Scouting report: North Carolina Tar Heels
By Jay Bilas
Special to ESPN.com
North Carolina is a very good, very efficient offensive team. The Tar Heels like to pound the ball inside, draw fouls and wear teams down with their interior screening and passing. North Carolina runs a great secondary break using the post and opposite wing to set backpicks, and runs a variety of set playcalls in addition to free-lance motion.
On the defensive end, North Carolina plays man-to-man defense out to the 3-point line, but the Tar Heels do not contest passes outside of the arc. They also use a point zone, a 1-3-1 zone and some 2-3 zone on out-of-bounds situations underneath the basket. At times, North Carolina can go full-court man with face guarding, but that is not often.
North Carolina had not won four games in a row all season prior to the NCAA Tournament, but now are playing the way most observers felt it could throughout the season. The Tar Heels are playing with passion and intensity, and have invested a lot of effort into defense. With the Tar Heels' size and inside strength, North Carolina can win it all just as easily as Michigan State or Florida.
Ed Cota: Quarterback who always has the ball in his hands and looks to create off the dribble. Very good in transition and off penetration; defenders must stay in front of him. Looks to pass first, but has been more cognizant of looking for scoring opportunities. Must keep the ball out of his hands and pressure him to make him use up energy doing things he normally takes as a given. Must keep him out of the lane, because he can dish or finish. Outstanding passer and handler, and a very good shooter with his feet set. Shoots the walk-up 3-pointer, and looks to lob.
Joseph Forte: Big-time scorer who can hit from deep or in mid-range. Shoots the standstill off the catch coming off screens and can create his own shot off the dribble. Able to take a bump and not get knocked off his path, and can absorb punishment and finish plays. Faces up and can shoot under pressure. Bangs down his free throws, so he must be defended hard without fouling.
Brendan Haywood: Inside presence who is working harder for low-post position. Automatic inside of five feet, and gets good offensive rebounding position. Likes to go to the turnaround jumper and jump hook, but is most comfortable taking it up to dunk. Always goes to the offensive glass, and must be boxed out. An over-the-back call on Haywood is a big play. Must run him and try and push him off the block. Stay between Haywood and the basket, or he will have a career night.
Kris Lang: Very skilled post player who has been playing all season with an unknown illness that caused him to lose weight in the preseason. Athletic and mobile, Lang has great hands and the ability to score within 15 feet. Best with his back to the basket, likes to go to his jump hook with either hand. Plays angles very well and can play a physical game.
Max Owens: Streaky shooter who can hit from deep to mid-range. Effective off the dribble, but not a great passer, and pressure can affect his decisions. Must be kept out of the middle, and must be made to put the ball on the floor. Very capable player who can hurt you if he gets off to a good start.
Julius Peppers: Football player who sets huge screens, grabs rebounds and plays physical low-post defense. Not a shooter, but must pressure him into putting the ball on the floor, where he is more likely to make mistakes. Outstanding offensive rebounder who can pursue the ball. His offense comes off hustle plays and offensive boards.
Terrence Newby: Very strong, plays back up point. Can shoot with time, and is a capable handler and passer. Plays strong, physical defense. |
Brenden Haywood says he is mentally tough.