Roy Friday Press Focuses On Defense & More

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday night at 8 pm, though there wasn’t much talk about the Panthers, who are 0-10 in the ACC, during Roy Williams’ press conference Friday afternoon at the Smith Center.

Williams, who was in a terrific mood, brought the media to laughter several times, mixing in some serious stuff with some fun.

Of note, however, is that starting wing Theo Pinson will play versus Pitt, though it’s uncertain if he will be at 100 percent full health. Pinson strained his shoulder Tuesday night at Clemson just 88 seconds into the game and did not return.

Williams said Pinson was at around 75 percent during Thursday’s practice.

Also, backup point guard Seventh Woods will dress and go through warmups, and whether or not he plays will depend on what the doctors tell Williams after warmups.

Naturally, a topic was the team’s defensive struggles of late. Williams was asked what he issues he’s seeing on tape after these last few games.

“Same ones we’ve had all year,” Williams said. “No sense of urgency to close out on the 3-point shooter, we’ve got to guard the rim a little bit better, guard the basketball a little bit better. It’s not nuclear science or anything.”

Williams said a player can improve defensively by learning how to do things properly, developing quality instincts by watching mistakes on film and learning how to build instincts. But, he said some players are more limited than others, especially when it comes to lateral quickness.

“It’s hard, it really is hard, but over years of experience you can make some pretty significant leaps from a guy who is 18 years old until he’s 21 and 22, (but) it’s hard to do it from January to February.”

The defensive numbers have gotten much worse for the Tar Heels over the last month, especially regarding their perimeter defense. Was the team collectively playing better on that end of the floor a month ago than they are now, and if so, what is the difference?

“I don’t think I’ve been pleased with the defense all year long, (but) it’s this thing called the ACC, that’s what it is. It exposes your weaknesses and you’re guarding a different caliber athlete at every position, too.”

UNC is ranked No. 327 in the nation defending 3-point shots, allowing opponents to hit 38.5 percent from outside. In the last three games, all of which were losses, the Tar Heels have allowed Virginia Tech, N.C. State and Clemson to hit 42 of 90 (46.7 percent) from out there.