UNC - Bahamas

http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/434536.html

Ok, so they played two teams that are slightly better than high school teams. Still not a problem with them getting in all the extra scrimmage games they can.

Glad to see they could score at least. Copeland did a lot better than I expected. I hate we didn't get to see what Ginyard can do and not sure how long he may be out.

Here’s a player-by-player analysis of each player’s performance:

1 – Marcus Ginyard

Did not play – broken left wrist. He underwent surgery today.

3 – Reyshawn Terry

Terry has clearly increased his size, strength and intensity. As good as he looked in Saturday’s game against the Real Deal Shockers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks), he was even more impressive on Sunday (27 pts., 8 rebs., 4 stls., 4 blks.) versus a better team, the Y Cares Wreckers. Against this competition – athletic and skilled to a degree, but hardly well-coached or organized, Terry was flat out dazzling. Unless something changes drastically between now and the season opener against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 19, he is the “go-to-scorer” for the Tar Heels this year – especially from an inside and out perspective. Terry is a good shooter, not a great one; but he appears to be able to take over games and loves to play above the rim. He should be All-ACC before he’s done at Carolina.

4 – Bobby Frasor

Frasor played 20 minutes in the first game and just 15 in the second due to a sore shoulder that had to be iced down most of Sunday. Playing mostly at two-guard, he didn’t shoot very well, 3-for-12 from the field and 0-for-5 from three-point range, but was still impressive nevertheless. And you could tell he had a good shooting touch, the ball just wasn’t falling for him. His court savvy is as advertised, but he’s also strong and athletic and quick on defense. One of the best things he did on one occasion was let a dribbler get by him intentionally and then at precisely the right time, spin around and rip the ball out of his hands with both hands. He gets the ball out fast on the break and can pass or take it to the hoop.

11 – Quentin Thomas

He’s certainly not Raymond Felton yet and may never be, but if the season started today, Thomas is the starting point guard – Williams said on Saturday the job is up for grabs between Thomas, Frasor and Wes Miller. The most improved thing about Thomas is he’s playing much more under control (15 asts. against 3 TOs in two days). The other thing you can tell is the work he’s done in the weight room this summer. He’s stronger and seems to have matured a great deal. And of course he’s still gnat-quick and can get around and through double teams bringing the ball up the court better than anyone on the team; however Frasor is a pretty dependable ball handler as well. Thomas’ shooting percentage was OK (5-for-12 FGs), but most of his points came on breakaway layups. Unofficially he only converted one jumper on the weekend. Lots of potential here as a playmaker and defender, and Thomas has certainly been taking his coach’s advice and working hard during the offseason.

“The first game everyone turned it over except Quentin, so I felt like he made some strides,” Williams said. “Bobby was curtailed because of the problem with his shoulder. Wes played a little at the point, but more at the two.”

14 – Danny Green

In just 13 minutes (he injured his thigh and didn’t play on Sunday), Green grab 10 rebounds (4 offensive) and had two assists and a block and went to the foul line twice where he was 3-for-4. He really gets himself into the mix. He did turn the ball over five times, but that was early against the Shockers, which were pressing as soon as they got out of the pickup truck that brought them to the stadium. Other than that, just hard to tell much more since he played so little.

22 – Wes Miller

Miller played about as well has he could have – 35 points in two games – although he did miss his share of shots (11-for-27 FGs, 9-for-22 3FGs). He got a great deal of playing time (32 minutes per game), had five assists; and after turning the ball over seven times in the first game, he had no miscues in the second. Miller’s lack of height makes him have to work as hard as anyone on the court, and arguably, he does. He got everything out of his ability this weekend, and whether or not he gets much playing time this season, he’s definitely stepped up the level of his play and his confidence has grown.

25 – Damion Grant

The good news is Grant did play and at times got up and down the court as well has he ever has in college. His 10 rebounds in two games was a positive, although he got most of those early in the first contest. He may be in the best shape he’s been at Carolina, but he’s still a long ways away from being capable of contributing regularly. Unfortunately for Grant, he appeared to tweak his knee late in the second game. And it’s not just his conditioning or the health that slows him - his development as a low post player is still a ways behind.

34 – David Noel

Noel is the most solid and versatile contributor on the team (25 pts., 19 rebs., 4 stls.). He’s the leader, both vocally and by example. There will be rare instances this year when there’s a better all-around athlete on the floor. Noel intimidates with his physique and his ability. He’s going to score more this season, but he’s going to do more of everything else as well this season. He’s the Tar Heels' heart and soul, and will likely be the team MVP. Noel has always gone to the goal strong offensively and his defense is impressive. But last weekend he appeared to be more intent on finishing his drives to the basket with authority. Along with Terry, Noel dunked at will and played the game at a higher altitude than everyone else. He can get up and rock the house as well as any former Tar Heel – including Michael Jordan, Vince Carter and Jerry Stackhouse. He does need to work on his ball handling, but there is no pressure on him offensively or defensively. He lets the game come to him when UNC has the ball, and is talented enough to freelance instinctively when it doesn’t.

40 – Michael Copeland

Copeland was the most pleasant surprise for the Tar Heels last weekend. He’s thicker than expected. He shows the potential to be a very good rebounder and he can stick it back in the basket strong (18 pts., 10 rebs.). He was out of game shape and had little to no idea where he was supposed to be in Williams’ scheme. Heck, he only fully qualified to play last Thursday. But considering those limitations, Copeland was impressive. There is no way outside of injury that Copeland doesn’t get substantial minutes this year.

“He’s very coachable,” Williams said. “He wants to do the right thing. He’s a youngster who had to do a heck of a lot of extra work to be here as supposed to being at some other places that were not requiring the extra work, but he desperately wanted to be here and worked his tail off this summer and did the things we asked him to do.”

41 – Byron Sanders

For the first half on Saturday, it looked liked the same Sanders UNC fans have seen for three years – a step slow, a little clumsy and easily moved out of the paint. But then something began to click and he began to look much more comfortable in the flow of the game. Sunday he was at his best, doubling his points and rebounding totals from the previous day (he combined for 18 points and nine rebounds for the weekend). As a senior and with so much youth on the team, he should be a solid contributor – especially early in the year while the freshmen gain experience.

“He is doing some things much better – his concern, his interest, his desire, his want-to is at a very much higher level than last year,” Williams said. “He sees there’s a possibility there for playing time and I think he’s going to work much harder for it and be more into it mentally and physically.”

50 – Tyler Hansbrough

Hansbrough will not be denied under the basket and he runs the floor extremely well. He’s tough, fierce, relentless, and unflappable and has a nose for the ball. When he gets it on the blocks, more often than not the ball is either going in the basket or he’s going to the foul line, where he shoots free throws well (37 pts., 12 rebs., 11-for-20 FGs, 15-for-19 FTs). He passes and he dribbles well for a big man. He can take it from one end of the floor to the other and finish. He likes to dunk and take it up chest-to-chest with his defender. He’s going frustrate many opposing low-post players during his career at UNC. He can face up and also flashed a nice touch on a half hook shot as well. On the other hand, Hansbrough didn’t shoot much if at all from outside of five feet. He’s an instant impact player, without question.

 

You're right about the competition. I don't think that was even the point. It has to be beneficial for these guys to get together early and start practicing. Plus, a weekend in the Bahamas must be nice!

 

If Reyshawn Terry is your go to guy, you have issues.

Saw him play in high school. Never was a fan. He better be a helluva lot better, or Heels in for a long season.

 

Reading the above, I'd be scared as shit if I was a heels fan

 

no lie... I'm borderline frightened about next season. If it weren't for a weakened ACC I'd probably be down right scared.

 

Still smiling.

 

Yep, you are right on this one. I will take anything we can get for a team as young and thin as this one.


Looks like Grant is still a brick.

I don't think Terry is/or will be our go to guy, that will be on TH shoulders by mid-season if not sooner. But it is nice to see Terry putting up some nice numbers in all columns.

I think Noel will be like a Lynch type player for UNC this year, which works for me.

If Miller can shoot better and be the little white guy that can come in and hit some 3's I can live with that.

PG(reason why I wanted to see Ginyard play) still scares me and of course depth.

 

I think UNC will do better than people think because the ACC is relatively down this year, but if Duke doesn't beat them by at least 10 on both games I will be very pissed. I'd like to send Noel off with a big 2-6 against Duke.

 

10 both games? Chit, as loaded as dook is, they should win both by 25 each, anything less would be a choke by this dook team. Dook shouldn't lose a game this year, and should win them all by 10 or more.

 

Well, Duke was severely outmanned this year and should have swept. You never know what will happen. I'm thinking Duke will absolutely destroy them at Cameron. Hopefully after this year Williams will be 1-5 against Coach K during his tenure at UNC