Post by kdub on Mar 20, 2012 10:22:48 GMT -5
So, I've been thinking a lot about what Kendall Marshall's potential absence would mean for UNC. At first, I was convinced that UNC was done as I reacted in the emotion of the moment. Without a doubt, KM is UNC's "most valuable" player. However, their "best" player, Tyler Zeller and their "most talented" player, Harrison Barnes are still going to be on the court and teams have won titles with a really good big man, a good wing, and average play at the PG before. This doesn't even take into consideration they have a strong interior defender in John Henson is capable of double-doubling points and rebounds consistently and a dangerous outside shooter in Reggie Bullock who has been a revelation as a perimeter defender. Simply put, the cupboard is far from bare for the Tar Heels. To win the title will be a lot harder certainly, but not impossible.
What has to happen? UNC would have to figure out its ball-handling rotation. I would expect increased minutes for Stillman White and Justin Watts. This will be fine for a few reasons. Most teams in this day & time do not press full court. That makes the job infinitely easier for White and Watts as they should be able to get the ball into the offensive end unabated. Sure, a team might try to pick up the PG full court, but if its not part of their regular defense they may not be effective at it and UNC also could always find a ball-handling mismatch at another spot and let that player bring it up. Most teams do not have a small forward who can guard Harrison Barnes in the open court so that is an option.
UNC also runs a motion offense which puts the ball into the hands of multiple players not just the point guard's. The only real change they would have to do in the half court is to decide through whom the offense will flow when the shot clock is winding down. Currently, that has been Marshall, but it is a role that can easily be filled by Barnes. Barnes being forced to "facilitate" for others may open up his game. Marshall or no-Marshall, it is time for Barnes to start meeting expectations.
UNC will be fine either way. There was never any guarantee that a healthy UNC would win the title in the first place. There is now no guarantee that a wounded UNC isn't still ever bit a threat to win it as they were before.
What has to happen? UNC would have to figure out its ball-handling rotation. I would expect increased minutes for Stillman White and Justin Watts. This will be fine for a few reasons. Most teams in this day & time do not press full court. That makes the job infinitely easier for White and Watts as they should be able to get the ball into the offensive end unabated. Sure, a team might try to pick up the PG full court, but if its not part of their regular defense they may not be effective at it and UNC also could always find a ball-handling mismatch at another spot and let that player bring it up. Most teams do not have a small forward who can guard Harrison Barnes in the open court so that is an option.
UNC also runs a motion offense which puts the ball into the hands of multiple players not just the point guard's. The only real change they would have to do in the half court is to decide through whom the offense will flow when the shot clock is winding down. Currently, that has been Marshall, but it is a role that can easily be filled by Barnes. Barnes being forced to "facilitate" for others may open up his game. Marshall or no-Marshall, it is time for Barnes to start meeting expectations.
UNC will be fine either way. There was never any guarantee that a healthy UNC would win the title in the first place. There is now no guarantee that a wounded UNC isn't still ever bit a threat to win it as they were before.
