[LeWhatParticipant]

i know you really can’t answer this until after this upcoming season is over, but how do you think the 2011 team stacks up to 2005 and 2009? and which one do you think is the best?

2011 – marshall, strickland, barnes, henson, zeller, mcadoo, hairston
2009 – lawson, ellington, green, thompson, hansbrough, ed davis, ginyard, zeller, graves, mcdonald, wear, wear, strickland
2005 – felton, mccants, noel, jawad williams, may, terry, manual

i’m going to say 2009 and its not even that close. 2005 is second, 2011 is third.

2009 is a deep, complete, team. it also featured the best player on any of the 3 teams in hansbrough.

2005 had great chemistry, great pieces, not as deep as 2009 though.

2011…i think marshall is inferior to felton and lawson. however, barnes, henson, and zeller is the best frontcourt threesome of the 3 classes. this class cannot afford any injuries to the 7 players i listed. hopefully another reserve player steps up his play.

by the way i know its really early but mcadoo at #2 for next year’s mock??? i might get heat for saying this, but at best he will be a marvin williams, both in ncaa and nba. at worst he will be a solid 6th man at unc and he will be in major tweener trouble in the nba a la marvin williams, earl clark, julian wright, etc. i mean, you’re putting him over barnes, sullinger, and anthony davis? hmmm.

[Tim49461Participant]

2011  Better front court?!

2009 had Psycho T- NPOY running since his soph. year. scored over 2,000 pts. a rebounding machine. And everyone knew not to mess with him

Tyler Zeller-same as 2011

Ed Davis- was a lottery pick, basically Hensen with more mass and actually a better offensive ability.

2009 would destroy 2011’s front court.

[Tim49461Participant]

2011  Better front court?!

2009 had Psycho T- NPOY running since his soph. year. scored over 2,000 pts. a rebounding machine. And everyone knew not to mess with him

Tyler Zeller-same as 2011

Ed Davis- was a lottery pick, basically Hensen with more mass and actually a better offensive ability.

2009 would destroy 2011’s front court.

[sameolGParticipant]

You’re just gonna leaveout Marvin Williams like he wasn’t a damn good piece to that ’05 team huh lol

[sameolGParticipant]

You’re just gonna leaveout Marvin Williams like he wasn’t a damn good piece to that ’05 team huh lol

[Anton123Participant]

 IMO Zeller in 2011 is much better than in 2009, Barnes I think will be a candidate for N-POY next season, Henson is great defensivley (will be running for DPOY) and McAdoo is a terrific piece off the bench. I think you’re underrating this 2011 squad. Marshall might not be as complete as Felton or Lawson, but he doesn’t necessarily need to score, all he needs is to set up teammates and he’s better than the two at that (possibly the best passer in college next year)

[Anton123Participant]

 IMO Zeller in 2011 is much better than in 2009, Barnes I think will be a candidate for N-POY next season, Henson is great defensivley (will be running for DPOY) and McAdoo is a terrific piece off the bench. I think you’re underrating this 2011 squad. Marshall might not be as complete as Felton or Lawson, but he doesn’t necessarily need to score, all he needs is to set up teammates and he’s better than the two at that (possibly the best passer in college next year)

[franfranParticipant]

 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/729527-comparing-the-2011-12-unc-tar-heels-to-2005-and-2009-championships-teams

[franfranParticipant]

 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/729527-comparing-the-2011-12-unc-tar-heels-to-2005-and-2009-championships-teams

[surveParticipant]

Ok, since UNC is my team and I seen most all games played by these teams, I think I am qualified to comment.  My opinion is and always has been that the 2005 team was the most talented.  The 2009 team was the best overall and had the best chemistry.

2005–  McCants in his freshman and sophomore years was mentioned as being the best player in college, he avg 17ppg and 20ppg in his first 2 seasons.  In his 3rd season he deferred some of his scoring to give way to the inside game of May, who that season had came back in the best shape of his life and avg 17.5ppg and almost 11rpg.  Felton was a true catalyst (7apg) who could score and shoot the long ball. (44% 3pt FG).  Jawad Williams was the glue, he could do a lil bit of everything, defend, score, rebound, etc…Jackie Manual was the defensive stopper…and a lockdown defender he was.  Not sure why Terry was mentioned, he barely saw daylight behind that national championship talent.  Noel did provide an athletic spark and energy off the bench….but if it were not for Marvin Williams, they wouldnt have won.  He was INSTANT offense off the bench as the 6th man.  He could score inside and out and was a good rebounder.  This team wasnt lacking anything but a lil depth, especially at PG, but Manual and some spot minutes from Quintin Thomas when Ray needed a break was sufficient.  They had a go-to guy inside with tremendous post moves and if ever they NEEDED a bucket, they could go to McCants and he could create his own shot without any problems whatsoever…and he usually hit.

2009– Well, first off, you mucked that roster up.  Strickland and McDonald were still in HS.  You left out Drew who actuallly had probably his best season as a Tarheel by providing spot minutes to Lawson.  Hansbrough anchored this team with his heart and physical play.  He became a much more versatile scorer proving he could step out of his comfort zone and go 15 feet and beyond to hit the J.  Ellington had come of age and was almost an automatic shooter.  He was lethal off screens but his game had really developed as that year he was more effective putting the ball on the floor and creating his shot.  Green was the glue….a lot of times when UNC was down, Hansbrough in foul trouble, Lawson in pain…Green was the savior.  He could do EVERYTHING.  When they needed points, he got em.  When they needed rebounds, blocks, steals, etc…he got em.  He was great in the open court and was a good 3pt shooter.  Thompson was a perfect ying to Psycho’s yang with is smooth interior finesse.  Davis provided a lot of energy off the bench with his rebounding and shot blocking.  Zeller came back late in the year to add extra insurance in the depth department.  Lawson was so critical in driving the team, he did so much, he pushed tempo, he scored, he hit 3’s…his toe was a major concern in their championship run but even at less than 100% he was still dynamic.

2011– on paper this team will have more talent then both of the others, the chemistry will be the question and what style of play will be most effective for them.  Once again…how did you omit Bullock?  He will be a major key to their success, if his shot comes around, they will have a very athletic and defensively good team.  Hairston is going to have a good year and McAdoo will definitely be a threat when they go to the smaller lineup.  This team has all the tools, particularly as an uptempo based offense.  Marshall is going to break some assist records.  The biggest question is, can Strickland improve his shooting.

 

[surveParticipant]

Ok, since UNC is my team and I seen most all games played by these teams, I think I am qualified to comment.  My opinion is and always has been that the 2005 team was the most talented.  The 2009 team was the best overall and had the best chemistry.

2005–  McCants in his freshman and sophomore years was mentioned as being the best player in college, he avg 17ppg and 20ppg in his first 2 seasons.  In his 3rd season he deferred some of his scoring to give way to the inside game of May, who that season had came back in the best shape of his life and avg 17.5ppg and almost 11rpg.  Felton was a true catalyst (7apg) who could score and shoot the long ball. (44% 3pt FG).  Jawad Williams was the glue, he could do a lil bit of everything, defend, score, rebound, etc…Jackie Manual was the defensive stopper…and a lockdown defender he was.  Not sure why Terry was mentioned, he barely saw daylight behind that national championship talent.  Noel did provide an athletic spark and energy off the bench….but if it were not for Marvin Williams, they wouldnt have won.  He was INSTANT offense off the bench as the 6th man.  He could score inside and out and was a good rebounder.  This team wasnt lacking anything but a lil depth, especially at PG, but Manual and some spot minutes from Quintin Thomas when Ray needed a break was sufficient.  They had a go-to guy inside with tremendous post moves and if ever they NEEDED a bucket, they could go to McCants and he could create his own shot without any problems whatsoever…and he usually hit.

2009– Well, first off, you mucked that roster up.  Strickland and McDonald were still in HS.  You left out Drew who actuallly had probably his best season as a Tarheel by providing spot minutes to Lawson.  Hansbrough anchored this team with his heart and physical play.  He became a much more versatile scorer proving he could step out of his comfort zone and go 15 feet and beyond to hit the J.  Ellington had come of age and was almost an automatic shooter.  He was lethal off screens but his game had really developed as that year he was more effective putting the ball on the floor and creating his shot.  Green was the glue….a lot of times when UNC was down, Hansbrough in foul trouble, Lawson in pain…Green was the savior.  He could do EVERYTHING.  When they needed points, he got em.  When they needed rebounds, blocks, steals, etc…he got em.  He was great in the open court and was a good 3pt shooter.  Thompson was a perfect ying to Psycho’s yang with is smooth interior finesse.  Davis provided a lot of energy off the bench with his rebounding and shot blocking.  Zeller came back late in the year to add extra insurance in the depth department.  Lawson was so critical in driving the team, he did so much, he pushed tempo, he scored, he hit 3’s…his toe was a major concern in their championship run but even at less than 100% he was still dynamic.

2011– on paper this team will have more talent then both of the others, the chemistry will be the question and what style of play will be most effective for them.  Once again…how did you omit Bullock?  He will be a major key to their success, if his shot comes around, they will have a very athletic and defensively good team.  Hairston is going to have a good year and McAdoo will definitely be a threat when they go to the smaller lineup.  This team has all the tools, particularly as an uptempo based offense.  Marshall is going to break some assist records.  The biggest question is, can Strickland improve his shooting.

 

[bdiddy5115Participant]

2005

Stars: May, Felton, McCants

Key players: M.Williams, J.Williams

Role players: Manuel, Scott, Noel

2009

Stars: Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington

Key players: Green, Thompson, E.Davis

Role players: Graves, Frazor, Drew

2011

Stars: Barnes, Zeller, Marshall?

Key players: Henson, McAdoo?

Role players: Strickland, McDonald, Bullock?, Hairston

– 2009 was a complete squad. Like surve said, 05 may have had the most raw talent, but 09 was better put-together. 2011 has a ton of potential contributors (a few of these guys are between levels), but we’ll wait and see how they perform and gel this year.

[bdiddy5115Participant]

2005

Stars: May, Felton, McCants

Key players: M.Williams, J.Williams

Role players: Manuel, Scott, Noel

2009

Stars: Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington

Key players: Green, Thompson, E.Davis

Role players: Graves, Frazor, Drew

2011

Stars: Barnes, Zeller, Marshall?

Key players: Henson, McAdoo?

Role players: Strickland, McDonald, Bullock?, Hairston

– 2009 was a complete squad. Like surve said, 05 may have had the most raw talent, but 09 was better put-together. 2011 has a ton of potential contributors (a few of these guys are between levels), but we’ll wait and see how they perform and gel this year.

[JNixonParticipant]

09 Team:

Ty Lawson was UNBELIEVABLE in 09 during the tournament. It was amazing that he could play at that speed and not turn the ball over, but he was also a knockdown shooter when left open, and he was simply too hard to defend for all PG’s due to his speed and strength. He was a bigger difference-maker than Hansbrough on that team IMO.

Hansbrough was spectacular though of course, he was super tough, made some great shots using his toughness down low but also could hit the 15-17 feet jumpers which is something he only did very sporadically the year before.

Danny Green did everything, but was a sound defender and spot-up shooter notably. He was the type of role player that every team loves to have at the college level. He played SG-PF and was also a decent athlete who got out and ran and finished well in transition. The only reason he hasn’t been great in the NBA is because he’s a middling athlete at that level and the fact that he’s no shot-creator.

Wayne Ellington just didn’t miss jumpers lol. He was lethal with his shot spotting up, off screens, and I remember he developed a consistent 2 dribble pull-up that was a weapon. It allowed him to use his 1st step effectively, and admittedly he was quicker that I expected. The times I’ve watched him in the NBA, he’s pretty quick off the dribble and doesn’t shoot as much or as well as at UNC, but he was a great shooter in college.

Deon Thompson was a nice player, he had good size and could hit mid-range shots and post some. He wasn’t as physical as he looked and was a very mediocre rebounder and defender, but he was good beside Hansbrough. Especially since Hansbrough was a monster rebounder and inside player.

Ed Davis was intriguing due to his length and athleticism. He was raw on offense, but one thing has remained true about Davis even since then. He has always had an unblockable jump hook in his arsenal lol. He was really thin back then and was in a perfect situation behind Hansbrough playing spot time. Good rotation player though, especially on an experienced team as a Fr.

Tyler Zeller has ALWAYS been a more talented offensive player than Ed Davis IMO, and he was hurt that year til the end I believe. He could block shots and run, but he was really weak. Still, you could see the upside on offense.

I remember thinking when watching him, this is the Larry Drew guy that’s the PG of the future? I didn’t make much of it because he was a Fr. though. He was always quick and a true PG, but it was something about him that made me think he’s more of a change of pace than a starter. He was a good backup PG for Lawson because he played limited minutes, but I never really liked him alot.

They had a much of bodies! I think they were the best of the 3

[JNixonParticipant]

09 Team:

Ty Lawson was UNBELIEVABLE in 09 during the tournament. It was amazing that he could play at that speed and not turn the ball over, but he was also a knockdown shooter when left open, and he was simply too hard to defend for all PG’s due to his speed and strength. He was a bigger difference-maker than Hansbrough on that team IMO.

Hansbrough was spectacular though of course, he was super tough, made some great shots using his toughness down low but also could hit the 15-17 feet jumpers which is something he only did very sporadically the year before.

Danny Green did everything, but was a sound defender and spot-up shooter notably. He was the type of role player that every team loves to have at the college level. He played SG-PF and was also a decent athlete who got out and ran and finished well in transition. The only reason he hasn’t been great in the NBA is because he’s a middling athlete at that level and the fact that he’s no shot-creator.

Wayne Ellington just didn’t miss jumpers lol. He was lethal with his shot spotting up, off screens, and I remember he developed a consistent 2 dribble pull-up that was a weapon. It allowed him to use his 1st step effectively, and admittedly he was quicker that I expected. The times I’ve watched him in the NBA, he’s pretty quick off the dribble and doesn’t shoot as much or as well as at UNC, but he was a great shooter in college.

Deon Thompson was a nice player, he had good size and could hit mid-range shots and post some. He wasn’t as physical as he looked and was a very mediocre rebounder and defender, but he was good beside Hansbrough. Especially since Hansbrough was a monster rebounder and inside player.

Ed Davis was intriguing due to his length and athleticism. He was raw on offense, but one thing has remained true about Davis even since then. He has always had an unblockable jump hook in his arsenal lol. He was really thin back then and was in a perfect situation behind Hansbrough playing spot time. Good rotation player though, especially on an experienced team as a Fr.

Tyler Zeller has ALWAYS been a more talented offensive player than Ed Davis IMO, and he was hurt that year til the end I believe. He could block shots and run, but he was really weak. Still, you could see the upside on offense.

I remember thinking when watching him, this is the Larry Drew guy that’s the PG of the future? I didn’t make much of it because he was a Fr. though. He was always quick and a true PG, but it was something about him that made me think he’s more of a change of pace than a starter. He was a good backup PG for Lawson because he played limited minutes, but I never really liked him alot.

They had a much of bodies! I think they were the best of the 3

[PureshooterParticipant]

I agree, the 2009 team takes it.  The 2011 team is very talented, but still somewhat unproven and the 2005 team would be a close 2nd.  It’s easy to forget how good May was in college before he ate himself into obscurity.

[PureshooterParticipant]

I agree, the 2009 team takes it.  The 2011 team is very talented, but still somewhat unproven and the 2005 team would be a close 2nd.  It’s easy to forget how good May was in college before he ate himself into obscurity.

[Author]

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