UNC's Press Conference at ACC Tipoff

BenSherman said:

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• We are faster and longer
• Noted three transfers from within the conference - people want to play in Carmichael
• The goal is the Final Four and that drives scheduling.
• The triangle rivalries is an asset to the state and for UNC
• ACC is underappreciated - pointed out we had 5 in the S16. You have to have a complete team to win in the ACC.

• Called UNC basically a whole new team
• Thinks chemistry will be good
• Asked to name a returner who has grown she singled out Blanca Thomas - "She will be key for us this year." Akot agreed.

• My defense drives my offense.
• Offense: I am a long guard, can score downhill, ambidextrous, put pressure on the rim
• I can guard 1 through 5.
• Asked to name a newcomer who will surprise she singled out Sophie Burrows - has grown in particular in how she plays in the paint

• More people who can create their own shot when we need a bucket.
• Nyla Brooks is more physically stronger. Her PT went up last year when she got better defensively.
• Harpring's game is translating to an ACC level immediately. Versatility stands out. Competitiveness is off the charts and she guards 94 ft.
• implied that Akot will start, but could be at the 4 or the 5. but she can play the 3 as well. who plays the 4 or 5 is more of a defensive assignment issue as the offense is more position-less. Toomey can also play the 4 or 5.
• Burrows can play the 2, 3 or 4.
• Blanca has gotten better. Her tone implied that there is a competition still in play as to how much she will play; has to earn it among other competitors.
• Our top players, as a group, are the best we've had. ( In the Banghart era). we have an elite top group and that top group is more than 5.
• She does not fill an entire roster of 15 just on the principle of it. She fills needs, and when the needs are filled your are done. Also basically said that if she took a 15thm, that is less money she can then use for others. Not sure if the implication was that we used our entire budget this year on the 4 transfers we did land, or if she was somehow saving for the future. (me editorializing: Probably a little bit of both unless you are talking about a 5th year senior who would have only come in for one year.)
• Along those lines, they chose not to pursue a 5th year ineligible player who would need to win a court case. Decided that the uncertainty created risk to team chemistry and practice cohesion.
• Akot only visited us and then made her decision. because we were able to show her exactly how and why we needed her now.
• Clardy is a ball handling combo guard; can play the 1 or the 2.
• Gabby is a dynamic athlete, very powerful. Elite defender. Had to play outside of her best role last year because the ball had to go through All-star Kymorah Johnson for obvious reasons.
• Zubich currently in a boot but should be cleared by season's start. Practice injury.

3397char said:

Tons of detailed info in this interview:

We all suspected Blanca was injured after some oblique references to it in the early season last year, even after she missed much of the offseason. Nice to finally have it confirmed.

Other comments she made -

• More people who can create their own shot when we need a bucket.
• Nyla Brooks is more physically stronger. Her PT went up last year when she got better defensively.
• Harpring's game is translating to an ACC level immediately. Versatility stands out. Competitiveness is off the charts and she guards 94 ft.
• implied that Akot will start, but could be at the 4 or the 5. but she can play the 3 as well. who plays the 4 or 5 is more of a defensive assignment issue as the offense is more position-less. Toomey can also play the 4 or 5.
• Burrows can play the 2, 3 or 4.
• Blanca has gotten better. Her tone implied that there is a competition still in play as to how much she will play; has to earn it among other competitors.
• Our top players, as a group, are the best we've had. ( In the Banghart era). we have an elite top group and that top group is more than 5.
• She does not fill an entire roster of 15 just on the principle of it. She fills needs, and when the needs are filled your are done. Also basically said that if she took a 15thm, that is less money she can then use for others. Not sure if the implication was that we used our entire budget this year on the 4 transfers we did land, or if she was somehow saving for the future. (me editorializing: Probably a little bit of both unless you are talking about a 5th year senior who would have only come in for one year.)
• Along those lines, they chose not to pursue a 5th year ineligible player who would need to win a court case. Decided that the uncertainty created risk to team chemistry and practice cohesion.
• Akot only visited us and then made her decision. because we were able to show her exactly how and why we needed her now.
• Clardy is a ball handling combo guard; can play the 1 or the 2.
• Gabby is a dynamic athlete, very powerful. Elite defender. Had to play outside of her best role last year because the ball had to go through All-star Kymorah Johnson for obvious reasons.
• Zubich currently in a boot but should be cleared by season's start. Practice injury.

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tarboy said:

Wonder if Gabby can dunk? We all saw Noelle Bofia stuff it one handed. It would be cool if we had more than one.

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Jriv23 said:

Did you not listen to the women's ACC that was done in Charlotte on Monday and Tuesday. Akot will be starting at the four. CB and Akot both said she can guard 1 through 5. Kitley stated that she cannot wait to see AKot play. Also, CB stated that Gabby was the most athletic on the team. CB stated that she touches the rim with the ball in her hands. The women's ACC crew stated that they cannot wait to see how high Gabby can jump.

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tarboy said:

Wonder if Gabby can dunk? We all saw Noelle Bofia stuff it one handed. It would be cool if we had more than one.

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tarboy said:

Thanks 3397. Considering your thoughts I doubt dunking is likely for Gabby. Getting up to snatch rebounds might might be the best bet for us to see Gabby fly high in a game at her height. Still hoping Noelle will dunk in a game this year.

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6string said:

If I recall correctly CB said Gabby could “get to the rim” but did not say she could dunk it. I think she would have said so if she could but guess we will find out.

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