O'sHeelsFan

It hurts depth wise, but as long as Lawson stays healthy, we will be fine. Frasor's jumper has never been as good as advertised when he came to Carolina, and that is more what we needed out of him. We should be OK w/ Quentin Thomas backing up, as long as we can keep his playing time to a minimum. Feel bad for Bobby though, his career has really gone in the tank starting w/ that foot injury his Sophomore year. And it is probably too late to redshirt this year, isn't it?

What a great description of Carolina's team this year! But I do agree with you completely on your analysis of Duke's weaknesses, and of their overall play last night. Fortunately for them, they won't get involved in many games like last night - that game was really played in the Big East style and pace - but if they draw a Pitt-like team early in the tourney, it will be interesting to say the least. I also agree that Henderson was impressive at the end. Is he the son of the other Gerald Henderson, or the son of former Dukie Phil Henderson? Or neither?

Well, great game last night b/w Duke and Pitt. Curious to get SG's thoughts. Actually not a great game - the first half was horrible w/ Pitt so sloppy - but a great last 10 minutes and OT, when both teams were playing well. And certainly a scintillating finish. Impressed by that Blair kid from Pitt -20 boards, are you serious?? - Definitely and Elite 8 worthy game, a rarity this early in the season. This loss probably eliminates Duke getting to No. 2 in the rankings before they play Carolina - I think there will be a couple of undefeated teams still then (maybe the winner of G'Town and Memphis being one, Carolina a good chance of being another). But I still think these could be some of the more exciting Duke/NC matchups in recent years. Also, I saw '@ Temple' on Duke's upcoming schedule when they put it up during the game. Is that really at Temple, or is in the Sixers arena or somewhere? IF it's at Temple for real, then Beaner and I may have to back off a little - that Temple gym is a tough place to play! The game is probably not there though, is it? BTW do NOT miss that G'Town - Memphis game Saturday at Noon. That's gonna be a good one, two very athletic teams, and how often do you see No 2 v. No 4 in December? Should be a great game. I say we keep this thread going Duke/Carolina related until their first matchup, w/ random thoughts about each team and their recent games. Geesh, I love College Basketball! I could go on ten tangents all morning long, but I gotta get some work done!

Well, last night's game (though I didn't see it - going by the write up on Tarheelblue.com) proves what a great equalizer the 3-pt shot can be. 14-28 from three point range for Nicholls State, and they only lose by 10. Although the lead was around 20 a good portion of the 2nd half. Still, nice job by Nicholls just to hang around in the Heels first home game in forever. And Hansborough, apparently, is growing more beastly than ever. An elbow to the face? Recovering from a mild concussion? No problem, I'll just drop 27and 11 on you anyway. Can you say Naismith Award?

Dang it, I completely forgot when I opened this thread that I had Tivo'd the game and was going to watch it, and that reading here might be dangerous for that. Oh well, not your fault Beaner, my dumb mistake. Anyways, I'd rather have not suffered through seeing Psycho T go down, glad to know he is OK. I figured they won, probably watch a bit of it anyway since the next couple aren't on TV (well, I think they are on ESPNU, but I don't get that). Just a couple more warmups before the real season starts! BTW I had to watch my Skins instead of the Heels last night (hence the TIVO action. Still alive for the playoffs, baby! PS Was that another road game against a major conference foe? In their actual arena? I thought so.....

Look on the bright side, doesn't that new post season tournament start this year (or is it next)?? Maybe the Terps can be the inaugural champs I kid, I kid, not looking to make any enemies here

Wow things are a little ugly in Terp land. But Gary seems to always be able to pull things together for the ACC. I think Gist is vastly overrated, and has been for along time. Where are the post up moves from this guy? Athleticism is great, but Maryland needs a real post player, among other things.

You are right about Ellington's confidence, as I noted he certainly is more confident about putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot. And good point about Memphis - a lot of teams would have to lose for Duke to climb up. But the main point is the same - Duke v. Carolina might be as good a game this year as it has been for several years. As far as Duke and the road games - I'm not as hung up on this as Beaner clearly is, but I do think Duke should establish a home and home with a big conference team the way that Kentucky and Carolina have done. I know they have ongoing sets w/ St. Johns and other schools who prefer to move the games to MSG or other arenas, but how about picking a school with a large on campus arena? How about Duke/UConn every year? Or at least maybe continue the Duke/Gtown thing - I know that is MCI Center, but GTown plays most if not all of their home games their anyway. Or is GTown too scary for Duke, since they beat 'em once already One more thought, or question for SG - I am hearing a lot of talk that K is running a more agressive style of offense and overall game thanks to his new relationship with Mike Dantoni on the US National Team. Do you agree with this, or do you think it has more to do w/ the athleticism of his current roster?

Only for Dookies like yourself, Sports Guy (yes, I've been paying attention) Besides, I had something nice to say about your boys there, didn't I?

Alright, I have to get a Carolina thread going to rival the UVA one started by YardBirds. I only have a couple of posts, but I have lurked on the site for a while, and I know there are some Heels fans out there. I gotta say, the only thing that really scares me about this team is the inconsistency of the outside shooting. Even Ellington is streaky - at least from three. It is clear he has improved his overall game, but I would like for him to hit the three more consistently. Also, I know we won a few games w/o Lawson, but boy what a different team when he is not out there. Really impressed by Deon Thompson, and the continued maturation of the 'G' men, especially Danny Green. Should be another great season, and another deep run in March. The schedule has been pretty tough - not many ranked teams, but definitely some tough road games at big conference schools (OSU, Kentucky) and/or in tiny gyms like the Palestra most big time programs (cough, Duke, cough) won't go near. Should have the guys really seasoned, especially considering it is somewhat of a veteran team anyway. Also, and this is the part I hate to write: Does anyone else think, that by the time Duke and Carolina play for the first time, that might be a 1v2 matchup? I don't see Carolina falling b/w now and then, but Duke really could rise up if they keep winning the way they have been. They are scary at times, but I don't think they can handle Hansborough and company inside. Thoughts?