UNC on Saturday

[IndyCat1995]

First off, I know Saturday will be tough but let's not act like UNC is playing like the Golden State Warriors right now. They have as many problems as we do. They struggled mightily against Davidson and UT at home. Even without Berry this still has to be concerning to the Heels.

My biggest concern is with their bigs. I'm worried about their ability to grab offensive boards and our inability to do so. When it comes to guard play, I think UK has the advantage. UNC's guards struggled containing Davidson and Tennessee's guards, I think ours could potentially have a field day this weekend. Berry will probably be back, but will he be 100%?

This game will be all about UK's guards and UNC's bigs, IMO.

 

[sambowieshin_rivals]

1. Bam must stay out of foul trouble
2. Defense has to be much better than it was against UCLA
3. Rebounding and limiting UNCheat's second chance opportunities
4. Briscoe better know where the court ends and his foot begins

 

[The Bubba]

I wonder if Calipari has ever thought about Gabriel or Willis having to man the post?

 

[akaukswoosh]

I wonder if Calipari has ever thought about Gabriel or Willis having to man the post?

I think as the season progresses SKJ will do that some.

 

[TouchdownKy]

Hump will most likely see 10 to 15 minutes to bang UNC Bigs. How he plays while on the floor will be pivotal.

 

[Jakarii]

Biggest thing is rebounding. I won't overestimate the quickness and defensive ability by the UK guards like I did vs UCLA because they were quicker, more athletic etc but the UCLA guards still got any shot they wanted because you can over come that by moving without the ball and skill.

I don't think UK is two concerned about the last two games because hey know that without Berry they are a couple steps lower than what they are will him the same way UK would be without Ulis. If UK can rebound better than they have been (big IF) and not leave guys open for three (very possible) they should win this game. This will be a big test and show if UK has a great chance at a top 4 seed or if they are a 2 seed

 

[Dakota25]

UK needs to at least split UNC and Louisville. Getting swept will be a blow to our season as those are two of our biggest rivals and UK will be 1-3 against ranked teams, plus I can't see a one seed if they lose both. Win both then UK is in great shape for a one seed. All in all it is crucial that they beat at least one of the next two.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

UNC just doesnt have the same drive or heart with their best player out.... but he's back practicing with the team and will play against us. And they are playing against us so I fully expect effort will be 100%.

First off we have to match that effort.
Second.... if we have to be prepared to give our lives for rebounds... or else UNC will destroy us on the boards
and third... watching the UNC games.. their +104 free throw differential on the season just adds to what you can already see........ Jordan and company are spending top dollar on officiating now they dont have to pay off others anymore on the scandal.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Hump will most likely see 10 to 15 minutes to bang UNC Bigs. How he plays while on the floor will be pivotal.

Thanks for making me sick at my stomach. Hump is going to lose so many damn rebounds in this game.... I just dont want to think about it.

 

[Jakarii]

Yep it's the refs. Have nothing to do with you'll get more free throws if you try to score close to the basket which UNC tries to do a lot since their bigs seek out contact

 

[JerseyCat84_rivals57050]

I just hope UK wins so Jakarii can disappear, for a few months anyway.

 

[BBUK_anon]

Biggest thing is rebounding. I won't overestimate the quickness and defensive ability by the UK guards like I did vs UCLA because they were quicker, more athletic etc but the UCLA guards still got any shot they wanted because you can over come that by moving without the ball and skill.

I don't think UK is two concerned about the last two games because hey know that without Berry they are a couple steps lower than what they are will him the same way UK would be without Ulis. If UK can rebound better than they have been (big IF) and not leave guys open for three (very possible) they should win this game. This will be a big test and show if UK has a great chance at a top 4 seed or if they are a 2 seed

That is a stretch at this point in the season...it just is...

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Bradley and Meeks are their main offensive rebs. Both of them have a high percentage of their overall rebs on the offensive end. Willis is who we have to have rebounding. He did good last game, but for the season he has the same number of offensive rebs as SKJ, but has played more than twice as many minutes.

 

[deltasig41_rivals378041]

While this game is big in terms of playing a ranked team and may play a factor in seeding later on (depending on how the rest of the season plays out) it really is little more than a barometer of where we are. Obviously you want to win every game, but if we don't hit the boards like our life depends on it, we likely wont win. UNC is REALLY good on the offensive glass, and that was the only thing that allowed them to win last night against Tennessee. We're better than Tennessee to be sure, but defensive rebounding is obviously our biggest weakness. We will have to be really good in that regard to win this game.

It really boils down to effort and positioning. Yesterday, on several occasions Bam would fly from the weak side going for a block when he didn't need to, leading to an easy put back. Off-the-ball defenders have to do a better job of being aware of the on-ball defender. Two times I recall Hawk being on the ball, and doing a great job of forcing the ball handler into a bad shot. No need for a block, he wasn't making it anyway. Box out and get the rebound and closeout the defensive possession. If we do that, I like our chances.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

We are at least rebounding better than we did last year. 38.5 last year to 44 so far this year.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

While this game is big in terms of playing a ranked team and may play a factor in seeding later on (depending on how the rest of the season plays out) it really is little more than a barometer of where we are. Obviously you want to win every game, but if we don't hit the boards like our life depends on it, we likely wont win. UNC is REALLY good on the offensive glass, and that was the only thing that allowed them to win last night against Tennessee. We're better than Tennessee to be sure, but defensive rebounding is obviously our biggest weakness. We will have to be really good in that regard to win this game.

It really boils down to effort and positioning. Yesterday, on several occasions Bam would fly from the weak side going for a block when he didn't need to, leading to an easy put back. Off-the-ball defenders have to do a better job of being aware of the on-ball defender. Two times I recall Hawk being on the ball, and doing a great job of forcing the ball handler into a bad shot. No need for a block, he wasn't making it anyway. Box out and get the rebound and closeout the defensive possession. If we do that, I like our chances.

Williams always puts an emphasis on offensive rebounding. I've been noticing that for years, especially on FTs. They get a ridiculous number of rebs off missed FTs.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Yep it's the refs. Have nothing to do with you'll get more free throws if you try to score close to the basket which UNC tries to do a lot since their bigs seek out contact

Yeah you are right........ I mean its not like they've been proven to cheat ruthlessly for 30 years and also has the head of the ACC as a UNC alum.

Take it from someone who admits that we got some timely officiating during our run in the 90's with C.M.Newton as NCAA chair.....

But if you can watch that Sunday night Tenn/UNC game and think the officials didnt bend over backwards keeping UNC in it to have a chance to win down the stretch ... Then I'll have to ignore you for being a disgusting lying human being.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

We are at least rebounding better than we did last year. 38.5 last year to 44 so far this year.

That could also be due to the higher pace of play.

 

[Jakarii]

Agreed. Him and Wenyen is key. The biggest weakness has been PF (Cal has mentioned it). It's bothered him so much that he has tried playing two bigs and now on his radio show he said he will try playing four guards with Bam and if that works he will go with that more often.

Wenyen together have struggles defending and rebounding

Bradley and Meeks are their main offensive rebs. Both of them have a high percentage of their overall rebs on the offensive end. Willis is who we have to have rebounding. He did good last game, but for the season he has the same number of offensive rebs as SKJ, but has played more than twice as many minutes.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I just looked it up and was shocked to see that we are 6th in offensive rebounding and #19 overall. Unfortunately, UNCheat is #1 overall.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

LOL so instead of maybe trying to go to a traditional non 3 guard lineup.. Cal wants to now double down and possibly go 4 guards? omg... he might be getting alzheimers.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

I just looked it up and was shocked to see that we are 6th in offensive rebounding and #19 overall. Unfortunately, UNCheat is #1 overall.

Where it really matters is rebounding differential.. UNC is #1 and we're 38th. Still early in the season and we're skewed by playing Cleveland state... one of the worst rebounding teams in the NCAA and out rebounding them by a gazillion.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Our best rebounders per 40 minutes are SKJ and Humphries by a good margin.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Where it really matters is rebounding differential.. UNC is #1 and we're 38th. Still early in the season and we're skewed by playing Cleveland state... one of the worst rebounding teams in the NCAA and out rebounding them by a gazillion.

Damn, do you always look for the glass half-empty side of everything?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

LOL, even Payne does it. Just said Adebayu.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Damn, do you always look for the glass half-empty side of everything?

All you had to do was watch the damn games to know your rebounding statistics didnt tell the story. If those stats reflected an accurate story... Cal wouldnt be so pissed at our rebounding..... Duh.

 

[Jakarii]

Yet another reason I don't put stock into the per 40 things. You're stats can look great if you don't play much

Our best rebounders per 40 minutes are SKJ and Humphries by a good margin.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

if you go by per 40 minutes... then there is no excuse not to play SKJ and Mulder ...

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

All you had to do was watch the damn games to know your rebounding statistics didnt tell the story. If those stats reflected an accurate story... Cal wouldnt be so pissed at our rebounding..... Duh.

I don't see how the differential is that important when you are talking #1 and #19 overall. It's troublesome though that our weakness is their strength. We are 66th in def. reb. and they are 2nd in off. rebs. But if our strength was in defensive rebounding, it wouldn't be as bad. They average 2 more rebs a game than we do. We both play at a fast pace. Sorry, fast paste. I just don't see that the differential is the most important aspect here. We are still 19th overall.

 

[Dablueman]

Yet another reason I don't put stock into the per 40 things. You're stats can look great if you don't play much

Well that is where u are wrong that statement is bull. Hump is averaging 12pts 12.5 reb and 3.6 blocks per game per 30. Jones is averaging 12 points 9 reb and 3 blocks per 30. Both play around 10 min a game and at crucial times not the short time u are implying. Truth is if both were playing Bams min they would be close to double doubles. Only Mulder's per 30 is crazier. 22 points and almost 7 rebs a game. Your point is only relevant if u were talking about a guy getting 4 min a game against the opponent's second team. That is not the case with these guys.

 

[12375CAT]

Cats deck Heels

 

[Ukbrassowtipin]

Well that is where u are wrong that statement is bull. Hump is averaging 12pts 12.5 reb and 3.6 blocks per game per 30. Jones is averaging 12 points 9 reb and 3 blocks per 30. Both play around 10 min a game and at crucial times not the short time u are implying. Truth is if both were playing Bams min they would be close to double doubles. Only Mulder's per 30 is crazier. 22 points and almost 7 rebs a game. Your point is only relevant if u were talking about a guy getting 4 min a game against the opponent's second team. That is not the case with these guys.

SKJ is playing more garbage minutes...not hard to rebound over 3rd string guys. The ppl that should play do.

 

[Dirk2Bowie]

Thanks for making me sick at my stomach. Hump is going to lose so many damn rebounds in this game.... I just dont want to think about it.

Worried about this myself. If Hump doesn't play well then the guards are really going to have to concentrate mightily on the defensive glass. Hopefully they'll do that anyway.

 

[bucsrule8872]

This game is all about rebounding. If we can rebound with them, we can win.

If we rebound like we have been, it's going to get ugly.

 

[kyjeff1]

While this game is big in terms of playing a ranked team and may play a factor in seeding later on (depending on how the rest of the season plays out) it really is little more than a barometer of where we are. Obviously you want to win every game, but if we don't hit the boards like our life depends on it, we likely wont win. UNC is REALLY good on the offensive glass, and that was the only thing that allowed them to win last night against Tennessee. We're better than Tennessee to be sure, but defensive rebounding is obviously our biggest weakness. We will have to be really good in that regard to win this game.

It really boils down to effort and positioning. Yesterday, on several occasions Bam would fly from the weak side going for a block when he didn't need to, leading to an easy put back. Off-the-ball defenders have to do a better job of being aware of the on-ball defender. Two times I recall Hawk being on the ball, and doing a great job of forcing the ball handler into a bad shot. No need for a block, he wasn't making it anyway. Box out and get the rebound and closeout the defensive possession. If we do that, I like our chances.

For UK, this is MUCH more than a barometer game. UNC*** can afford to lose this game and still easily obtain a 1 seed. UK doesn't have that option. Michigan State was our best win and they are awful.
We lost at home to UCLA and we have a true road game with UL coming up.
If we lose to UNC*** we might as well kiss a 1 seed goodbye. We play in a sh*t conference where it's UK and a bunch of also ran's that play out of their minds when UK comes to town. If we win, we were supposed to win, but if we lose, we aren't worthy.
But when they are comparing resume's in that little room on Selection Sunday, they are going to be comparing UK's resume to 6 or 7 other possible 1 seeds, and if they see losses at home to UCLA and on a neutral court to UNC***, than I don't like our odds to get a 1, we would have given them the reasons they need to push us down a line. UK is going to need this win to put them in over a gaggle of other teams that play in better conferences and have good wins.
This game is very important to UK.

 

[docholiday51]

Thanks for making me sick at my stomach. Hump is going to lose so many damn rebounds in this game.... I just dont want to think about it.

He may cost us the game or he may bail our *** out on the boards,7 or 8 rebounds would look pretty good.

 

[Dakota25]

For UK, this is MUCH more than a barometer game. UNC*** can afford to lose this game and still easily obtain a 1 seed. UK doesn't have that option. Michigan State was our best win and they are awful.
We lost at home to UCLA and we have a true road game with UL coming up.
If we lose to UNC*** we might as well kiss a 1 seed goodbye. We play in a sh*t conference where it's UK and a bunch of also ran's that play out of their minds when UK comes to town. If we win, we were supposed to win, but if we lose, we aren't worthy.
But when they are comparing resume's in that little room on Selection Sunday, they are going to be comparing UK's resume to 6 or 7 other possible 1 seeds, and if they see losses at home to UCLA and on a neutral court to UNC***, than I don't like our odds to get a 1, we would have given them the reasons they need to push us down a line. UK is going to need this win to put them in over a gaggle of other teams that play in better conferences and have good wins.
This game is very important to UK.

Yeah I agree. Have to beat either UNC or Louisville. Still have Kansas, South Carolina, and Florida but a one seed will be hard to come by with losing the next two.

 

[kyjeff1]

Yeah I agree. Have to beat either UNC or Louisville. Still have Kansas, South Carolina, and Florida but a one seed will be hard to come by with losing the next two.

I think the cats need to win both and beat KU in Rupp, to get a 1 seed. CBB is too stacked this year to show up on selection Sunday with a home loss to UCLA and another loss to either UNC or UL. I see some road losses in the SEC too. On top of that, the selection committee doesn't really care about wins in the SEC, they put a lot of weight on the losses, but not the wins.

 

[Dablueman]

I think the cats need to win both and beat KU in Rupp, to get a 1 seed. CBB is too stacked this year to show up on selection Sunday with a home loss to UCLA and another loss to either UNC or UL. I see some road losses in the SEC too. On top of that, the selection committee doesn't really care about wins in the SEC, they put a lot of weight on the losses, but not the wins.

You think a UK team with 2 losses to UCLA ranked number 2 and to UNC a team ranked top 10 and who many consider the best team in the country gets a 2 see. I have never in my life seen a UK team or any power conference team with just two losses not get a one seed. Let alone have the losses be to two of best teams in the country. Now you can't claim this team has to beat UNC at a neutral site cause the sec is so week and then think we lose in the sec. This team can lose to NC and lost 2 in the sec and still be a one seed. The ACC is going to beat each other up.

 

[MWes11]

Rebounding will be important obviously this Saturday. Need our guards to crash and help out on the boards. Sacrifice a few transition opportunities with our guards leaking out and have them crash hard to secure rebounds. We all love easy buckets in transition, but you need the ball first to run out. Hoping our guards can help with this and we don't have to rely just on Bam, Wenyen, Derek, and Isaac.