In Reply to: Mick Cronin with Matt Norlander- Good interview posted by mh on October 09, 2026 at 09:06:41
I saw NOTHING tonight that makes me regret that we didn't sign Matt Able. He started and played 19 minutes, but he went scoreless on 0 for 3 shooting. He had 1 assist, 4 turnovers and no rebounds.
It's only 1 exhibition game, but it seems really possible that UNC paid a lot for a guy who may not end up starting.
As for USC, they got beaten pretty soundly. They looked good for one half and then terrible in the second half when North Carolina picked up the defensive pressure.
Lots of caveats:
1) They traveled three time zones to play near Chapel Hill.
2) It's and exhibition. (However, both coaches looked like they were playing to win.)
3) USC was misssing three players who might start later in the season due to injuries.
At times Gilbert Arenas, Jacob Cofie, Rodney Rice, and freshman Darius Ratliff looked very good. The Trojans have talent and lots of size. They have good athletes.
Nothing I saw tonight changed my opinion. They are a tournament team and would be in a 68-team field. They have a lot of talent, and will be a real challendge this year. If Muss doesn't have a good season this year, something is very wrong.