Monday

[jr11]

Record 73-58-4
Saturday 2-0

Illini UNC -3 156

Well, the NCAA got what they wanted and ratings should be through the roof. First let me say that UNC is probably one of the most talented teams I have seen in a while. However, I really do not like the way they play. They seem to play as if they are down 15 at all times. Yea, that has worked, but against a good guard team that is discipline could pose problems. I watched UNC up by 15 with a few minutes to go still jacking up shots quick into the shot clock. Is Roy really coaching this team? Michigan St got good looks, very good looks but wasn't consistent. Illinois will get the same looks and has alot of motion in the offensive set-up. They will make UNC work on the defensive end. I think the three guards will cause alot of problems for UNC and will certainly put tremendous amount of pressure on Felton. If you watch UNC, they dump it into May and the rest stand around. Illinois coach brought up a good point, deny May the ball during the first 10 seconds or so and then see how UNC functions on offense. If Illinois controls the tempo, which I think they can with the three guards, I feel they win this one. As much as it might be tough to contain May, it is equally as tough match-up for UNC on the other end. Illinois will space the floor and I think will hit the clean looks they get, as UNC's D isn't good. My lean right now, and it is a strong one, is to play Illinois. I will tune throughout tomorrow night and open for feedback.

jr11

 

[saint]

Some good points and obviously I can't argue everything negative people say against UNC as we have our weaknesses.

But to say our D isn't good is an empty statement. Coming into the final 4 we had the 2nd best defensive shooting % of the four teams left at 40%, second to only Mich St. You can't look at PPG we give up because of how many more posessions teams get from the tempo carolina plays. UNC won that game last night from their defense in the 2nd half. Held MSU to 33% from the field. Yes some of that is missing open looks but a lot was from increased defensive intensity. Like I said carolina has its weaknesses but to say we have played poor defense is ridiculous.

 

[jr11]

Saint, appreciate your comments. I not a UNC basher nor ACC for that matter. I grew a big fan, especially when Jordan was there. My comments about UNC's D not being there forte, I would think some would justify. Their philosophy is to outscore you at all costs. Most teams get caught up their tempo and there is where UNC shines. As for the percentages, when a team is behind they have to get outside of their realm and maybe take shots they wouldn't. We can split hairs all day over this topic. MST got great looks and I think Illinios will too, especially with their ball movement and spacing. I could also say to you that this team gave up eighty some points to Wisconsin, a team that might not score 50-60 against some of us here. My point was that they will be forced into guarding for much of the shot clock against three great guards, and how will they respond? They are an extremely talented team that may get exposed on the defensive end....may. Does Roy have control? I don't know, I played the game unlike most here at a decent level and what I saw late in the game against MST I didn't like. When winning by 15 or so with four minutes left, you don't have to do anything but run the clock and limit posessions. This team is still jacking threes with about ten seconds into the shot clock...that again is their mentality. My question, will that hold up against a very good guard oriented/defensive team? I didn't bet anything yet and enjoy the conversation Saint.

jr11

 

[saint]

Yeah def I'm a sports junkie and obviously the 2nd biggest homer here but enjoy the discussion (i'd like to think scott4usc edges me out there). Again you make good points. The sad thing is with 4 mins left they were running because that's what Roy tells them to do. It's his biggest weakness, he refuses to modify his gameplan. At that point we should have held the ball and run time but Roy constantly urges them to run. I think the tough thing about the illini that you mentioned is that they are patient and will pass for 34 seconds if it takes that long to get a good look. And they will put down more open looks than a team like MSU. I'm really interested to see how ill plays the heels. As you might have seen when unc lost to wake, gt and duke, to beat the heels teams just have to force them into a halfcourt offense. I think illinois has the guard speed to get back and do that. That's one reason why villanova was a tough game for unc. They had the quickness to not get beat back on the defensive end, which forced a set offense from carolina. Illinois to me has to make sure they don't fall into taking too many 3s. I mean they took 30 against louisville that's too many. If they do and are not dropping them it will fuel the transition for unc. I think the line is where it needs to be but Illinois have proven all season they are the best and most consistent team in the country.