Where: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
When: Sunday, November 28th, 5:30 PM
TV: Fox Sports
Records: UNC 3-2; CofC 4-2
So, it is commonly held that way back January 4th when UNC lost to Charleston it was the first domino on the now fully functional Year of Hell in UNC Athletics. Since that is the case if we apply a little Star Trek solution du jour of the week I assume should UNC defeat Charleston in this game it will close the inter-dimensional rift through which UNC passed last year into this bizzaro world of NIT appearances and NCAA investigations. Right? RIGHT?!?!
The only rift we ought to be worried about here is a growing one between this team and their confidence in general. UNC has not put together a solid team effort since whipping Hofstra. Since that game it has been some piss-poor offensive outings which included poor ball handling and even worse shooting. The offensive woes which are a seeming continuation from last season has everyone clamoring for major lineup changes in the backcourt. For the most part, it would appear most UNC fans are done with Larry Drew and are so taken with Reggie Bullock that starting all three freshmen alongside Tyler Zeller and John Henson is gaining in popularity. The question is whether Roy Williams will do what everyone is convinced he won’t do and that is pull the trigger on some serious personnel changes.
If I had to bet, I would bet on a partial answer to that with Bullock’s availability being a key factor. Based on the latest reports, Bullock is being called questionable despite practicing for two days. That could be precautionary and I am inclined to think that is the case. If Bullock is available, what everyone wants to know is whether Roy follows-up on a statement least week in which he indicated Bullock may start. Given how much stock Roy puts in practice, there is no way to answer that question. Certainly if we are talking about players having earned PT, then I would think Bullock is there. Yes, his defense is a tad suspect but the last I checked UNC the offense is still putrid enough that kitchen sink type moves might be in order at some point.
Given the question marks, the last thing UNC needs is a string of tough games. Unfortunately that is what UNC is getting beginning with Charleston. The Cougars almost beat Maryland to open the season and is a senior laden team coached by Bobby Cremins whose reputation precedes him. Charleston shoots the ball very well, especially from three to the tune of 37% as a team. The player to watch is Andrew Goudelock, Charleston’s leading scorer at 23.0 ppg. Goudelock shoots 42% from beyond the arc on average. Needless to say Goudelock has the potential to make life difficult for UNC given he propensity of opposing guards to blow up vs the Heels. On the flipside, UNC should enjoy a significant edge on the boards and also from a depth perspective since Charleston only goes seven deep.
It is simplistic to say UNC needs to shoot the ball well to win, but that is pretty much it outside of the turnovers issue. In other words, UNC needs to find their offense. A low turnover, high shooting percentage affair for UNC should result in a nice Tar Heel win. With Illinois and Kentucky looming this week, using this game as a springboard into improved performances as the Heels go up against some schools smart people say are pretty good.
UNC 87 CofC 74
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That is a shame to hear Reggie might still be hurt. If Reggie’s injury persists, I fear that this team might be worse than last year’s team. Hope I’m wrong.
Barnes needs to assert himself today. The kid must be good, or else he wouldn’t have earned the #1 ranking out of high school or received all the pre-season All-America accolades. Remember how good John Wall was as a freshman last year? He was a leader and dominant force from the beginning. That is supposed to be Barnes now. He may not have his best game every night, but he should know and feel that he is the best guy on the court (or at least one of the best). He should play with more swagger, more moxy, more confidence. If a kid with that kind of ability (#1 high school player in the country) doesn’t have confidence, we must ask ourselves what (or who) is causing the loss of confidence.
FYI, my icon is a a picture of the old jump circle. Doesn’t that look so much better than the new one they put on the court this year? The “NC” is in the same place, but without the larger circle, it appears off-center, which is highly distracting to the human eye.
I feel the same way about the new middle jump circle design. It looks out of balance to me. I like symmetry and balance.
I think this team starts to turn the corner tonight!
happy sunday Redemption game
every game in the last 2 seasons ive expected the Heels to lose they lost. Not having a great feeling about this game. With Reggie hurt, i dont think the heels will have a change in rotation. Larry and Dex starting and with the best players riding the bench.
Considering the fact that UNC finds some way to inflate team’s three-point percentage by 15-20 points, I don’t have a good feeling about tonight’s game at all….
Goudlock is GUARENTEED to have at least 25. We better win and show serious improvement in the backcourt, or me driving from Charlotte to Greenville in a somewhat illegal manner to watch this game is for not. By the way, hope everyone had a great Turkey Day.
is reggie’s injury serious?? whats the injury going to be positive and since this game last year was the beginning of misery think tonights game will begin a turnaround…as someone posted tar heels turn the corner…. just think there is no way they will let tonights game get out of hand bad taste left in the players mouths thta played in this game last year…. at least this game earlier this year wasn’t last years game in january…….LOL
We just need a win!! Badly!!
Go Heels!!
Would this game be online somewhere, I hope?
Go Tar Heels!
Now, all together: This squad will improve and make up some of the lost ground and begin that trip out of the Year of Hell!
Goudlock will light us up for sure. I’m worried about Bullock’s injury.
I thought he was the best player other than Zeller so far this year.