But a rash of injuries and illnesses has tested this team. Losing Bobby Frasor hurt. Missing Alex Stepheson to a family illness hurts. Missing Quentin Thomas hurts.
Ty Lawson played 32 minutes last night against Kent State, nearly seven more than his average. With his first two backups out, Roy Williams runs into a quandary with Lawson: He's got to be protected because he's the only point guard on the roster, but he's got to play more, again because he's the only point guard on the roster. Williams has been using Marcus Ginyard some at the point, but employing some creative substitution patterns to keep Lawson from wearing out. This has worked in two games without Frasor so far, but the rigors of ACC play (a once-beaten Clemson team hosts Carolina Sunday) will test Lawson even more. Ty doesn't play half-speed - and he's a great player because of it. So having a capable backup behind him is that much more important.
Deon Thompson's recent improved play is a good sign, but losing Alex Stepheson indefinitely places even more pressure on his mercurial classmate. . . Mike Copeland looked solid playing above-average minutes against the Golden Flashes . . . Losing Frasor on the perimeter has given opportunity to redshirt freshman Will Graves. If Graves would defend with the same intensity with which he approaches the offensive end of the floor, he will see the court more as the season progresses. . . Williams said he expects Quentin Thomas to play Sunday at Clemson.
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