Jan. 10, 2010

UNC is coming off its most disappointing loss of the season, falling to College of Charleston last Monday night in overtime.  The Tar Heels get a chance to redeem themselves tonight by opening conference play against the Hokies of Virginia Tech.

The schedule for the Tar Heels over the semester break fostered a lack of focus for the team.  Because the semester lasted into December a week longer than normal, the team had an irregular schedule.

Exams also conflicted with practices as the team prepared for games against teams who had already completed the semester.  With the new semester coinciding with conference play and a more regular game schedule, the Tar Heels have a chance to build momentum.

Virginia Tech has achieved a 12-1 record against largely sub-par competition, their best wins coming against Georgia and Seton Hall.  Junior guard Dorenzo Hudson dropped 41 points in their last game against Seton Hall.  As they open conference play, the Hokies have a chance to prove if their record is for real. 

Players to watch for Virginia Tech:

Malcolm Delaney #23 – G
•   A combo guard who leads the team with his playmaking ability and scoring
•   19.8 PPG, 3.5 APG, 38% 3FG, Second in the ACC in scoring
•   May not play due to a sprained ankle
•   Missed all of last game after suffering injury early in the previous game against Longwood

Jeff Allen #0 – F
•   A powerful post player and excellent defender who is limited often by foul trouble
•   49.2% FG, 12.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 1.9 SPG

Dorenzo Hudson #5 – G
•   A wing player who has earned a spot in the starting lineup this season
•   Exploded for 41 points last game against Seton Hall including 20-21 FT
•   12.2 PPG, 4 straight games in double figures

Marcus Ginyard is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a nagging ankle injury while Will Graves’ status remains undetermined.  He also missed the last game against Charleston.

Upcoming Schedule for the Tar Heels:
@ #21 Clemson Tigers (13-3, 1-1) Wed. Jan. 13 9:00 pm
Vs. #17 Georgia Tech (12-3, 1-1) Sat. Jan. 16 2:00 pm
Vs. Wake Forest (11-3, 1-1) Wed. Jan. 20 7:00 pm

They played a little better against VT than CoC.  I knew we were in trouble last week as soon as I saw Bobby Cremins' starting 5 with 3 juniors and 2 seniors.  The better group of players lost that night, and the better team prevailed.  It doesn't matter if you have a million All-Americans, you can only play 5 at a time. 

I think we've been struggling as a team on the floor, especially in the half-court.  There seem to be a lot of one-on-one plays rather than a team attack.  This is all to be expected with such a young team, in such a demanding environment. As a Tar Heel, there is never a day off. 

Their transition game is good, and they are deadly on inbound plays...I think we should run a scoring inbound play every time with our interior size.  .  These guys have the makings of a great team, and come tourney time they could be dominant.