Well folks, I apologize for not being able to report on the Tar Heels first loss of the season against Gonzaga on Wednesday. However, I did manage to check out the UNC-UT game last night and I have to say its going to be a very bumpy ride for Heels fans this year. Carolina has an enormous amount of talent, right now it is more a collection of individuals and by no means a team. There are far too many plays breaking down and a lot of mental lapses on the defensive end, of course with so much talent they can still win going away against a top tier SEC team. The ACC season will be a great opportunity for these kids to grow up and learn the value of teamwork and hopefully the time the postseason comes around they’ll begin to get it. I know they are currently a favourite to reach the Final Four, but I an tell you that I won’t be booking my ticket just yet. Below are my initial thoughts on the three heralded freshman in Carolina Blue (I will complete full scouting reports once I’ve seen more games):
Brandan Wright – the stud of the class. Unquestionably an NBA player with a long career ahead of him. Personifies the term length, but what really impresses me is that for a young big man he really plays the game with his head up and his eyes all over the floor. Currently has a release point that is so high as to be unblockable at the college level…Oddly enough he has many of the same characteristics that a young Rasheeed Wallace had (vicious dunks, solid rebounder and shot blocker) but with a little more polish on his handle and passing ability and A LOT less emotional concerns. Clearly needs more weight/strength to succeed in the NBA but appears to have broad enough shoulders to get there with some hard work in the gym.
Wayne Ellington – at one point Wayne was the star recruit of this class and I can only imagine how easily he would have scored in high school. However, he has some serious flaws in his game from an NBA perspective. His shot release is very slow by NBA standards, he does not have the size (listed at 6’4″, but looks shorter) or the incredible athleticism to have success at the NBA level. Again similar to another former Heel…Joseph Forte. There is no doubt he can be a great college player and one that could very well be around all four years, but there is absolutely nothing about him that screams NBA.
Ty Lawson – he’s got he build of Marcus Banks and wheels like Speedy Claxton, but at 5″11″ can he have success in the League? Possibly, but right now he’s a long way off – 16 assists against 15 turnovers is enough to make Roy lose what is left on top. At his size he will have to have a very good understanding of the game, limit turnovers and have a lethal outside shot to have real success. Living in a city with a PG who has speed to burn and can’t shoot worth a lick (Toronto) is a great reminder of just how important it will be for Ty to learn how to shoot (based on the early returns he might be on his way. I suspect that if he has the patience to stay in school he could very well become a borderline starter in the NBA, but should he choose to leave early his career will suffer for it.
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