Why aren't the questions being asked?

[NorCalTarheel]

It seems a lot of us have the same questions, so I'm sure the beat reporters covering UNC basketball have them too. I'm wondering why more people aren't asking Coach Davis directly about the hard questions. Are reporters afraid to ask direct questions anymore? Is everything have to be a softball for the coach for fear of not getting chosen the next press conference?

I would love someone to ask Coach Davis, who I love by the way, why our substitution pattern is so sporadic. I would love someone to ask him why certain players, who we all know who it is, will not get pulled regardless of effort or performance. There are a million more of these types of questions that we all ask each other, but no one seems to be asking the source. Are they asking these and I'm missing it? If so, I sure love to know where to go to see his responses.

 

[Archer2]

Don’t expect him to be asked questions of that nature.

 

[NorCalTarheel]

Don’t expect him to be asked questions of that nature.

Why? Maybe he has some genius ideas that he is implementing that none of us know because no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light? Seems ridiculous that those people who are paid to ask questions, don't ask the hard ones.

 

[Archer2]

Why? Maybe he has some genius ideas that he is implementing that none of us know because no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light? Seems ridiculous that those people who are paid to ask questions, don't ask the hard ones.

“… no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light?”

You answered your own question.

 

[DSouthr]

It seems a lot of us have the same questions, so I'm sure the beat reporters covering UNC basketball have them too. I'm wondering why more people aren't asking Coach Davis directly about the hard questions. Are reporters afraid to ask direct questions anymore? Is everything have to be a softball for the coach for fear of not getting chosen the next press conference?

I would love someone to ask Coach Davis, who I love by the way, why our substitution pattern is so sporadic. I would love someone to ask him why certain players, who we all know who it is, will not get pulled regardless of effort or performance. There are a million more of these types of questions that we all ask each other, but no one seems to be asking the source. Are they asking these and I'm missing it? If so, I sure love to know where to go to see his responses.

Because I think we all know what Hubert would say? As to his sub patterns, he subs by the seat of his pants, it is most always situational (exception being fouls or injury), he feels certain players fit certain situations better, the situations change constantly so his sub pattern does as well, it is by feel rather than by plan.

His position on Caleb playing so many minutes even when things are not going well. He believes in Caleb, he believes that at any moment Caleb will explode with scoring and truth is we have seen that more than once happen. I do think there is a little bit of a blind spot there for Hubert not that he would say that of course. Hubert does not want this team to have to eat bad Caleb minutes & not get the good Caleb explosion at the end. I think Hubert feels Caleb can and will at any time shoot himself out of his slump and wants that to happen, can only happen by him continuing to shoot. That strikes me as a gamblers way at looking at losing money, I will win it all back and then some in the next few hands, until he is flat broke. Dunn stepped up big against Lville, Trimble has come up big in other games, heat is on this Caleb poor shooting efficiency problem.

 

[HoldenYo]

I got a question for Hubert also. Can anyone tell me why #3 is in the dog house?

 

[andrew jones]

It seems a lot of us have the same questions, so I'm sure the beat reporters covering UNC basketball have them too. I'm wondering why more people aren't asking Coach Davis directly about the hard questions. Are reporters afraid to ask direct questions anymore? Is everything have to be a softball for the coach for fear of not getting chosen the next press conference?

I would love someone to ask Coach Davis, who I love by the way, why our substitution pattern is so sporadic. I would love someone to ask him why certain players, who we all know who it is, will not get pulled regardless of effort or performance. There are a million more of these types of questions that we all ask each other, but no one seems to be asking the source. Are they asking these and I'm missing it? If so, I sure love to know where to go to see his responses.

Nobody fears not being called on, it doesn't work like that, and we all get to ask what we want. Second, he has been asked about that in numerous ways a lot, and he has answered it each time. I even wrote a piece on it and have discussed it in multiple podcasts.

 

[andrew jones]

“… no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light?”

You answered your own question.

Total BS. If you guys paid more attention to the pressers you'd know that's BS.

I am totally fine being criticized, but not having the stones to ask stuff I must rebuff. Ask any coach I've covered, including Hubert, if I (as well as the two other maiin writers covering UNC) have the stones to ask tough questions. They have been asked, it's just we don't ask with emotion as fans might because we aren't fans. There are ways to ask questions that give you a better chance of getting decent responses. I did it the other way early in my career and it rarely ever worked out, as coaches didn't provide much info.

Not having the stones, that's absurd.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Your journalism skills should never be questioned and I can fully understand why those who challenge your skills got a little bit under your skin…

Very few others have the insights and contacts to the team like you do and I have seen interviews on line where you ask Coach Davis questions where he cannot answer with a simple yes or no…

 

[kjcooper]

Andrew as you stated regarding journalism, you can ask questions in a manner which you may receive an answer, or they could be evasive. It's knowing how to ask not in order to put someone in a situation where they would simply state no comment. Most of us appreciate your professionalism in how you conduct yourself. Continue to provide us with reports on the communication which you currently have with the team.

 

[sctarheel30]

“… no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light?”

The fear of not being at the next press conference

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

“Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?”​

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Because I think we all know what Hubert would say? As to his sub patterns, he subs by the seat of his pants, it is most always situational (exception being fouls or injury), he feels certain players fit certain situations better, the situations change constantly so his sub pattern does as well, it is by feel rather than by plan.

His position on Caleb playing so many minutes even when things are not going well. He believes in Caleb, he believes that at any moment Caleb will explode with scoring and truth is we have seen that more than once happen. I do think there is a little bit of a blind spot there for Hubert not that he would say that of course. Hubert does not want this team to have to eat bad Caleb minutes & not get the good Caleb explosion at the end. I think Hubert feels Caleb can and will at any time shoot himself out of his slump and wants that to happen, can only happen by him continuing to shoot. That strikes me as a gamblers way at looking at losing money, I will win it all back and then some in the next few hands, until he is flat broke. Dunn stepped up big against Lville, Trimble has come up big in other games, heat is on this Caleb poor shooting efficiency problem.

Hubert clearly believes that even if Caleb isn't looking good, the team is better off with him on the floor.

That might even be true.

Let's face it, if you are the opposing coach you have to put one of your best defenders on Caleb, even if he is struggling. So to Hubert, taking him out not only means putting in a sub with less upside, but also makes coaching and assignments easier for your opponent.

 

[Tarheel75]

Why? Maybe he has some genius ideas that he is implementing that none of us know because no one has the stones to ask him any questions that may be painted in a negative light? Seems ridiculous that those people who are paid to ask questions, don't ask the hard ones.

You need to understand that during a game there are situations that develop that have to be countered either by offensive or defensive changes by substitution(s). The situation dictates the substitution. While it at times will appear as disjointed substitution patterns, it is actually situational substitutions that the staff feels are necessary to counteract a problem in the game that has had negative results. I too have questioned certain substitutions, however, it's not within my purview to argue for or against substitution patterns. Some are made just due to exhaustion and are needed to keep players rested and give us the best opportunity to win games. Others are made, I would believe, to counter the oppositions substitutions.

 

[FlaTarHeel]

Total BS.

Thank you, this board is full of it.

 

[notashelbyfan]

You need to understand that during a game there are situations that develop that have to be countered either by offensive or defensive changes by substitution(s). The situation dictates the substitution. While it at times will appear as disjointed substitution patterns, it is actually situational substitutions that the staff feels are necessary to counteract a problem in the game that has had negative results. I too have questioned certain substitutions, however, it's not within my purview to argue for or against substitution patterns. Some are made just due to exhaustion and are needed to keep players rested and give us the best opportunity to win games. Others are made, I would believe, to counter the oppositions substitutions.

You know agree with most all of this but I do recall that when Roy was coaching his substitution patterns were consistent to a fault, regardless of the situation!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

You know agree with most all of this but I do recall that when Roy was coaching his substitution patterns were consistent to a fault, regardless of the situation!

Roy was willing to give people PT early in the season, even if it might jeopardize a win. Hubert seems too insecure to do that. And he's probably right to be. There are some people who don't think he should have the job, so his seat isn't as secure as Roy's was.

It probably doesn't matter that much, except in those rare time when you need replacements down the stretch. With Roy, thanks to his PT generosity early on, the guys on the bench were more likely to be up to speed. Plus, they probably felt good about the program.

 

[NorCalTarheel]

Andrew Jones, I certainly was not meaning to signal you out and if you have asked those questions, you are right, I have not seen them nor the answers.

75, i respect you as much as any poster on this board but I too have played college basketball. Perhaps not at the level you have, but I certainly have been exposed to probably as many coaches as you have and have not ever seen a substitution pattern (or lack thereof) like the one I'm watching now. Maybe I'm just an old fart, but when I was playing, you earned your time in practice and if you played well in a game, you earn time for more game time. I don't understand how, for example, Washington can have a terrific game and not see the floor for 15 minutes into the game. Substitution patterns for puff, dunn, styles, nickels, and trimble, have all been similar.

It is certainly not my style too attack anyone. I am seriously asking this questions and certainly don't mean to demean anyone nor their efforts

 

[Tarheel75]

Andrew Jones, I certainly was not meaning to signal you out and if you have asked those questions, you are right, I have not seen them nor the answers.

75, i respect you as much as any poster on this board but I too have played college basketball. Perhaps not at the level you have, but I certainly have been exposed to probably as many coaches as you have and have not ever seen a substitution pattern (or lack thereof) like the one I'm watching now. Maybe I'm just an old fart, but when I was playing, you earned your time in practice and if you played well in a game, you earn time for more game time. I don't understand how, for example, Washington can have a terrific game and not see the floor for 15 minutes into the game. Substitution patterns for puff, dunn, styles, nickels, and trimble, have all been similar.

It is certainly not my style too attack anyone. I am seriously asking this questions and certainly don't mean to demean anyone nor their efforts

I understand your angst, and I really think that your question would be an interesting one to put to Hubert on his weekly show, just to see how he would respond. I appreciate the respect you have for me; however, I would be the first to tell you that I don't have all of the answers. The answers you're looking for will have to be supplied by Coach Davis, since he is the one who makes the decisions on substitutes.

 

[gauchoheel]

Don’t expect him to be asked questions of that nature.

He wouldn't answer them anyway. A question like "Why are our subs so sporadic?", if it was answered at all, would be answered with something like "We're playing the players that earn playing time".

Hubert is rightly vague with the media, as he has nothing to gain from interviews. He's not going to bad mouth the players or the coaching staff. And it's true as well that no media member trying to preserve their job/access is going to ask super provocative questions. I do wish they would ask more about strategy than about narratives/emotions.

 

[dadika13]

It seems a lot of us have the same questions, so I'm sure the beat reporters covering UNC basketball have them too. I'm wondering why more people aren't asking Coach Davis directly about the hard questions. Are reporters afraid to ask direct questions anymore? Is everything have to be a softball for the coach for fear of not getting chosen the next press conference?

I would love someone to ask Coach Davis, who I love by the way, why our substitution pattern is so sporadic. I would love someone to ask him why certain players, who we all know who it is, will not get pulled regardless of effort or performance. There are a million more of these types of questions that we all ask each other, but no one seems to be asking the source. Are they asking these and I'm missing it? If so, I sure love to know where to go to see his responses.

AJ did actually ask him that so not sure what you guys are talking about. Was asked specifically about our bench usage being ranked very low nationally before the UVA game.

Hubert kinda side stepped it. He said game flow and situation determine when he'll use the bench less or more and that he loves having the option with guys who can play bleh bleh bleh.

He's been asked, he's just political with it and won't give you a straight answer.

 

[alabamaheel]

Maybe the nil dealers will get involved and require more info about their employees. I say that tongue and cheek but also with disgust.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I don't understand how, for example, Washington can have a terrific game and not see the floor for 15 minutes into the game.

With Bacot back, no need to start Washington.

Plus Washington had a good half at UVa, not a good game. Whether due to fatigue or Bennett making adjustments, he wasn't very effective in the 2nd half. So better to keep him as backup for a wounded Armando.

I liked that Puff got the start and played starter minutes (26).

I know that some were calling for Nickel or Styles to start, and I would have been OK with those options, too. Or with Seth starting to guard Ellis. But Puff was the best choice, imo, because he's at that shit-or-get-off-the-pot stage of his career. He needs the PT to show he can be the guy we need him to be. He got it against Louisville.

I'd like to hear some of our gurus analyze Puff's performance. To me he looked OK. Considering the quality of the opposition, just OK.

 

[sdingeldein]

AJ is one of the most professional reporters out there. What do some want? For him to ask "Hey, X sucks wind, why is he playing at all?" LOL.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I don't think we need to defend AJ. I didn't take the OP to be an attack on him, personally, and AJ defended himself more than adequately.

I don't watch a lot of press conferences, but saying there are softballs isn't wrong.

OTOH, I've seen AJ ask some tough ones that were borderline impertinent. I approve!

 

[Championheels]

Hubert is getting the guys more acclimated for the pro sub patterns and situational subbing. Doesn't always translate in college game. Got some really good young talent that needs some burn, to grow and rest starters.

 

[TVJ]

As a play-by-play broadcaster of college sports for many years, I affirm the fact that it is not what you ask but how you ask it. (I learned some things the hard way!) All coaches have egos, and most (not like Dean or Roy) have job security in the back of their minds (if not at the forefront) at all times. They will cooperate if treated professionally and with respect, but no one is going to give the "intimate details" that a lot of fans crave, and most, like politicians, want to paint the most positive picture positive. All in all, there is usually a good bit of information available once you learn a coach's personality, how best to approach them, and how to "read between the lines."

 

[TPFKAPFS]

The premise of this thread is ridiculous. Not only have the exact questions been asked, they have been answered and not with any type of sidestep. He said, he bases his substitution PATTERN on situations, in response to moves by opponents, foul/injury, and effectiveness in practice. He has more of a pro style and there is nothing arbitrary about it. Why would Family even think to doubt his word? He put Dunn in instead of Trimble because he is longer and stronger. It worked perfectly! He started the perfect lineup and didn't force a player out of his depth in Washington and it worked perfectly. He isn't Roy and will never be! In fact many peeps on here complained that Roy wasn't DES. The problem has been since he was hired that peeps have an agenda and it requires they listen through their own filter and ignore anything that doesn't fit the narrative! I'm sure many on here could respond coach their way through the incredible expectations, setbacks, and injuries better than our coach, but it might be helpful if you actually try to help our team instead of helping opponents tear it down! Maybe he should continue to reward peeps that can be consistent in their effort, defense, and focus. Maybe he should continue to be positive and keep refusing to air the team's dirty laundry in public. Maybe he should mentor his team, especially Caleb, in his own way and maybe listen to his staff more than us!

I also don't understand why anyone who has read even one article on this site could even think to question the reporters who work to provide us this resource!

Go Tar Heels!
Continue your work, Hubs!

 

[midline]

I don't know why Hubert isn't asked certain things. I wish I were in the press to have a shot at a couple questions. And although it is hard to imagine in this day and time, I just have to figure it is the long standing tradition of not questioning the tree of Dean. Dean was never pushed on many issues. Neither was Roy after Dean got him to come back to Chapel Hill. Roy basically picked Hubert, so to this point it looks like any questioning of his decisions is out of bounds.

 

[dtodd4475]

Roy was willing to give people PT early in the season, even if it might jeopardize a win. Hubert seems too insecure to do that. And he's probably right to be. There are some people who don't think he should have the job, so his seat isn't as secure as Roy's was.

It probably doesn't matter that much, except in those rare time when you need replacements down the stretch. With Roy, thanks to his PT generosity early on, the guys on the bench were more likely to be up to speed. Plus, they probably felt good about the program.

Not sure if it is his insecurity, but just a different philosophy on PT. Others have said Hubert side steps the questions on PT, I think he has been very consistent and forthright.

He has not wavered in saying he believes PT is earned, he will play to the game situation and the personal he feels best for it.

He has been steadfast in saying that the bench guys need to be ready from practice, that you don't know when, but the spot almost always comes up, so be ready.

It may not be the answers that some want, but he has been very consistent in his mindset or philosophy on the issue.

 

[DSouthr]

With Bacot back, no need to start Washington.

Plus Washington had a good half at UVa, not a good game. Whether due to fatigue or Bennett making adjustments, he wasn't very effective in the 2nd half. So better to keep him as backup for a wounded Armando.

I liked that Puff got the start and played starter minutes (26).

I know that some were calling for Nickel or Styles to start, and I would have been OK with those options, too. Or with Seth starting to guard Ellis. But Puff was the best choice, imo, because he's at that shit-or-get-off-the-pot stage of his career. He needs the PT to show he can be the guy we need him to be. He got it against Louisville.

I'd like to hear some of our gurus analyze Puff's performance. To me he looked OK. Considering the quality of the opposition, just OK.

Puff, yeah, lets discuss Puff, anything to get away from this nonsense of defending Andrew's honor as a reporter, his work needs no defending, it stands on it's own merit as outstanding.

Love Puff (more than pass, LOL), we have barely seen the tip of the iceberg of this kid's ability. He has been side tracked with nagging injuries what feels like his entire time with us. Kid can shoot the ball folks, I do think his release could be quicker and a touch higher. He has a funny kind for almost side saddle type of release on his shot that seems to need that extra split second to get his feet right and go up on balance so preparing earlier (before the catch) he needs to work on.

In truth, was a bit disappointed the kid didn't add weight this last off season, felt that was a key for him, even as a wing. He struggles with physical play, not from a lack of will mind you, he will stick his nose in there no matter how big the opponent may be, no fear in that kid. But the math is easy, 200lbs going against 240lbs in the paint, 240lbs wins. Puff, Cam had the same problem, does not have one of those frames that are easy to add weight to, that is why Cam elected to make his bones outside, may be what Puff needs to do as well. Cam was a bit slow to come on in college, he as well had a hip issue that limited him until his senior season with us. According to Cam his brother Puff is the better shooter of the 2, is that just Cam looking to pump his brother up or is that how he really feels? I will say that when Puff puts up a jumper, most times I feel it is going in even when it doesn't, I do think he could look for more ops in his wheel house to shoot and his mates could do a better job of finding him in his spots.

 

[tmatheny]

While I am one of the first to complain about Hubert's subbing during games, I do think it's improving (even if out of necessity with injuries). I don't mind what seems by the seat of his pants bc I do think he goes with matchups and what is needed. I get more aggravated by lack of minutes which again is improving.

However, I disagree with pulling Caleb due to "effort or performance." While his performance shooting wise has been lacking I don't see it as a lack of effort. The kid plays hard- maybe too hard. Everything we have been told and that I read, he puts in the effort outside of competition as well. Also, for the most part lately (he hasn't been perfect but none of them have been) he has been key down the stretch for us in other ways besides shooting- defenses, running offense, taking one of best defenders from other team, confidence, etc. He drives me nuts at times but I think he is more beneficial on the court normally than not especially if we look at performance more than just shooting.

 

[Archer2]

While I am one of the first to complain about Hubert's subbing during games, I do think it's improving (even if out of necessity with injuries).

However, I disagree with pulling Caleb due to "effort or performance." While his performance shooting wise has been lacking I don't see it as a lack of effort. The kid plays hard- maybe too hard.

I agree with the first paragraph. We’ll have to agree to disagree on the second, especially the highlighted part with which I couldn’t disagree more.

 

[heelmanwilm]

Somebody ask him why he doesn’t throw to the tight end more

 

[gunslingerdick]

I'm mixed on Hubert's relationship with the press. Sometimes I love a likable guy that is willing to entertain all types of questions - a Roy Williams type of guy. But I also sometimes love the Bill Belichicks of the world that meet the press with disgust and speak vaguely about things almost as a way to say "leave me alone". But the latter have to be guys like Belichick that have earned that status. Hubert isn't there. And Hubert also doesn't have that personality. He's an affable guy and seems willing to engage with the press. But if he's going to be that, he needs to go all the way and be forthcoming.

 

[2-6 Cumberland]

He has been asked those questions. He was taking a pounding because of his substitution patterns. any many aspects they have been wildly unsuccessful. I believe our point guard coming in next year should change a lot of his apprehension. If he loses in the NCAA tournament because of his inability to understand what substitution means, he'll get it, and it won't be pretty.