A few comments. The basic difference in this game (other than the huge talent differential) is that one team has players they could count on to shoot, and the other didn't.
I agree with AE87 on CBG. This is not the team he would have coached. Realistically he would have won more games this year than Pastner is likely to because he likely would have had more talent due to GT's, but we still would have had no upside for the future.
i don't have a big issue with Q like some do. Right now he is the 3rd best player on this team. He didn't play well today, but he played hard and he is being asked to do way more than he really should be - but he tries. TJ bothers me more than Q because he has more talent, but simply doesn't know how to, or doesn't care enough to improve and be the best player he can be. it would not shock me if his minutes start to decrease alot next season as the staff decides to go with guys they recruit. Heath has never been an ACC level player. Period. He, like Q, also plays hard, but he is a somewhat limited player and remember he only got a scholly at USF because his dad was the coach.
What's obvious is this team has 2 ACC level players right now - Lammers and Okogie. That's it. Q you could argue is an ACC level role player - i'm not sure anyone else on this roster is even that.
The fact they kept this close for most of the game - especially with how it started, it s testament to their ability to keep playing hard. GT is a horrible offensive team, not because what they run is horrible, but because they simply don't have more than 2 players you can count on to score in a given game. They run some beautiful plays, but seldom finish - whether it be at the basket or from the field. But its a surprisingly good defensive team given its talents.
i was not a fan of the Pastner hire and whether he works long term is still to be determined, but no one should be disappointed with how he and his staff have coached so far this year. it is way better than i expected.