This year's loss to Kansas in the Final Four probably left a bad taste in Tyler Hansbrough's mouth. I don't blame him for feeling that way. Not only did they get blown out, but they have lost in bad ways the previous two years as well. If you recall, last year they blew a 12-point lead to Georgetown, and the year before that, they lost to the cinderella team, George Mason.
Notice Carolina's progression though, as the years have passed. After they won it all in '05 and lost all their starters and their top bench performer, they were left with pretty much nothing. The result was a somewhat disappointing '06 season, with the only bright spot being Tyler Hansbrough's terrific freshman campaign. '07 was a giant leap for the Heels, as Hansbrough gained help from freshman Ty Lawson (point guard), Brandon Wright (power forward), and Wayne Ellington (shooting guard).
Hansbrough improved greatly, but his inexperience of leading a team to victory showed in the loss to Georgetown, as he attempted a multitude of bad shots against the 7' 2" Roy Hibbert.
This '08 season was a huge disappointment. It seemed like they had all the right tools: a fast and efficient point guard, a sharp-shooting wing man, an incredible post dominance, and a terrific bench. They still, however were dominated by Kansas.
You think Hansbrough had a good season this year? Watch out for next year. Not only will he be experienced, physically and mentally, but he'll have plenty of help with the new recruiting class coming in.
Larry Drew out of Taft will probably be a good backup behind Bobby Frasor, who missed all of this season because of a leg injury, and could possibly gain a starting spot if he proves to be a slower, but better shooting Lawson. Davis could also be a top bench-option behind Deon Thompson, who I thought wasn't really that good. Ed Davis could possibly end up being another Brandon Wright, just by looking at his 6' 9" lanky build.
Admittedly, I don't know much about Travis Zeller's game. All I know is that he's tall and white. He'll most likely be behind Hanbrough (imagine that), that is if Copeland or Stephenson don't step up.
The loss of Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington will hurt them greatly. The third and second leading scorers on the team respectively, I think, made a big mistake by leaving early. Not only are they unprepared for the NBA, but they had a huge chance of winning it all next year, with Hansbrough and the beastly recruiting class.
The starting line up will look somethin like this:
Bobby Frasor—PG, Danny Green—SG, Marcus Ginyard—SF, Deon Thompson—PF, Psycho T—PF
Look for breakout seasons from Alex Stephenson and William Graves. Although they might not have made a big of an impact last year, I believe that they will this year. They both have lots of potential.
Danny Green will most likely emerge as Carolina's second scoring-option. I believe he will be a first-team All-ACC pick for sure.
I project Carolina to start as #4, and then slide slowly rise to #1, but stumble a couple times and fall down one or two spots (or if they're lucky, remain as #1). The chances of them winning it all, I believe, are worse than before. The chances of Hansbrough winning player of the year again, however, will be even higher.
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from 8 days ago
this writer is a trick.
from 8 days ago
Lawson and Ellington may not necessarily be gone, they didn't hire agents and with all the players in the draft there is a good chance both of them and Green come back as well.
Also I don't think 06 was a disappointing season. It was one of my proudest of all. We won over 20 games, got a 3 seed, and lost to eventual Final Four Cinderella George Mason after loosing what was it 97% of our scoring. That was one of the best coaching seasons I think I've even seen. But other than that liked the article, good first one!
from 8 days ago
How can you say this season was a "HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT"?? They went 36-3!! Are you blind or just ignorant?
from 7 days ago
How old are you guys?....Seriously?
I agree with Matt, how could anyone look at 06 as a "bad season"? Losing 85% of your scoring, then going to the NCAA as a 3 seed; that's only a bad season in the delusional and unrealistic minds of jaded fans who really understand nothing except their 'feelings'.
Disappointment is being preseason #1, #1 most of the season, being #1 at the end of the regular season, being the #1 NCAA seed, then getting it absolutely handed to you by your coach's old team (then having him stick around in a Rock-Chalk shirt rooting for them but that's another topic).
As far as next year, I personally think that Tyler is about maxing out on his college potential. The thought that he could get that much better is just not realistic (but hey, he's obviously good where he's at). The reason he stayed is not for any of the altruistic notions that many of you have but because next year's draft slate looks to be much thinner thus he can increase his position and $$$$$. That's probably a good idea since he's likely not to have a great NBA career for a lot of years (make it while you can).
To me the wild card will be Roy's coaching. Has he learned anything from how the last two seasons ended? No doubt the man can recruit. And in some cases/in some years maybe talent is enough to overcome some poor decisions. A lot of times its not.
Talk about Tyler improving, the real is issue is whether Roy will improve.
from 7 days ago
yeah i can see both of your points. i guess i jus found the way they lost in the tournament pretty embarassing though. now that i think about it for what carolina had it was pretty good.
but i really think hanbrough can get better. he seems to be building up that confidence for his jumpshot to the point where he can use it comfortably under pressure. the only time ive only really seen him use it like that was against louiseville. but other than that aspect, i can see where u say hes at his peak. hes pretty set with his one dribble spin thing he does every single time he touches the ball (the same move hes been doin for 3 years) and his little flail hook thing that seems to work. and maybe he could practice on not looking so awkward when he plays too...
ps when i wrote this article i didnt know green had declared for the draft. i also was writing from the perspective that both ellington and lawson wouldn't be there next season
from 7 days ago
www.carolinasucks.com
from 7 days ago
pss i messed up on the lawson and ellington scoring thing. lawson was the third leading scorer and ellington was the second leading scorer. just letting you all know i saw my mistake.
from 6 days ago
Granted, Tyler can improve by extending his range.
from 2 days ago
Sesriously, fuck Ellington and Lawson, Jake Adler is the fat shit here. He doesnt deserve those huge tits, because he is a ho. and arie needs to stfu because everyday after track hes sucking adlers tits left right left right. and fuck jack and this range shit. arie extends his range in other areas....... SHOOOOOOOOOOOT! =] btw, jake adler has an enormously large growing grassfield on his chest. the end .
from 1 day ago
lmao i can tell thats marina
but srsly guys come on
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