Off the cuff: Lots of problems in this game against the College of Charleston. Yes, the Tar Heels sorely missed Ginyard and Graves. And yes, John Henson played pretty well in the first half and sat out the second half with a headache. And yes, Charleston had a strong home advantage. But come on - losing to a 7-6 College of Charleston team that lost by 39 points to Clemson. Carolina travels to Clemson in just over a week. Carolina wasn't gelling even before the injuries and nicks but this could be a bad season if the Heels don't get healthy quick. How could the big guys miss so many shots around the basket? How can you miss so many free throws? How can you let a mediocre team get six points on inbounds plays? When a team is running the clock down, how can you unnecessarily foul a player to restart the shot clock? How can you foul the best free throw shooter on the other team down the stretch? How can you let a team get off so many three pointers when it's the only way they can beat you? How can you take so many long two-pointers when a couple of inches back will get you three points? And, finally, how can you try to score a two-point basket in the waning seconds when you need a three just to tie? If you have been playing basketball more than a couple of years, these things shouldn't happen. It's not brain surgery. Coach Williams said, "You've got to understand the situation and what's going on." He also said the team may have gotten tentative down the stretch and that the taller Heels didn't get the ball inside enough. True enough but why didn't they understand the situation? Larry Drew II said something in the down-in-the-dumps lockerroom that will undoubtedly be controversial. He said that the Heels struggled down the stretch because they don't practice many late-game situations. I'd hate to be Drew at Coach Williams' next practice. This is starting to get the feel of a team that might have a transfer or two if they don't pull it together this year and/or if next year's freshman class is as good as advertised. |
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