The Tar Heels' starting lineup consisted entirely of returning players: Graves, Thompson, Davis, Ginyard and Drew II. Roy Williams liberally rotated his talented bench throughout the game with 16 UNC players getting floor time before the final buzzer sounded. It will be interesting to see how this line-up evolves throughout the season.
It was evident many of the players are still adjusting to the college talent levels and competition. Players were often in each others' passing lanes or tipping balls away from each other on rebounds.
The resulting turnover total (26) reflects the disjointed flow of the game, but 12 of the turnovers were from freshmen or bench players playing limited minutes. A positive statistic was the assist total, 23 assists on 34 baskets, the result of players looking to make the extra pass. Ten Tar Heel players had at least one assist in the game.
It is very early in the '09-'10 season and these "growing pains" are expected and the team learns to play with one another. Against more talented teams the Tar Heels would have struggled last evening, but the UNC fanbase can take comfort in the obvious talent and effort displayed last night.
Game Notes:
- Larry Drew II played an efficient game last night with 6 assists vs 2 TOs. Drew II is not expected to be Ty Lawson, and positive ast/to ratios should be his goal every game.
- The size and depth of the Tar Heel front court is obvious: 42 rebounds / 8 blocks.
- The overall FG% was great: 55.7%. The 3pt% was not: 30.8%.
- Ginyard showed his experiece and improved shot: 12 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 2 3pms.
- Thompson is relishing his time to shine: 20 pts, 10 rebs, 3 stls.
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