The one position lacking to get to the Final 4 and a chance to win it all is a Dominating Big. For those of you who know more than me why can’t Carolina get the big we need. Seems like we get the guards and wings but can’t get the dominant big.
Bigs
- Thread starter bg4unc
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I agree. Toomey was a name. Thomas was overrated here. Both still have possibility. There are few top tier post players. WBB is still developing and lacking a superior big is not all-important; but you got to have plenty deep roster with high quality all-thru. That is possible. I am anxious to see what this team brings.
I agree. Hopefully that will and can change with the additions that we have this year and with those coming in next year. Maybe we can get one from the Portal for the 2027-2028 year.
I have hope for Bofia. I think she has the physical skills and just needs to get it all together. I have not given up on Thomas but I am ready to see something.
We need better play from the center position. I'm concerned about R. Kelly as well. I saw her play last Sunday and was not impressed with her play. Yesterday's game appeared to a worse game played by her. I know coach is going to give her an opportunity early but she will have to perform better. This years team has other guards that can play. The team definitely would be better if R. Kelly plays up to her ability. The injuries and lack of being able to play may have taken a toll on her.
I am beginning to think Kate, Nyla B, Sophie B, Achol A, Ciera Toomey could be our best 5 player.
I think N Bofia might be a big plus going forward this season and the future.
I think N Bofia might be a big plus going forward this season and the future.
I was thinking the same thing. She is kind of going through the same thing that Kayla McPherson went through with all the injuries. I hope she can come back from them. I think CB is doing the right thing in that she is giving her every chance to get back to form; however, at some point a tough decision might have to be made if she is not able to get back to that same level. This is why bringing in CC and GW was crucial. CB and staff learned what happen with McPherson, Toni Key, and PP.
Do not sleep on GW and Chloe C. You need to add them to the mix.
There is video on these two from last year. They both played in the ACC. There was an article on Gabby White which I read on the other day on the Tarheel Wire. Just go read it and you will see what I am talking about. The same thing for Chloe C.
Here is the article on Gabby White and Chloe Clardy. Just read them. I want you to pay attention to what the VA head coach had to say about Gabby last year at VA. That should be enough if she and CB are saying the same thing. Also pay attention to how many rebounds Gabby had coming out of high school as well as being a freshman at VA. The articles do not lie.
I like Gabby but UVA has vast funds for WBB now. If Gabby is that good why did they not keep her?
Her FT % and something like 1 of 12 from 3 gives me a little worry. Of course she was a freshman and maybe she just needs time. Still I will make my judgement when I see her play a little more in Carolina Blue.
As for Clardy I studied the UNC vs Stanford film from last season a couple of times and she scored I think 12 points and was solid and she has good size but I still need to see how she fits at UNC. CC did not show much in limited minutes vs MD. She could be starter #5 at guard or a top reserve. I expect her to be in the rotation and most likely Gabby in the rotation. JMO and we wuill see how it plays out.
Her FT % and something like 1 of 12 from 3 gives me a little worry. Of course she was a freshman and maybe she just needs time. Still I will make my judgement when I see her play a little more in Carolina Blue.
As for Clardy I studied the UNC vs Stanford film from last season a couple of times and she scored I think 12 points and was solid and she has good size but I still need to see how she fits at UNC. CC did not show much in limited minutes vs MD. She could be starter #5 at guard or a top reserve. I expect her to be in the rotation and most likely Gabby in the rotation. JMO and we wuill see how it plays out.
I think family might have more pull than money. I don't think UVA kept her for her mom alone- her mom is UNC asst and has fought the breast cancer battle. How does a child not want to come and be closer to mom in this situation. In addition, in high school she was always around UNC basketball. Money is important to many but to others there are alot more important factors to weigh in making a decision.
Based on last Sunday, I would definitely add Gabby White and believe she should and will take a lot of RK’s minutes. She feels more confident attacking on offense and can get in there and rebound better. She may still be learning our defensive schemes but I’d say she’s as fast as RK.
Watched the replay of the game on YouTube, with RK she seems to be cautious about her prior injuries, just does not seem to play freely and has no dawg mentality that she once had. With the rebounding issue, correct me if in error but Achol K, was the tallest player for UNC playing earlier and she's around 6' 1", that could explain some of the rebounding disparity. But as stated FT's percentage has to improve, it all depends on who's shooting them.
I didn’t get to see any of the Md Game but in the Davidson game I thought the same thing about Kelly. She is either being very cautious or not yet confident to play freely. Maybe both.
Gabby left because of the coaching change. I still can not figure out why VA coach get fired after she got them to the sweet sixteen in a very, very long time. Something is just not right how VA fired her. Something is not adding up. There are two sides to every storyand we only had one side of the story and that was by VA administration. Remember K. Johnson almost left as a result of the coach being fired. Tarboy just listen to what CB is telling us about both of these players. If you cannot or do not believe what CB is saying then I do not know what else to tell you, including the players who are practicing with them everyday. I do not think CB nor the players would lie. They should know.
No one is lying Jriv. Why would anyone lie?
I believe everyone but I want to see how Gabby fits in with playing time, position etc.
Example is she better right now than C Clardy or S Burroughs ? Huge question.
If she was 100% health wise I would have clearer thoughts. I just need to see her play on
this UNC team to make a guess of how much she will play, how good I think she will be and where she fits in as far as this years team goes.
I am hoping hard that Gabby is great. The second coming of Indya N with great shooting touch would be wonderful. Maybe she will be 100% and ready to go vs Oklahoma.
I believe everyone but I want to see how Gabby fits in with playing time, position etc.
Example is she better right now than C Clardy or S Burroughs ? Huge question.
If she was 100% health wise I would have clearer thoughts. I just need to see her play on
this UNC team to make a guess of how much she will play, how good I think she will be and where she fits in as far as this years team goes.
I am hoping hard that Gabby is great. The second coming of Indya N with great shooting touch would be wonderful. Maybe she will be 100% and ready to go vs Oklahoma.
But tarboy, is sounds like you do not trust what CB and the players are saying about Gabby, CC, and SB. That is the problem that I am having with you. If the HC and players are saying what I am saying because I am getting my information by listening to them on the videos, comments, etc. then do you think they should know what they are talking about since they are in practice everyday and seeing it with their own two eyes. We are not in practice everyday; therefore, we do not see what they are seeing. Just listen to the video Ben posted and you will hear CB and NB saying what I just said. CB told us at the ACC media day about Kate before we ever saw her play. Did you question CB then? I do not think so, then we saw the video on Kate and everything CB, NB, Akot said about Kate is true. If that does not convince that those three person knows what they are talking about then I do not know what else to tell you.
Not everyone can play. we potentially have 9 women who could seize minutes for positions 1-3, A couple will be relegated to deeper bench roles. We simply do not know who that will be yet, especially with players sitting out in exhibitions.
And we may not know for sure until January when rotations usually settle and shrink. For example, Thomas played 10.3 MPG in December after returning from injury. But in January going forward she played 5.6 MPG when she did play, missing a few games completely due to coach's decision. her only double digit ACC games were blowout wins vs Wake, SMU and Pitt, so in contested games, she was really less that 3 MPG. She did not play at all in the ACCT nor the two close games in the NCAAT.
At this point I think it is safe to say that the roles for Harpring, Akot and Brooks are pretty settled. After that there is a potential for wide variation for everyone else. For most that is anywhere from starter to left out of the regular rotation in close games.
Coaches and players speak highly of everyone on the team. That is what they should do. The fact that they are saying good things about White...and Clardy...and Burrows...and Harpring....and Kelly....etc is precisely why it should be taken with a grain of salt. Everyone is getting praise, but not everyone can play. It should be taken for what is is: building confidence, praising good effort, and generally loving your team.
We can speculate. It is fun to do so. But if one thinks there is a factual basis to build opinions on, then in my opinion I am betting one may be reading too much into what was said and what we have seen.
And we may not know for sure until January when rotations usually settle and shrink. For example, Thomas played 10.3 MPG in December after returning from injury. But in January going forward she played 5.6 MPG when she did play, missing a few games completely due to coach's decision. her only double digit ACC games were blowout wins vs Wake, SMU and Pitt, so in contested games, she was really less that 3 MPG. She did not play at all in the ACCT nor the two close games in the NCAAT.
At this point I think it is safe to say that the roles for Harpring, Akot and Brooks are pretty settled. After that there is a potential for wide variation for everyone else. For most that is anywhere from starter to left out of the regular rotation in close games.
Coaches and players speak highly of everyone on the team. That is what they should do. The fact that they are saying good things about White...and Clardy...and Burrows...and Harpring....and Kelly....etc is precisely why it should be taken with a grain of salt. Everyone is getting praise, but not everyone can play. It should be taken for what is is: building confidence, praising good effort, and generally loving your team.
We can speculate. It is fun to do so. But if one thinks there is a factual basis to build opinions on, then in my opinion I am betting one may be reading too much into what was said and what we have seen.
I heard Akot say Blanca was greatly improved. No evidence yet but it still could happen I hope.
I trust my eyes and what happens in game time. Gabby I have not seen much of. I think she played vs Davidson but not many minutes. Versus MD she was held out..
I am hoping she will be really good. Not going to say until I see it with my own eyes.
Maybe that is going to happen in Paris. I hope so. I do really want to see her play, see what position she plays (she is not going to play much if her position is backing up Kate) I think Reniya and Clardy are both ahead of her if she slots in at guard opposite Kate JMO. I know Gabby is behind Nyla if she plays the 3F and Sophie B might also play that position. Gabby is not a 4 or a 5 so I will just wait and see.
There is Preseason talk and there is how it plays out in real games. There is a lot to be revealed about this years team. ie: Sophie, Clardy, Gabby, 2026 Ciera, and more on Noelle B and Blanca.
I am a huge fan of all Tar Heels but we will know more for sure when we see some play in upcoming games.
Have a good day Jriv. I hope you are 100% correct but I have to see it happen.
I trust my eyes and what happens in game time. Gabby I have not seen much of. I think she played vs Davidson but not many minutes. Versus MD she was held out..
I am hoping she will be really good. Not going to say until I see it with my own eyes.
Maybe that is going to happen in Paris. I hope so. I do really want to see her play, see what position she plays (she is not going to play much if her position is backing up Kate) I think Reniya and Clardy are both ahead of her if she slots in at guard opposite Kate JMO. I know Gabby is behind Nyla if she plays the 3F and Sophie B might also play that position. Gabby is not a 4 or a 5 so I will just wait and see.
There is Preseason talk and there is how it plays out in real games. There is a lot to be revealed about this years team. ie: Sophie, Clardy, Gabby, 2026 Ciera, and more on Noelle B and Blanca.
I am a huge fan of all Tar Heels but we will know more for sure when we see some play in upcoming games.
Have a good day Jriv. I hope you are 100% correct but I have to see it happen.
I've seen enough of Gabby that she will play. She can handle the ball, will be our best defender and can score. She will get minutes. I also really like Burrows versatility. She will have minutes i hope. The post is our weakness. no reason to think much has changed with Blanca. So keeping Akot out of foul trouble is going to be a key. I will say this judging bigs talent and how it will translate is difficult. They dominated in high school from being just bigger then everyone. All of that changes at this level. Really hope we go all in on Portal big next year.
Those are some good points; however in Gabby's, Chloe's, and Sophie's case. These three players did not transfer in to UNC to not play. These three could have easily gone someone else to play and maybe even start. Also, their former coaches spoke highly of what each one of these players have to offer; therefore, with that being said there is no speculation on these three players. I guarantee they are going to play major minutes and they will be part of the rotation. I am not sure about BT, JZ, SB. CB will have a rotation of 9 or 10 and you can take that to the bank.
I do understand but as I stated before the HC should know what she is talking about unless you do not think CB knows talent when she sees it. I think she does; therefore, as a former player myself. I could tell people who were good and were good to play and who was not good and was not going to play based on being around them in practice. Remember, I told yall that TQ and TH were going to play a lot last year and some of yall said that they were not going to play that much or very little because they were freshmen. I also told yall that their skill set was better than the sophomores that can in as freshmen the year before. I will leave it at that.
I always felt that BT should have transferred to a major powerhouse high school team coming out of high school like IMG in Florida; especially her senior year. Those programs are known to get players ready for college. Armando Bacot said that was why he left his high school team in Richmond, VA to go to IMG Academy to get his mind, body, and soul ready for college. If BT would have done this. She would have been ready coming in her freshman year. She choose to stay at Charlotte Catholic. Charlotte Catholic's conference is weak. She did not play against the top public power house schools in the Charlotte Area; therefore, as Gio2dahouse just stated she was able to dominate the teams that she played against because she was just bigger and stronger with the weak teams that were in her conference. I noticed that her rankings had dropped from a sophomore year to her senior year and I think the competition level was a major factor. We all saw what Burroughs did last year at Syracuse. With that being said we already know what she, GW, and CC are going to bring to our team since they have played in the ACC for at least a year or two.
Have to agree with you on BT, her rankings did fall from her sophomore to her senior year, at one time she was ranked in the top 10. Every school in the country was offering her a scholarship, but after watching a couple of her games in HS, she was not overly impressive. Not trying to downgrade her in no way but hopefully she will ultimately reach a point where she will become an asset to the program. Have stated before, this could very well be her last season at Carolina.
Charlotte Catholic plays in a public high school conference in the Charlotte area at the 6A/7A level and schedules top state and regional opponents. They are often competing against the top HS competition in NC. I personally watched Thomas play in HS in the 6A state championships
Does that compare to National Top 25 teams like Bullis and Bishop McNamara? No it does not. But note that the vast majority of national top 25 schools are private christain schools, with over half of them being Catholic just like Charlotte Catholic.
many girls do go to top national boarding schools, or their entire family uproots to move there. But most top recruits do not. To name a few key locals, Sarah Strong went to 3A Grace Christian in Sanford, NC. Kate Harpring went to Marist, which plays 4A in GA (their top level is 6A). Joyce Edwards played AAA on SC; they go up to 5A.
Conversely Nyla Brooks (Bishop Ireton) played in the top Private school league in the DMV area; she had the level of competition you speak of.
From watching Gabby at the Davidson game, I can easily back this up. She was our most athletic and consistent player on the floor to me for that game. She got to the rim and actually made her shots, got rebounds and defended as well as anyone. She also hit a 3. Very glad we have her on the team and think we’ll need to count on her to keep our offense going and when we’re up against fast and strong guards. My predication is that she will play alongside Kate as the 1 and that she’ll bring the ball up the floor on makes much like they did when RK was in.
Yeah, but these three players that you just mentioned were ranked in the top 5 of their class. They did not drop in the rankings either. Those three players also played on the USA team which had the best high school talent on the teams something BT did not make or experience. I live in the Charlotte area and Charlotte Catholic never played my school which was North Meck high school. There are some other girls teams that had top tier talent that BT never played against like Cannon and Providence Day High schools. My cousin played at Providence High School. I went to most of the games and CC never played them. Cannon had Richards and company and BT never played them. BT never played on the Elite AAU girls team in the Charlotte area as well. I will rest my case here. I use to Coach with the Charlotte Royals AAU team and believe me we had some of the top level talent on it. I will give you a few names. We had Chris Lang, Brandon Haywood, Antwan Jamison, Sleeper Floyd nephews, Roderick Howard, the list goes on and on; therefore, I know what top level talent looks like because I coached them. Also, I am very familiar with the top level girls talent in the Charlotte Area. North Meck girls just won the state last year. The head coach of North Meck High and I are close friends. I will rest my case here. As I stated before, BT did not play against the top level D1 girls in our area. She clearly did not play against North Meck, nor Cannon, nor PD when she was in high school. My cousin was very good. My sons were very good. The all played major college level basketball, so did I. I know talent when I see it.
Here is an interview that was done with TQ the other day. I want yall to listen to what she says about Gabby White.
goheels.com
Here is an article about CC. Here is some information that I think we answer some questions about her.
On Jan. 4 of this year, the Stanford Cardinal came into Carmichael Arena and wrestled out a 77-71 overtime win over the No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels.
Twelve of Stanford’s points — including 4 in overtime — came from then-junior guard Chloe Clardy, who also posted a career-high nine rebounds. Now if you were at this game which I know some of you were then you CC and Stanford beat us last year. Notice she had 9 rebounds from the guard both guard positions which means she is another rebounding guard which should help us out this year with rebounding. I do not think EA and LG were rebounding guards for us last year. I know IN was. So we have GW and CC who are both rebounding guards. This should help with rebounding for this year.
University of North Carolina Athletics - Official Athletics Website
The official athletics website for the North Carolina Heels
On Jan. 4 of this year, the Stanford Cardinal came into Carmichael Arena and wrestled out a 77-71 overtime win over the No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels.
Twelve of Stanford’s points — including 4 in overtime — came from then-junior guard Chloe Clardy, who also posted a career-high nine rebounds. Now if you were at this game which I know some of you were then you CC and Stanford beat us last year. Notice she had 9 rebounds from the guard both guard positions which means she is another rebounding guard which should help us out this year with rebounding. I do not think EA and LG were rebounding guards for us last year. I know IN was. So we have GW and CC who are both rebounding guards. This should help with rebounding for this year.
Here is some more information on CC at Stanford.
Clardy averaged 12 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game as Stanford’s sixth player, shooting 38.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three in 32 minutes a game. She led Stanford with 2 steals per game — good enough for fifth in the ACC.
“She has a ton of [experience], graduated in three years at Stanford, so smart kid, has a very clear basketball IQ,” North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart said. “She’s a shot maker. She’s impactful on the defensive end.”
The Conway, Arkansas native was a 4-star talent coming out of high school, a two-time Gatorade Arkansas Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a Jordan Brand Classic All-American.
Banghart believes her backcourt this season has more decision-making guards, something she specifically sought out during the recruiting process. Guards that can handle the ball and make decisions faster, ones she can trust to create plays, force defenses to work and make scoring easier.
“[Clardy]’s a bigger guard,” Banghart said. “We needed to get sturdier and bigger, you know, in terms of our physicality. And so I think she brings a lot of that. And proven. I think there’s something about a kid who’s proven.”
Clardy has transfer company as Banghart attacked the portal this offseason, recruiting four proven players with NCAA experience, including three from within the ACC.
These statements by CB clearly states that these players that she brought in are going to play a ton this season. This is what I have been trying to tell some of yall.
Clardy averaged 12 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game as Stanford’s sixth player, shooting 38.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three in 32 minutes a game. She led Stanford with 2 steals per game — good enough for fifth in the ACC.
“She has a ton of [experience], graduated in three years at Stanford, so smart kid, has a very clear basketball IQ,” North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart said. “She’s a shot maker. She’s impactful on the defensive end.”
The Conway, Arkansas native was a 4-star talent coming out of high school, a two-time Gatorade Arkansas Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a Jordan Brand Classic All-American.
Banghart believes her backcourt this season has more decision-making guards, something she specifically sought out during the recruiting process. Guards that can handle the ball and make decisions faster, ones she can trust to create plays, force defenses to work and make scoring easier.
“[Clardy]’s a bigger guard,” Banghart said. “We needed to get sturdier and bigger, you know, in terms of our physicality. And so I think she brings a lot of that. And proven. I think there’s something about a kid who’s proven.”
Clardy has transfer company as Banghart attacked the portal this offseason, recruiting four proven players with NCAA experience, including three from within the ACC.
These statements by CB clearly states that these players that she brought in are going to play a ton this season. This is what I have been trying to tell some of yall.
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