Thursday, January 14, 2010

5 bad numbers for UNC hoops

I just witnessed Clemson absolutely take apart North Carolina, 83-64, in an ACC game that ended with a whole bunch of orange, happy people screaming at midcourt in Clemson. Here's my column from that game. And here are 5 numbers the "ABCers" -- the "Anybody But Carolina" brigade -- may enjoy (although they are guaranteed to make Tar Heel fans wince about this best-forgotten game).

19 -- The margin of defeat. It was the worst in Roy Williams' seven-year tenure at UNC, surpassing the 84-66 defeat (18-point margin) from the 2008 Final Four loss to Kansas.

26 -- UNC turnovers in the game, as Clemson's lightning press totally flustered the Tar Heels.

1-5 -- Tar Heels' record outside Chapel Hill this season (they are 11-0 in Chapel Hill).

5 -- Rows into the stands that an errant Marcus Ginyard pass (one of Ginyard's five turnovers) landed.

4-for-22 -- Combined shooting for Ed Davis and Will Graves, who both were 2-for-11 while trying to shoulder the scoring load Wednesday.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do the one about how many all americans they have vs the rest of the teams in the acc and nation.

That's always such a sight. If Roy was a demi-god coach....why can't he get a team loaded with talent to beat marginable teams?

Anonymous said...

This team stinks on ice! This is NOT the Carolina way!!! Unacceptable!

Anonymous said...

Please wait until next year. We shall regain our rightful place at the pinnacle of excellence! Go Heels! All others are frauds. UNC will always be economically superior to you.

wtbaker88 said...

The Tarheels are playing at too fast a pace and simply needs to turn it back a notch. Also, Deon Thompson needs to ask himself if he's committed. Lastly, the Tarheels have been spoiled by excellent point guard play for the last few years. They really need for someone to step up. Mr. Stricland looked the best at the point. Good game, Clemson :-(

Curtis Watkins said...

Ummm, anon @ 9:34...you asked "why can't he get a team loaded with talent to beat marginable teams?"

Seriously? So, I'm guessing you only base your evaluation of a body of work on one, maybe two games in a season? That's brilliant. Yes, let's all ignore the fact that Roy has won 2 national titles in the past 5 years...and that he lost 75% of his talent after that national title last year and so is building a new team from the ground up. Because you are right - Roy is awful and can't get any talent, period, based on the Clemson game last night. Very astute.

Now, if we are ready to REALLY talk about basketball...

I noted on Scott's column that the Heels last night reminded me of what I'd seen in years past, when Roy would sub out his starters for a bit and in came backups like Quentin Thomas - and as soon as they came in, you got nervous. Like, I'm just waiting for them to turn it over or make a mistake nervous. Except, back then Roy could go back to his core team and take back control of the game. But THIS team looks like 5 Quentin's out on the floor...scared, overwhelmed, just shaky. They didn't finish...they were sloppy...they aren't showing good awareness. Not sure what Roy is going to do...but, I get the feeling this is going to be a down year. It happens, I accept it...but, I hope these young guys get the necessary experience during this rough stretch to play up to their potential. Right now, they aren't playing up to it at all.

P.S. - This is what I was talking about Scott! A spot for some ACC B-ball talk...well done! Now, where's Jenn?

Anonymous said...

This sums it all up:

UNC-CH fans understand they don't just pull for the basketball team, it isn't a sport but a way of life that non-UNC-CH fans just don't get. That's OK, it's always lonely at the top, we will just continue to step over the yapping little dogs that are the rest of you. We are no more defined in total by winning it all last year than we are by this year. The tradition of excellence in all things UNC-CH, sports, academics, quality of life, exceeds all other choices. Before us, you are all just slugs in the sun.

Jennifer said...

I'm here I'm here....lol

UNC Basketball eh Sir Curtis....

Sorry was out of town this week and still trying to get back in the grove of things, since the holidays...

Sorry for being a slacker...Forgive me!!!

Hope everyones 2010 is treating them well so far...

Go Heels!!!


Ps....For the Anons in case Mr. Scott makes this a regular blog...

I'm Pro Coach Williams as well....guess we all can figure out what that means haha!!

Curtis Watkins said...

Well Jenn, glad to have you back...2010 is so far so good (well, except maybe from a sports/team perspective). Hope yours is as well!

Your slackness is forgiven ;)

I hope this Sir Curtis thing sticks...I like it!

But if I get a nickname, I would think it is only fair we bestow one upon you as well. Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

I am a Carolina grad and I would gladly welcome a year like this anytime if it is because we lost the bulk of a National Championship squad from the year before. It is hard to feel down when you have enjoyed 2 NC's in the last 5 years. Other fans in the ACC who hate us would love to experience what we have been able to in the last 5 years.

Anonymous said...

That is true anonymous. Most teams like Clemson showed the other day are estatic when they are able to beat Carolina in a regular season game. Carolina fans save that kind of ecstasy for National Championships.

Jennifer said...

Sir Curtis it is....and NO I dont have any suggestions for you, I like Jenn <:-).

I also like these two Anon's above my post...Well said!!

Curtis Watkins said...

I actually had a friend of mine, a Clemson fan, send me a message on FB asking if I was "ready to jump from this sinking ship". I mean, come on Clemson...yes, you guys whipped up on us. But, give me a break. It's a single game in January - after losing 10 in a row and STILL not winning in Chapel Hill. As I told him, I hardly consider a team fresh of a Championship season that lost a game to Clemson a "sinking ship"...but, I guess when you hate Carolina that bad, you'll take what you can get.

Jenn it is!