Injuries! Oh fun!
Roy Williams announced during his weekly press conference that both Dexter Strickland and Desmond Hubert injured their ankles during off day workouts on Wednesday and are questionable for the FSU game. UNC had Wednesday off as a team following the Miami game. Both Strickland and Hubert came in for personal workouts and each player ended up stepping on another player’s foot resulting in an ankle sprain. Both were held out of practice on Thursday with no word on their status going forward except Roy saying he had “no idea” if they would play.
The catch here is Roy’s injury information, whether by design or Roy being Roy, has been a tad off with both P.J. Hairston and James Michael McAdoo playing after it was said neither probably would not. If Strickland can play I expect to see him out there but if there is any question at all, I think we are all in agreement that sitting him isn’t the worst idea in the world. UNC has FSU then Virginia Tech followed by a week off which should help things
Obviously Hubert being out is not a huge deal(though you can always use bodies against a physical team like FSU) but losing Strickland would hurt. The junior is coming off his best all-around game on Tuesday night vs Miami. His defense and speed on the break are obviously very important. Also, if Strickland is out then it will mean 35-36 minutes for Kendall Marshall with a smattering of Stillman White probably each side of a TV timeout or two.
On the Leslie McDonald front, Roy said the plan “right now” is for McDonald to redshirt. The feeling is McDonald is simply not going to get to a point of full effectiveness for some time to come and saving the year of eligibility is the best plan. There is probably still a crack in the door on this(hence the “right now”) but it would probably take something drastic like two wing players being out for the season before it is entertained.
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Very sad news about Leslie. I was still holding out hope that he would get back with enough time to contribute towards the push for another championship. He has always been one of my favorite players. I’m sure he’ll be there in full force for moral support…and an occasional sideline dance.
That’s a bummer about Dex as well. But it’s important to have him 100% come tourney time. He’s an important cog in the Heel-machine.
Very sad news about McDonald but not unexpected. His long term health and playing career are the most important thing. I feel really bad for Strickland too. His last game was awesome.
I don’t even care if we win or lose tonight. I just want to get out of this game without any (more) injuries. The way FSU plays basketball is an abomination that ACC officials should have cleaned up a long time ago.
Lmac-smart move, he will be a starter next season. best wishes for Dex. i think PJ has been ankle-hampered as well. lets get some nole.
This is crazy. The trainer should start issuing some sort of protective boots for everyone - even just for walking to class.
A little hijacking indulgence please:
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Former Tar Heels all over the place in NBA action last night.
My favorite ( and I can’t believe I actually stayed up that late to watch this game….and am typing this at 8 AM!) was Lawson’s Nuggets over the Heat by 13 in Denver, with Ty (24 pts.on 9/11 shooting, 3 RB’s, 9 A’s, & 2 Stl’s.) taking apart the Heat.
Danny ‘Freakin’ Green had another good night in a Spurs win over Portland, with 13 Pts., 6 RB’s, 2 A’s, 3 Blks., & 1 Stl., while Raymond Felton got 13 Pts., 7 A’s, 5 Stls., & 1 Blk.
Finally, Hansbrough’s Pacers over the Totonto Raptors with Tyler getting 13 Pts., 6 RB’s, 2 A’s, 1 Blk., & 1 Stl., while Ed Davis had 6 Pts., 10 RB’s, 3 A’s, and 1 Blk.
I would also note that both Ty Lawson (33 MPG) and Daniel Green (16 MPG) have PER’s (Player Efficiency Rating) of over 22, which is really good.
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Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
^^How will LM start next season? He plays the 2 spot, so he would have to start over Dex or PJ.