UNC ONLY BASKETBALL 2024-25 SEASON

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nycfan said:
Random thoughts

* This century, I have learned to go into the first preseason game after a lot of roster turnover with trepidation; a lot to work on this season, but I did not see signs of a 2010 or 2020 or 2022 or (God forbid) 2002 train wreck. I didn’t expect that, either, but I guess I feared it more than I knew.

* Seth looked great, obviously. So glad he came back. His handle is still suspect against ball pressure but otherwise improved in every aspect.

* Elliot looked great in stretches but lost his focus during one key stretch of the first half and last 5 minutes of the game.

* we still need a more effective inbounds play against pressure — had some Baylor flashbacks

* Tyson plays hard but needs to adjust to how strong he has to be with the ball and how quick the competition is at this level — he was rushing some shots (I have read he has a quick release but he still looked too rushed to me at times) and then was hesitant at other times. His head fake worked a few times but it is slow motion. He really picked up rebounding over the course of the game.

* captain Jack was thinking too much and trying to play too fast — resulted to turnovers and head on a swivel on defense. A tough start but you can see him trying to work it out — he needs enough experience to be able to relax and react out there — but at one point early in the second half his +/- was -16, which is pretty brutal

* Powell looks to me like he is adjusting more quickly and could be a key contributor pretty quickly

* Lubin was a bit disappointing to me tonight. Not sure what I expected but thought he looked overmatched at time and didn’t seem to have great hands on offense - could be just learning his new system and needing time to get to know the team

* Withers — who was totally NOT responsible for RJ’s injury — Was Withers. Foul trouble, rebounds, super athletic moves followed by curiously uncoordinated plays

* Washington looked great from three and at the line, less solid making space in the post. Defensively, too many times he got pinned deep in the lane and got stuck in some very awkward defensive positions on inbounds and pick and roll plays.

A really solid scrimmage this early in the season. LOTS to improve upon and hopefully learn from. Rotations are definitely a work in progress.

When RJ gets back, we may start Cadeau, RJ, Seth, Tyson and Washington, but it might not take long after the season starts for Powell to take that hybrid 3/4 starting role. Dude oozes defensive potential.
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If Tyson doesn't shoot when he is open, Hubert is going to pull him. It is very clear that it is a point of emphasis with Hubert.

It is also clear that Tyson is no Dalton Knecht. He may even have a way to get to Cormac Ryan status. If Cade wants to play, he can't play scared. There is too much talent on the bench for him not to do the thing that he was brought into do.
 
Cadeau was pretty thoughtless with the ball in the final moments. He can't do that. Nor can he afford to shoot 25% from the line.

Tyson was off on his shot obviously...he was blocked at least twice, maybe three times. He is supposed to have a very quick release but if he hesitates in making up his mind to shoot that quickness is all for naught. He did step up on the boards (led the team for the night) in the second half. Withers is Withers...just a phenomenally mercurial player. Powell literally got better over the course of the game and his defensive mindset and deceptive length are going to get him minutes...even a starting slot if Tyson doesn't start hitting his shot. Ian Jackson was pressing clearly (those shoes didn't help any) but he covers a lot of court and will help eventually.

Jalen Washington was solid though the fear that he might be pushed around in the paint is real...he let himself be maneuvered out of position several times. That said, he was 6-7 and 2-2 from Three with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals for 17 points. Damn good showing. Lubin is quite small but I thought he moved without the ball well. Where he fits in remains to be seen.

Trimble...damn.
 
donbosco said:
Jalen Washington was solid though the fear that he might be pushed around in the paint is real...he let himself be maneuvered out of position several times.
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I thought he held his own as good as anyone could hope against a big like Dain

I mean it's still a concern, but nothing I saw last night to make me more concerned

Most importantly he looked more mobile than he has and was moving better in space
 
Still can't believe this team doesn't have a legitimate 4. A total shame with all the other pieces

I'd rather not see Withers anywhere but the 5 and Lubin gives me similar vibes
 
Heelsandeers said:
Still can't believe this team doesn't have a legitimate 4. A total shame with all the other pieces

I'd rather not see Withers anywhere but the 5 and Lubin gives me similar vibes
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Dainja was eerily reminiscent of Slim Charles from the wire. Not so slim though.
 
I've had dreams where I'm hooping like Ian was yesterday

Drake is going to be an important piece. I think you can try to utilize him at the 3/4 in a similar way that Trimble was being used last year. Defensive stopper and someone who can get downhill and attack

But like last season Trimble that jumper is an issue
 
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I didn’t watch the whole game, but from what I saw, Tyson looked fine. He just didn’t hit his open shots. Now if that continues, that’s a problem, but I don’t think it will. If he can hit those at at least a 40% clip, that’ll be huge.
 
I thought Tyson moved well enough to play at this level. He certainly used his size and athleticism to get rebounds. He's not likely to be a great defender, but I think he can be effective. But he's absolutely got to shoot with no fear. His hesitancy behind the three point line was the only thing that bothered me (and apparently Hubert as well), but it could just be first game jitters.
 
GoHeelsweeeehoooo said:
I'm worried that Tyson is not athletic enough to play at this level
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Which is pretty much what a lot of people were saying about Manek at this stage of his career. Not saying that Tyson will be that but a first game on the road with your best three point shooter on the bench is tough when it means he's the one getting most of the perimeter attention. If this is still true 5-10 games in, then he wasn't the whole answer. Could still help, even then.

Not picking on you because so many people do it today about everything but why is it so important to be the first with an opinion? I know it's easier than giving the best opinion, which none us probably ever will do but, at least, that's a goal worth attempting. Personally, I'm not so in love with my own words that I enjoy eating them.
 
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