I’m still waiting on you to admit that “Scholarship albatross” remark was all BS. I don’t expect it, but I’m waiting.

David has shown the passing skills and ability to shoot from the perimeter I spoke of and both are contributing. David has even played the 3 in spurts thus far and been impressive enough that he’ll see minutes at both the 3 & 4 from here on out. In fact, David’s production per minute based on pts., rebounds, assists and steals as tracked by the staff trails only Ginyard. Watch the Wear’s minutes increase as the season goes on and remember; they’re both 4-year players, and this is only the beginning. Cheers.

“The Crazie: We all have heard of salary albatrosses, but is “scholarship albatross” an uncoined term? You heard it here first—Roy Williams will regret signing David and Travis Wear, two lumbering, unimpressive twin forwards from California. There were rumors that the UNC staff was encouraging them to de-commit, but the Wears didn’t bite. That’s two lost cause scholarships for four years. Cheers!”

Thanks for a thoughtful response. My intention was not to challenge what you guys are doing here as Duke students trying to show your perspective, I actually respect that you guys are maintaining a pretty level head amidst the greatest rivalry in sport (while managing to still go to class). The problem I do have, though, is calling out the coaching staff, players and program as a whole by stating that the coaches were trying to get the Wear’s to de-commit because they are lumbering and unimpressive. While it is true that Roy had picked up his recruitment of some of the other PFs in the class at the time of their commitment, the Wears got the offer first because of their potential fit into our system. Any rumors that they were unwanted, were likely just that, rumors. Most likely stemming for the fact that their stock fell way off after they committed and Plumlee II and Kelly shot through the roof. Being that they are in-state players, many UNC fans were probably upset, as Duke fans rejoiced, that UNC did not even get a chance to offer them. However, I think all four are in systems that will be good for them, so time shall tell how they develop. Any idea that the coaching staff would try and pressure a de-commit is absurd, its like saying Coach K wouldn’t want a star player to stay for 4 years, its just not part of who they are.

As to the comments to the practice reports, I would not expect you guys to know that stuff at all, just like I dont know (and frankly dont care) what is going on with duke practice right now. Thats for the duke fans to obsess over. Overall, I am impressed with the thorough knowledge of the conference and all the players because I doubt anyone who has posted could tell you much about more than 2 players at any ACC school that is not a shade of blue. My issue was more that the Wears have been committed for over a year and a half, so while there may have been some buzz in January 2008 about their commitment, the buzz now is about their well-rounded game and their fit for the system. It just seemed like the weakest point of your article in a rivalry rich with intriguing (or “crazy”) story lines.

I can appreciate, as dukies, you guys stirring the pot, as I know I often do that with the likes of Zoubek and Paulus with the dukies I know. I neither take it seriously, nor get offended, but more wanted to offer the UNC perspective on the Wears and how they differ from most big men that arrive underdeveloped to the college game (based on depth, the system, and the early repots on them).

Personally, I see UNC and Duke as very similar this year. A core of 3-4 vets, each team with 1 star finally getting to shine (Davis and Singler in increased roles in their best positions) and a couple other key pieces. Both teams will be longer than any team they play, besides each other, and both will have troubles at the point (however serviceable Scheyer may be). We certainly lost our game-changer in Lawson and all ability to shoot the 3 consistently, but I think the loss of Henderson could prove harder on duke coupled with the loss of Williams and only one addition of an athlete in Dawkins. UNC will have better speed and athleticism, and certainly has a stacked front court, but the inability to protect the ball and have a viable outside threat may make those advantages irrelevant. Duke will be able to fill it up from the outside as always, but will also be subject to a few games with shooting slumps as always. I look for Plumlee II to be the biggest improvement to the t?eam and am completely puzzled at what to expect from Kelly (I only see him as effective at the 3, no?).

My call for the difference in the each team’s success? Ability to limit turnovers (while still creating) and which team can come up with the best defensive packages given their length.

Thank you for remaining civil and thoughtful, even when commenters chose not to be. In the end, we are programmed to hate each other, but I prescribe to the theory that I keep my friends close and my enemies closer.

I don’t know that UNC played a more complete defensive game than in the past 4 years. Last year was a great year defensively for UNC in general. They took a good number of charges, but that’s more because FIU was out of control and played the fastpaced game that the Tar Heels wanted.

Henson didn’t look ready to play on the perimeter to me. But we’ll see. Graves is more than serviceable for now.

1. Graves got the start at the 3 spot, but Henson will get significant time there and may displace him as the season goes on.
2. UNC has issues taking care of the ball. To be expected for a new team, and especially a very big team. They’ll have to get that corrected, but since many of the ACC teams are also big teams I’m not sure who they’ll play that will really be able to press them and take advantage of that.
3. Drew looked fine. We’ll need to see how he does against better competition to really evaluate how solid UNC will be at the point guard spot.
4. This is clearly Ginyard’s team. They play with his personality and his commitment to defense. Against a nobody opponent, they played a more complete game defensively than they have in 4 years.

I HAVE seen them play many times and have spoken to both coaches and analysts about the twins. research would have shown you that they started out as guards and simply outgrew the position. They both handle the ball extremely well in the open court and in traffic and are the two best passers in UNC’s loaded frontcourt. I quarentee they will both see minutes THIS season, especially David who is a legitimate threat on the perimeter out to the 3-point line. They are both fundementally sound and play excellent position defense.

You’ve based your evaluation of the Wears on internet message board drivel and ignorance in my opinion, and I eagerly await the apology their play will demand of you. The only question is wether you have the character to print it.