ADVERTISEMENT

Theo Pinson?

Showenuff

Devils Illustrated Hall of Famer
Nov 21, 2006
21,607
14,148
113
Anyone hearing that Theo Pinson told Giles "Don't make the same mistake I made coming to unc ?" Holy Mackeral. Mind you I have no proof but have now heard several folks talking about that.
 
Saw this also on another board... "Theo told Harry in the spring not to make the same mistake he made by coming to UNC. Theo still regrets not going to IU, but his family understandably wanted him close to home. Once Duke was no longer a possibility, that left UNC, and Theo, being the good kid that he is, followed his family's wishes."

I guess that's because K went with Justise.
 
If that's the case, then wow...just wow.

I would expect that from Strickland, but not a guy that's about to become a starter.

I do find it funny that their fans are so worried about negative recruiting, and it's coming from their own players.
 
I really woundnt be surprised if he said this. Carolina doesn't develop its players. This isn't just a fan saying this, it's becoming a common theme among those in the AAU circuit and NBA circles as well.
 
Gary said its nice to know so much and what he doesn't know he can get from someone that does know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: skysdad
If he is that miserable why not transfer
Yeah, if nothing else, that makes me skeptical. If he pulls a Tokoto-style departure against all logic, or if there are signs of discordance this season, maybe I could see it, but for now, I'm doubtful. There's also a handful of guys every year whose team doesn't do as well as a team they considered playing for, and after the fact, there's all this fan bravado about how, "I bet so-and-so wishes he came here now." That's pretty silly. It's acting as if the relationships a player builds mean nothing. If Pinson said anything like this, I suspect it was more about making a more informed, independent decision than he did, a "don't-get-me-wrong-I-love-it-here-but" type thing.

Carolina doesn't develop its players. This isn't just a fan saying this, it's becoming a common theme among those in the AAU circuit and NBA circles as well.
I remember a time this was a negative recruiting tactic used against Duke. I'm not too crazy about it regardless of who it's directed at. W/ elite recruits who may not stay in college long, the challenge is building chemistry and letting them use their strengths, getting out of their way. There's still coaching, but they're not transforming players or making chicken salad out of a 2 star recruit like they used to. K has undoubtedly adapted. He competed w/ 4-year guys and we shrugged off the NBA bust criticisms b/c he was building a college program, not a farm system. A guy like Jon Scheyer was a McDAA, but he still projected as a 4-year college guy w/ only a marginal shot at the NBA. Now the top talent leaves early and you have to adapt to stay competitive. We had 3 freshmen who maxed out what they needed to achieve in college last season. If there is any legit complaint about Roy in this area, it has to do w/ how Ed Davis, McAdoo, and Barnes, perhaps others, all stayed longer than projected and saw their draft stock drop.
 
I think the deal with Pinson isn't so much that he isn't enjoying his time at UNC. It's more that he sees now that he isn't in a system that allows his set of skills to shine. Crean told Theo that he would use him the same way they used Olidipo. His coaches thought this was the best situation for Theo because of his lack of a jump shot but abundance of athleticism, exactly like Olidipo. But, as the other poster said, his parents pushed for him to stay close to home.

As for why not transfer? He sees himself as being able to get drafted on potential. Why sit out a year if he can leave after this year if he shows enough potential? I've heard that both he and Meeks have every intention of leaving after this year if they have a decent season that puts them in contention to be drafted.
 
Theo wanted to go to Duke. He grew up a Duke fan, but we preferred Justise. I'm certainly not upset at how it all worked out, but I do somewhat feel bad for a guy that wanted to be here but b/c of the situation he couldnt. Hindsight is 20/20 he would play this year but last year he had a guy in his way.
 
Never heard nothing but good about the kid, and although I don't like where he plays.... Tough to feel bad for a kid getting a free "education" and doing what he loves on the biggest scale. I'm sure Theo will be a thorn in our side sooner then later.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT