Off the cuff: Carolina defeated the Quakers by 35 points last year but Penn is expected to be better this season with six of its first seven players back and being picked second in the Ivy League. Bernardini scored 26 against the Heels this year and last year. Both are career highs. Zeller doesn't look 7-foot, nor does he play 7-foot - he's much more athletic than most guys that size. I like his demeanor and his confidence. He really slams the ball in with authority on dunks. And his 15-footer from the baseline were the Heels' first points of the season. With Hansbrough, Ginyard and Frasor ailing, the starting five consisted of Lawson, Ellington, Green, Thompson and Zeller. I was only the second time that Green has started a game - and to think he almost went to the NBA. Frasor, who was the top backup at point guard the last couple of years, played at No. 2 guard when he and freshman Larry Drew were on the court at the same time. So, it appears that Drew may be or become the top backup at point behind Lawson. That's probably fine with Frasor who could see more shots as a result. Even though Penn made a little run late in the game, I thought the game was over after Green tipped a steal to Lawson, who passed ahead to Ellington for a fastbreak bucket that made it 71-52. That "Jump Around" music and dancing before the opening tip is getting old. If I were watching a college basketball game for the first time, I'd probably root for the team that didn't do that. I hope the "Jump Around" doesn't stay as long as the long pants have stayed. At least get the pants above the knees. Maybe that's why Zeller doesn't look 7-foot. It was frustrating to have the football game and the basketball game on at the same time. It just goes to show how much power TV has. I miss the days when TV had to rush back to see play start and when they were just there covering the event, not orchestrating it. Carolina's depth is great but with TV timeouts every four minutes, most teams should be able to get enough breathers. Bill Friday, can't you do something about TV's big britches? |
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