The North Carolina Tarheels followed a formula yesterday against the Louisville Cardinals that they have used all season. Out rebound their opponents (40-30), play solid perimeter defense (31.6% from the three point line), and win the battle in the paint. It did not work against Notre Dame but worked against Louisville.
Marcus Paige was the go to guy against Louisville at the end of the game. That is what the Tarheels have been searching for all year long. A collective sigh of relief went up from all Tarheel fans when Paige's floater from the left of the basket dropped from high off the backboard and went through the net with 8.5 seconds left to give North Carolina a 72-71 lead.
Paige ended tangled up in the row of photographers that sit underneath the basket and out of the play after he scored. Louisville quickly got the ball in bounds and had a 5 on 4 and got off an open three pointer and a follow shot but missed. Freshman Justin Jackson followed the ball and knocked the ball into the stands after Louisville's final attempt.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
The Tarheel Depth
The 2014-15 North Carolina basketball team probably has more depth on it than any Tarheel team in recent memory, maybe ever. They have nine players averaging double figures in minutes per game with a tenth, Joel James, averaging about 9 minutes a game. Usually by the start of ACC Conference play, the Tarheels rotation has weeded itself out to where only about eight players are getting minutes. Eleven players on the roster have played in all 14 games with a twelveth, Jackson Simmons, having played in 12 of the contests.
Over the past couple of seasons, Head Coach Roy Williams, has had to try non-traditional lineup combinations ("small ball", for example, from a few seasons ago). He has tried that same type of combination this season with Theo Pinson, Nate Britt, and Marcus Paige all being on the floor at the same time. North Carolina has a guard heavy roster. If they could all hit three-pointers that would be great but they are more ball handlers and putting on defensive pressure than they are shooters. Britt is probably the best on the ball defender on the team.
The Centers on North Carolina's team- Kennedy Meeks, Joel James, and Desmond Hubert- all get playing time. Meeks is the only true offensive threat of the three but James' game is developing nicely. He can occasionally hit a mid-range jumper and throw in an old school Sky Hook to keep the other team off balance. Hubert is good for a few rebounds and an ESPN highlight worthy block shot per game.
Over the past couple of seasons, Head Coach Roy Williams, has had to try non-traditional lineup combinations ("small ball", for example, from a few seasons ago). He has tried that same type of combination this season with Theo Pinson, Nate Britt, and Marcus Paige all being on the floor at the same time. North Carolina has a guard heavy roster. If they could all hit three-pointers that would be great but they are more ball handlers and putting on defensive pressure than they are shooters. Britt is probably the best on the ball defender on the team.
The Centers on North Carolina's team- Kennedy Meeks, Joel James, and Desmond Hubert- all get playing time. Meeks is the only true offensive threat of the three but James' game is developing nicely. He can occasionally hit a mid-range jumper and throw in an old school Sky Hook to keep the other team off balance. Hubert is good for a few rebounds and an ESPN highlight worthy block shot per game.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Clemson Is Ice Cold
The North Carolina Tarheels won their ACC conference opener yesterday over Clemson 74-50 in a game that was pretty much over by halftime. Clemson only scored 17 points in the first half on 5 for 28 shooting (17.9%) and was only 28.3% for the game. The Tarheels defense had something to do with it but Clemson is not a good shooting team.
Justin Jackson led the way for North Carolina with 13 points, Kennedy Meeks had 12 points and 12 rebounds despite battling a stomach bug, and three other players were in double figures.
Marcus Paige had 11 points on 3 for 4 from the three point line and is showing signs of coming out of his season long shooting slump. The thing I like the most about Paige's game is that he is not forcing his shot. He is letting the game come to him.
Justin Jackson led the way for North Carolina with 13 points, Kennedy Meeks had 12 points and 12 rebounds despite battling a stomach bug, and three other players were in double figures.
Marcus Paige had 11 points on 3 for 4 from the three point line and is showing signs of coming out of his season long shooting slump. The thing I like the most about Paige's game is that he is not forcing his shot. He is letting the game come to him.
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