Tennessee vs. UNC

[dukiejay]

I think with Hicks and Meeks, with Berry being gone it's been harder for them to get good looks in the post. I agree that Meeks is what he is, but Hicks has a higher ceiling and I've seen what he can do when his game is on. He's very dangerous. I think the problem is, that without a good PG Roy has a harder time putting together a good lineup. We've seen that time and again. Britt is a capable backup, but it's not a coincidence that our play has dropped off when he takes the point.

However, I do agree whole heartedly that we have a significantly less of a margin for error than you. We have 7 maybe 8 capable players, while Duke has around 9-10, including 3 of the top freshman in the country. If we are to beat you, every single aspect of our game has to be on lock.

I remember after we beat Wisconsin rather handily, I was cautiously optimistic and confident that a more team orientated style play, instead of relying on Marcus and Brice was the right way to go, but I wasn't convinced we were top 3 just yet. After the last 2 games, my caution proved wise. The good news is (for UNC anyway) it's still early in the season and there's plenty of time to make adjustments before ACC play.

I'm still not sure on Hicks. Yes, he's capable of big nights. Yes, he's very talented. But we've known all of those things for four years. What we don't know is can he be a consistent factor? That's the unknown right now. If UNC is going to be really good this season, IMO, they're going to need to be able to rely on Hicks more than just once in a while.

Duke is better than UNC, IMO. That said, I'm biased....but I'm trying to look at it as objectively as you. That was where my comparison to last season came in. We were good enough to beat you on any given night, but our margin for error was so razor thin. This year, I think Duke beats UNC more than UNC beats Duke. But still, I expect two really good games (maybe three) and wouldn't be surprised at all if the Heels tripped us up....no pun intended.

Every season, especially early on, there's a couple sexy picks with the experts. I think UNC jumping out of the gate and looking so good, so soon made them one of those handful of teams. We saw Kansas stumble early, then Duke lost, IU goes down to something called Fort Wayne and so on and so on. Meanwhile, UNC bulldozed their way through Maui and looked to be in complete control. Then they lost to a good team. Then their best player got injured. Now they look pretty ordinary. The season is a marathon and not a sprint....as cliche as that may sound. If completely healthy, I find it hard to see more than five teams that I think can or will be better than the Heels.

 

[SoCal Dukie]

I actually think UNC wins a close game if they have Berry playing. Without him, then I think it's probably a 10-15 point loss. With Berry in the lineup I like UNC's talent and experience more than UK's talent.

Experience is definitely in the Heels favor but I see Monk and Fox giving Berry a fit on both sides of the ball, and Briscoe getting physical with him on D. Jackson may have more success as I'm not sure Gabriel or Willis can check him. Maybe they go small and have Briscoe get physical on JJ. Should be interesting and a good game, at least to start.

 

[dukiejay]

Experience is definitely in the Heels favor but I see Monk and Fox giving Berry a fit on both sides of the ball, and Briscoe getting physical with him on D. Jackson may have more success as I'm not sure Gabriel or Willis can check him. Maybe they go small and have Briscoe get physical on JJ. Should be interesting and a good game, at least to start.

Should be a really good game. I know I'm looking forward to watching it.

I don't think Monk and Fox, who are outstanding players, will give Berry fits on both sides of the ball, though. Berry, when healthy, is pretty outstanding too and an All-American candidate.

Like you, I'll be interested to see how both of these teams try and guard the other. It's going to be a close game. That's where UNC's experience becomes a factor for me. They're going to want Jackson and Berry having the ball in their hands and they know what to do with it. Against UCLA, I saw a lot of Briscoe trying to be the guy to take over. If the same thing happens on Saturday then I'm even more sure that UNC wins.

 

[duke0527]

UNC is a good team but they aren't particularly athletic this year. Outside of Hicks I don't see a plus athlete. I think Kentucky's athleticism could give Berry fits.

 

[skysdad]

Methinks Brice Johnson a lot better and more important than we gave him credit for last season, and we gave him a lot of credit over here.

Johnson was a player. OFC

 

[skysdad]

There are a lot of good teams in the country that can win it all . Get on a roll for 6 games and you have yourself a natty. Where was Villanova at this time last year. OFC

 

[carolinablue34]

I'm still not sure on Hicks. Yes, he's capable of big nights. Yes, he's very talented. But we've known all of those things for four years. What we don't know is can he be a consistent factor? That's the unknown right now. If UNC is going to be really good this season, IMO, they're going to need to be able to rely on Hicks more than just once in a while.

Duke is better than UNC, IMO. That said, I'm biased....but I'm trying to look at it as objectively as you. That was where my comparison to last season came in. We were good enough to beat you on any given night, but our margin for error was so razor thin. This year, I think Duke beats UNC more than UNC beats Duke. But still, I expect two really good games (maybe three) and wouldn't be surprised at all if the Heels tripped us up....no pun intended.

Every season, especially early on, there's a couple sexy picks with the experts. I think UNC jumping out of the gate and looking so good, so soon made them one of those handful of teams. We saw Kansas stumble early, then Duke lost, IU goes down to something called Fort Wayne and so on and so on. Meanwhile, UNC bulldozed their way through Maui and looked to be in complete control. Then they lost to a good team. Then their best player got injured. Now they look pretty ordinary. The season is a marathon and not a sprint....as cliche as that may sound. If completely healthy, I find it hard to see more than five teams that I think can or will be better than the Heels.

I believe that is a fair assessment. There's no doubt Duke has the better overall team, but I do think we are capable of "tripping" you up (lol was still funny despite being unintentional).

Hicks is going to have to step it up and avoid the fouls. That's his biggest weakness. One player I think will become vastly more valuable as the season goes on is Tony Bradley. Don't know if you've seen him yet, but that kid can flat out play. He can go toe to toe with anyone despite being a freshman, and he comes in handy when Hicks or Meeks gets into foul trouble. I also expect Robinson and Woods to get better as time goes on. And getting Theo back will also help.

And as for your last point we are again in agreement. The college basketball season, however short it is, is about who can get hot at the right time. We had a great stretch at Maui, now we're reeling a bit without our point guard. Our performance against Kentucky will really indicate to me just how far we can go.

 

[carolinablue34]

And for the record I'm going to try and enjoy this season because it may be our last good one in the next 2-3 years.

 

[DevilDJ]

Yes we are. That game was not an indicator of just how good we can be. Believe what you want but don't write us off.

unx SHOULD be good. Only 4 of the Top 15 players in the last 2 recruiting classes are still in school and Roy has 3 of 'em. #CareerKiller

 

[Kingbluedevil]

Kentucky has not seen a shot blocker like the m&m's maye and meeks

 

[twdukefan]

Kentucky has not seen a shot blocker like the m&m's maye and meeks

I'm sure they would love to on a regular basis!

 

[QC Dukie]

It pains me to say this but I hope uk rolls em by 20.

OFC

 

[Showenuff]

I'll own it if we lose once or both times. Make no mistake

@Showenuff the fact that you think you can beat us so easily makes me laugh. Comedy goes both ways

I guess your to new around here to fully understand. We've been pounding UNC pretty regular lately by the way, probably 2 more additions this season, laugh on Opie.

 

[carolinablue34]

I guess your to new around here to fully understand. We've been pounding UNC pretty regular lately by the way, probably 2 more additions this season, laugh on Opie.

I understand perfectly. I haven't been living under a rock. But the games haven't been played yet have they? Save the laugh for funnier jokes.

 

[Duke-23]

I'm not sure who I want to win honestly..I guess it's a win win situation!! Haha I want to root for the acc just to show its strength ..I want to root for Kentucky because i hate unc..I think I'll actually root for unc just because we have a chance play them and add to their loses.we don't need Kentucky for that..and I hate Kentucky btw! I guess more then unc..Hell idk who I want to win!!! Weird game! Bad thing about this game is whoever wins is going to be the "new best team in the country"blah blah blah bs . Can they both lose? I'm really looking forward to the ND game though!!! listening to breys pity before the game and how sorry he is and how the media twisted what he said blah blah only to take a asz woopin

 

[Showenuff]

I'll save nothing, your so called "school" has given us PLENTY to laugh about. Don't regulate here, you'll do better that way.

 

[Dukesince90]

I'm not sure who I want to win honestly..I guess it's a win win situation!! Haha I want to root for the acc just to show its strength ..I want to root for Kentucky because i hate unc..I think I'll actually root for unc just because we have a chance play them and add to their loses.we don't need Kentucky for that..and I hate Kentucky btw! I guess more then unc..Hell idk who I want to win!!! Weird game! Can they both lose?

I don't know of any true die hard Duke fans that have ever rooted for UNX. I want them both to lose, but I think Kentucky wins by 11-15 points.

 

[Showenuff]

Shake your Pom pom with the posters who enjoy you here Blue . Skip me. You're that inquisitive little kid who just has to poke the the stick down the badger hole. I'm gonna say things about unc you won't like here this year, comment on them if you must, but don't try to dictate my thoughts partner, trust me, you're an unarmed man.

 

[Duke-23]

This is not even a discussion if its anybody other then Kentucky.makes it hard. Cals a prick.

 

[timo0402]

This is not even a discussion if its anybody other then Kentucky.makes it hard. Cals a prick.

I hope both teams play horrible basketball embarrass themselves and blame the refs. But in no circumstance will I Or can I root for unc.

 

[dukiejay]

I can't envision a scenario where I would ever cheer for UNC. The truth of the matter is this....I just don't really care about UK. I admit to caring about the Heels because they're our rivals.

 

[carolinablue34]

I'll save nothing, your so called "school" has given us PLENTY to laugh about. Don't regulate here, you'll do better that way.

Shake your Pom pom with the posters who enjoy you here Blue . Skip me. You're that inquisitive little kid who just has to poke the the stick down the badger hole. I'm gonna say things about unc you won't like here this year, comment on them if you must, but don't try to dictate my thoughts partner, trust me, you're an unarmed man.

"Inquisitive little kid?" Am I supposed to be intimidated by this or something? It's a message board, relax.

You think we don't have a shot at beating you, I say never say never. We'll wait and see and find out. If we lose, I'll swallow my pride and admit you were the better team. Simple as that.

 

[Duke-23]

Yea I can't either ...maybe both teams will foul out completely and get disqualified! Can that happen? Haha

 

[carolinablue34]

I can't envision a scenario where I would ever cheer for UNC. The truth of the matter is this....I just don't really care about UK. I admit to caring about the Heels because they're our rivals.

Lol likewise. Don't think I could ever root for duke unless it was a scenario where duke winning helped us win the ACC regular season title or something. And that'll probably never happen.

 

[QC Dukie]

Yea no sane Duke fan in their right mind would ever, and I mean EVER root for unx no matter what the circumstances were.

OFC

 

[timo0402]

"Inquisitive little kid?" Am I supposed to be intimidated by this or something? It's a message board, relax.

You think we don't have a shot at beating you, I say never say never. We'll wait and see and find out. If we lose, I'll swallow my pride and admit you were the better team. Simple as that.

CB34 just stick to the hoops discussions and Show please do the same. We know your passion for Duke but CB34 has been pretty respectful here that I've seen.

 

[QC Dukie]

CB34 just stick to the hoops discussions and Show please do the same. We know your passion for Duke but CB34 has been pretty respectful here that I've seen.

Give it time. His true colors will come out eventually. He can't help it, he's a unx fan.

OFC

 

[Duke-23]

Its his board were just living in it.
Looking forward to watching South Carolina tonight..they got a pretty good d!

 

[Showenuff]

Timo thanks for the report. I really didn't need it. I haven't been disrespectful to him, I simply asked he not start flailing silly things like "making me own a loss to Unc" if he doesn't like the opinion I think we sweep this season, seriously, I don't care.

 

[Showenuff]

Back to what DJ said, yep. When UK plays Uncheat , I'm the worlds biggest Kentucky fan.

 

[pisgah101]

Kentucky is going to roll em and so are we twice.

 

[SoCal Dukie]

Is it possible to have the game keep going to OT's, until every player fouls out?

 

[QC Dukie]

Kentucky is going to roll em and so are we twice.

Hope w meet in the acc tourney as well and hang three azz whippings on em

OFC

 

[carolinablue34]

CB34 just stick to the hoops discussions and Show please do the same. We know your passion for Duke but CB34 has been pretty respectful here that I've seen.

Will do timo. Didn't mean to antagonize anyone. Just gotta wait and see til the games are played. Im on your board, I'll be mindful of that.

 

[skysdad]

I can't envision a scenario where I would ever cheer for UNC. The truth of the matter is this....I just don't really care about UK. I admit to caring about the Heels because they're our rivals.

That's it. I'm a Duke fan. I can't help it. It's my nature and my nature is that I don't want unc to win in anything. I don't even want them to score a point , goal , run or anything in any sport from men's basketball to the women's wrestling team if they have one. Yes I know I have it pretty bad but this comes from years and years of tar heel fan arrogance and entitlement and to be honest I expect all Duke fans to feel the same as I do but also respect them if they don't. I expect all unc fans to feel the same way about Duke. I respect them for that. I do not HATE unc, it's fans or coaches and athletes I just want unc to lose. So I will be pulling hard for UK Saturday and the margin of victory whatever it may be if UK wins will not be enough. One thing I want to make clear and that is if ever an unc coach or athlete represent our country by being on our country's Olympic team I will support them because they represent my country. Another thing is that some of you may not know this but it ain't tar on those heels. OFC

 

[carolinablue34]

That's it. I'm a Duke fan. I can't help it. It's my nature and my nature is that I don't want unc to win in anything. I don't even want them to score a point , goal , run or anything in any sport from men's basketball to the women's wrestling team if they have one. Yes I know I have it pretty bad but this comes from years and years of tar heel fan arrogance and entitlement and to be honest I expect all Duke fans to feel the same as I do but also respect them if they don't. I expect all unc fans to feel the same way about Duke. I respect them for that. I do not HATE unc, it's fans or coaches and athletes I just want unc to lose. So I will be pulling hard for UK Saturday and the margin of victory whatever it may be if UK wins will not be enough. One thing I want to make clear and that is if ever an unc coach or athlete represent our country by being on our country's Olympic team I will support them because they represent my country. Another thing is that some of you may not know this but it ain't tar on those heels. OFC

Interesting post sky. I'm curious though, what kind of arrogance did you encounter? Growing up it was always the Duke fans who thought they were untouchable.

 

[dukiejay]

Interesting post sky. I'm curious though, what kind of arrogance did you encounter? Growing up it was always the Duke fans who thought they were untouchable.

You must be young.

 

[carolinablue34]

You must be young.

You have no idea lol. I'm of legal drinking age I will say that.

 

[skysdad]

Interesting post sky. I'm curious though, what kind of arrogance did you encounter? Growing up it was always the Duke fans who thought they were untouchable.

I'm 64 years old and have been through some thin times as a Duke fan. Really don't have the time or post space to even begin to cover. I will share one encounter. I don't know where live or where you grew up . I live about 5 minutes from Elon University and grew up in Elon. You may have heard of it but it is located about 30 miles from chapel hill. I've been going to baseball games there for years and Elon and unc have played baseball games for several years. This happened about 5 years ago and unc was at Elon . When I left my house I grabbed the 1st baseball cap I could find and it happened to be a Duke cap. When I was going into the stadium I saw a woman wearing tar heel gear way ahead of me coming into the stadium from an angle. For some reason she turned toward me, grabbed her husband and approached me. She looked right at me pointed her finger and said "Duke's not playing here today. " I just told that was true but Elon is and I'm a fan of theirs. I grew up here. She told me she was from the area too but was there to support her heels and just couldn't understand why a Duke fan was there pulling against unc. You see most unc fans I know and that includes many friends just don't understand why everyone is not a tar heel fan and that includes NCSU and Wake Forest fans. Her husband just stood there and thankfully they just went ahead and walked away. I could go on and on but it probably falls on deaf ears so I'll stop here but you ask. I'm glad you thought growing up that Duke fans were untouchable. Now you know how I feel. OFC

 

[carolinablue34]

I'm 64 years old and have been through some thin times as a Duke fan. Really don't have the time or post space to even begin to cover. I will share one encounter. I don't know where live or where you grew up . I live about 5 minutes from Elon University and grew up in Elon. You may have heard of it but it is located about 30 miles from chapel hill. I've been going to baseball games there for years and Elon and unc have played baseball games for several years. This happened about 5 years ago and unc was at Elon . When I left my house I grabbed the 1st baseball cap I could find and it happened to be a Duke cap. When I was going into the stadium I saw a woman wearing tar heel gear way ahead of me coming into the stadium from an angle. For some reason she turned toward me, grabbed her husband and approached me. She looked right at me pointed her finger and said "Duke's not playing here today. " I just told that was true but Elon is and I'm a fan of theirs. I grew up here. She told me she was from the area too but was there to support her heels and just couldn't understand why a Duke fan was there pulling against unc. You see most unc fans I know and that includes many friends just don't understand why everyone is not a tar heel fan and that includes NCSU and Wake Forest fans. Her husband just stood there and thankfully they just went ahead and walked away. I could go on and on but it probably falls on deaf ears so I'll stop here but you ask. I'm glad you thought growing up that Duke fans were untouchable. Now you know how I feel. OFC

Given your age, things were probably different in those days. When I was growing up, Duke was the powerhouse and Carolina was fading into irrelevance. All I heard was how great k was and how Duke was the ivy league of the south. It was a nightmare. I grew up in Charlotte by the way.