Let's be honest, when the schedule comes out in August the first thing we all look for are the two dates of the Duke-UNC games. Well, this is as late as I can ever remember for the first one....but the excitement and lead up is just the same.
So what are the keys to the game for us?
1) I think we must establish Jahlil early. You know UNC is going to double, so Jah has to make the decision right away if he's going to the basket. Brice Johnson can cause some havoc as a weakside helper, but I don't see how Meeks can contain Jah.
2) Defend, but don't extend. I know, a cute little play on words, but I think it's the truth. UNC does not shoot the ball well. That doesn't mean they aren't capable, but their season-to-date shooting numbers leave a lot to be desired. They have a few guys who can get into the lane though.
3) Kind of to #2's point, but we have to control the defensive glass. If we limit UNC's second chances we're going to be in pretty good shape. But what UNC likes to do is get into the lane and draw helpers. It puts teams/players out of position and makes them deadly on the offensive boards. The less we're having to leave men the better.
4) The freshmen cannot be rattled. Our freshmen aren't typical freshmen, but they're freshmen, nonetheless. And they haven't played in this *game* before. The intensity definitely rachets up a notch. It's important they feed off their teammates and the crowd, but at the same time that can also be a crutch.
For UNC, IMO.
1) I think they need Paige to have a big game. He's their big equalizer....and we all know he's a very good player. He's struggled some this season, but this is the kind of game that could catapult him for the rest of year.
2) I mentioned above that one of the keys for us is protecting the defensive glass, but the offensive glass is huge for them. Johnson, Meeks, Hicks and Tokoto are all excellent rebounders of missed shots. We must contain/neutralize here, if we don't, any perceived advantage we might have coming in is negated.
3) UNC will need to make some outside shots, and ideally I think a few will have to come from someone not named Marcus Paige. I expect him to get some looks and knock them down....the question is who on their team is able to provide a second punch.
Lastly, I do think we're the better team, but I don't think we're far and away better. If we don't play really well UNC can and will beat us. We're catching them at a time where they're not playing to their capabilities, but we've seen in the past how a Duke-UNC game brings out the best in both teams. Right now we're riding high(er), but that can all change in just 40 minutes.
It should be another fun one. Here's to hoping our boys come out on top.
So what are the keys to the game for us?
1) I think we must establish Jahlil early. You know UNC is going to double, so Jah has to make the decision right away if he's going to the basket. Brice Johnson can cause some havoc as a weakside helper, but I don't see how Meeks can contain Jah.
2) Defend, but don't extend. I know, a cute little play on words, but I think it's the truth. UNC does not shoot the ball well. That doesn't mean they aren't capable, but their season-to-date shooting numbers leave a lot to be desired. They have a few guys who can get into the lane though.
3) Kind of to #2's point, but we have to control the defensive glass. If we limit UNC's second chances we're going to be in pretty good shape. But what UNC likes to do is get into the lane and draw helpers. It puts teams/players out of position and makes them deadly on the offensive boards. The less we're having to leave men the better.
4) The freshmen cannot be rattled. Our freshmen aren't typical freshmen, but they're freshmen, nonetheless. And they haven't played in this *game* before. The intensity definitely rachets up a notch. It's important they feed off their teammates and the crowd, but at the same time that can also be a crutch.
For UNC, IMO.
1) I think they need Paige to have a big game. He's their big equalizer....and we all know he's a very good player. He's struggled some this season, but this is the kind of game that could catapult him for the rest of year.
2) I mentioned above that one of the keys for us is protecting the defensive glass, but the offensive glass is huge for them. Johnson, Meeks, Hicks and Tokoto are all excellent rebounders of missed shots. We must contain/neutralize here, if we don't, any perceived advantage we might have coming in is negated.
3) UNC will need to make some outside shots, and ideally I think a few will have to come from someone not named Marcus Paige. I expect him to get some looks and knock them down....the question is who on their team is able to provide a second punch.
Lastly, I do think we're the better team, but I don't think we're far and away better. If we don't play really well UNC can and will beat us. We're catching them at a time where they're not playing to their capabilities, but we've seen in the past how a Duke-UNC game brings out the best in both teams. Right now we're riding high(er), but that can all change in just 40 minutes.
It should be another fun one. Here's to hoping our boys come out on top.
