Chansky's Notebook: Work to Do

Carolina heads for the islands, its preseason schedule over.

When you study the Tar Heels’ first four games, you see what is only a shadow of their recent past. This, of course, goes back to the severe losses from last year – four starters and their top five scorers.

If not for Cole Anthony’s record 34 points in the opener against Notre Dame, Carolina probably loses. Of the next three wins, two were fueled by Anthony and the other by fellow freshman Armando Bacot in otherwise unimpressive outings like Wednesday night’s ugly start against Elon.

Was the sparse crowd at the Smith Center at a good starting time of 8:30 an indication that the fans aren’t yet really excited about this year’s edition? A fair question because the basically new lineup is far from coming together at this point. So the next three games will be telling.

Based on uneven performances so far, the Tar Heels won’t be undefeated when they get back from Atlantis to play Ohio State at the Dean Dome and Virginia in Charlottesville. Not only is the execution not there for most of the minutes, the energy and urgency are often lacking, like the first half against scrappy but outmanned Elon.

After a first-half shooting poorly and being out-hustled, Roy Williams hustled to the tunnel. He stopped and slapped the hand of every player who followed. Whereas Roy often answers such a dreadful exhibition by scorching the walls of the locker room, he seemed to know his team was as disappointed as he was to be down one point at the break.

To everyone’s credit, the Heels came out like they had all chugged mini-bottles of 5 Hour Energy. They immediately took the lead and built it to double figures by dominating the glass but never could blow the Phoenix out because Anthony, in his coach’s own words, was “not very good” out there.

While No. 2 grabbed 10 rebounds, double figures in caroms for the third time this season, he also missed 10 of his 14 mostly forced shots and made four turnovers by being careless with the ball. Bacot and Garrison combined for 36 and 20, but maybe B-Rob’s expected return will help on the perimeter.

In the Bahamas, first is Alabama of the SEC, always talented and athletic; then Iowa State or Michigan, both formidable opponents for BIG conferences; and, probably, Gonzaga for what would be the first of two match-ups this season with the Bulldogs.

Fortunately, there is a full week of practice in between. Go to work, guys, as your coach lamented, you’ve got to play better.

(featured photo via Todd Melet)