Writing the Pine

A much better performance tonight by North Carolina albeit against a much weaker team.  It was worrisome early as the Eagles kept up right out the gates but the boys in blue ended the game on an absurd 70-22 run.  Some thoughts:

• UNC outrebounded FIU by 21.  They outrebounded NCCU by 26.  But it seemed like they dominated the glass a lot harder against the Eagles.  Why?  The guys just went after the ball harder than they did on Monday night.  They showed a ton of tenacity on the glass even when they were up 20, 30 points.  They’ll need that kind of effort when they face the likes of Kentucky, Duke, and other top-tier schools.
• The turnovers were still high but most of them came when the game was already in hand.  It’s no excuse but a better sign than on Monday when they were turning the ball over when the game was still tight.  The troubling thing is Larry Drew did not look as solid tonight but hey, he’s still learning.  I am still a little uneasy about him going up against the likes of John Wall, Kalin Lucas, Avery Bradley, Greivis Vasquez, etc. but I feel a lot better about him than I did going into the season.
• Total team win today.  Ten players recorded an assist and eight recorded at least two.  Only Ginyard reached double-digit shot attempts (that’s gotta be the first time in his career he led the team in field goal attempts) and all the regulars except Travis Wear had at least two attempts.  Aside from leaving some guys open from long distance, there was great defense being played as shown by the 26% opponents FG%.
• Tyler Zeller played like the 5-star recruit that he is today.  He cleaned up inside on the offensive end (going 6-6 from the field) and was active on defense with three blocks and altering a ton of shots.  Most importantly, he played with some emotion and it showed in his production.  It was also nice to see him finish on that breakway dunk.  He did seem hesitant though.  I wonder how he’d do if it was Perry Stevenson coming after him.
• Dex showed more poise at the point but he seems to favor his right hand greatly.  It doesn’t look like he has much confidence in his left.  Also there were a few times on some breaks I would’ve liked him to pass the ball instead of taking it the hoop but I can’t really argue with the results.  He also really doesn’t get much lift on his shots.  Reminds me of Ty Lawson’s jumper.
• You just knew Roy was gonna pull the five starters in that opening stretch of the second half.  They were playing terribly.
• Finally we have a team that will block some shots.  That’s been something that’s been missing from UNC since Brendan Heywood left.  But now we got three guys who can do it.
• Justin Watts continues to impress.
• The Wear twins got some skills but their decision-making could use some work.
• The guards need to throw some better alley-oops.
• I have a lot of fun watching this team even when the game is a blowout because like they said in the brodcast, the future of Carolina basketball is out there.  It’s just fun watching them learn and get better even in garbage time.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

MARCUS GINYARD – It takes him a while to get it off but his shot is falling.  It was his scoring that really put away the Eagles.

STAT LINE OF THE NIGHT:

JOHN HENSON – 4 pts, 3 rebs, 4 asts, 2 blks – This really could’ve gone to several other players but I’ll give it to the lanky 6′10 freshman for showing off his versatility and unselfishness.  Marcus, Ed, Tyler, Deon, and Leslie were all candidates for this.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT:
This is the best I could do for now. Freakin’ ESPN disabling sharing….

Definitely Henson’s swat with his missed reverse alley-oop coming in second.