UNC Basketball: Reggie Bullock, Stillman White Pass First Test
By Matt Hamm
UNC played it’s first game without starting shooting guard, and maybe more importantly backup point guard Dexter Strickland. So far, so good for his replacements and the situation for Carolina. Reggie Bullock started for the Tar Heels in Strickland’s place and had a very good overall game against the NC State Wolfpack. The combination of Bullock and freshman PJ Hairston stands to improve UNCs offense, it is the perimeter defense that is of particular concern. Bullock filled in nicely, fitting in on offense, providing that extra scoring spark the team doesn’t have with Strickland. Going 4-9 from the field including 3-5 from three point range finishing with 11 points in 33 minutes. Hairston meanwhile went 3-8 from the field missing all five of his three point attempts. A very good finisher and ball handler, Hairston needs to stop shooting so many three’s. If Hairston can learn to play within himself, and stop forcing up every semi open three he see’s, his game could really take off.
How Mr. White looked and how Bullock handled the defensive end after the break
On the defensive end they both did their job, on the perimeter. Bullock did a great job of staying in front of his man and not allowing his man to get by him. Hairston meanwhile came up with two steals to go along with his four rebounds. Roy Williams must be very encouraged by what he saw from these two against NC State. Although Williams has expressed some concern over the backup PG role, he’s cited the teams perimeter defense as the biggest loss with Strickland’s injury. It’s only one game, but if they can keep it up, and make people forget about the loss of Dexter’s defense. This team could actually end up better than they were before.
In his limited role White looked good. He nailed a three pointer in stride off a Tyler Zeller pass from the post. He didn’t hesitate, he was open, he caught the pass and let it go. Exactly what Carolina needs. Another example was a pretty pass he made in the first half, White whipped a perfect pass to the cutter (John Henson I think?). The thing that sticks out at me about White’s game. Both times he had a real opportunity to make something happen, he executed perfectly. Both times, drawing a big roar from the crowd and from the announcers. So far, so good.
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