Blue-White Game Biorhythms

[Bigs23]

I think Wilson, Trimble, Luka and Henri are going to be good to great. Just not sure about the rest of the team.

If we get good to great from those 4 it’s going to be a good season.

There’s enough complementary talent to piece together a quality 7/8 man rotation.

Evans
Powell
Young
Stevenson

Brown
High
Dixon
Denis

 

[UNCatTech]

Did we win?

 

[SnoopRob]

Did we win?

Yes. And no.

 

[nycfan]

Got around to watching most of the first half and a highlight reel. Obviously it is very early, ply was understandably raw etc, but I was glad to get to watch.

Random thoughts:

* I literally had to have a copy of the roster to figure out who was who, especially since first video I watched was by a fan in the crowd and you couldn’t hear the announcer saying names after a score

* first impression was this team has more overall physical talent and potential than last year, but I don’t get a top 15 team vibe

* the play was at about 75% speed/intensity, which is fine in this setting, though a few guys looked more like 50% (ahem Jarin Stevenson)

* we seemed to be trying to add a pick and roll to the offense, which is good if for no other reason than to hopefully help our guy learn to defend the pick and roll

* we had plenty of height but hard to tell quality; Veesaar was clearly the best big, but he didn’t look as physically strong as I expected; Brown seems to have developed and have potential; Zayden has tantalizing skill if he can learn to defend and keep a straight head

* Kyan Evans looked solid — he was being guarded by Seth, so I felt good overall (yes, perhaps a bit relieved) that he looks the part as a lead guard;

* Caleb Wilson looks like the best player on the squad, potentially by quite a bit, but unsurprisingly for a fresh, he also will be limited by lack of physical strength at times; Jarin defended him a good bit, so Caleb was often facing a similarly athletic and long player with several years P4 experience

* Luka has potential to be a microwave but his ball-handling was extremely suspect; not so sure he is interested in defense; he didn’t look not look as tall as advertised, but who knows

* how much are we supposed to expect from Young and Powell? Both looked like potentially solid contributors off the bench, though Young’s shooting form needs work

Rough and ragged but some potential there if the team can find some chemistry, figure out a rotation and develop a go-to player for tight games

 

[Zoo_View]

Got around to watching most of the first half and a highlight reel. Obviously it is very early, ply was understandably raw etc, but I was glad to get to watch.

Random thoughts:

* I literally had to have a copy of the roster to figure out who was who, especially since first video I watched was by a fan in the crowd and you couldn’t hear the announcer saying names after a score

* first impression was this team has more overall physical talent and potential than last year, but I don’t get a top 15 team vibe

* the play was at about 75% speed/intensity, which is fine in this setting, though a few guys looked more like 50% (ahem Jarin Stevenson)

* we seemed to be trying to add a pick and roll to the offense, which is good if for no other reason than to hopefully help our guy learn to defend the pick and roll

* we had plenty of height but hard to tell quality; Veesaar was clearly the best big, but he didn’t look as physically strong as I expected; Brown seems to have developed and have potential; Zayden has tantalizing skill if he can learn to defend and keep a straight head

* Kyan Evans looked solid — he was being guarded by Seth, so I felt good overall (yes, perhaps a bit relieved) that he looks the part as a lead guard;

* Caleb Wilson looks like the best player on the squad, potentially by quite a bit, but unsurprisingly for a fresh, he also will be limited by lack of physical strength at times; Jarin defended him a good bit, so Caleb was often facing a similarly athletic and long player with several years P4 experience

* Luka has potential to be a microwave but his ball-handling was extremely suspect; not so sure he is interested in defense; he didn’t look not look as tall as advertised, but who knows

* how much are we supposed to expect from Young and Powell? Both looked like potentially solid contributors off the bench, though Young’s shooting form needs work

Rough and ragged but some potential there if the team can find some chemistry, figure out a rotation and develop a go-to player for tight games

Pretty much my thoughts. I had to watch the video 5-6 times because I found it all so damn boring.

Team has A LONG WAY TO GO defensively. And handling the ball.

 

[superrific]

Got around to watching most of the first half and a highlight reel. Obviously it is very early, ply was understandably raw etc, but I was glad to get to watch.

Random thoughts:

* I literally had to have a copy of the roster to figure out who was who, especially since first video I watched was by a fan in the crowd and you couldn’t hear the announcer saying names after a score

* first impression was this team has more overall physical talent and potential than last year, but I don’t get a top 15 team vibe

* the play was at about 75% speed/intensity, which is fine in this setting, though a few guys looked more like 50% (ahem Jarin Stevenson)

* we seemed to be trying to add a pick and roll to the offense, which is good if for no other reason than to hopefully help our guy learn to defend the pick and roll

* we had plenty of height but hard to tell quality; Veesaar was clearly the best big, but he didn’t look as physically strong as I expected; Brown seems to have developed and have potential; Zayden has tantalizing skill if he can learn to defend and keep a straight head

* Kyan Evans looked solid — he was being guarded by Seth, so I felt good overall (yes, perhaps a bit relieved) that he looks the part as a lead guard;

* Caleb Wilson looks like the best player on the squad, potentially by quite a bit, but unsurprisingly for a fresh, he also will be limited by lack of physical strength at times; Jarin defended him a good bit, so Caleb was often facing a similarly athletic and long player with several years P4 experience

* Luka has potential to be a microwave but his ball-handling was extremely suspect; not so sure he is interested in defense; he didn’t look not look as tall as advertised, but who knows

* how much are we supposed to expect from Young and Powell? Both looked like potentially solid contributors off the bench, though Young’s shooting form needs work

Rough and ragged but some potential there if the team can find some chemistry, figure out a rotation and develop a go-to player for tight games

I think Evans and Trimble are the best players. Wilson could be by season's end but he's not there yet, in my view. I'm glad someone else noticed Luka really struggling. Different environment, different system, maybe he just needs some practice and getting used to a new system.

 

[mpaer]

I think Evans and Trimble are the best players. Wilson could be by season's end but he's not there yet, in my view. I'm glad someone else noticed Luka really struggling. Different environment, different system, maybe he just needs some practice and getting used to a new system.

I have watched nothing so far-out of town guests. I am just glad to hear you think we have a point guard I had no clue how good this guy might be...sounds we have a decent PG

 

[superrific]

I have watched nothing so far-out of town guests. I am just glad to hear you think we have a point guard I had no clue how good this guy might be...sounds we have a decent PG

Don't be too glad just on my word. I ain't a talent scout.

 

[Centerpiece]

Got around to watching most of the first half and a highlight reel. Obviously it is very early, ply was understandably raw etc, but I was glad to get to watch.

Random thoughts:

* I literally had to have a copy of the roster to figure out who was who, especially since first video I watched was by a fan in the crowd and you couldn’t hear the announcer saying names after a score

* first impression was this team has more overall physical talent and potential than last year, but I don’t get a top 15 team vibe

* the play was at about 75% speed/intensity, which is fine in this setting, though a few guys looked more like 50% (ahem Jarin Stevenson)

* we seemed to be trying to add a pick and roll to the offense, which is good if for no other reason than to hopefully help our guy learn to defend the pick and roll

* we had plenty of height but hard to tell quality; Veesaar was clearly the best big, but he didn’t look as physically strong as I expected; Brown seems to have developed and have potential; Zayden has tantalizing skill if he can learn to defend and keep a straight head

* Kyan Evans looked solid — he was being guarded by Seth, so I felt good overall (yes, perhaps a bit relieved) that he looks the part as a lead guard;

* Caleb Wilson looks like the best player on the squad, potentially by quite a bit, but unsurprisingly for a fresh, he also will be limited by lack of physical strength at times; Jarin defended him a good bit, so Caleb was often facing a similarly athletic and long player with several years P4 experience

* Luka has potential to be a microwave but his ball-handling was extremely suspect; not so sure he is interested in defense; he didn’t look not look as tall as advertised, but who knows

* how much are we supposed to expect from Young and Powell? Both looked like potentially solid contributors off the bench, though Young’s shooting form needs work

Rough and ragged but some potential there if the team can find some chemistry, figure out a rotation and develop a go-to player for tight games

Good observations and agree with all of this.
I will add:

• Luka looked slow of foot... not sure how effective he will be defensively... and the dodgy ball handling as you pointed out. He does seem like he can be a good spot up 3-point shooter... and he did get his 3 shot off, off the bounce and when guarded a couple of times, but I was not overly impressed for the most part. Hopefully the game will slow down for him
• Caleb looks like he can be a monster - and a load for any team to guard him one on one
• Powell looked solid on the wing with his jumpers and seemed to do alright guarding Seth from time to time
• Nice to see Veesar hit that 3 at the top of the key. We've been missing that component from our 5 position for a long time. I'll always remember Sam Perkins being killer at that shot back in the day. Huge weapon on the secondary break.
• I think Stevenson will be alright in the long run. Pine time has a way of lighting a fire.
• I feel OK with Evans or Seth at the point.

 

[takingAdookie]

Don't discount Dixon the kid can ball, homie.

 

[donbosco]

I see Evans as a very steady and reliable point. I'm good with that. Three assists a game and 10 ppg.

It is clearly Trimble's Team. He is in charge.

Veesaar has two extra vowels and a good deal of mobility. He's going to make other teams cover him honestly. He'll be a positive even on night's when his stats are stuffed. But he'll also have some big nights.

Powell is a solid player with an all-around game it appears. Will be a plus on the court.

Young, the transfer from Goldsboro and VaTech, moved the ball well (had 6 assists) and brings some Down East toughness and a sense of the ACC historically to Chapel Hill (he's going to understand the hate generated in the league).

Stevenson worries me a bit. He seems indecisive. He's so close to home now. He came back expecting to be a hero...and starting. The latter isn't likely. Hope his mind is right.

Bogavac is a shooter. I don't expect much else from him. If he plays adequate defense and keeps the ball moving while hitting 37=40% of his treys we've got a good deal.

I think Derek Dixon will win minutes and be a contributor by Christmas.

James Brown and Zayden High are battling for who is the first off the bench and in for Veesaar. I liked Brown's game...the simplicity of it is a positive for me. High's things has always been his motor. It is still there and running. You can see that he was once a guard -- he brings that point of view to the court. Play this right and they can both be contributors though one may ultimately play their way into the most minutes.

Caleb Wilson is a spark...no, a bolt of lightning...and the kind of player that can do it all. I hope he plays well enough to go pro after one but is smart enough to stay two.

All told this was a sloppy scrimmage with few well-executed moments. Defense is still at a visceral playground level (I expect that to change as time goes by -- if not, they we're in some trouble).

This is a top 15 team though the battle into that type of ranking (barring a win over Kansas in Chapel Hill) will be a slog.

 

[donbosco]

Of course...ultimately it is all about the ritmos...

 

[UNCMSinLS]

I was shocked at how slight Veesaar appeared - thinner than freshman-year John Henson. It looks like he's been cross-training with Kristi Noem. I worry that he's going to get pushed all over the court in ACC and big-time non-conference games. I know you can't teach seven-foot but eat a hamburger or two, big guy.

 

[stankeylegjones]

To be honest, I don’t think this team has as much talent as last year’s team. It will be interesting to see the rest of the landscape.

 

[superrific]

To be honest, I don’t think this team has as much talent as last year’s team. It will be interesting to see the rest of the landscape.

Well the overall talent level in college basketball is going to be lower because it just graduated two senior classes.

 

[stankeylegjones]

Well the overall talent level in college basketball is going to be lower because it just graduated two senior classes.

Don’t think it works that way

 

[Calheel]

To be honest, I don’t think this team has as much talent as last year’s team. It will be interesting to see the rest of the landscape.

It may not have as much talent, but the pieces should (emphasize should) fit together much better. RJ, Seth, Ian and Elliot were the most talented players (along with Drake) but they could only play two positions. The guy we paid a lot of money for the three couldn't hit the broadside of the barn, and we couldn't convince any big to play for us.

We would have been much better served to have less talent spread out more equally across the five positions.

 

[stankeylegjones]

It may not have as much talent, but the pieces should (emphasize should) fit together much better. RJ, Seth, Ian and Elliot were the most talented players (along with Drake) but they could only play two positions. The guy we paid a lot of money for the three couldn't hit the broadside of the barn, and we couldn't convince any big to play for us.

We would have been much better served to have less talent spread out more equally across the five positions.

HD and staff didn’t do that team any favors. That team should have been top 25 all year.

Hopefully this year will be different.

 

[Calheel]

HD and staff didn’t do that team any favors. That team should have been top 25 all year.

Hopefully this year will be different.

Well, that is one of my biggest reservations about this year. I'm very unsold on HD's coaching chops. His offenses, in particular, have lacked the coherence of Smith's motion or Roy's secondary break. They remind me of our football offense after the first scripted drive is over.

 

[nycfan]

I was shocked at how slight Veesaar appeared - thinner than freshman-year John Henson. It looks like he's been cross-training with Kristi Noem. I worry that he's going to get pushed all over the court in ACC and big-time non-conference games. I know you can't teach seven-foot but eat a hamburger or two, big guy.

Veesaar is not as beefy as I expected but he is bulkier than even junior John Henson.