From: Curt.Hill@launchpad.unc.edu (Curt Hill)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.college
Subject: UNC:  The first 5 and next 5 games
Date: 17 Dec 92 17:42:41 GMT
Organization: University of North Carolina Extended Bulletin Board Service



A quick review of how the North Carolina men's basketball team is
playing after its first 5 games and how things look for the very
difficult next 5 games.



o What's wrong

The team isn't playing as well after the injuries to Brian Reese and
Donald Williams.  Donald made it back for Houston, although his bruised
ribs were still tender.  Brian should be back for Butler.  Losing these
two slowed the team down speed-wise, offensively, and defensively,
leading to lesser performances.  It'll be nice to have both back.

There is some concern that Donald Williams isn't playing enough.  Well,
he played as much as anyone else up until his rib injury.  He only
played 19 versus Houston, but I think Dean was trying not to get him
hurt.  I expect my prediction that Donald will be starting by ACC season
will hold.

The half-court offense still isn't working consistently.  It was awesome
against Houston during the early part of the second half when UNC pushed
the lead to 23.  It faltered after that and other times.  This is likely
Smith's biggest area of concern.

Turnovers are a big problem right now, as UNC is committing too many
unforced errors.

Derrick Phelps still hasn't shown a consistent outside shot.


o What's right

The defense is still playing frighteningly well.  You really have to
see this team play defense to appreciate it.  If this level of defense
holds or improves throughout the year, watch out.

The outside shooting has improved greatly.  Rodl and Sullivan appear to
have less hesitation shooting the open shot.  Brian Reese has improved
his 3 point shot.  Dante Calabria will take - and make - any GOOD open
shot.  And Donald Williams has shown signs that he just might be able to
fill Hubert Davis' big shoes -- this year.

Pat Sullivan is playing with greater confidence.

Eric Montross is playing very well on the defensive end and shooting the
ball very well.  His free throw shooting has improved dramatically.

Donald Williams' defense has improved 100%.

Dante Calabria has turned out to be quite a player.



o What to look for over the next 2 weeks.

These next two weeks should really tell how good this time can be.

December 20   Butler             Indianapolis  Hinkle Fieldhouse (ESPN) 1pm
December 22   Ohio State         Columbus      St. John's Arena  (ESPN) 7:30pm
December 27   SW Louisiana       Honolulu      Blaisdell Arena   unknown/TBA
December 29   Michigan/Nebraska     "                            unknown/TBA
December 30   Kansas/Jackson St.    "                            unknown/TBA
              or Hawaii/Fordham


These are all tough games.  Butler is no slouch at home.  Hinkle Fieldhouse
is where Hoosiers was filmed and "little" Butler has pulled off similar
miracles in their home arena before.  Ohio State is rebuilding, but is
still a strong team and very difficult to beat at home.

The Rainbow Classic promises to be an excellent tournament.  I just
watched SW Louisiana take apart Loyola Marymount pretty convincingly.
SW Lousiana upset Oklahoma in the NCAA tournament last year, and although
they lost a couple of players, many are back for another year.  And
these guys are good, skilled, athletic, and well-coached.  Marty Fletcher
is an excellent rising coach and Michael Allen has amazing range on his
jump shot.  Todd Hill (no relation) is a 6'8" forward with an NBA future.

There's no breaks if Carolina wins this tough game.  Next will be (in
any event) either Michigan or Nebraska.  Michigan everyone knows about,
but Nebraska is no weak sister this year.  Coach Danny Nee is very good
and he has some nice talent to work with.  No creampuffs here.

If Carolina gets past this game, the likely opponent would be Kansas.
Kansas has an easy bracket, but didn't until Georgia Tech AND UNLV
dropped out of this tournament.  What a show that would have been.

Having to play these three games would be a special challenge for the
Tar Heels.  In any event, all the teams here are at least fairly good.
It's hard to predict how the Heels will do, because a 2 loss performance
wouldn't be that difficult to achieve.  I hope Carolina makes it to the
finals, only so that the team will have to play 3 quality opponents in 4 days.
Excellent tempering for the tourney.

Sadly, this tournament isn't being covered nationally.  I've heard Home
Team Sports is picking up, but check your cable listing.  Remember Hawaii
is at least 5 hours ahead of EDT, so look for odd times.



Should be an exciting 2 weeks.  Good luck to everyone trying to find those
Rainbow Classic games.  You'll see me in Columbus.  I'll be the one telling
Jimmy Jackson to dump his agent and sign that 4 year, 14 million dollar
contract...




Curtis
chill%star3@mcnc.org

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