A Nucleus of Players Developing

[drew003]

As this season has progressed it seems our players have really seperated themselves into groups as far as talent. Right now I see 5 legitimate players we can win with (Cole, Fuller, Gatens, May, Payne) and then a bunch fringe players (Winks, Cougill, Brommer, Lick). However, our nucleus of players (Fuller, Gatens, May, and Payne) are all young and showing promise.

However, with only 5 legitimate players our lack of depth is really killing us in these games. These guys have to log alot of minutues and have a lot responsibilities on the court. If we can find 3 more legitimate Big 10 players for next year and can play a solid 8 man rotation I think there is a chance we can improve to 8 or 9 conference wins next year.

 

[DuffMan]

As this season has progressed it seems our players have really seperated themselves into groups as far as talent. Right now I see 5 legitimate players we can win with (Cole, Fuller, Gatens, May, Payne) and then a bunch fringe players (Winks, Cougill, Brommer, Lick). However, our nucleus of players (Fuller, Gatens, May, and Payne) are all young and showing promise.

However, with only 5 legitimate players our lack of depth is really killing us in these games. These guys have to log alot of minutues and have a lot responsibilities on the court. If we can find 3 more legitimate Big 10 players for next year and can play a solid 8 man rotation I think there is a chance we can improve to 8 or 9 conference wins next year.

Agreed. Gatens versatility is amazing and he's improved tremendously this year. Eric may is a terrific athlete. Cully needs to learn how to finish on drives and make fewer mistakes but has some nice tools as well. The thing I like best about these guys is they play hard regardless of the score and are mentally tough.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

Agreed, the starting five doesn't look too bad, but then I look at that the bench, and its like - OUCH. We REALLY need everyone to stick around next year and get that next recruiting class added to the mix. Maybe then, we could have some quality depth on the bench. Sure wouldn't hurt our cause. I can't stress this enough - NO MORE TRANSFERS!

 

[ForeverHawk]

As this season has progressed it seems our players have really seperated themselves into groups as far as talent. Right now I see 5 legitimate players we can win with (Cole, Fuller, Gatens, May, Payne) and then a bunch fringe players (Winks, Cougill, Brommer, Lick). However, our nucleus of players (Fuller, Gatens, May, and Payne) are all young and showing promise.

However, with only 5 legitimate players our lack of depth is really killing us in these games. These guys have to log alot of minutues and have a lot responsibilities on the court. If we can find 3 more legitimate Big 10 players for next year and can play a solid 8 man rotation I think there is a chance we can improve to 8 or 9 conference wins next year.

I think if Tucker comes back and sticks with the team, Archie is healthy and the addition of the four incoming freshman, Iowa will have to some pretty good and much needed depth!

 

[storminspank]

That's a good core. I also think Cougill will develop into a nice player for Iowa, as well. Hawks will also get Tucker back too, so that will help out the depth, as well.

 

[drew003]

Cougill has okay skill, but I'm not convinced he will ever be athlectic enough to play meaningful minutes.

 

[imported_ankle23]

Cougill has okay skill, but I'm not convinced he will ever be athlectic enough to play meaningful minutes.

i think cougill has displayed more than enough athleticism.

 

[tweeterhawk]

Cougill has okay skill, but I'm not convinced he will ever be athlectic enough to play meaningful minutes.

Cougs has to shed some pounds, build up the upper body strength, gain some stamina and hopefully develop some agility (tough if you don't have it now). More of a project than might have been realized a year ago.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

Cougs has to shed some pounds, build up the upper body strength, gain some stamina and hopefully develop some agility (tough if you don't have it now). More of a project than might have been realized a year ago.

Send him to Chris Doyle over the summer.

 

[storminspank]

Doyle would be good, but Rusty will get him right over the summer.

 

[urohawk]

It would be great if we wouldn't need to start a freshman next year. Lack of scoring help off the bench is what hurt us last night. If you start the same five as started last night and have Cougill/Brommer and at least 3 of the freshman that is going to take the pressure off the young kids and let them focus on things they do well. If the five players that started last night continue to gel together I think it is possible to talk post season next year. Please nobody transfer.

 

[DuffMan]

Doyle would be good, but Rusty will get him right over the summer.

+1

Look at the changes in Fullers physique from his first year. Look at Cole. Cole would be on any all conference all airport team. That is one element of our program I am really impressed with right now.

 

[hawkdoctor]

Please don't put Cougill in with Little Lick, Brommer, and Bawinkel. Cougs will definitely contribute at a decent level before he is done. Archie wasn't mentioned. I watched him in the PTL and wasn't overly impressed. It's hard to evaluate big guys or anyone else in the PTL.

 

[highonhawks]

I feel the same way about Cougill,I think before it's all over with he will be a force to reckin with.

 

[drew003]

Cougill is every bit as unathletic as Bawinkle is. Unless Cougill improves his body, conditioning, and agility I think he is going to be a fringe player. He can't guard any athletic big. His lack of agility inhibits him from rebounding and getting loose balls. He is slow on rotations. While he is big, he doesn't hold position well. Athleticism allows players impact games in numerous ways. Cougill can't do these things.

 

[FreddyBrown]

Glad to see some people stepping up about Cougill. Some folks are much too quick to discount his potential. The kid has terrific hands, and that's a great attribute in the post. He also has excellent shooting touch both around and away from the basket. IMO he will be a greater asset to the team in the long run than Payne or Tucker (if he returns), but all three belong on the list of solid players to build around.

 

[Hooper]

i think cougill has displayed more than enough athleticism.

He has a ways to go but he has a high bb IQ. He really sees the floor and can pass it. He might be the best passer on the team. He has very good hands and when he gets stronger he will be a more viable option down low. We already know he can step out and stroke it. For these reasons I think he will be a key player for us in the coming years.

 

[clicheusername3]

i think cougill has displayed more than enough athleticism.

Now your just being silly...he's definitely displayed more than enough athleticism to get benched for having the speed of a snail and the ability to last about 2 minutes of no-stoppage basketball if that's more than enough for you, you must love the way this team rolls...

 

[clicheusername3]

He has a ways to go but he has a high bb IQ. He really sees the floor and can pass it. He might be the best passer on the team. He has very good hands and when he gets stronger he will be a more viable option down low. We already know he can step out and stroke it. For these reasons I think he will be a key player for us in the coming years.

How do you know these things? I don't think he's even played the equivalent of a full game combining all of the games this season...and no i don't want anyone to go to hawkeyeathletics.com, copy and paste, and post how many minutes he actually has. I will just tell you that I am trying to make a point not trying to be a fact nerd...

 

[ForeverHawk]

How do you know these things? I don't think he's even played the equivalent of a full game combining all of the games this season...and no i don't want anyone to go to hawkeyeathletics.com, copy and paste, and post how many minutes he actually has. I will just tell you that I am trying to make a point not trying to be a fact nerd...

A relative of mine refs alot of big 10 games as well as games around the country. He believes that Cougill will end up being the best player from this year's freshman class, likes his potential and thinks he will do just fine in the big 10. No, my relative is not a talent scout, but he sees alot of basketball around the country and I believe he has a good idea when it comes to a player or team and their abilities! No I am not going to give a name!