Showing posts with label John Henson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Henson. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2016
The Technical That Inspired
Notre Dame was near the end of an 11-0 run when Brice Johnson committed a cardinal sin for Tarheel players, past and present; he was called for a technical foul. Notre Dame hit the two free throws and then hit a jumper to take a one point lead. North Carolina responded with an 11-0 run of their own highlighted by a Theo Pinson to Isaiah Hicks alley oop and the Tarheels were on their way to an 88-74 win. Johnson did have 25 points and 12 rebounds in the game, his Tarheel record 23rd double-double of the season, breaking a record held by Tarheel great Billy Cunningham and John Henson. The Tarheels also moved on to their 19th Final Four, an NCAA record.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Physical vs. Dirty
In the Associated Press write up after yesterday's Creighton vs. North Carolina game, the writer used the word "physical" to describe Creighton's style of play. My definition of physical is a team that is diving after loose balls, setting solid screens, and playing hard nose man-to-man defense.
There is a big difference between physical and dirty. What Creighton did during yesterday's game was play cheap, dirty basketball and it cost North Carolina one of its star players and arguably the best point guard in college basketball, Kendall Marshall.
The dirty play started early in the game. John Henson returned to action with a heavily wrapped left wrist and Creighton guard Grant Gibbs started hacking away at it after the whistle early on in the game. John Henson had posession of the ball under the UNC basket and a foul had already been called on another Creighton player. Gibbs took a couple of hard hacks at his wrist. The play resulted in John Henson picking up a technical foul when he got in Gibbs' face. What sealed the deal for me was Gibbs winking at his bench. Announcer Clark Kellogg, in my opinion one of the worst announcers in college basketball, said he did not know what Gibbs' "intent" was. The intent to injure was there and John Henson knew it. I wonder if Kelloggs perception would have changed if that was his son, who plays for Ohio University, getting hacked on.
Creighton's Center, Gregory Echenique, decided early on that there was no way that he could match Tyler Zeller's skill level so he was going to try to hammer him every time he made a move. Echenique's idea of an offensive move was to lower his shoulder and bang Zeller off of him. Of course Clark Kellogg applauded his efforts the entire game because why worry about skill when you can try to pound them into submission.
The key moment of that battle had to be when Echenique gave Zeller a double forearm shiver to the chest and slammed him to the floor. Echenique had been upset because on the previous offensive posession by Creighton, he had thrown up an errant shot and he immediately started motioning to the officials that he thought Zeller had pushed him on the play. Rather than play on, he decided to take matters into his own hands. UNC's shot was already in the air and Zeller was just below the free throw line, when Echenique turned and faced Zeller, and hit him with both of his forearms. Neither player was remotely close to being in rebounding position. That was by the purest of definitions, a cheap shot. The refs conveniently called nothing, Clark Kellogg remained silent, Jim Nance mentioned there was no foul called on that incident, and the UNC fans booed heartily.
The final moment came when Creighton player, Ethan Wragge, clotheslined Kendall Marshall as he drove in for a layup. Wragge was out of position on the play, his back was turned to Marshall, and he took a backhanded swipe at Marshall as he drove by. Wragge caught him across the shoulder and chest with the backhand swipe, sending Marshall airborn and onto the floor. The result was two free throws and a broken right wrist for Kendall Marshall. The refs actually called a foul on that play.
Creighton couldn't beat the Tarheels with their basketball skills so they turned it into a cheap shot contest. That contest they easily won. The refs let it continue throughout the entire game and they penalized John Henson with a technical foul as a result. All that did was motivate the North Carolina team as they easily won the basketball skills contest. It is a shame that one backhanded swipe could ultimately cost UNC a shot at the national championship.
There is a big difference between physical and dirty. What Creighton did during yesterday's game was play cheap, dirty basketball and it cost North Carolina one of its star players and arguably the best point guard in college basketball, Kendall Marshall.
The dirty play started early in the game. John Henson returned to action with a heavily wrapped left wrist and Creighton guard Grant Gibbs started hacking away at it after the whistle early on in the game. John Henson had posession of the ball under the UNC basket and a foul had already been called on another Creighton player. Gibbs took a couple of hard hacks at his wrist. The play resulted in John Henson picking up a technical foul when he got in Gibbs' face. What sealed the deal for me was Gibbs winking at his bench. Announcer Clark Kellogg, in my opinion one of the worst announcers in college basketball, said he did not know what Gibbs' "intent" was. The intent to injure was there and John Henson knew it. I wonder if Kelloggs perception would have changed if that was his son, who plays for Ohio University, getting hacked on.
Creighton's Center, Gregory Echenique, decided early on that there was no way that he could match Tyler Zeller's skill level so he was going to try to hammer him every time he made a move. Echenique's idea of an offensive move was to lower his shoulder and bang Zeller off of him. Of course Clark Kellogg applauded his efforts the entire game because why worry about skill when you can try to pound them into submission.
The key moment of that battle had to be when Echenique gave Zeller a double forearm shiver to the chest and slammed him to the floor. Echenique had been upset because on the previous offensive posession by Creighton, he had thrown up an errant shot and he immediately started motioning to the officials that he thought Zeller had pushed him on the play. Rather than play on, he decided to take matters into his own hands. UNC's shot was already in the air and Zeller was just below the free throw line, when Echenique turned and faced Zeller, and hit him with both of his forearms. Neither player was remotely close to being in rebounding position. That was by the purest of definitions, a cheap shot. The refs conveniently called nothing, Clark Kellogg remained silent, Jim Nance mentioned there was no foul called on that incident, and the UNC fans booed heartily.
The final moment came when Creighton player, Ethan Wragge, clotheslined Kendall Marshall as he drove in for a layup. Wragge was out of position on the play, his back was turned to Marshall, and he took a backhanded swipe at Marshall as he drove by. Wragge caught him across the shoulder and chest with the backhand swipe, sending Marshall airborn and onto the floor. The result was two free throws and a broken right wrist for Kendall Marshall. The refs actually called a foul on that play.
Creighton couldn't beat the Tarheels with their basketball skills so they turned it into a cheap shot contest. That contest they easily won. The refs let it continue throughout the entire game and they penalized John Henson with a technical foul as a result. All that did was motivate the North Carolina team as they easily won the basketball skills contest. It is a shame that one backhanded swipe could ultimately cost UNC a shot at the national championship.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
ACC Tournament- Vs. North Carolina State
The 'Heels won a hard fought game this afternoon over their rival North Carolina State 69-67 and the Wolpack had their chances to win. Kendall Marshall's 8-foot bank shot with about 10 seconds to go proved to be the winning margin.
The Wolfpack faithful were all screaming charge on Kendall Marshall's drive to the basket. After seeing multiple angles and listening to many interpretations of the play, I believe #3 Johnson for the Wolfpack initiated the contact and then flopped backwards trying to sell the charge. They both met at the same point and #3 flopped. If he would have maintained his defense, Marshall probably wouldn't have hit that shot.
On the last play of the game, a 3/4 court pass to Richard Howell, there was nothing to call a foul on. Three players went up for the ball, two from UNC and Howell, no one had posession, and Howell started flailing his arms around like he was in the act of shooting. He never had posession of the ball.
The absence of John Henson was obvious. I thought the Wolfpack had free reign in the lane and that is where they scored the majority of their points. The Wolfpack had no one to fear to block their shot. James Michael McAdoo had a solid game but UNC recorded no blocked shots in this game. I hope he can play tomorrow or it may be another ugly game.
The unsung hero in this game for the Tarheels was Senior reserve Justin Watts. He played 4 different positions in the game and stole the pass that basically sealed the deal for North Carolina. He only had 2 points but he played a much bigger role and may have to again tomorrow.
The Wolfpack faithful were all screaming charge on Kendall Marshall's drive to the basket. After seeing multiple angles and listening to many interpretations of the play, I believe #3 Johnson for the Wolfpack initiated the contact and then flopped backwards trying to sell the charge. They both met at the same point and #3 flopped. If he would have maintained his defense, Marshall probably wouldn't have hit that shot.
On the last play of the game, a 3/4 court pass to Richard Howell, there was nothing to call a foul on. Three players went up for the ball, two from UNC and Howell, no one had posession, and Howell started flailing his arms around like he was in the act of shooting. He never had posession of the ball.
The absence of John Henson was obvious. I thought the Wolfpack had free reign in the lane and that is where they scored the majority of their points. The Wolfpack had no one to fear to block their shot. James Michael McAdoo had a solid game but UNC recorded no blocked shots in this game. I hope he can play tomorrow or it may be another ugly game.
The unsung hero in this game for the Tarheels was Senior reserve Justin Watts. He played 4 different positions in the game and stole the pass that basically sealed the deal for North Carolina. He only had 2 points but he played a much bigger role and may have to again tomorrow.
ACC Tournament Vs. Maryland
The Tarheels knocked off Maryland in their opening game of the ACC Tournament 85-69 as they had their most balanced scoring attack since the beginning of the season. They placed 5 players in double figures and narrowly missed a 6th as PJ Hairston had 9 points off the bench. Kendall Marshall added 12 Assists.
John Henson went down early in the game on a hard foul and landed awkwardly on his wrist. It is being described as a sprained left wrist and although he tried returning, he was lost for the rest of the game and maybe for the tournament. That will be hard to overcome.
James Michael McAdoo replaced Henson and played with the most confidence that he has displayed all season long. He was strong on the boards and made his shots with a great deal of confidence. It was easily his best game of the season.
John Henson went down early in the game on a hard foul and landed awkwardly on his wrist. It is being described as a sprained left wrist and although he tried returning, he was lost for the rest of the game and maybe for the tournament. That will be hard to overcome.
James Michael McAdoo replaced Henson and played with the most confidence that he has displayed all season long. He was strong on the boards and made his shots with a great deal of confidence. It was easily his best game of the season.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Start Of ACC Play
The North Carolina Tarheels opened up ACC play against Boston College in Chapel Hill this afternoon. The 'Heels won going away 83-60 as Harrison Barnes led the way with 25 points, Tyler Zeller had 20, and John Henson had 14. Kendall Marshall had 11 assists and an uncharacteristic 6 points.
Boston College started 5 Freshmen and have 9 on the roster and were only 5-9 going into the game. They played a hard, physical game and actually closed to within 59-50 after an 18-7 run in the middle of the second half.
That is when Roy Williams challenged his team to "finish the game like they are supposed to" and they went on a 24-10 run to close it out. I really didn't like the way they finished because I thought they exhibited poor clock management and did not run their offense. With a little bit less than 3 minutes to go, instead of working the clock and getting quality shots, P.J. Hairston, Reggie Bullock, and even Harrison Barnes were jacking up 3's like they were down by 5 points.
This years Tarheels basketball team is a frustrating team to watch. They play great in stretches and they have developed the bad habit of playing up or down to the level of their competition. There are times when they look like an average team. Their defense has more than their fair share of breakdowns and lapses, at times they struggle to keep the opposition from getting offensive rebounds, and their free throw shooting is a glaring weakness, especially as many times as they get to the free throw line. Point Guard Kendall Marshall is only shooting 59% from the free throw line and he is the one that needs to be closing games out at the line.
Boston College started 5 Freshmen and have 9 on the roster and were only 5-9 going into the game. They played a hard, physical game and actually closed to within 59-50 after an 18-7 run in the middle of the second half.
That is when Roy Williams challenged his team to "finish the game like they are supposed to" and they went on a 24-10 run to close it out. I really didn't like the way they finished because I thought they exhibited poor clock management and did not run their offense. With a little bit less than 3 minutes to go, instead of working the clock and getting quality shots, P.J. Hairston, Reggie Bullock, and even Harrison Barnes were jacking up 3's like they were down by 5 points.
This years Tarheels basketball team is a frustrating team to watch. They play great in stretches and they have developed the bad habit of playing up or down to the level of their competition. There are times when they look like an average team. Their defense has more than their fair share of breakdowns and lapses, at times they struggle to keep the opposition from getting offensive rebounds, and their free throw shooting is a glaring weakness, especially as many times as they get to the free throw line. Point Guard Kendall Marshall is only shooting 59% from the free throw line and he is the one that needs to be closing games out at the line.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Versus South Carolina
The UNC Tarheels ran their record to 5-0 with a victory over the University of South Carolina Gamecocks last night, 87-62. The Tarheels seem to still be feeling their way around and all of their games thus far have the appearance of glorified practices. Harrison Barnes led the way with 21 points, P.J. Hairston had a career high 19 points on the strength of 5-8 shooting on three-pointers, and John Henson had 18. Kendall Marshall had 14 assists and only one turnover to go along with 6 steals.
Roy Williams seems to have settled on an eight man rotation with Reggie Bullock, James Michael McAdoo and P.J. Hairston being the major contributors coming off the bench. Reggie Bullock finally found his outside shot against Tennessee State earlier in the week scoring a career high 23 points on 6-7 three-point shooting and that was one thing the 'Heels needed to work on with the games getting a little bit tougher.
One area that is still a concern is the rebounding. South Carolina outrebounded them last night 43-35 and they are giving up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points. UNLV will not be a pushover and a solid Wisconsin team is coming up next week.
Roy Williams seems to have settled on an eight man rotation with Reggie Bullock, James Michael McAdoo and P.J. Hairston being the major contributors coming off the bench. Reggie Bullock finally found his outside shot against Tennessee State earlier in the week scoring a career high 23 points on 6-7 three-point shooting and that was one thing the 'Heels needed to work on with the games getting a little bit tougher.
One area that is still a concern is the rebounding. South Carolina outrebounded them last night 43-35 and they are giving up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points. UNLV will not be a pushover and a solid Wisconsin team is coming up next week.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Versus UNC-Asheville
The UNC Tarheels helped UNC-A open up their new arena, Kimmel Arena, last night and it was an electric small college atmosphere. An announced sellout of 3200 people and they were rockin' the place.
The 'Heels had too much size for UNC-A and they just kept pounding it on the inside. Tyler Zeller had a game high 27 points, John Henson had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Harrison Barnes had 17 points in the 91-75 win. Point Guard Kendall Marshall only had 6 points but 15 assists and only one turnover.
After the first two games, the Tarheels most glaring weaknesses are turnovers and outside shooting. 31 turnovers in the first two games is alot but with the Tarheels fast break offense, you have to expect a little higher than average turnover count. The problem in the first two games is that they have really not had the opportunity to run their break.
In the first couple of games, they really haven't needed points from the outside but it would be nice if they could develop someone to come in and fill it up from the outside. Freshman P.J. Hairston looks like he has a nice outside stroke and Reggie Bullock has the potential to be our "Microwave" coming off the bench. Harrison Barnes is the only starter that can hit threes.
The 'Heels had too much size for UNC-A and they just kept pounding it on the inside. Tyler Zeller had a game high 27 points, John Henson had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Harrison Barnes had 17 points in the 91-75 win. Point Guard Kendall Marshall only had 6 points but 15 assists and only one turnover.
After the first two games, the Tarheels most glaring weaknesses are turnovers and outside shooting. 31 turnovers in the first two games is alot but with the Tarheels fast break offense, you have to expect a little higher than average turnover count. The problem in the first two games is that they have really not had the opportunity to run their break.
In the first couple of games, they really haven't needed points from the outside but it would be nice if they could develop someone to come in and fill it up from the outside. Freshman P.J. Hairston looks like he has a nice outside stroke and Reggie Bullock has the potential to be our "Microwave" coming off the bench. Harrison Barnes is the only starter that can hit threes.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
My Favorite Time Of Year
My favorite time of the year as far as Tarheel sports are concerned has to be the first game of the college basketball season. They are almost always going be in contention for the national title, they run a clean program, and college basketball is king in North Carolina.
Last nights game against Michigan State was exceptional in all of the ways already mentioned by most media outlets in the world- the USS Vinson, the troops, President Obama in attendance, and other basketball stars and celebrity types. The game itself was almost anti-climactic.
The North Carolina Tarheels beat the Michigan State Spartans 67-55 after a sluggish middle of the first half that saw them go down by 7 points. You could definitely tell it was the first game. Harrison Barnes led the way with 17 points, John Henson had 12 points and an impressive 9 blocked shots, and Dexter Strickland chipped in with 10 points. Freshmen P.J. Hairston and James Michael McAdoo got in some positive minutes off the bench and Freshman Point Guard Stillman White got in at the end of the game and hit 3 out of 4 free throws. His development as a backup Point Guard to Kendall Marshall will be a key as the season goes on.
Michigan State did expose some weaknesses in the 'Heels overall game. The most glaring of those weaknesses is rebounding. John Henson is probably the best shot blocker in college basketball but strength has always been an issue for him. I thought he and Tyler Zeller both got pushed around under the basket. Michigan State had 24 offensive rebounds and outrebounded the Tarheels 49-34 overall. This is an issue that has to be corrected.
Overall, the 'Heels played a good game. Defensively they were solid and held the Spartans to 30% shooting for the game and 2 for 20 from the three point line. They did a great job of identifying the shooters and getting in their face. Offensively, the 'Heels did not run as much as they would like to but were still efficient in their half court sets. John Henson showed a nice mid-range jumper that he has been working on all summer and his length gives him the ability to get to the basket in a hurry.
Michigan State is not ranked in the top 25 and have alot of young players but did have some good athletes and it was a good opening game for the 'Heels. Its good to be 1-0.
Last nights game against Michigan State was exceptional in all of the ways already mentioned by most media outlets in the world- the USS Vinson, the troops, President Obama in attendance, and other basketball stars and celebrity types. The game itself was almost anti-climactic.
The North Carolina Tarheels beat the Michigan State Spartans 67-55 after a sluggish middle of the first half that saw them go down by 7 points. You could definitely tell it was the first game. Harrison Barnes led the way with 17 points, John Henson had 12 points and an impressive 9 blocked shots, and Dexter Strickland chipped in with 10 points. Freshmen P.J. Hairston and James Michael McAdoo got in some positive minutes off the bench and Freshman Point Guard Stillman White got in at the end of the game and hit 3 out of 4 free throws. His development as a backup Point Guard to Kendall Marshall will be a key as the season goes on.
Michigan State did expose some weaknesses in the 'Heels overall game. The most glaring of those weaknesses is rebounding. John Henson is probably the best shot blocker in college basketball but strength has always been an issue for him. I thought he and Tyler Zeller both got pushed around under the basket. Michigan State had 24 offensive rebounds and outrebounded the Tarheels 49-34 overall. This is an issue that has to be corrected.
Overall, the 'Heels played a good game. Defensively they were solid and held the Spartans to 30% shooting for the game and 2 for 20 from the three point line. They did a great job of identifying the shooters and getting in their face. Offensively, the 'Heels did not run as much as they would like to but were still efficient in their half court sets. John Henson showed a nice mid-range jumper that he has been working on all summer and his length gives him the ability to get to the basket in a hurry.
Michigan State is not ranked in the top 25 and have alot of young players but did have some good athletes and it was a good opening game for the 'Heels. Its good to be 1-0.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Triumvirate Is Complete
The press release that everyone has been waiting for came out of Chapel Hill this morning saying that Harrison Barnes was coming back for one more year of college basketball. Combined with the return of Tyler Zeller and John Henson and the coming of James McAdoo and P.J. Hairston, the 'Heels should be primed for a run at the national title in 2012.
I think Harrison Barnes made a wise decision. I think there are several facets of his game he needs to work on and I truly believe that he wants to win a national championship with the University of North Carolina.
I am sure there are other factors involved such as the potential for an NBA work stoppage, several other players have declared their intention to turn pro this year that increases the competition, and he realizes North Carolina is going to be loaded next year.
I think Harrison Barnes made a wise decision. I think there are several facets of his game he needs to work on and I truly believe that he wants to win a national championship with the University of North Carolina.
I am sure there are other factors involved such as the potential for an NBA work stoppage, several other players have declared their intention to turn pro this year that increases the competition, and he realizes North Carolina is going to be loaded next year.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Henson, Zeller, and Barnes
It was with great pleasure that I read last week that John Henson and Tyler Zeller announced they were returning to the University of North Carolina to continue their college basketball careers. It really surprised me that they even considered turning pro. I honestly didn't see either one being high draft picks if they even went in the first round.
John Henson needs to get bigger and stronger. He is a great defensive presence but he will get pushed around in the NBA especially on the inside where they don't call fouls. He also needs to work on his offensive game especially with his back to the basket. He is prone to the double team and turns the ball over way too much.
Tyler Zeller is a small forward trapped in a centers body. He has a good inside game but is also prone to the double team. He is not the defensive presence that Henson is and can be pushed around under the basket by bigger centers. Zellers strength is in running the court. He may be the best I have ever seen on the leak out on the fastbreak. I don't think he will get too many of those opportunities in the NBA.
Harrison Barnes is the "X" factor in this group. Most people believe he will be a top five pick in the draft but I don't think he is ready to go pro. His game has alot of holes from his jump shot to his unwillingness to drive to the basket. He used the drive more as soon as the season progressed but he still settled for the jump shot too often. The money, if that is all it is about, will be there if he wants it but it will also be there the year after. I think one factor he needs to consider is the possibility of an NBA lockout.
If Harrison Barnes joins the other two in coming back for one more season, and add the two McDonald's All-Americans coming in, alot of experts are already predicting that UNC would be the preseason #1. Those are lofty expectations and things would finally be back to normal in Chapel Hill.
John Henson needs to get bigger and stronger. He is a great defensive presence but he will get pushed around in the NBA especially on the inside where they don't call fouls. He also needs to work on his offensive game especially with his back to the basket. He is prone to the double team and turns the ball over way too much.
Tyler Zeller is a small forward trapped in a centers body. He has a good inside game but is also prone to the double team. He is not the defensive presence that Henson is and can be pushed around under the basket by bigger centers. Zellers strength is in running the court. He may be the best I have ever seen on the leak out on the fastbreak. I don't think he will get too many of those opportunities in the NBA.
Harrison Barnes is the "X" factor in this group. Most people believe he will be a top five pick in the draft but I don't think he is ready to go pro. His game has alot of holes from his jump shot to his unwillingness to drive to the basket. He used the drive more as soon as the season progressed but he still settled for the jump shot too often. The money, if that is all it is about, will be there if he wants it but it will also be there the year after. I think one factor he needs to consider is the possibility of an NBA lockout.
If Harrison Barnes joins the other two in coming back for one more season, and add the two McDonald's All-Americans coming in, alot of experts are already predicting that UNC would be the preseason #1. Those are lofty expectations and things would finally be back to normal in Chapel Hill.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Tragic End To The Season
The Kentucky game was a tough matchup for the 'Heels. John Calipari went small against Carolina and it worked. They couldn't guard the perimeter on defense (Kentucky was 12 of 22 from the three-point line), and they couldn't hit from the perimeter on offense (3 of 17).
John Henson may have had his worst game of the season (4 points, 9 rebounds, 0 blocked shots, and 5 fouls) before fouling out and Tyler Zeller led the way again (21 points and 9 rebounds). Harrison Barnes (18 points but a horrible shooting night) reaffirmed my belief that he needs to come back to school for at least one more season. As a team, the 'Heels just did not play a solid game.
I do not like losing to John Calipari. There is no doubt that he is a good coach and an excellent recruiter but I believe that he has ran a "dirty" program wherever he has been. He always gets out right before the school gets caught. I think the sanctions should follow him where ever he goes.
John Henson may have had his worst game of the season (4 points, 9 rebounds, 0 blocked shots, and 5 fouls) before fouling out and Tyler Zeller led the way again (21 points and 9 rebounds). Harrison Barnes (18 points but a horrible shooting night) reaffirmed my belief that he needs to come back to school for at least one more season. As a team, the 'Heels just did not play a solid game.
I do not like losing to John Calipari. There is no doubt that he is a good coach and an excellent recruiter but I believe that he has ran a "dirty" program wherever he has been. He always gets out right before the school gets caught. I think the sanctions should follow him where ever he goes.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
On To the Elite Eight
The game against Marquette last night really surprised me. I thought Marquette would come out ready to play. From the opening tap, Marquette looked out of sync, they had a hard time getting into their offense, and defensively they were not as active or play with as much intensity they had in their first two games. North Carolina took advantage of their size inside on offense and got into the passing lanes on defense and combined with Marquette's poor shooting, led to many easy baskets and a 40-15 halftime lead. It was pretty much over at that point.
Marquette cut it as close as 14 points with about 4 minutes to go in the second half but the game was never in doubt. The 'Heels had a little bit of a letdown in the second half with their defensive intensity and offensive execution but I believe they just wanted the game to be over.
Tyler Zeller has had a monster tournament. He had 27 points and 15 rebounds against Marquette and is playing the best basketball of his career by a long shot. UNC's "big three" of Zeller, Harrison Barnes, and John Henson combined for 61 of the 81 points and 36 rebounds. Henson has come alive in the tournament as well but I do not know why he thinks he needs to be shooting from the perimeter.
The 'Heels still cannot hit from the perimeter on a consistent basis and Barnes and Leslie McDonald are their only legitimate outside threats but McDonald has been in a shooting slump that has lasted for about 15 games. Dexter Strickland will never be a scoring threat from the outside but he is much better in a transition game and he even nailed a 15 foot jump shot in transition last night.
John Henson has turned into a multi-faceted defensive presence that has caused problems for every team they have played in the tournament. He might be the best shot blocker in the history of the North Carolina Tarheels but to watch him guard the inbounds pass is a thing of beauty. He defelected another one last night in which the 'Heels gained posession.
Charles Barkley described the Tarheel big men as "soft" last night in the pregame segment of the CBS telecast and I would have to disagree with that. It is no secret that they are not physical but Zeller and Henson are extremely effective in the college game. The officials chose to "let them play" last night and in almost any situation like that the 'Heels are not going to be as effective.
When I refer to let them play, the officials chose to let the big men on the inside beat and bang and that definitely gave Marquette an advantage that they probably didn't take enough advantage of in the first half. Zeller did do a good job of denying the entry pass in the middle, picking off several and deflecting several more.
When the officials do choose to let them play, the play is much more physical, and the play always seems to be on the verge of out of control. It came very close last night. The foul committed on John Henson right before the end of the first half when he had a breakaway and the Marquette player wrapped his arms around Henson and spun him around before he made an attempt on the ball was when the officials started to lose a little bit of control of the game. Even announcer Clark Kellogg said it should have been called an intentional foul.
The physical play only escalated in the second half and I believe the only reason that Jae Crowder of Marquette had a technical foul called on him was because he called Henson a "mother------" and it was plainly audible on the broadcast. I took great satisfaction when Henson later blocked one of his shots into the third row (although Crowder later hit a three-pointer with Henson guarding him) and Henson and Crowder were woofing at each other then. I noticed from that point on, anytime Marquette's players had the opportunity to get in an extra shove or an elbow, they took full advantage of it because the officials were not going to call any of it. I chalk it up to the big lead and the composure of North Carolina's players that it didn't get out of control then. The officials weren't about to make a stand.
Marquette cut it as close as 14 points with about 4 minutes to go in the second half but the game was never in doubt. The 'Heels had a little bit of a letdown in the second half with their defensive intensity and offensive execution but I believe they just wanted the game to be over.
Tyler Zeller has had a monster tournament. He had 27 points and 15 rebounds against Marquette and is playing the best basketball of his career by a long shot. UNC's "big three" of Zeller, Harrison Barnes, and John Henson combined for 61 of the 81 points and 36 rebounds. Henson has come alive in the tournament as well but I do not know why he thinks he needs to be shooting from the perimeter.
The 'Heels still cannot hit from the perimeter on a consistent basis and Barnes and Leslie McDonald are their only legitimate outside threats but McDonald has been in a shooting slump that has lasted for about 15 games. Dexter Strickland will never be a scoring threat from the outside but he is much better in a transition game and he even nailed a 15 foot jump shot in transition last night.
John Henson has turned into a multi-faceted defensive presence that has caused problems for every team they have played in the tournament. He might be the best shot blocker in the history of the North Carolina Tarheels but to watch him guard the inbounds pass is a thing of beauty. He defelected another one last night in which the 'Heels gained posession.
Charles Barkley described the Tarheel big men as "soft" last night in the pregame segment of the CBS telecast and I would have to disagree with that. It is no secret that they are not physical but Zeller and Henson are extremely effective in the college game. The officials chose to "let them play" last night and in almost any situation like that the 'Heels are not going to be as effective.
When I refer to let them play, the officials chose to let the big men on the inside beat and bang and that definitely gave Marquette an advantage that they probably didn't take enough advantage of in the first half. Zeller did do a good job of denying the entry pass in the middle, picking off several and deflecting several more.
When the officials do choose to let them play, the play is much more physical, and the play always seems to be on the verge of out of control. It came very close last night. The foul committed on John Henson right before the end of the first half when he had a breakaway and the Marquette player wrapped his arms around Henson and spun him around before he made an attempt on the ball was when the officials started to lose a little bit of control of the game. Even announcer Clark Kellogg said it should have been called an intentional foul.
The physical play only escalated in the second half and I believe the only reason that Jae Crowder of Marquette had a technical foul called on him was because he called Henson a "mother------" and it was plainly audible on the broadcast. I took great satisfaction when Henson later blocked one of his shots into the third row (although Crowder later hit a three-pointer with Henson guarding him) and Henson and Crowder were woofing at each other then. I noticed from that point on, anytime Marquette's players had the opportunity to get in an extra shove or an elbow, they took full advantage of it because the officials were not going to call any of it. I chalk it up to the big lead and the composure of North Carolina's players that it didn't get out of control then. The officials weren't about to make a stand.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
On To The Sweet Sixteen
First of all, allow me to say that I just thought Dan Bonner and Billy Packer were biased against the North Carolina Tarheels. There is a new biased announcer in town. His name is Clark Kellog. He did a fine job of being biased especially with that non-goaltending call against Washington in the first half. I would love for him to explain to me on what gravitationally challenged planet that ball would still be going up when it was blocked. Enough about that.
North Carolina beat Washington 86-83 to make it to the Sweet Sixteen. Statistically speaking that may be one of the best games North Carolina played all year. They almost shot 50 percent, they only had 9 turnovers, 6 of 12 from the three-point line, 18 of 23 from the free throw line, but there still seemed to be something missing.
The 'Heels do not play aggressive on the ball defense. If it wasn't for John Henson's shot blocking ability, you would never know they played defense. Other teams players seem to drive to the basket at will against the 'Heels, they cannot seem to guard the three point line to save their ass (Isiah Thomas got a really good look at the basket for the last shot of the game), and if UNC bothers running any kind of a press, they get blistered two or three times before they give it up. They have a tendency to play classic "help" defense and I hate it. All they seem to do when they do that is give up wide open three-pointers.
John Henson has had a great tournament. I do not know what he was thinking at the end of the game. he had a mental lapse of some kind and gave Washington a second chance by knocking the ball out of bounds and then almost goaltending on the final shot. I always tried to get my players to think situationally. Be aware of what is going on and think about the situation in front of you.
Kendall Marshall had another great game. 13 points, 14 assists, and only 4 turnovers. Tyler Zeller had another solid game with 23 points and Harrison Barnes had 22. Dexter Strickland finally came out of his scoring shell with 13 points. They played a solid game as a team but there was still that one thing missing.
North Carolina beat Washington 86-83 to make it to the Sweet Sixteen. Statistically speaking that may be one of the best games North Carolina played all year. They almost shot 50 percent, they only had 9 turnovers, 6 of 12 from the three-point line, 18 of 23 from the free throw line, but there still seemed to be something missing.
The 'Heels do not play aggressive on the ball defense. If it wasn't for John Henson's shot blocking ability, you would never know they played defense. Other teams players seem to drive to the basket at will against the 'Heels, they cannot seem to guard the three point line to save their ass (Isiah Thomas got a really good look at the basket for the last shot of the game), and if UNC bothers running any kind of a press, they get blistered two or three times before they give it up. They have a tendency to play classic "help" defense and I hate it. All they seem to do when they do that is give up wide open three-pointers.
John Henson has had a great tournament. I do not know what he was thinking at the end of the game. he had a mental lapse of some kind and gave Washington a second chance by knocking the ball out of bounds and then almost goaltending on the final shot. I always tried to get my players to think situationally. Be aware of what is going on and think about the situation in front of you.
Kendall Marshall had another great game. 13 points, 14 assists, and only 4 turnovers. Tyler Zeller had another solid game with 23 points and Harrison Barnes had 22. Dexter Strickland finally came out of his scoring shell with 13 points. They played a solid game as a team but there was still that one thing missing.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Henson, Zeller, and Barnes
That was quite a performance by the Tarheels big three scorers in their opening round game against Long Island University. They scored 84 of the 'Heels 102 points in the 102-87 win.
Tyler Zeller had a career high of 32 points, Harrison Barnes had 24 points and a career high 16 rebounds, and John Henson had a career high of 28 points.
They won the game but the negatives almost outweigh the positives. The played horrendous defense (they gave up 85 shots), they still can't hit an outside shot (3 of 17 from the three-point line), and they were careless with the ball (18 turnovers). A repeat performance like this and Sunday will be their final game of the year.
From the fan's perspective, it was an exciting game to watch. Alot of up-and-down, alot of points, a few dunks, blocked shots and some great plays by both teams. You really couldn't ask for anything more from a #15-#2 game. Washington or Georgia?
Tyler Zeller had a career high of 32 points, Harrison Barnes had 24 points and a career high 16 rebounds, and John Henson had a career high of 28 points.
They won the game but the negatives almost outweigh the positives. The played horrendous defense (they gave up 85 shots), they still can't hit an outside shot (3 of 17 from the three-point line), and they were careless with the ball (18 turnovers). A repeat performance like this and Sunday will be their final game of the year.
From the fan's perspective, it was an exciting game to watch. Alot of up-and-down, alot of points, a few dunks, blocked shots and some great plays by both teams. You really couldn't ask for anything more from a #15-#2 game. Washington or Georgia?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Quality Win
Let me begin this post by saying I do not like John Calipari. I think he runs dirty programs as evidenced by the fact that as soon as he leaves a school, they get into trouble for some kind of recruiting violations and yet, he gets off scot free. I think the recruiting violations should follow him to his next school.
The UNC Tarheels finally played basketball today. They displayed the athleticism and playmaking that has been missing this season and pulled out a last minute win against a top ten ranked University of Kentucky team. The 'Heels made their share of mistakes but they are still a young team.
Tyler Zeller had a career game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. He took the game over in the last four minutes and that might have been the most important thing he did today. John Henson played another solid game and displayed the athleticism that he needs to use to be successful. You can tell that he has put in work on his free throw shooting but the two consecutive airballs he shot today didn't look too good. That might be the first time I have ever seen two consecutive airballs. For a five minute stretch in the first half, Harrison Barnes looked like the player that everyone thought was the #1 high school player in the nation last year. The rest of the game he disappeared and was a non-factor. In the last four minutes of the game, he had a turnover and forced two shots that could have been critical. Nobody wants him to succeed more than I do but he needs to let the game come to him rather than forcing most everything.
The bench made minimal contributions as the time was well distributed among the five players coming off the bench. There were definitely some serious signs of hope and maybe they can put it all together by ACC tournament time. I do not think they will conted for the regular season title.
The UNC Tarheels finally played basketball today. They displayed the athleticism and playmaking that has been missing this season and pulled out a last minute win against a top ten ranked University of Kentucky team. The 'Heels made their share of mistakes but they are still a young team.
Tyler Zeller had a career game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. He took the game over in the last four minutes and that might have been the most important thing he did today. John Henson played another solid game and displayed the athleticism that he needs to use to be successful. You can tell that he has put in work on his free throw shooting but the two consecutive airballs he shot today didn't look too good. That might be the first time I have ever seen two consecutive airballs. For a five minute stretch in the first half, Harrison Barnes looked like the player that everyone thought was the #1 high school player in the nation last year. The rest of the game he disappeared and was a non-factor. In the last four minutes of the game, he had a turnover and forced two shots that could have been critical. Nobody wants him to succeed more than I do but he needs to let the game come to him rather than forcing most everything.
The bench made minimal contributions as the time was well distributed among the five players coming off the bench. There were definitely some serious signs of hope and maybe they can put it all together by ACC tournament time. I do not think they will conted for the regular season title.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
College of Charleston
, The game against the College of Charleston the other night was once again an ugly game just like it was last year. The first half was especially ugly. I thought the 'Heels got beat to just about every loose ball, they got out rebounded, and they still had a one point lead going into halftime, 28-27. I felf a large part of that was due to the fact that leading scorer Andrew Goudelock was ice cold from the field.
The second half was a different story in so many aspects. Goudelock got hot (he finished with 28 points including 13 in a row at one point) but I agreed with Coach Roy Williams in that I thought Dexter Strickland played solid defense on him. He hit some very tough shots. They rebounded much better and showed some signs of putting together a transition game and scored several fast break baskets.
The 'Heels ended up winning 74-69 and John Henson led the way with 19 points doing most of his damage hitting baby hook shots near the basket. It was an offensive game he had never really shown me before. He was about the only one. Tyler Zeller had a bad shooting game and our starting guards (Drew II and Strickland) only scored 10 points and that is below their average of 12. I don't know if Drew II has lost confidence in his offensive game or what but I don't believe he is playing as good a floor game as he played last year either. I believe the team plays at a faster tempo with Kendall Marshall running the show. In my opinion, the most improved player on the team is Guard Leslie McDonald. He only had 9 points but hit two big three-pointers (the only two they hit the entire game) and he looks so much more confident and his shot looks much smoother than it did last year. You can tell he put in the work during the off season.
The second half was a different story in so many aspects. Goudelock got hot (he finished with 28 points including 13 in a row at one point) but I agreed with Coach Roy Williams in that I thought Dexter Strickland played solid defense on him. He hit some very tough shots. They rebounded much better and showed some signs of putting together a transition game and scored several fast break baskets.
The 'Heels ended up winning 74-69 and John Henson led the way with 19 points doing most of his damage hitting baby hook shots near the basket. It was an offensive game he had never really shown me before. He was about the only one. Tyler Zeller had a bad shooting game and our starting guards (Drew II and Strickland) only scored 10 points and that is below their average of 12. I don't know if Drew II has lost confidence in his offensive game or what but I don't believe he is playing as good a floor game as he played last year either. I believe the team plays at a faster tempo with Kendall Marshall running the show. In my opinion, the most improved player on the team is Guard Leslie McDonald. He only had 9 points but hit two big three-pointers (the only two they hit the entire game) and he looks so much more confident and his shot looks much smoother than it did last year. You can tell he put in the work during the off season.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Real Season
For any Tarheel fan, the real season in Tarheel country is basketball season. Even during Mack Brown's best seasons in Chapel Hill, everyone was still looking forward to basketball season. That is definitely the case this season especially with the NCAA mess and suspension festival that has become UNC football.
The Tarheel basketball team played an exhbition game last night against Barton College and it went about as expected at least as far as the score goes, 108-67. What I look for in games like this is overall performance, turnovers, defense, taking advantage of fastbreak opportunities, and how well they run their halfcourt offense.
In this particular game I was more interested in the play of the highly tauted freshman class. The stat line didn't look so good. Preseason All-American Harrison Barnes (the first freshman ever named to the pre-season All-American team) had a shaky debut. 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting but 6 turnovers, Reggie Bullock had 10 points on 4 of 10 shooting, and point guard Kendall Marshall had only 1 point but led the team with 9 assists. From what I have read, he is more in the mold of a "classic" Carolina point guard. He is not much of an offensive threat yet but he is a good passer and from all accounts, can run a team.
The biggest weakness for the 'Heels this year is going to be depth on the inside. They do not have a true center even listed on the roster and at 7'1", Tyler Zeller is listed as a Power Forward. He had 25 points and 14 rebounds last night and against a much smaller team, that is the kind of monster game that you would expect him to have. I am most curious to see how much John Henson (10 and 11 last night) has developed his game in between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last season I thought he was a Small Forward trapped in a 6'10" body. I thought he was more effective at the end of the season playing on the inside as compared to the perimeter at the beginning of the season. He can definitely be a shot blocking force on the inside. I really don't know anything about Alabama transfer John Knox outside of the fact he is the other big body in the middle. All it is going to take is one turned ankle or a knee injury or a jammed finger on someone in the middle and it completely changes the dynamics of the team and the fortunes of the season.
The "x-factor" on this seasons team may be Junior Justin Watts, whose playing time has been sporadic in his first two seasons. He is the heir apparent to William Graves playing time whose college basketball career came to a sudden end after being kicked off the team. I wonder if Graves hung out with members of the football team.
The Tarheel basketball team played an exhbition game last night against Barton College and it went about as expected at least as far as the score goes, 108-67. What I look for in games like this is overall performance, turnovers, defense, taking advantage of fastbreak opportunities, and how well they run their halfcourt offense.
In this particular game I was more interested in the play of the highly tauted freshman class. The stat line didn't look so good. Preseason All-American Harrison Barnes (the first freshman ever named to the pre-season All-American team) had a shaky debut. 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting but 6 turnovers, Reggie Bullock had 10 points on 4 of 10 shooting, and point guard Kendall Marshall had only 1 point but led the team with 9 assists. From what I have read, he is more in the mold of a "classic" Carolina point guard. He is not much of an offensive threat yet but he is a good passer and from all accounts, can run a team.
The biggest weakness for the 'Heels this year is going to be depth on the inside. They do not have a true center even listed on the roster and at 7'1", Tyler Zeller is listed as a Power Forward. He had 25 points and 14 rebounds last night and against a much smaller team, that is the kind of monster game that you would expect him to have. I am most curious to see how much John Henson (10 and 11 last night) has developed his game in between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last season I thought he was a Small Forward trapped in a 6'10" body. I thought he was more effective at the end of the season playing on the inside as compared to the perimeter at the beginning of the season. He can definitely be a shot blocking force on the inside. I really don't know anything about Alabama transfer John Knox outside of the fact he is the other big body in the middle. All it is going to take is one turned ankle or a knee injury or a jammed finger on someone in the middle and it completely changes the dynamics of the team and the fortunes of the season.
The "x-factor" on this seasons team may be Junior Justin Watts, whose playing time has been sporadic in his first two seasons. He is the heir apparent to William Graves playing time whose college basketball career came to a sudden end after being kicked off the team. I wonder if Graves hung out with members of the football team.
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