February 1, 2007 One-On-One: All About the ACC With Jason Jennings and John Miller Today, I had a chance to talk ACC basketball with Jason Jennings, a WRAL-TV sports reporter and photographer. Here’s the transcript… John Miller: Let's start with your hometown team, North
Carolina State. Former coach Herb Sendek was much maligned despite having
a decent amount of success. Why could State fans never embrace Herb, and
is there a significant segment of fans that wish he was still there? Jason Jennings: First of all, big win for the Pack last
night against Virginia Tech. They could be decent. If they finish 4-5,
which if Engin Atsur is that big of a difference (and he could be), then
it's an OK season. This team (and its fan base) would be fine with an
NIT berth this year. Funny how things are; they really hated Herb that
much. Miller: In your mind, is North Carolina the favorite
to win the national title? Jennings: I don't know about favorite. I can see them
being vulnerable in the tournament. Their youth shows at times, but GOD,
they've got talent. They seemed terrified when they defended No. 1 for
the first time at Virginia Tech. I think after they get this Duke game
out of the way (win or lose) that can help. But they can falter on D or
miss some free throws (especially Brandan Wright). And if they’re
facing a tournament-tested and experienced mid-major? Hey, why not? Miller: Speaking of Duke, has it righted the ship after
starting 0-2 in the league, or did it just hit a favorable part of the
schedule? Jennings: A little bit of both, but more on the latter.
They beat Miami, Wake, and State; that’s nothing. But then again,
Clemson, and without getting into the clock controversy, was evenly matched
with Duke. It was a good game, but I'm not sure what to think of Clemson.
B.C. (without Sean Williams) was a good win. The Devils are rebounding
well, and if David McClure isn't hurt, then they should be fine. The biggest
thing holding them back, to me, is point guard Greg Paulus. Miller: Is Josh McRoberts good enough to carry a team
on his back in March? And what do you think of his NBA prospects? Jennings: Regarding the first question, no, but I’d
say his NBA prospects are decent. He's not a primary scorer; doesn’t
have enough half-court moves. But I think he can be a hell of a complimentary
player on the right team. Get him in Phoenix, where he can get out in
the open floor and dribble and pass, he's fine. He's Duke’s best
ball-handler. So why can't Coach K run? Paulus. Miller: Since we're on the NBA topic, scouts love Carolina’s
Wright. Are you as enamored? Jennings: He's talented, no question. He has such long
arms. He seems to have a more NBA-like body, but I'm telling you, Tyler
Hansbrough is insane. If he can put forth energy like that in an 82-game
season (or a large fraction of that energy), so what if he's only 6-9?
Barkley was what, 6-4? But yes, Wright has more TUP (Tremendous Upside Potential, Copyright
Bill Simmons). Miller: I don't see Hansbrough’s lack of height
or jumping ability hurting his offense, but it could be an issue on defense
in the NBA. Agree? Jennings: Yeah, it could. He can turn it up defensively,
but Kentucky’s Randolph Morris ate him up this year. Miller: What's the deal with Wake? They've been awful
since Chris Paul left. Jennings: Yeah. Chris Paul : Skip Prosser :: Philip
Rivers : Chuck Amato. Miller: Any chance Prosser is gone after this season? Jennings: I'd say one more bad season, and he’s
gone. Miller: What about Maryland? They've struggled lately
too. Is Gary Williams losing his touch? Jennings: They're a confusing group. Was the class of
Juan Dixon, Lonnie Baxter, Steve Blake, and a young Chris Wilcox just
that good? Not to mention previous good recruits. Williams just isn’t
getting the players since he won it all. It’s hard to point out
another coach in recent memory cashing in on a title much less. Miller: How many ACC teams will make the tournament? Jennings: Funny you should ask, because I just did a
story about Coach K's rant that the ACC should get more teams in this
year, because it was only four last year in the league’s first year
with 12 teams. Throw that in with a god-awful Wake-Georgia Tech football
championship game, and it's been a bad year to defend expansion. But anyway, I’d say it will get at least six in this year, but
it will probably end up just being six if the voters stay enamored with
mid-majors. And after George Mason, why not? Miller: Virginia Tech has really turned it around the
past couple years. Any talk that coach Seth Greenberg will cash in and
take another job anytime soon? He should be a hot candidate, no? Jennings: This would be the time to make a move, because
V-Tech is an experienced team. Without looking at a roster, there should
be some player turnaround there. But hey, I thought Wake football coach
Jim Grobe would leave. Personally, I think Clemson coach Oliver Purnell
will get a bigger “next job.” Miller: So far, who's been your favorite interview? Jennings: Good question. Before I start, something the ACC is sure to put in its diversity brochure:
There are more black coaches than white, seven to five. In football, Bobby Bowden was my favorite interview. At least on media
day, he knows how to play the game and leave you smiling. Basketball coach...Purnell is way up there. I was surprised that Gary
Williams came off well. Miller: Please tell me he was perspiring heavily. Jennings: I should have put more lights on him. K is an experience, because you know every word you're hearing holds
weight. But he knows that too, so he tends to pontificate. Miller: Any players stand out? Duke, you go to McRoberts if/because you have to, but you often go to
DeMarcus Nelson and Paulus. Carolina, it’s your choice, but none are great. You see a lot of
Marcus Ginyard quotes and sound bites as a result. He's the best by default. Miller: Are the other ACC teams as sick of seeing Duke
and Carolina on ESPN every week as the rest of the country? For instance,
Carolina beat Miami 105-64 on the Worldwide Leader last night. Jennings: Nah. It really is good for the league. Miller: Because of TV ratings? Jennings: Well, that helps. Sad isn't it? I guess for
us, them being on TV is great, but the national bandwagon effect is annoying,
especially with Duke for some reason. I used to find it more annoying
for Carolina. But now, there's something more to Duke. They're a fascinating
lightning rod. And guess what? After K leaves, they'll be gone in 10-15 years. Name
me one of his protégés that could keep it going. Johnny
Dawkins is the front-runner by default, and he's never been a head coach.
At least Dean Smith's assistants can coach. Miller: What do you think that says about K? Jennings: Not sure. Maybe a bit controlling in duties
at first, which he says is/was a struggle that he's relaxing on. Miller: OK, one last question: Like the SEC in football,
many assume the ACC is the best basketball conference every year. In your
mind, is it worthy of that title this season? Jennings: This year, yes, but not every year. I haven't
seen much else, but I think it's looked strong out of conference too. Miller: I can hear Pac 10 fans screaming "EAST
COST BIAS" from here. Jennings: In the words of Homer Simpson, "Hey,
if you don't like it, go to Russia." Miller: Well played. |