From my OP
Caveat I do concede that the SF/F- PF- C spots are very interchangeable with this team so lets not get lost in that debate Please!
another response I made more directed at the three debate
Context I guess... I agree with you none of those guys are a true three. But Fran will use them as a hybrid in the same way he used Uhl and Jarrod Uthoff even Aaron white in the past. I think a lot of people on this board get hung up on a traditional 1 thru 5 lineup. The problem is I don't think Fran gives a hoot about our opinions and he certainly isn't going to change his coaching philosophy to appease the fan base. He is going to pick the KIND of PG he wants not the kind everyone on here wants or thinks is best for Iowa. Same thing applies to threes fours and fives in my opinion. If the kid can hold the defense accountable in the areas a traditional three would I'm okay with it. I'm not one to nit pick Frans choices.... unless of course they are failing miserably. Gotta be a FAN!
I have to say that if the overseas trip solidified Garza at center, then it surely did the same for Baer at SF over Nunge, and Moss at SG for that matter. Today it would be a surprise to see a starting lineup other than:
Garza, Cook, Baer, Moss, JB
Kriener looks to be a valuable piece, forming a 1-2 punch at center. His shooting could be a big offensive spark off the bench, hopefully giving a Baer-like boost when he comes in.
I think Fran was trying to figure out how to use the veterans Uhl and Wagner this year on the trip. SF might be an answer based on their usage overseas. 'If they have trouble guarding the 3, at least they won't make rookie mistakes there': this may be the reasoning on a frontcourt heavy team. In retrospect, this was probably why Zach McCabe saw 3 time.
Nunge's byword has been 'potential'. But Garza satisfies a need at center NOW. Despite the fact that it looks good, Nunge's outside shot hasn't produced good numbers yet in extended usage this summer. When it does, he's going to start getting the minutes he deserves. But I'm going to say that's likely to be hot and cold this year, more appropriate coming off the bench- possibly for next year as well.
Speaking of which, Cook better start getting his midrange shot going, or he might be looking over his shoulder in the next couple of years. Which is why it's certainly going to be good for him to get minutes next to a real low post center- encouraging him to get outside-in offense.
Finally, JB's shooting numbers suffered overseas. I'm thinking this shows what happens when a shooter is tired from sightseeing. But it also indicates that we don't want a tired JB in the B1G season. We'd like to limit his minutes when we can. Which is why CW showing some spark and more consistency with his shot this summer has been encouraging.
