Tagged: Larry Drew II RSS

  • shwineka 11:29 am on March 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , blazers, , , elijah millsap, , , Larry Drew II, , , , NYC, , , , , ,   

    Tar Heels to Final Four! ….sort of 

    The train kept rolling as UNC handled a feisty UAB on Tuesday night, or at least a feisty Elijah Millsap.

    Despite coughing up 15 turnovers and — arguably — the team’s best shooter, Will Graves, going 0-9 from the field, the Heels were in control of the Blazers and won 60-55. No last-second heroics needed, Larry.

    That didn’t stop Drew II from putting in some clutch free throws, as well as knocking down a couple of treys to seal the deal. John Henson matched a career-high in points and Deon Thompson turned in his first double-double since November. The Heels will face the winner of Virginia Tech and Rhode Island in Madison Square Garden for the semi-finals of the NIT.

    It might not be the NCAAs, but man, has it been awesome to watch this team finally come together. The youngsters seem to be hitting on all cylinders, while the veterans are playing to keep their careers going — looking at you Thompson and Ginyard.

    Deon and Marcus might feel a little let-down from their senior year, but there is a bright side to their sudden burst in hustle. They could make history as the first team to ever win the NCAA and NIT in consecutive years.  While admittedly it underachieves what many thought was this team’s capability, I guess UNC just can’t go through a season without making some kind of history.

    Oh, yeah. Congrats on reaching the 2,000 win plateau, boys!

    The match-up in NYC is a fun one, regardless of who wins between VT and RI tonight. Why? Well, if Virginia Tech wins, the game will be against an ACC foe with whom Carolina split its games this year. If Rhode Island wins, it will be a match-up of teams with the same colors.

    Personally, I’d like to see the RI game. That way the Heels could win on two levels: score and style.

     

  • shwineka 3:18 pm on March 23, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Jarvis Varnado, , Larry Drew II, , , , , , , ,   

    UNC v. UAB Tonight 

    When Carolina takes on UAB tonight, it could be the start of something beautfiul, or at least the continuation. In UNC’s last two games (against William & Mary and Miss. State in the NIT), something has been very different. Something about the team’s demeanor has to have many Heels fans squirming in their cubicles or desks or what-have-you, just anticipating seeing some GOOD basketball again tonight.

    When the going got tough down in Mississippi on Saturday, the young Heels didn’t lay down. In fact, it was exactly those young Heels that lead the comeback from 12 points down in the first half.

    And who finished the game off? Those same young’ns. John Henson’s monster blocking ability was on display, as he sparked the turnover that lead to Will Graves’ banked 3-pointer that put the Heels ahead in the final minute of the game. When Miss. State tied it, who but Drew II took it down the court in a very Ty Lawson-esque manner, delivering the game winner over the NCAA All-Time leader in blocks, Jarvis Varnado.

    Instead of committing ugly turnovers, the boys in blue put the ball in the basket, and didn’t seem flustered in the least. It might have taken a whole season – and the threat of that season’s end – but the Heels are finally clicking as a team.

    I hate to sound like an N.C. State fan, but there is always next year and next year is looking brighter and brighter. But please, young Tar Heels, don’t think about next year just yet. Let’s see if we can win about three more games. After a season like this, an NIT title would indeed be a beautiful thing.

    (photo by N&O)

     

  • shwineka 5:49 pm on January 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Larry Drew II, , ,   

    Pre-Wake Forest vs. UNC Team Banter 

    So scanning over twitter this afternoon it appeared some of the team was in pretty good spirits before the matchup against Wake Forest tonight. John Henson, Larry Drew II, Dexter Strickland and Terrence Petree had some friendly banter flying at each other and another friend of theirs. Let’s hope that translates to the court.  Some highlights:

    @johnhenson31 OOOOOO!!!!! Lol RT @drewskywoosky: @LDrew2 oh you got jokes… wit yo @tpetree hair line

    @drewskywoosky @mynameisjwatts@mynameisgq @johnhenson31 here go a pic a pic of @eddavis32 and @LDrew2http://tinyurl.com/ezandlarry

    @tpetree (Made me take a break 4rm eatin w/dat tweet. Who wanna get fried?) — RT @drewskywoosky: @LDrew2 oh you got jokes…wit yo @tpetree hairline

    @LDrew2: here go @drewskywoosky in his bday suit http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/63958709_c09b77ea30.jpg

    @johnhenson31 Hahah dayumm he just sonned youRT @LDrew2: here go @drewskywoosky in his bday suit http://bit.ly/8SBnG0

    @dstrick01 lol yo this is @drewskywoosky after he works out hahaha http://www.odditycentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/fattest_man4.jpg

    @tpetree Its over 4 @drewskywoosky early LOL throw in the towel son son…………..

    @johnhenson31 RT @drewskywoosky @LDrew2 @DStrick01 and @tpetree http://bossip.files.wordpress.com/immature.jpg

    @johnhenson31 no candies for youu, no cookies for you….fat man.lmao

    @tpetreeLMAO @ the fact I was bout 2 use that same pic @DStrick01 and I found it when I searched “fat black man” on google 4 pics of @drewskywoosky

    @johnhenson31 this what dexter be lookin like in practice when coach be yellin at him…..http://beastmanyuki.files..com/2009/09/crying20man.jpg

     

  • shwineka 12:02 pm on January 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Larry Drew II, , , , , style, , , ,   

    Which Carolina player has the best style? 

    When you’re wearing the same uniform as your 15 other teammates, the only way to distinguish yourself is through your shoes. So that poses the question, who has the best style on the team?

     

  • shwineka 3:51 pm on January 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Larry Drew II, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Postgame: UNC – College of Charleston 

    (photo by N&O’s Robert Willet)

    I could sit here and rant about hustle and turnovers and defense. I could complain that UNC didn’t have two of its starters — and upperclassman starters at that. I could even blame it on Roy, saying he should have had them better prepared for the game.

    But that would be silly because he basically did that for me.

    Maybe it’s because it’s already the next day and I’ve had time to calm down, but I think this loss will help the Heels down the road. My advice to the Heels:

    Kill, baby, kill!

    How did I arrive at this conclusion?

    First an aside: Larry Drew’s comments after the game:

    “Yeah, we talked. We always talk. There’s something with this team – we’ve got to stop talking at a point, and start playing. We’ve got to start walking the talk. … I feel like I’ve heard everything — from the players, from the coaches. It’s getting to a point where we’ve just got to start doing what we say we’re going to do.”

    Coach Williams said this team was about as low as it could get right now. Do you agree with that?

    “Wouldn’t you? Yeah. I don’t think right now… We’ve just got to play better.”

    Is there something different going on during these road games?

    “We’ve just got to play better. That’s all it comes down to. I mean, I missed a ton of shots out there. We’ve just got to make shots and make stops. [We’ve] got to manage the game better – that’s on me.”

    It sounds to me like the team is feeling what the Tar Heel faithful have been feeling throughout these last few games. And frankly it’s just what LD said — they’ve got to play better.

    More than that, the team needs to mature into a full-blown killing machine.

    Young teams always have this problem. They manage to build a lead, then watch it slip away as they try to hold on until time expires. What Easy Ed, LD, Deon, Dex, Big Z, Will, JWatts, T. Wear, D. Wear, Marcus, Henson and Leslie McDonald need to do is go for the freaking throat. Don’t let up intensity just because you’ve got a lead. Hell, even the Dukies are beating people by 40.

    Rutgers closed it down to four near the end. In the team’s best wins this season (Ohio State and Michigan State) UNC has squandered double digit leads, even being up 17 in the second half to MSU before they brought it to single digits. We’re not going to talk about that OSU game, though Larry Drew that’s when I started to love you.

    So back to this loss being a good thing. All of those wins-that-could-have-easily-turned-to-losses have had us Heels fans on edge over the past several weeks. Before College of Charleston, it was easy to chalk up the “L”s to playing Top 5 talent. Now there’s no excuses. UNC needs to amp up for the conference schedule, and this loss might just be the kick in the ass they need. The potential that many saw at the beginning of the season is still there.

    They’ve just simply got to play meaner.

     

  • gonzologist 5:53 pm on December 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: 12.4, 16.5, 2.5, 2009, Aesthetics, , , , , , hyperdunk, , , , jordan 12 rising sun, , , Larry Drew II, , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    It’s Got To Be The Shoes – UNC Men’s Basketball Team Shoes Pt. II 

    About a month and a half ago I ran a post on the shoes UNC basketball players had worn up to that point in the season. That was only through the first two games of the season, plus the exhibition game. In the time since, the Heels have rolled out a bevy of new styles and changed up their footwear choices.

    First off, a quick guide to the shoes that have been worn this season by at least one Tar Heel:

    Jumpman Hallowed Ground

    Jumpman Ol’ School III

    Jordan 16.5

    Jordan 2.5

    Jordan 2009

    Jordan 12

    Jordan 12.5

    Nike Hyperize

    Nike Hyperdunk

    Now the players:

    Larry Drew II: Larry has kept it simple and worn the Jordan 2.5 all season. The 2.5 was a big shoe last season and has carried over for Larry this season.

    Marcus Ginyard: I was surprised when Marcus broke the mold and went outside the Jordan or Jumpman brands and decided to wear the Nike Hyperize. The Hyperize is being worn by about every college team outfitted by Nike as it comes in a wide selection of colors, but the Carolina blue colorway has only been seen one other place to my knowledge.

    David Wear: I was not able to find photographic evidence of David’s shoes from the beginning of the season, but I am 95 percent sure it was the Jumpman Pro. David was one of the first, however, the wear the Jordan 16.5 during the Heels MSG outing. David continued wearing the 16.5 for several games, but during the last four has worn the Jordan Ol’ School III, including his first collegiate start against Marshall and last night’s game against Rutgers.

    Deon Thompson: So far, Deon has been rotating three shoes. He began the season in the Jumpman Pro, which was a holdover from last season although he did not wear it during the National Championship game[he wore the Jordan 2.5]. He then switched over to the Jumpman Hallowed Ground for games against Gardner-Webb, Nevada and Kentucky before wearing the Jumpman Ol’ School III at Cowboys Stadium against Texas. Deon reverted to the Jumpman Hallowed Ground for the Marshall game but then broke out the Jordan 16.5 last night.

    Ed Davis: Ed has swtiched his flavor up a couple times throughout the short season. In the exhibition and opener he was seen in the Jumpman Pro but brought out the Jordan 2009 for the bright lights at MSG. This seems to be a trend as for games against Kentucky and Texas, Easy Ed also wore the more flashy Jordan 2009s. I may be looking too far into the importance of the game and correlation of the shoe because the 2009 does have more blue in it which would go better with the away uniforms that the team has also worn for each of those games. For games with Presbyterian, Marshall and Rutgers, Ed was back in the Jumpman Pro. I thought Ed had worn the Jordan 16.5 before but I have no evidence of that.

    Dexter Strickland: Even though he is only a freshman, Dexter has not been shy to take advantage of the shoe situation. Early in the season Dexter was wearing the Jumpman Hallowed Ground but by Gardner-Webb was onto the Jordan 16.5. Following Marcus’ footsteps, Dexter bucked the trend hard and wore the Nike Hyperdunk in games against Nevada and Michigan State, further confusing at least me when the colorway was navy and white, not a bit of Carolina blue in it. At Kentucky he was back to the Jordan 16.5 before switching to the Jordan 12 “Rising Sun” colorway for games with Texas, Marshall and Rutgers. I think I remember someone calling that earlier this season.

    John Henson: Sticking with freshman, John Henson hasn’t had quite as much variety as his counterpart but did offer a surprise as of late. This whole season John has been sporting the Jumpman Hallowed Ground, which we have photos from NCCU and Texas, though I can promise he was wearing them throughout. For Marshall and last night’s Rutgers game he brought out the Nike Hyperize in the same colorway that Marcus wears.

    Will Graves: Mr. Graves stumped me with his shoe choice for the beginning of the season. Against FIU through Valpo, Will was wearing some member of the Jumpman or Jordan brand that I can’t figure out. Will and Ed must talk about their shoes because in the games that Ed has worn the 2009s – MSG, Kentucky, Texas - Will has also worn them. Again it may have something to do with the uniforms though. Otherwise, Will has somewhat settled on the Jumpman Hallowed Grounds as his go-to as he has worn them against Gardner-Webb, Marshall and Rutgers.

    Tyler Zeller: Tyler, who wore the Jumpman Pro for most of last year, has switched between the Jumpman Ol’ School III and Jordan 16.5 this season. Early in the season Z was sporting the Jumpman Ol’ School III, like he did here against FIU and NCCU. Otherwise from about Gardner-Webb onward he has been wearing the Jordan 16.5, including against Kentucky, Marshall and last night.

    Travis Wear: Travis was spotted sporting the Jumpman Ol’ School III in the exhibition against Belmont Abbey but has since switched to the Jumpman Pro which he’s worn in most game this season, including, NCCU, Gardner-Webb and Rutgers.

    Justin Watts: For most of this season Justin had been rocking the Jumpman Hallowed Ground. Last night against Rutgers, however, Justin was the first Tar Heel to wear the Jordan 12.5 out on the court. Nice change up.

    Leslie McDonald: All season Leslie has worn the Jumpman Ol’  School. Here he is against NCCU, Presbyterian, Texas,  Marshall and Rutgers. Here he is doing the Danny Green in pregame.

    Marc Campbell: When Campbell has been in the game he’s been seen in the Jordan 2.5.

    Terrence Petree: Last but not least, Mr. Petree who was spotted in the Jumpman Pro.

    Check out the whole gallery here.

     

    • lulu 3:56 pm on December 30, 2009 Permalink

      unbelievable info. thanks– I’ll be watching for any changes in their footwear.

  • shwineka 5:51 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: A Legacy Fulfilled, , , , , , , Durham Herald Sun, , , High Five, , , Larry Drew II, , Spartans, , , ,   

    UNC Takes on Michigan State in ACC-Big 10 Challenge 

    (pic from Edthesportsfan.com)

    Tonight begins what could be the toughest two weeks of the Tar Heels’ season. The defending champs are taking on the team they ousted for the title just eight months ago. The headlines back on that glorious April day: “A Legacy Fulfilled” – DTH and “High Five” – Durham Herald Sun, among others.

    The headlines might be a little different tomorrow as the Spartans are the favorites favored about equally tonight, but the test could prove to be a turning point for the Heels. Win or lose, I can’t see the impact of tonight’s result being negative. A win could start a wave of confidence that helps the Heels plow through December. A loss would identify the main weaknesses in a young team, preparing them for their other Top 10 match-ups this month and getting them ready for the ACC season.

    Some think we’ll win, others think we’ll lose. (No link for the lose crowd. After all, who actually picks the Heels to lose?)

    BTW that was the first time I’ve ever used the term “we” when talking about Carolina on this blog. I’ve tried staying away from it, but c’mon. You know you say it, too.

    Here’s a Rafters-worthy prediction:

    The Heels bigs hassle the tiny Spartans side-to-side and up and down the court. MSU shoots a horrible percentage while Big Z, Easy Ed and damn-he-needs-a-sweet-nickname Deon Thompson corral the boards and teasingly hold the ball above their heads. John Henson, who is also in need of a sick nombre, will have a breakout game and play 20 minutes, scoring 20 points. LD will teach Kalin Lucas to respect the wood — as Lucas will be on the floor after his ankles get broken so many times — and UNC will win by 15.

     

  • hiphopobserver 2:37 pm on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Larry Drew II, , , ,   

    Larry Drew II one of 10 sophomores Seth Davis thinks is poised for breakout 

    Tar Heels aren’t the only ones saying good things about Larry Drew II. Here’s what Seth Davis said today on SI.com:

    Larry Drew, 6-1 point guard, North Carolina

    Fr: 9.6 mpg, 1.4 ppg, 1.9 apg, 23.1 3-pt FG%
    Soph: 24.2 mpg, 7.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 42.9 3-pt FG%

    Skinny: This is a classic case of preparation meeting opportunity. With Ty Lawson running the point last year, no backup, especially a freshman, was going to get a lot of minutes. Even when Drew was in the games, he looked shaky, but it was hard to tell whether that was because he couldn’t get into a rhythm or he wasn’t that good. Now it looks like it was the former. Drew has proved he can run North Carolina’s offense with efficiency and effectiveness, which is not easy to do with so many newcomers running alongside him. His assist-to-turnover ratio is nearly 2-to-1, and his improved field goal percentage reflects his confidence knowing the starting job is his.

    And this was written before his 10 assist, 1 turnover and clutch 3s performance last night. Yeah, he’s going to be good.

     

  • shwineka 12:29 am on November 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Bill Lumbergh, , , Larry Drew II, , Mike Gminski, , , , , ,   

    Wrap-up: UNC survives Nevada 

    UNC 80, Nevada 73

    Box Score

    This game could be categorized as “character building.” Carolina came in with what we’ll call a turkey-day hangover, plodding through the first three quarters of the game. (The much smaller Nevada Wolfpack ended up only losing the rebounding battle by three, 45-42.) The defense was sluggish at best as Nevada shot 43 percent from the field in the first half. But when the game came down to the wire, with about five minutes left and Nevada down two, the Heels suddenly had a resurgence of confidence. And while the game would never get much more separation than five or six points, UNC seemed to carry itself with a bit more swagger and squashed Nevada’s upset bid.

    Oh yeah, and Roy Williams got his 600th career win as a head coach.

    Roy has the highest win percentage of any active coach and is already in the hall of fame. It was actually funny watching him receive an award for his 600th win on TV. After his recent shoulder surgery, you could tell he really just wanted to get the frick out of there and find an ice pack.

    Takeaways:

    • Tyler Zeller didn’t take a charge this game. What gives Big Z?
    • Four players played 30 or more minutes. It looks as if Roy is starting to tighten up the rotation. Look for a future post on the depth chart.
    • Larry Drew – 10 assists and one turnover. Um……hell yes.
    • Eight team turnovers: huge improvement. Keeping this in the single digits will take the team far. Though as is evidenced by LD’s stat line, the TOs aren’t coming from the point, but from errant passes by the post and wing players.

    Superlatives:

    • Player of the Game: Ed Davis – (16 pts, 15 rebs, 2 asts, 3 blocks, 1 stl) Ed really showed how he can dominate the glass. He has a nose for where the ball is going to bounce and the hops to get there first. Ed also gets block of the game for his two blocks in about 30 seconds near the end of the second half.
    • OK, I can finally say it, “Kid can play!” Award – Larry Drew II
    • Stat Stuffer (aka Danny Green Award): We might have to rename this the Marcus Ginyard Award – 10 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts, 1 blk, 4 stls
    • Bill Lumbergh Look-Alike: Former Dukie Mike Gminski – see below

    The resemblance is striking.

     

    (game photos by Robert Willet of the N & O)

     

  • hiphopobserver 3:12 pm on November 19, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Larry Drew II, , , , , ,   

    Who's got a 9 in the Clutch column? 

    So, the main thing that worries me about tonight’s showdown against Ohio State is what happens when the game is close in crunch time?

    No player has yet to stand out as a go-to man in this sort of situation, and after watching Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan St. and other ranked teams take early games down to the wire, it made me wonder.

    Let’s run down the players:

    Ed Davis is always a viable option, and I really think kid’s got ice water in his veins. My only concern would be getting the ball down low to him for an easy basket. Same goes for Deon Thompson. I know he can score, but can we get the ball to him?

    Larry Drew II has proven that he’s a much improved point guard this season, but I’ve never seen him have to take control of a tight game. Again, not questioning his skill, but sometimes it takes an experience in this sort of situation to have what’s needed. I just don’t want tonight to be a trial by fire and come out on the wrong end of it.

    Moving out to our shooters, there really isn’t one that I completely trust. Will Graves’ shots always look like they are going in, but that’s not always the case. Drew II has knocked down a couple jumpers as well from outside, but he’s not going to take the shot. And Marcus Ginyard has also been reliable from outside, but only when the game has not been in jeopardy.

    I almost like the idea of having John Henson taking a 15 footer around the charity stripe. A couple times this year his defender has played off him and he’s knocked the shot down, but I’d hate to put the ball in his hand, have something go wrong and lose confidence. I’d rather take an early L then that.

    Here’s what I think, Tyler Zeller for a short jumper or Marcus for a drive to the basket.

    Tyler has showed us he can put up the points and knock down open shots. If Ed, Deon and Zeller were all in the game, any big will be down low on Ed and Deon, move Tyler right outside the paint and Bam!, easy two points.

    Otherwise, clear it out in the middle and let Marcus drive. He’s not going to lose the ball and he’s strong enough to take it up and either draw the foul or get a good shot off. Dude is a 5th year player and has been through it all, he’s the one with the confidence and athleticism to get us the points.

    That’s just my take, what’s everybody else think?

     

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