Who Starts? Who's Our 6th Man?

[DaveChapelle]

Im hoping we can develop a 2nd 5.

I think there is enough talent.

There is not. We are 9 deep at the absolute best. High and Brown are absolute non factors next season.


And 9 deep is only if every possible thing goes right for us. If Withers is the same low bball IQ player he's been for the past 5 years, if Washington doesn't fix all his defensive problems and fouling problems, if Tyson can't adjust to ACC level competition, if Jackson or Powell hit the "freshman wall," if Cadeau doesn't learn to shoot... any number of things could happen and we end up with Hubert relying on another short rotation.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

There is not. We are 9 deep at the absolute best. High and Brown are absolute non factors next season.


And 9 deep is only if every possible thing goes right for us. If Withers is the same low bball IQ player he's been for the past 5 years, if Washington doesn't fix all his defensive problems and fouling problems, if Tyson can't adjust to ACC level competition, if Jackson or Powell hit the "freshman wall," if Cadeau doesn't learn to shoot... any number of things could happen and we end up with Hubert relying on another short rotation.

All you are saying is IF.

Terrible argument

Withers and Washington were crucial to our wins last year.

If they could play last year then they can play this year.

Yeah no way Hyde could come in play defense and rebound after doing so last year...lol

Smh

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I just don't get it that when RJ plays bad it's clearly due to him being gassed against Alabama.

You don't think he was gassed at the end against Alabama?

 

[DaveChapelle]

You don't think he was gassed at the end against Alabama?

He played his best basketball of the entire game AT THE END of the game.

 

[DaveChapelle]

All you are saying is IF.

Terrible argument

Withers and Washington were crucial to our wins last year.

If they could play last year then they can play this year.

Yeah no way Hyde could come in play defense and rebound after doing so last year...lol

Smh

What specific games were Withers and Washington crucial to winning last year?

Who is Hyde? Did you mean High? Are you saying High came in and played defense last year? Because what he actually did was come in and commit fouls at a record rate.

 

[2DDIMOND]

You're really in for a rude awakening next season. We have multiple major weaknesses we'll likely have to hide. It starts with having no true center capable of defending other physical centers or protecting the rim. No proven 3pt shooting power forward to play the stretch 4 (likely meaning small forward Cade Tyson will have to play heavy minutes at the 4.) Only 2 proven 3pt shooters on the roster. And we're going to have small lineups on the floor constantly.

Also if you think Trimble/Jackson are going to be the main backup point guards, I've got some beachfront property in Idaho to sell you.

This is all according to you, the resident know it all for UNC basketball. I’ll trust Hubert has a better pulse on the situation than you.

 

[2DDIMOND]

There is not. We are 9 deep at the absolute best. High and Brown are absolute non factors next season.


And 9 deep is only if every possible thing goes right for us. If Withers is the same low bball IQ player he's been for the past 5 years, if Washington doesn't fix all his defensive problems and fouling problems, if Tyson can't adjust to ACC level competition, if Jackson or Powell hit the "freshman wall," if Cadeau doesn't learn to shoot... any number of things could happen and we end up with Hubert relying on another short rotation.

Again, this is according to you. Looking forward to see if the coaching staff agrees. I’m starting to think you should be the coach.

 

[NathanFielder]

And then MJ never averaged 30 mins again.

Tyler only had one year over 30 in his 4 seasons and he had the most minutes.

09 lawson didnt have 30 mpg and he didnt have a backup as good as seth/ian

I dont know where youre getting this “must be 30 over”

Marvin williams has no effect on Feltons minutes. Even though we had an EXTREME dropoff from Felton he still was under 32z
Just think about what youre saying about the 05 team. They averaged 30 in the tournament? Cool, and they were able to stay sharp because they weren’t exhausted.

Playing ANYONE for 35 mins is ONLY done because youre hiding a weakness. We shouldn’t have to deal with that this year.

I’ve never said there should be a minimum or maximum number of minutes. It should be dictated on who contributes the most to winning.

I’m saying there isn’t a magic number that leads to success in terms of minutes played.

The 35 MPG doesn’t seem to mean anything either.

 

[NathanFielder]

You don't think he was gassed at the end against Alabama?

I think it’s a make or miss game and he had a bad shooting game at an unfortunate moment of the season.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

He played his best basketball of the entire game AT THE END of the game.

RJ was 2 of 6 in the 4th quarter. To be fair, he kept us in the game from the line until the last couple of minutes.

Would RJ having a break during the 2nd half have helped? Who knows?

But just because someone is able to turn in a good game when exhausted doesn't mean routinely running your players to exhaustion is a good strategy.

 

[dtodd4475]

RJ was 2 of 6 in the 4th quarter. To be fair, he kept us in the game from the line until the last couple of minutes.

Would RJ having a break during the 2nd half have helped? Who knows?

But just because someone is able to turn in a good game when exhausted doesn't mean routinely running your players to exhaustion is a good strategy.

I hear ya, I'm just of the thinking that with all the TV timeouts and only a 40 minute game, no exhaustion issues. Early season tournaments or ACC daily games maybe an adjustment. TheNCAA tourney have even more built in TO's.

Most teams play top players as much or more. I do not think they are better conditioned then UNC. We aren't talking about Tibs in the NBA with 3 games per week and back to backs over 82 then the playoffs.

I hope Cadeau plays his way into the big minutes with production, I'm certain RJ will be that once again.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

I have no issue with playing peeps as long and as often as it takes to win! I do think it is obvious that if the team construction AND player development allow it, it would be better to play them a little less. I would love for our roster to perform as a whole to the point that only EC and RJ average playing more than 28 minutes per game! I would love for us to have 9 guys who can play substantial minutes without hurting the team and at least 1 more who can give you time in a pinch! BUT I believe in our staff and accept how they choose to play peeps. PT will answer a whole lot of questions in my opinion!

 

[RP12]

An individual player's style/size makes a huge difference on how taxing those minutes are. RJ being undersized against almost everyone he's matched up with means he has to work harder on both ends than if he were 6'3-6'5.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

An individual player's style/size makes a huge difference on how taxing those minutes are. RJ being undersized against almost everyone he's matched up with means he has to work harder on both ends than if he were 6'3-6'5.

Especially if he's also running the show.

 

[dtodd4475]

An individual player's style/size makes a huge difference on how taxing those minutes are. RJ being undersized against almost everyone he's matched up with means he has to work harder on both ends than if he were 6'3-6'5.

I would agree to a point, that is a factor. The other side of that is that the smaller guys normally have more endurance though, bigs have a tougher time getting up and down the court. It's often the smallish guys who have the "energizer bunny" type motors.

 

[dtodd4475]

I have no issue with playing peeps as long and as often as it takes to win! I do think it is obvious that if the team construction AND player development allow it, it would be better to play them a little less. I would love for our roster to perform as a whole to the point that only EC and RJ average playing more than 28 minutes per game! I would love for us to have 9 guys who can play substantial minutes without hurting the team and at least 1 more who can give you time in a pinch! BUT I believe in our staff and accept how they choose to play peeps. PT will answer a whole lot of questions in my opinion!

I can see that, as for me, I lean toward if there is a clear separation in the player and the backup, I do not want my top guys sitting over a quarter of the game. Find spots to get them a blow, but in close games I prefer the best on the court more.

I think RJ will play 33 or so per game, and I'm fine with that. As needed, no set number, but I think around there is where he will shake out barring injuries.

 

[RP12]

Especially if he's also running the show.

Yeah I’m going to hold out hope that this happens almost never…I’d much rather Trimble spell EC a few minutes a half.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I would agree to a point, that is a factor. The other side of that is that the smaller guys normally have more endurance though, bigs have a tougher time getting up and down the court. It's often the smallish guys who have the "energizer bunny" type motors.

And, of course there are individual exceptions.

RJ never gives up. And he has lots of energy. But there are also plenty of games where he's making it on pure grit. He's on my all-time All Grit team. He's in there because we need him to be in there. But that doesn't mean it's smart coaching to push him to the wall so often.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I notice that someone here didn't pick RJ or Cadeau to start or even be 6th man.

I'd be curious to know who you'd start instead, if you'd care to share.

 

[DSouthr]

I have no issue with playing peeps as long and as often as it takes to win! I do think it is obvious that if the team construction AND player development allow it, it would be better to play them a little less. I would love for our roster to perform as a whole to the point that only EC and RJ average playing more than 28 minutes per game! I would love for us to have 9 guys who can play substantial minutes without hurting the team and at least 1 more who can give you time in a pinch! BUT I believe in our staff and accept how they choose to play peeps. PT will answer a whole lot of questions in my opinion!

If anyone can trust Hubert and his staff to bring in talented players that help this team then why do we not trust those players to provide that help? I look at this team, as it stands right now, what now looks to be our roster for next season, I see 10-11 players that I think can help us but they are not going to if they do not get playing time. I prefer we get the benefit of their development rather than they transfer and help some other program.

To suggest that a player like RJ does not wear down due to the minutes he has been playing is against common sense, I don't care how many time outs they have, they are still playing 40mins in a high stakes game. Fans want us to get out and run, push tempo, play flat out for every second of court time on both ends yet struggle to see the value of playing a deep bench? LOL

Key players find foul trouble at times, key players get hurt, you have to then depend on your bench to have someone ready. For example, what if Jalle4n re-tweeks his knee then all the sudden High is going to have to give us big minutes, maybe Brown as well but unless they have put in minutes before how can they be ready to step in. I want a solid 2 deep across the board and that 2 deep has to play solid minutes to be ready and not decide I am entering the portal as soon as I can because I cannot get minutes here.

A kid gets hot in a game for us for sure ride him but lets not burn him early season so that his game isn't there late season. I do believe a team getting minutes for their bench, as deep as our talent allows, not only more prepares your bench players to produce but it makes for a much better team chemistry. I think we saw the il effects of that season before last. We saw a lack of using our depth in that bama game, where RJ just didn't have it for that game. Yes, every player has an off game at times but fatigue from a long high pressure season accumulates. I think it is smart to lessen the toll for our starters in both a season view as well as this game we are now playing view while allowing yoour bench guys to develop to the point there is little to no drop off when they play late game or late season. When I see opposing players grabbing their shorts waiting on a free throw and our guys not, I don't have to ask what team has the advantage in a close game, it is the team with the fresher legs.

 

[DaveChapelle]

Yeah I’m going to hold out hope that this happens almost never…I’d much rather Trimble spell EC a few minutes a half.

Trimble is less of a point guard than RJ.

 

[dtodd4475]

If anyone can trust Hubert and his staff to bring in talented players that help this team then why do we not trust those players to provide that help? I look at this team, as it stands right now, what now looks to be our roster for next season, I see 10-11 players that I think can help us but they are not going to if they do not get playing time. I prefer we get the benefit of their development rather than they transfer and help some other program.

To suggest that a player like RJ does not wear down due to the minutes he has been playing is against common sense, I don't care how many time outs they have, they are still playing 40mins in a high stakes game. Fans want us to get out and run, push tempo, play flat out for every second of court time on both ends yet struggle to see the value of playing a deep bench? LOL

Key players find foul trouble at times, key players get hurt, you have to then depend on your bench to have someone ready. For example, what if Jalle4n re-tweeks his knee then all the sudden High is going to have to give us big minutes, maybe Brown as well but unless they have put in minutes before how can they be ready to step in. I want a solid 2 deep across the board and that 2 deep has to play solid minutes to be ready and not decide I am entering the portal as soon as I can because I cannot get minutes here.

A kid gets hot in a game for us for sure ride him but lets not burn him early season so that his game isn't there late season. I do believe a team getting minutes for their bench, as deep as our talent allows, not only more prepares your bench players to produce but it makes for a much better team chemistry. I think we saw the il effects of that season before last. We saw a lack of using our depth in that bama game, where RJ just didn't have it for that game. Yes, every player has an off game at times but fatigue from a long high pressure season accumulates. I think it is smart to lessen the toll for our starters in both a season view as well as this game we are now playing view while allowing yoour bench guys to develop to the point there is little to no drop off when they play late game or late season. When I see opposing players grabbing their shorts waiting on a free throw and our guys not, I don't have to ask what team has the advantage in a close game, it is the team with the fresher legs.

I get that, just do not agree. Heck Bama's little guard played more minutes, his legs did just fine. It is a coaching call, he's off, go elsewhere, Hubert did that with Wojcik minutes, plenty of second guessing there as well. Foul trouble can dictate that, but without that I agree with RJ being in for the minutes he played. I also think he will get those minutes this year.

I hope EC grows to where he is a clear big minute guy as well. He was not there yet last year. Could be wrong, but I think they are going to ride RJ very hard minutes wise as the 5th year returning ACC player of the year this year.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Trimble is less of a point guard than RJ.

Maybe so. But that doesn't mean the best use of RJ is to move him from SG and make him dribble a lot.

If Seth is good enough and that lets RJ focus on scoring, that sounds like a win to me.

BTW, with Seth at point, it's easy to imagine a Seth-RJ-Seth that ends up with Seth finishing at the rim.

 

[alabamaheel]

I get that, just do not agree. Heck Bama's little guard played more minutes, his legs did just fine. It is a coaching call, he's off, go elsewhere, Hubert did that with Wojcik minutes, plenty of second guessing there as well. Foul trouble can dictate that, but without that I agree with RJ being in for the minutes he played. I also think he will get those minutes this year.

I hope EC grows to where he is a clear big minute guy as well. He was not there yet last year. Could be wrong, but I think they are going to ride RJ very hard minutes wise as the 5th year returning ACC player of the year this year.

I just don’t get how people think he played too many minutes. lol they almost never play back to backs. They play mostly one game per week. They have a lot of longer tv breaks and good grief they are in the prime of their lives physically in the early 20s.

 

[Mrs.Jeans15]

What specific games were Withers and Washington crucial to winning last year?

Who is Hyde? Did you mean High? Are you saying High came in and played defense last year? Because what he actually did was come in and commit fouls at a record rate.

Having a bench was crucial to last season's success.

Each game they contributed in different ways and were consistently part of the rotation.

If they did that last year surely then can do it again this year or do you think they will get worse?

.

 

[Newoikkin]

I just don’t get how people think he played too many minutes. lol they almost never play back to backs. They play mostly one game per week. They have a lot of longer tv breaks and good grief they are in the prime of their lives physically in the early 20s.

What? Only in non con would you ever get one game a week schedules.

One week in the ACC schedule teams get a single game.

We played 9 games in the month in January, 7 in February and 9 in March.

Factor in getting banged up throughout the season and it can definitely be an issue.

RJ clocked 5 games under 30 mins last year and 3 of those were the first 3 games of the year.

He had one total game under 30 mins (27) once January hit and most of his games had him over 35.

To deny that creates wear and tear (particularly when RJ ends up getting knocked on the floor so often) is some next level head in the sand.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

We have to also factor in mental fatigue! Being the leader and at times having to carry a team can wear on you mentally as well as physically. One can bounce back when young and in prime shape, but the minutes do have a cumulative effect even though you might not feel it during a particular game! Injuries can be the result of overuse, but can also be a response to trying to do too much to carry a team IE, diving to retrieve an out of bounds ball or going 1 v 2-3 in the paint! Every Time he hits the ground takes its own toll too. Spreading the leadership + minutes wealth will help RJ with being fresher mentally and physically in March!

BUT: In the end, I trust Hubs to manage the team based on its needs, not our expectations!

 

[alabamaheel]

What? Only in non con would you ever get one game a week schedules.

One week in the ACC schedule teams get a single game.

We played 9 games in the month in January, 7 in February and 9 in March.

Factor in getting banged up throughout the season and it can definitely be an issue.

RJ clocked 5 games under 30 mins last year and 3 of those were the first 3 games of the year.

He had one total game under 30 mins (27) once January hit and most of his games had him over 35.

To deny that creates wear and tear (particularly when RJ ends up getting knocked on the floor so often) is some next level head in the sand.

lol so I embellished. My point was they don’t play anywhere close to the pros schedule. To say RJ was wore out his next level head in the sand in my opinion. Absolutely no one complains of too much playing time if we are winning.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

We have to also factor in mental fatigue! Being the leader and at times having to carry a team can wear on you mentally as well as physically. One can bounce back when young and in prime shape, but the minutes do have a cumulative effect even though you might not feel it during a particular game! Injuries can be the result of overuse, but can also be a response to trying to do too much to carry a team IE, diving to retrieve an out of bounds ball or going 1 v 2-3 in the paint! Every Time he hits the ground takes its own toll too. Spreading the leadership + minutes wealth will help RJ with being fresher mentally and physically in March!

BUT: In the end, I trust Hubs to manage the team based on its needs, not our expectations!

I agree with all of that except your last comment. The jury is still out (for me) on whether Hubert is good at managing PT. He can win me over this coming year . . . but will he? I hope so.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Absolutely no one complains of too much playing time if we are winning.

There were games when the win wasn't in doubt that Hubert still kept the starters in. That doesn't help the starters, and it doesn't develop the bench.

Once we got the early creampuffs out of the way, the only game RJ played less than 30 minutes was 27 in the 36-point blowout of Syracuse.

There are always going to be games where we need our best guys to gut it out. I'm not bitching about that.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I used to think those tournaments where teams have to play several games straight show you who your stars are. They're the guys who still perform great in the 3rd and 4th games.

I still sort of feel that way, but it isn't true. Sometimes your genuine stars need rest. Pointing to someone else who seemingly doesn't ever get tired is not a good argument that all kids shouldn't get tired.

 

[dtodd4475]

I used to think those tournaments where teams have to play several games straight show you who your stars are. They're the guys who still perform great in the 3rd and 4th games.

I still sort of feel that way, but it isn't true. Sometimes your genuine stars need rest. Pointing to someone else who seemingly doesn't ever get tired is not a good argument that all kids shouldn't get tired.

All the clear top players on rosters play big minutes though, not just a few or some. The chart in the other thread shows not 1 team of the 9 had less than 2 players over 30 minutes. If there is a clear separation at a position, the minutes show that.

For me you find ways to give your elite players blows, but you don't have them sitting for over a quarter of the game to rest up.

I do agree with 3 games in 3 days tournaments adjustments can be made, or getting a large lead in a given game, trying to steal more minutes overall for your best players.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

The bulk of roster development happens during the off season and pre-season. Once real play happens, peeps should have identified/solidified their roles and should be set up to thrive in them! As the season continues, I expect the cream to rise to the top and be rewarded. I expect those who have developed to continue to work in practice and step up when their opportunities arise. When you get a chance, use it and earn more. Keep your mind and body ready so you don't miss your chance and allow the team success to increase your personal success! If a coach emphasizes defense, then that is how you earn your ops! If fouls/injuries/matchups happen, step up and earn your ops! In other words, the staff should prepare you and YOU should be willing to do what it takes for team success, including playing a position you might not desire or competing for PT more than you wanted!

 

[DSouthr]

I get that, just do not agree. Heck Bama's little guard played more minutes, his legs did just fine. It is a coaching call, he's off, go elsewhere, Hubert did that with Wojcik minutes, plenty of second guessing there as well. Foul trouble can dictate that, but without that I agree with RJ being in for the minutes he played. I also think he will get those minutes this year.

I hope EC grows to where he is a clear big minute guy as well. He was not there yet last year. Could be wrong, but I think they are going to ride RJ very hard minutes wise as the 5th year returning ACC player of the year this year.

Good argument, I see it differently, I just believe in a different approach. I watched 2 years of the "iron 5" deal, didn't like it. That first season, we beat duke yet before beating duke in the regular season it was very questionable if we would have made the NCAAT without winning the ACCT, the post season went well after the ACCT but that regular season was not UNC like. I tend to give a pass on that regular season because we did lose 2 key guys that began the season for us, one a starter and one early off the bench guard and a 3rd guy (Puff) stayed hurt a lot. So all the sudden that team was forced to go Iron man because of attrition and having talent that was not ready. That team caught fire in the NCAAT, some teams do that at times, NC St did this last season, some would offer Bama as well.

Last season we did use a deeper bench and the difference was we won the ACC regular season out right, went in to the NCAAT as a 1 seed and considered by some to be the team to beat for the title. Hubert used his bench much more than he did those first 2 seasons, he pushed tempo more. But when Cadeau went out we moved RJ over to the point and nearly every time we did that what happened, we went from pushing the running game to back to half court offense, we slowed down?

But it isn't just fatigue, maybe an even greater issue for this coming team is we have a log jam of very nice talent, especially at the 2 and the 3. 2 top 10 5 star players on the way, you MUST find a way to get them minutes. Just got a big time jump shooter that thrilled most UNC fans in Tyson, must get solid minutes due to the loss of proven jump shooters from last season. Heck, we have High, who played very little last season but has strong talent, waiting his time as a freshman but now it is time to use him or lose him, I don't like our recruiting a kid and all that takes, developing him as he waits for his time to come, and see that not happen and he leave for another program.

When you have a log jam of talent at the 2 and yet have a starter used to playing 36-38mins it is not rocket science to me that you need to take that starters minutes down to allow for the log jam of guys as much PT as you can. At the 2 we are looking at RJ starting, Seth and Ian off the bench? At the 3 we have Tyson as the likely starter but have Seth, Ian, Drake all looking for minutes, all needing minutes. Can you imagine what we would have and may have if Ian, Drake, Seth average around 5mins a game for this coming season, can you not see the blow back effect that would have on high school recruiting? Recruiting, high school and now portal is the life blood of a program, and you have to protect that. To do that you must make good decisions on who you bring in and the top talents play or they leave at the first opportunity now days. I want us to make great decisions on who to bring in, play them to develop and win titles for us down the road as well as now.

 

[alabamaheel]

There were games when the win wasn't in doubt that Hubert still kept the starters in. That doesn't help the starters, and it doesn't develop the bench.

Once we got the early creampuffs out of the way, the only game RJ played less than 30 minutes was 27 in the 36-point blowout of Syracuse.

There are always going to be games where we need our best guys to gut it out. I'm not bitching about that.

On point man. I totally agree. Blowout games and cream puffs our starters should sit more in order for bench to be developed.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Early season is also about developing chemistry among your starters AND the whole team. If you are adding multiple key pieces, it becomes a catch 22. The starters have to play together to get on the same page (cream puffs allow them to work out kinks) AND bench guys need to develop. It is a delicate balance trying to do both while replacing a significant portion of your team, especially its leadership! This season, we will see if it is different since the team needs will be different!

 

[TarHeelFanWV]

If Ian Jackson plays like a top 5-10 talent and gets us buckets as a 6th man, I think we will be fine. We have never had a big time bucket off the bench in a long time. If Drake Powell can be a top 20 player, thats even more icing on the cake.

Nas Little was a major disappointed coming off the bench for us. If Ian Jackson can be a much better version of Nas, we will be in great shape. That was a smaller team too.

 

[DSouthr]

If Ian Jackson plays like a top 5-10 talent and gets us buckets as a 6th man, I think we will be fine. We have never had a big time bucket off the bench in a long time. If Drake Powell can be a top 20 player, thats even more icing on the cake.

Nas Little was a major disappointed coming off the bench for us. If Ian Jackson can be a much better version of Nas, we will be in great shape. That was a smaller team too.

Yet where do Ian's minutes come from? He will play the off guard and small forward spots, our 2 most populated positions, where our 2 jump shooters start on a team that lost a lot of jump shooting from last season? I am getting push back for saying RJs minutes have to come down?

 

[alabamaheel]

Yet where do Ian's minutes come from? He will play the off guard and small forward spots, our 2 most populated positions, where our 2 jump shooters start on a team that lost a lot of jump shooting from last season? I am getting push back for saying RJs minutes have to come down?

The best players play period. If Ian is a baller HD will find him pt. I can imagine he and Seth going at it in practice. I’m excited for sure and coach will work it out. I do like the discussion and speculation on my part included. Fun stuff

 

[dtodd4475]

Good argument, I see it differently, I just believe in a different approach. I watched 2 years of the "iron 5" deal, didn't like it. That first season, we beat duke yet before beating duke in the regular season it was very questionable if we would have made the NCAAT without winning the ACCT, the post season went well after the ACCT but that regular season was not UNC like. I tend to give a pass on that regular season because we did lose 2 key guys that began the season for us, one a starter and one early off the bench guard and a 3rd guy (Puff) stayed hurt a lot. So all the sudden that team was forced to go Iron man because of attrition and having talent that was not ready. That team caught fire in the NCAAT, some teams do that at times, NC St did this last season, some would offer Bama as well.

Last season we did use a deeper bench and the difference was we won the ACC regular season out right, went in to the NCAAT as a 1 seed and considered by some to be the team to beat for the title. Hubert used his bench much more than he did those first 2 seasons, he pushed tempo more. But when Cadeau went out we moved RJ over to the point and nearly every time we did that what happened, we went from pushing the running game to back to half court offense, we slowed down?

But it isn't just fatigue, maybe an even greater issue for this coming team is we have a log jam of very nice talent, especially at the 2 and the 3. 2 top 10 5 star players on the way, you MUST find a way to get them minutes. Just got a big time jump shooter that thrilled most UNC fans in Tyson, must get solid minutes due to the loss of proven jump shooters from last season. Heck, we have High, who played very little last season but has strong talent, waiting his time as a freshman but now it is time to use him or lose him, I don't like our recruiting a kid and all that takes, developing him as he waits for his time to come, and see that not happen and he leave for another program.

When you have a log jam of talent at the 2 and yet have a starter used to playing 36-38mins it is not rocket science to me that you need to take that starters minutes down to allow for the log jam of guys as much PT as you can. At the 2 we are looking at RJ starting, Seth and Ian off the bench? At the 3 we have Tyson as the likely starter but have Seth, Ian, Drake all looking for minutes, all needing minutes. Can you imagine what we would have and may have if Ian, Drake, Seth average around 5mins a game for this coming season, can you not see the blow back effect that would have on high school recruiting? Recruiting, high school and now portal is the life blood of a program, and you have to protect that. To do that you must make good decisions on who you bring in and the top talents play or they leave at the first opportunity now days. I want us to make great decisions on who to bring in, play them to develop and win titles for us down the road as well as now.

Agreed with the log jam. There are not 4 clearly separated players at positions from the backups, ut will make the competition for minutes very interesting, indeed. Can someone separate? Do they split minutes at multiple positions as needed with matchups/hot hands?

RJ and EC are the only two clear top dogs at thier position. I am hoping Cadeau blossoms to be a 30 plus talent. RJ is that already, I think he will be the constant from day 1, I don't see him averaging 36-38 as your example, but I do see his same 32/33 plus, which means some games more 30ish some 38ish.

Maybe some great improvements by Seth or Ian is super special frosh type to narrow the gap from RJ to earn more time at the 2?

I think if things work out as Hubert would like Seth will get the Cadeau minutes almost exclusively and Ian will get the backup 2 and some 3. RJ will be on ball on occasion though.

Drake is a wild card, can he be the special type defensive wing on the roster? Tyson has to show me as well, will he be the efficient 3ball needs to be in wing/small ball 4 type? The 4 and 5 minutes are wide open. Log jam for sure if nobody excels to take the lead among those vying for those minutes.