What I would like to see

[gary-7]

We saw Roy shrink his rotation as expected in a big game, and none of it was at all surprising,
@coryfly made a comment in another thread that got me thinking about roles going forward, specifically about Theo.

It was apparent in preseason and again Tuesday that for this team to be its best, Marcus and JB both need to get 30+ min/game. That is an elite and dynamic backcourt and is the engine that drives this Ferrari.
Also, a player of JJ's skills needs 25+. Now obviously Theo's natural position is the 3 and will soak up the minutes there that JJ doesn't. But I think we need to find more for a player of Theo's energy and versatility.
The other issue is how to get the most out of Nate. Nate has improved his offensive game and has gotten somewhat better at not committing PG faux-pas, but honestly him being isolated for any length of time on a good opposing Guard in halfcourt defense is not a good situation, as we saw again Tuesday.

One way to mitigate that is to scramble more on defense.
Theo has shown he can play some 2, but having to guard smaller quicker guys heads-up is not ideal. However, his length, tenacity and athleticism can work well in traps and jumps. Also, Nate is better defensively in more frenetic environments where he can ball-hawk --- it hides his weaknesses and accentuates his quickness. I think back to Dean Smith "Blue Teams" that would come in and go balls-to-the-wall all over the court for a few minutes. I think a fresh Theo and Nate could do that as well in half-court 30 and 40. And of course Theo is also versatile enough to slide into the 4 in a small lineup.

Overall, If we can get Theo 20 or so minutes, about the same out of Hicks, and a productive 8-10 from Nate, that is the backbone of a top-8. Big Joel is best suited for spot duty vs teams with size. As for our two freshmen, they will have more opportunities early to get their game-legs under them and maybe earn some more important minutes as we go. And of course I'll trust Stilman any time and situation Roy wants to use him in.

 

[Ford_corners]

Really good rotation- with Britt, Hicks and Pinson coming in with instant energy and aggression not too mention shot making potential; that would be an awesome First 8! I'm really anxious to see how the whole team follows up that Maryland effort. No backward steps on the intensity side of things!

 

[gary-7]

Really good rotation- with Britt, Hicks and Pinson coming in with instant energy and aggression not too mention shot making potential; that would be an awesome First 8! I'm really anxious to see how the whole team follows up that Maryland effort. No backward steps on the intensity side of things!

Absolutely. Davidson is well-coached and no joke. Need to play like they're MD and take care of business.

 

[acarter0277]

There's 120 minutes to divide up between the 1, 2, and 3 positions. Lets say Marcus averages 34 like he did the other night. We give Berry and Justin 30 each. That leaves 26 for Nate and Theo. I'd like to see Theo get about 18-20 of those with Nate getting the other 6-8.

With the 4 and 5 Spots, there are 80 minutes to be split. I think Brice needs 30. So that leaves 50 for Kennedy, Isaiah, and Joel. Give Kennedy 27, Isaiah 20, and Joel 3. I think that could be a good rotation. Luke and Kenny could pick up spot minutes in there if we need it.

We saw Roy shrink his rotation as expected in a big game, and none of it was at all surprising,
@coryfly made a comment in another thread that got me thinking about roles going forward, specifically about Theo.

It was apparent in preseason and again Tuesday that for this team to be its best, Marcus and JB both need to get 30+ min/game. That is an elite and dynamic backcourt and is the engine that drives this Ferrari.
Also, a player of JJ's skills needs 25+. Now obviously Theo's natural position is the 3 and will soak up the minutes there that JJ doesn't. But I think we need to find more for a player of Theo's energy and versatility.
The other issue is how to get the most out of Nate. Nate has improved his offensive game and has gotten somewhat better at not committing PG faux-pas, but honestly him being isolated for any length of time on a good opposing Guard in halfcourt defense is not a good situation, as we saw again Tuesday.

One way to mitigate that is to scramble more on defense.
Theo has shown he can play some 2, but having to guard smaller quicker guys heads-up is not ideal. However, his length, tenacity and athleticism can work well in traps and jumps. Also, Nate is better defensively in more frenetic environments where he can ball-hawk --- it hides his weaknesses and accentuates his quickness. I think back to Dean Smith "Blue Teams" that would come in and go balls-to-the-wall all over the court for a few minutes. I think a fresh Theo and Nate could do that as well in half-court 30 and 40. And of course Theo is also versatile enough to slide into the 4 in a small lineup.

Overall, If we can get Theo 20 or so minutes, about the same out of Hicks, and a productive 8-10 from Nate, that is the backbone of a top-8. Big Joel is best suited for spot duty vs teams with size. As for our two freshmen, they will have more opportunities early to get their game-legs under them and maybe earn some more important minutes as we go. And of course I'll trust Stilman any time and situation Roy wants to use him in.

There are 120 minutes to divide up between t

We saw Roy shrink his rotation as expected in a big game, and none of it was at all surprising,
@coryfly made a comment in another thread that got me thinking about roles going forward, specifically about Theo.

It was apparent in preseason and again Tuesday that for this team to be its best, Marcus and JB both need to get 30+ min/game. That is an elite and dynamic backcourt and is the engine that drives this Ferrari.
Also, a player of JJ's skills needs 25+. Now obviously Theo's natural position is the 3 and will soak up the minutes there that JJ doesn't. But I think we need to find more for a player of Theo's energy and versatility.
The other issue is how to get the most out of Nate. Nate has improved his offensive game and has gotten somewhat better at not committing PG faux-pas, but honestly him being isolated for any length of time on a good opposing Guard in halfcourt defense is not a good situation, as we saw again Tuesday.

One way to mitigate that is to scramble more on defense.
Theo has shown he can play some 2, but having to guard smaller quicker guys heads-up is not ideal. However, his length, tenacity and athleticism can work well in traps and jumps. Also, Nate is better defensively in more frenetic environments where he can ball-hawk --- it hides his weaknesses and accentuates his quickness. I think back to Dean Smith "Blue Teams" that would come in and go balls-to-the-wall all over the court for a few minutes. I think a fresh Theo and Nate could do that as well in half-court 30 and 40. And of course Theo is also versatile enough to slide into the 4 in a small lineup.

Overall, If we can get Theo 20 or so minutes, about the same out of Hicks, and a productive 8-10 from Nate, that is the backbone of a top-8. Big Joel is best suited for spot duty vs teams with size. As for our two freshmen, they will have more opportunities early to get their game-legs under them and maybe earn some more important minutes as we go. And of course I'll trust Stilman any time and situation Roy wants to use him in.

 

[acarter0277]

Gary...was there ever a 1) Marcus 2) Theo 3) Justin combo in the game? I can't recall

 

[gary-7]

Gary...was there ever a 1) Marcus 2) Theo 3) Justin combo in the game? I can't recall

No. Marcus played 0 minutes at PG.
Nate, Theo and Justin were in together for a spell in the first half.

 

[berens007]

What about Theo playing the 4 if teams go small against us? Is he big enough to handle the job against a "stretch" 4 that could hurt us from the arc? It seems like he could more than pull his weight on the glass for that position.

 

[gary-7]

What about Theo playing the 4 if teams go small against us? Is he big enough to handle the job against a "stretch" 4 that could hurt us from the arc? It seems like he could more than pull his weight on the glass for that position.

Absolutely an option.

 

[jah420]

I would simply like to see Roy mix in the bench guys with some of the starters more, instead of the more wholesale changes like he made around 5 or 6 minutes to go in the 1st half. Let Hicks run with Bryce some, let Theo run with Berry and Marcus, etc. Theo and Hicks are not going to excel as much as they can if they playing with Joel James, Nate, and one other guy. They are much more likely to try and force shots in this scenario than if they are an option surrounding our main threats. I get that fatigue and foul trouble is going to affect the rotations.

 

[gunslingerdick]

I would simply like to see Roy mix in the bench guys with some of the starters more, instead of the more wholesale changes like he made around 5 or 6 minutes to go in the 1st half. Let Hicks run with Bryce some, let Theo run with Berry and Marcus, etc. Theo and Hicks are not going to excel as much as they can if they playing with Joel James, Nate, and one other guy. They are much more likely to try and force shots in this scenario than if they are an option surrounding our main threats. I get that fatigue and foul trouble is going to affect the rotations.

I think you'll see more mixing of the starters and bench guys. I think Roy was just focused on getting Marcus comfortable and that's probably why you saw more of the wholesale changes. i love when Hicks and Brice are in together.

 

[gary-7]

There's 120 minutes to divide up between the 1, 2, and 3 positions. Lets say Marcus averages 34 like he did the other night. We give Berry and Justin 30 each. That leaves 26 for Nate and Theo. I'd like to see Theo get about 18-20 of those with Nate getting the other 6-8.

With the 4 and 5 Spots, there are 80 minutes to be split. I think Brice needs 30. So that leaves 50 for Kennedy, Isaiah, and Joel. Give Kennedy 27, Isaiah 20, and Joel 3. I think that could be a good rotation. Luke and Kenny could pick up spot minutes in there if we need it.

Definitely on my line of thinking. I believe you and I would concur that, next to Marcus coming back full force, the best news vis-a-vis rotation Tuesday was the confirmation that Roy knows who his PG is. Ol' Roy, bless his heart, is loyal (he makes genuine relationships with the families of his recruits) and too stubborn at times, but he ain't stupid.

I really thought Roy might start Nate at the 2 in Paige's absence, but I'm glad Theo was ready to go and that he went with Theo. Those minutes will prove valuable to him in the long run and it also shows Roy understands what's up. Let's say Berry (or Marcus) has early foul trouble. The ability of Marcus to slide over and Theo do a credible job for stretches at the 2 with either speaks well for this team's versatility and unselfishness. Nate has even gotten better at not pounding the ball aimlessly when he's in.

It's a stat too tedious to keep , but I will almost guarantee you the number of dribbles per possession is down this year, and the number of passes is up... and as we know, that is a good thing.

 

[acarter0277]

Definitely on my line of thinking. I believe you and I would concur that, next to Marcus coming back full force, the best news vis-a-vis rotation Tuesday was the confirmation that Roy knows who his PG is. Ol' Roy, bless his heart, is loyal (he makes genuine relationships with the families of his recruits) and too stubborn at times, but he ain't stupid.

I really thought Roy might start Nate at the 2 in Paige's absence, but I'm glad Theo was ready to go and that he went with Theo. Those minutes will prove valuable to him in the long run and it also shows Roy understands what's up. Let's say Berry (or Marcus) has early foul trouble. The ability of Marcus to slide over and Theo do a credible job for stretches at the 2 with either speaks well for this team's versatility and unselfishness. Nate has even gotten better at not pounding the ball aimlessly when he's in.

It's a stat too tedious to keep , but I will almost guarantee you the number of dribbles per possession is down this year, and the number of passes is up... and as we know, that is a good thing.

I concur whole-heartedly.

 

[imajericho]

We saw Roy shrink his rotation as expected in a big game, and none of it was at all surprising,
@coryfly made a comment in another thread that got me thinking about roles going forward, specifically about Theo.

It was apparent in preseason and again Tuesday that for this team to be its best, Marcus and JB both need to get 30+ min/game. That is an elite and dynamic backcourt and is the engine that drives this Ferrari.
Also, a player of JJ's skills needs 25+. Now obviously Theo's natural position is the 3 and will soak up the minutes there that JJ doesn't. But I think we need to find more for a player of Theo's energy and versatility.
The other issue is how to get the most out of Nate. Nate has improved his offensive game and has gotten somewhat better at not committing PG faux-pas, but honestly him being isolated for any length of time on a good opposing Guard in halfcourt defense is not a good situation, as we saw again Tuesday.

One way to mitigate that is to scramble more on defense.
Theo has shown he can play some 2, but having to guard smaller quicker guys heads-up is not ideal. However, his length, tenacity and athleticism can work well in traps and jumps. Also, Nate is better defensively in more frenetic environments where he can ball-hawk --- it hides his weaknesses and accentuates his quickness. I think back to Dean Smith "Blue Teams" that would come in and go balls-to-the-wall all over the court for a few minutes. I think a fresh Theo and Nate could do that as well in half-court 30 and 40. And of course Theo is also versatile enough to slide into the 4 in a small lineup.

Overall, If we can get Theo 20 or so minutes, about the same out of Hicks, and a productive 8-10 from Nate, that is the backbone of a top-8. Big Joel is best suited for spot duty vs teams with size. As for our two freshmen, they will have more opportunities early to get their game-legs under them and maybe earn some more important minutes as we go. And of course I'll trust Stilman any time and situation Roy wants to use him in.

Stop bringing Joel James in. Problems solved. Voila. I am a miracle worker.

I am tired of saying this for 4 years now.

I said it all off season... Joel James is spotting the other teams points. He kills spacing, flow, can't be trusted to catch the pass or to not turn it over. He is a turn around jumping 280lb dude who is never going to excel in the paint.

You all touted improvement going into this season, but there isn't improvement. He is what he is. And, he shouldn't be getting time in the game. Luke Maye is preferable over him.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

There's 120 minutes to divide up between the 1, 2, and 3 positions. Lets say Marcus averages 34 like he did the other night. We give Berry and Justin 30 each. That leaves 26 for Nate and Theo. I'd like to see Theo get about 18-20 of those with Nate getting the other 6-8.

With the 4 and 5 Spots, there are 80 minutes to be split. I think Brice needs 30. So that leaves 50 for Kennedy, Isaiah, and Joel. Give Kennedy 27, Isaiah 20, and Joel 3. I think that could be a good rotation. Luke and Kenny could pick up spot minutes in there if we need it.

I'm in agreement with this minutes breakdown almost to a T. 34 or so for Marcus, 30 for JB and JJ each. I'd give Theo 21, and Nate 5 (I'd actually be fine with those 5 minutes just going to Kenny at this point, need to develop him for next year).

I'd also be willing to evenly split Kennedy and Hicks at about 24 each. Isaiah has been playing really well in my opinion.

 

[Archer2]

I concur whole-heartedly.

As do I. I think your and Gary's assessments are spot on.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Man, I think alot of people underestimate/underappreciate Britts value to the success of this team--he's fast with the ball, understands the offense, our 2nd best FT shooter..getting better every year..solid, unselfish backup guard..would never give KW minutes over him.

 

[ChapelHeeled]

Man, I think alot of people underestimate/underappreciate Britts value to the success of this team--he's fast with the ball, understands the offense, our 2nd best FT shooter..getting better every year..solid, unselfish backup guard..would never give KW minutes over him.

Britt pushes tempo...Joel is really the only option against a real Big when Kennedy Meeks comes out bat Center. Yes we have a very, very good Top 8 or so. The remainder of guys who see the floor will be determined as the season goes along. Again, as well, Davidson is not any joke. We had better be focused and ready to play...

 

[gary-7]

Man, I think alot of people underestimate/underappreciate Britts value to the success of this team--he's fast with the ball, understands the offense, our 2nd best FT shooter..getting better every year..solid, unselfish backup guard..would never give KW minutes over him.

No underestimation... credit where it's due. In fact Nate has made the above-noted improvements, but the caveats are what they are. Much of his first, best role is what you saw Tuesday night.

 

[Spacegrass]

Come conference and late season Theo will be at that 18-22 MPG clip on average. Theo and Hicks will get about the same with 13-16 MPG going to Britt and 5-8 MPG going to James.

 

[DSouthr]

We saw Roy shrink his rotation as expected in a big game, and none of it was at all surprising,
@coryfly made a comment in another thread that got me thinking about roles going forward, specifically about Theo.

It was apparent in preseason and again Tuesday that for this team to be its best, Marcus and JB both need to get 30+ min/game. That is an elite and dynamic backcourt and is the engine that drives this Ferrari.
Also, a player of JJ's skills needs 25+. Now obviously Theo's natural position is the 3 and will soak up the minutes there that JJ doesn't. But I think we need to find more for a player of Theo's energy and versatility.
The other issue is how to get the most out of Nate. Nate has improved his offensive game and has gotten somewhat better at not committing PG faux-pas, but honestly him being isolated for any length of time on a good opposing Guard in halfcourt defense is not a good situation, as we saw again Tuesday.

One way to mitigate that is to scramble more on defense.
Theo has shown he can play some 2, but having to guard smaller quicker guys heads-up is not ideal. However, his length, tenacity and athleticism can work well in traps and jumps. Also, Nate is better defensively in more frenetic environments where he can ball-hawk --- it hides his weaknesses and accentuates his quickness. I think back to Dean Smith "Blue Teams" that would come in and go balls-to-the-wall all over the court for a few minutes. I think a fresh Theo and Nate could do that as well in half-court 30 and 40. And of course Theo is also versatile enough to slide into the 4 in a small lineup.

Overall, If we can get Theo 20 or so minutes, about the same out of Hicks, and a productive 8-10 from Nate, that is the backbone of a top-8. Big Joel is best suited for spot duty vs teams with size. As for our two freshmen, they will have more opportunities early to get their game-legs under them and maybe earn some more important minutes as we go. And of course I'll trust Stilman any time and situation Roy wants to use him in.

Good stuff gary, I especially agree that Theo at the 2 is not the best situation, while he has shown that he can be productive as a 2 it just isn't the best fit. I really like us going small at times with Joel & Marcus in with maybe Justin sliding over to the 4 and Theo at he 3. Justin and Theo on the court allows us to switch much more on screens and allows us a quickness advantage that is still long.

Not trying to down grade any of the players but the truth is Joel James has so far been a bit of a liability this season. Right now I feel more comfortable having Luke Maye come in and there is no way I would have said that before the season started. But Luke has shown me he can contribute at this level even as a freshman and James has shown me what I can only call regression to early last season or even the season before. Hate to say it cause I think he is a wonderful kid and represents both the school and the program, as well as himself really well.

With Nate, it starts off with the fact that he is such a little fella. Guys that size have to over come a lack of size by being ultra quick, yet on that level for a point or a 2 his quickness would be more on the average side and his physical strength I would suggest as a bit below average. Makes it hard for him to defend PGs and 2 guards. He isn't what I would call a great ball handler, maybe average for a 2 guard or below average for a PG, he is not going to create a lot of his own shots nor is he going to wow us with big numbers of assists. So his major contribution, in my opinion, is that of a shooter. AS a shooter I consider him to be a streaky type of shooter, more so than a consistent type of shooter, I do think he tends to take good shots for his ability, unlike say Lmac last season. When Nate is on he can really help us with 2 or 3 open look treys and I feel better about him taking those than I do Theo and maybe even Joel Berry. I just worry about a undersized 2 guard that is not a great ball handler, a guy that defenses would invite to try to drive and then close him down.

So if I am shrinking minutes, those are the 2 fellas i look at shrinking time for in just my own opinion.

 

[DSouthr]

Britt pushes tempo...Joel is really the only option against a real Big when Kennedy Meeks comes out bat Center. Yes we have a very, very good Top 8 or so. The remainder of guys who see the floor will be determined as the season goes along. Again, as well, Davidson is not any joke. We had better be focused and ready to play...

Sorry but I disagree, Nate pushes tempo, Pushes it to where? He may be able to take the ball up the court with the dribble but he consistently pulls it back once he gets across mid court, that is more slowing tempo than pushing it. Kendal was much slower with the ball but pushed tempo because the ball didn't stick in his hands, Joel Berry you may argue isn't as fast with the dribble but the ball rarely stops moving forward on a break out when he has it, he is going to look to finish or slip it for a finish or hit the secondary break, he will and does constantly attack, Nate rarely attacks, so I don't get the pushes tempo comment?

And did you say Joel was the ONLY option against a real big? REALLY? LOL

Don't mean to be rude but I strongly disagree.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

Nate does get the ball and advances it very quickly, he rarely finishes..but I'm very happy with his efforts/play this year.