Wizards' Jamison Picks Up His Game, Says Some Heels Need to Do the Same

WRALSportsFan

Wizards' Jamison Picks Up His Game, Says Some Heels Need to Do the Same

Jan 23, 2008

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Former North Carolina star Antawn Jamison has taken his game up a notch this season with the Washington Wizards.

Now, he says, it’s time for some UNC players to do the same in light of Saturday’s loss against Maryland.

“It’s time for guys to step up,” Jamison told 99.9 FM The Fan on Tuesday. “[Tyler] Hansbrough is getting double-teamed every time he gets the ball.”

Wayne Ellington, Jamison said, has also been a consistent scoring threat,but Carolina needs more.

“We can think that because we have North Carolina on our chest that we’ll go in and win games,” Jamison said in an interview with The Insiders. “A lot of our games have been close of late, with the exception of the N.C. State game. … It’s time for certain guys to really come in and really help so they can take the pressure of Ty [Lawson], Wayne and the rest of those guys.”

In particular, Jamison said, Carolina needs more production out of his old position – power forward – and off the bench.

Jamison, 6 feet 9 and from Charlotte, was an All-America at Carolina who was known for his ability to score inside, even against tall, stout defenders.

In the NBA, he averaged 9.6 points per game as a rookie with the Golden State Warriors in 1998-99. His scoring totals have climbed since as he steadily improved his game, especially his ability to score from outside.

He is now averaging 21.5 points, third-highest in his career, and a career-best 10.6 rebounds per game.

Jamison noted that Hansbrough, a UNC junior, will need to expand his game once he joins the NBA.

“He’s going to have to,” Jamison said. “When I was at Carolina, my job was not to step outside the paint. It was what I was best at at that particular time. ...

“As you take that next step, he’s going to have to do things he’s never done before. I was in that same situation. It’s a different situation [in the NBA]. They let you push more in the league now than they do in college basketball. And it’s not two or three guys, it’s one guy who can contain you.

“Every year, you have to add something new to your game.”

Jamison said he has worked on his outside shot, going to his left and scoring on the move to improve his game through the years

You can’t be limited, he pointed out, or your playing time will be limited.

On another note, Jamison told The Fan he was impressed by the play of former UNC center Brendan Haywood, who is averaging career highs in points (10.3) and rebounds (7.7) for Washington this season.

“He’s playing like the Brendan I knew at Carolina,” Jamison said. “He’s comfortable, he’s playing with a lot of confidence.”

Most Recent Comments

I had forgotten that Jamison's team went undefeated.

It's obvious that UNC needs to play better defense at practically every position. Williams' offensive system is based on defensive pressure. Also, he recently said he has no plans to play zone defense. If that's the case, every player must improve his defensive intensity and foot work. There's no doubt this team can score. If they play good defense they probably wouldn't even have to play a half court game most of the time. What I've noticed is that teams are making a good effort at getting back on defense against UNC. That's a lot harder to do when you're team is turning the ball over and missing shots. Jamison is right, but Hansbrough, Lawson, and Ellington should not be excluded from expecting more effort, especially on defense.

Thomas (can you shoot or are you not allowed). I was thinking the same thing!!!

"I don't know about the most..."

Yep, definitely the most..not saying Duke won't beat us, but we have the most talent.

I don't know about the most...

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WRALSportsFan