When does a three star player become more valuable than a five star?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I know some folks on here are a bit upset that Zion didn’t come to UNC. And more upset that he went to Duke. Understand. But some folks saying he didn’t come here because he wouldn’t find a spot? Ridiculous. That he isn’t better than Cam? I like Cam, but let’s face facts. He is a one trick pony. Doesn’t really help unless he is drilling the three, which makes him pretty easy to cover unless you are Clemson and let him have open shots. Is Zion overrated? We will see. But to say a guy with his talents would struggle to start over a few guys already in this program is folly.

Cam has only played 10 games. I seriously doubt he comes off the bench to make room for Zion after he has 25 games (give or take) and a summer of extra work under his belt.

If Zion pushes anyone to the bench, it's probably a big. And yet that's an awkward lineup. Does he play the post, at 6'6?

My guess is that UNC was never high on his list. But if we were, the prospect of playing the front line with Luke probably didn't sound like a good fit. Because Luke is a stretch 4, not a 5 - so where does that leave Zion?

Zion could have gotten starter minutes coming off the bench - subbing for Cam and Luke. That would have been great for us. A sub with no letdown. But would that have looked great to Zion? Doubtful.

 

[gunslingerdick]

Tony Bradley was a better player than Ed Davis as freshmen.
.

I'm not sure about that. I think it's pretty close but Ed was a better rebounder and a better rim protector. Because of that, I'd take his freshman year over Tony's.

 

[dadika13]

I'm not sure about that. I think it's pretty close but Ed was a better rebounder and a better rim protector. Because of that, I'd take his freshman year over Tony's.

It's apples to apples basically. Freshman big men who were the first big option off the bench on national championship teams.

Tony's efficiency in limited (too limited IMO) action is what puts him over the top for me. In over 4 less min per game, he made more per attempt when they shot nearly the same amount per game. The 57% vs. 51% is huge for me.

I'll give you Ed as a rim protector, dude's per 40 blocks are nuts.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

It's apples to apples basically. Freshman big men who were the first big option off the bench on national championship teams.

Tony's efficiency in limited (too limited IMO) action is what puts him over the top for me. In over 4 less min per game, he made more per attempt when they shot nearly the same amount per game. The 57% vs. 51% is huge for me.

I'll give you Ed as a rim protector, dude's per 40 blocks are nuts.

Pretty interesting comparison.

My sense is that Ed improved more over the season than Tony did. Whether that was a coaching decision or an actual difference in ability and development, I don't know.

One way in which they were similar: neither seemed to give a damn about UNC or the team. In today's over-amped OAD culture, Ed probably would have left after 1 year too, if he thought he had a shot at being drafted in the first round.

 

[gunslingerdick]

One way in which they were similar: neither seemed to give a damn about UNC or the team. In today's over-amped OAD culture, Ed probably would have left after 1 year too, if he thought he had a shot at being drafted in the first round.

Ouch. I'm a harsh critic of the OAD culture and a real traditionalist but I don't think even I'd go that far in characterizing them like that.

Even though Ed stayed 2 years, I did get the sense from him that he was just biding his time until he could get paid. I never felt that way about Tony during the year. Afterwards? Yes, I did feel that way. But throughout the year, Tony never made me feel that way. On the other hand, I remember watching Ed chuckling it up on the bench when we were getting our asses handed to us during his sophomore year. That rubbed me wrong. Also, I don't think Ed comes back during the summers or participates in former player functions. Let's hope Tony does moving forward.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Ouch. I'm a harsh critic of the OAD culture and a real traditionalist but I don't think even I'd go that far in characterizing them like that.

Even though Ed stayed 2 years, I did get the sense from him that he was just biding his time until he could get paid. I never felt that way about Tony during the year. Afterwards? Yes, I did feel that way. But throughout the year, Tony never made me feel that way. On the other hand, I remember watching Ed chuckling it up on the bench when we were getting our asses handed to us during his sophomore year. That rubbed me wrong. Also, I don't think Ed comes back during the summers or participates in former player functions. Let's hope Tony does moving forward.

I agree that Tony didn't make me feel that way during the season.

Moreover, I can easily imagine he felt he didn't get the PT he should have gotten.

Nevertheless his bolt for the exit left a bad taste in my mouth.

If, as you suggest, he shows up for summers and works with new players, I will totally change my attitude toward him. I hope he does.

Sounds like we agree more than disagree, especially on Ed.

 

[gunslingerdick]

I agree that Tony didn't make me feel that way during the season.

Moreover, I can easily imagine he felt he didn't get the PT he should have gotten.

Nevertheless his bolt for the exit left a bad taste in my mouth.

If, as you suggest, he shows up for summers and works with new players, I will totally change my attitude toward him. I hope he does.

Sounds like we agree more than disagree, especially on Ed.

I agree with all of that.

 

[Spacegrass]

Tony Bradley was a better player than Ed Davis as freshmen.

Jordan Bell was the 100th ranked recruit coming out of HS. NO ONE knew he was going to be the force he was.

What I'm saying is no one has a crystal ball. I'm going to assume that Roy thought Tony was going to be here when he was filling this class and Tony would have been that guy for us. Nothing we can do.

I realize that. Not talking about recruiting rankings , I am talking about skill set to fill the missing void at the 5. As you likely notice that void might not be filled next season either. As for was Tony better than Ed? I am not sure. Numbers wise its highly debatable on the offensive side as frosh but would lean towards Tony. Defensively it was Ed , not as big as Tony but quicker , more explosive , better shot blocker.

Keep in mind before he got hurt Ed was right at 14 points , 10 reb , 3 blocks in 28 MPG his 2nd season shooting 58% from the field. Ed was also projected as a lottery pick as a frosh had he come out.

I think Tony has more offensive upside and an obvious size advantage. But they are also totally different 5 men within their skill sets.