeau because nothing has happened publicly yet. We have a manner we go about such things.
Saying they aren't going to get those kinds of players is because nobody like them are in the portal.
I'm not down on the protal odds, I am going by what we are seeing Hubert do and what I am hearing behind the scenes.
Now, you're not wrong, a Cam or Brady could surface in the portal or already be there but we don't know yet. Nobody knew Newell was going to be as good at K-State has he's been when he left Little Rock. Nobody knew Omier would be this good at Miami when he left Ark State, etc. But until they are in and identified, you can't pencil them in as candidates to play at UNC.
I understand most of this stuff is not public. I figure if we're talking about next year though, there's some speculation involved. One can say it makes logical sense that Cadeau is likely to reclassify right? I think the pieces are lining up where it'd be surprising if he does not. Although it may not be public, Cadeau (and Hubert) likely have a decision made, and I think I know what it is. One can read the tea leaves; not asking you to confirm or anything but it seems likely.
Same with the portal. Timberlake came and didn't commit. Why? I clearly don't know, but I imagine if he were promised the starting 3 spot he'd be a Tar Heel. So from there I imagine he was told we'd be looking at other players too, which means the coaching staff thinks there could be bigger fish coming. Given what we've seen in previous years, it would also be surprising if there are not some very good players in the portal over time.
Brady was considered a good but not even particularly amazing get when he was added (Garcia had more hype). Kentucky added the NPOY in Tshiebwe. As you mentioned there have been some awesome mid-majors guys too. I think we can keep our hopes high for the next month or so as things play out.
Many of our pods are topic-specific, so we stay on it instead of swerving into different directions.
I get what you are saying about Cadeau, and the best person to ask is David. He has posted well-sourced intel on this over the last four days. He knows exactly what is going on. But keep in mind, regardless of the situation, we stay out of the way of kids making decisions public. We aren't interested in winning Twitter, our standard is to always get it right, and our track record speaks for itself, and to respect our sources and those whom we cover. Now, we float stuff on the boards, and most everyone there gets it. But we keep it there.
As to your points about the portal, I agree with you. I would think it's pretty exciting for you guys as fans to see what you're going to get. For me from a journalistic standpoint, I also think it's exciting. I applaud most of the decisions made within the program over the last three weeks. Fresh is good right now, and Hubert has a chance to really reshape this thing. And he better, because missing out on the NCAAT next year could be real trouble for him.
Wood just committed to Washington. I'm really baffled by our lack of interest in him.
I am unaware of what level of interest the Staff had in him, but I believe you and I were in agreement on this one.....He would have been a nice fit here.
May be a simple West coast guy doesn't want to stray East vibe with him?
Maybe it being his 4th school has something to do with, maybe not.
If our staff decide to stay away from the "rolling stones" I would personally be very happy about it no matter how talented they appear on paper.
Paxson Wojcik will be enrolling in his 3rd college in 5 years when he attends UNC.
All I've heard is they are prioritizing transfers with only 1 year of eligibility left, so the scholarships will open up for the 2024 class.
Do you think they are still interested in Withers? I don't like him as a 3, but a small ball 4 he may be a good fit.
Charlotte boy too, he could have 2 years, but he could also qualify for a Grad transfer after next season if it doesn't work out.
I these times, that pretty much is a 1 year player. Dudes getting pushed out all over the place.
Dean would not like the present day climate AT ALL.😢
I'm sure they reached out to him for a reason. We'll get more clarity once this recruiting dead period ends on the 6th.
I listened to the episode. I think that if RJ is the primary PG next season, then the offense will look pretty clunky unless they bring in really skilled 3 and 4. 3's and 4's who can play make for others and that isn't particularly common for a lot of them. They exist, but there are fewer of those IMO.
Maybe it's too much to expect going from a non-NCAA team to a contender with this much needed turnover... But I don't think this is an Elite 8/Final Four team with RJ as the PG. Again, unless they bring in a 3 and 4 who are considerably skilled. I'm not even sure they're a second weekend team with that combo.
The 2 guard will be interesting. The episode made it sound (at least to me) that it was going to be RJ and Wilcher in the backcourt. I'm just going to assume Wilcher is going to be really up and down like most freshman. And I'll also assume he isn't a true PG because that opinion is a mixed one. I'm also assuming Wilcher will be an inconsistent shooter because I hear his shooting is "developing" and you tend to be easier on HS prospects. If those hunches (and they're only hunches) are correct, I don't see a ton of upgrading there over last year.
If it is Wilcher/RJ and Trimble/Dunn... We better be A LOT more dynamic offensively at the 3 and 4 position. For Wojcik, I think if he can hit corner 3's he'll be effective. If he can't I think he'll be pretty limited. But he offers some positional flexibility.
It will also be interesting if moving on from Caleb is just an upgrade in it of itself. Maybe not having his chaotic play minute-to-minute will naturally just calm things down and make us better. I don't know if that's what the staff is banking on. But IMO, the backcourt needs another guy who can handle the ball against pressure, make plays for himself and teammates, and can make some shots. Doesn't need to be an All-ACC guy, but an 8 PPG/5 APG, low turnover guy who shoots 35%+ on good volume would do a ton for this team IMO.
I don't think RJ makes others better through tangible PG play. I think he makes the team better by effort, grit, and toughness. But he isn't a table setter.
Maybe it's too much to expect going from a non-NCAA team to a contender with this much needed turnover... But I don't think this is an Elite 8/Final Four team with RJ as the PG. Again, unless they bring in a 3 and 4 who are considerably skilled. I'm not even sure they're a second weekend team with that combo.
The 2 guard will be interesting. The episode made it sound (at least to me) that it was going to be RJ and Wilcher in the backcourt. I'm just going to assume Wilcher is going to be really up and down like most freshman. And I'll also assume he isn't a true PG because that opinion is a mixed one. I'm also assuming Wilcher will be an inconsistent shooter because I hear his shooting is "developing" and you tend to be easier on HS prospects. If those hunches (and they're only hunches) are correct, I don't see a ton of upgrading there over last year.
If it is Wilcher/RJ and Trimble/Dunn... We better be A LOT more dynamic offensively at the 3 and 4 position. For Wojcik, I think if he can hit corner 3's he'll be effective. If he can't I think he'll be pretty limited. But he offers some positional flexibility.
It will also be interesting if moving on from Caleb is just an upgrade in it of itself. Maybe not having his chaotic play minute-to-minute will naturally just calm things down and make us better. I don't know if that's what the staff is banking on. But IMO, the backcourt needs another guy who can handle the ball against pressure, make plays for himself and teammates, and can make some shots. Doesn't need to be an All-ACC guy, but an 8 PPG/5 APG, low turnover guy who shoots 35%+ on good volume would do a ton for this team IMO.
I don't think RJ makes others better through tangible PG play. I think he makes the team better by effort, grit, and toughness. But he isn't a table setter.
We're going to bring in Cadeau most likely. I agree we need at least one of the 3 or 4 additions to be a high end addition too though.
And KSU was under .500 last year with only two returning players having just lost their best player to the portal in Nijel Pack. This year they're one shot away from the Final Four as a #3 seed. Can we retire the "can't rebuild in one year" type comments? It's just not true at all in this era. At such a big time basketball school, we should be competing every year. There is no reason we should be mediocre next year, especially with Bacot and Davis returning.
That guy you are wishing for is coming.
Cadeau pg
Davis 2g
Wilcher 3g
Need pf
Bacot C
@gauchoheel
I agree about the sentiment of stopping the talk that a complete makeover can't happen.
It can, and better happen.
Nothing short of a top 4/5 seed and compete for ACC Cgampionship will suffice for me.
Time for Carolina to be Carolina
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I fully expect to get totally retooled this off season! I expect to contend and to be tourney bound by the end of next season! I know we will get some good prospects in the portal and I am positive Cadeau, Wilcher, and RJ will get some run together! So those who say RJ can't be PG, are you saying he won't continue to develop??? That is silly.
He can get better...but he is not gonna get taller and that is one thing that killed us. Bigger guys just abused him.
And the good news is that whether he is at point or not, he will still bring effort, grit, and toughness.
I wonder if he prefers to play point or if he'd be as happy or even happier playing more off the ball.
Does HD reach out to Jaden Bradley or Harrison Ingram since they both are in the portal & were previously recruited?
I would think Cadeau coming would mean we don't need other PGs. If he doesn't come now, we should definitely reach out to them! I might take Bradley regardless, but it might cause more peeps to leave.
I agree that RJ's size is a limitation that was exploited last year. He can get stronger, work on anticipation, and our team can work on better instincts/rotations to compensate! If Cadeau, Wilcher, or even Seth prove to be good at point, I have no issue with RJ moving to the 2 (his natural position). No matter where he is, size matters though!
I agree that RJ's size is a limitation that was exploited last year. He can get stronger, work on anticipation, and our team can work on better instincts/rotations to compensate! If Cadeau, Wilcher, or even Seth prove to be good at point, I have no issue with RJ moving to the 2 (his natural position). No matter where he is, size matters though!
It feels like we're in limbo now, and will stay there until Cadeau makes his decision on reclassifying. Is that a fair assessment?
I worry that if we actually want a PG from the portal, the longer Cadeau's process drags out, the more likely we lose our chances with the top portal PGs.
Personally, I'm not among those who thinks getting a PG is our highest priority. But several folks here I respect do think so. And if so, it's not good to have to go slow in the portal.
I think we will be fine with what we have at point, but I understand why peeps would like an upgrade and those are two you take regardless! I don't feel we are waiting in limbo because I think we are OK as long as we address shooting, the 4, and Bigs in general!
An intriguing team. Obviously needs some shooting and a rim protector. But that should be at least an interesting watch. College basketball has kind of gone away from the "traditional" PG as the NBA has. The NBA only has two players in the top 10 in assists/game who average less than 20 PPG and one of those players is a 6th man.
Interested to see if a limited scorer, who's small, who's a pass first PG can still lead a really effective offense. I think there's still a place for it, but we'll see.
If Cadeau, RJ, and Bacot are starters next year, it will be a pretty limited team athletically. Not a ton of bounce.
You really should be on the Four Corners board.
Some fair points, I will say that I don't believe Cadeau is a " limited scoring" guard. He does what his teams need him to do. He played on a loaded HS team that lost 3 games in two years, all to top 5 teams Nationally.
He has had AAU events in which he has averaged over 20ppg in a particular weekend, and I saw a video last Summer of him scoring in the upper 30' s in a tight game that his team needed him to score to win.
I agree that Bacot and Davis are average athletes, but don't put Cadeau in that same category. He has an upper 30's vertical leap and has solid legs and a pretty thick build for defending.
In the Geico tournament he switched off to guard Buzelous ( spelling?) 6'9" future NBA forward, Multyple times as well as other forwards and he aquited himself quite well.
Wilcher is a plus athlete so if we can find a good, to plus athlete at the 4 that can either protect the rim or guard in space, I think this lineup could be very strong.
Trimble needs to improve offensively so we can count on 10-15 minutes of elite defense subbing for the two smaller guards.
You are probably correct, Sir! I am a creature of habit and very slow to change. I also had a very bad experience being Premie on TOS. (I'm currently banned for apparently bashing our team/coaches if you can believe that!, lol) I know I should let it go, but that is not my strong suit, lol! I used to have real connections in the program and now I just figure it out and talk to a few former football and bball players.
