Basabe plans to return to basics

[HawkeyeHypnosis]

Iowa’s Melsahn Basabe plans return to the basics this offseason | TheGazette

Hope he can figure something out. I really like Basabe and he should really be a 4. He would benefit so much from having a strong 5 to play off of. Here's a small part from article:

IOWA CITY — Iowa sophomore forward Melsahn Basabe has disappointed many with his inconsistent play this season, but he says no one has taken it harder than himself.

After an impressive first season than landed him on the Big Ten’s all-freshman team, Basabe has struggled more often than not this year. He averages 8.2 points, which is down from 11 points a game last year. He’s scored in double figures just four times during the Big Ten season. Last year he did that 12 times.

“I haven’t given up on this season because there’s a lot of games left,†Basabe said. “I don’t want to pack it in because it’s never too late to start something. But I’m definitely taking notes from this. This is something that’s going to be in my mind and motivating me, but I don’t want to get too much into that. I’ll just let the results prove themselves.

 

[hawkjunkie]

Mel needs a true 5 in there and he will kick some tail again. Next year we should have at least one 5 in the game most of the time. Instead of this year, with no true 5 spot at all.

 

[IAJay]

Mel needs a true 5 in there and he will kick some tail again. Next year we should have at least one 5 in the game most of the time. Instead of this year, with no true 5 spot at all.

Mel needs to learn a few post moves and how to play defense way more than having a solid 5 at his side.

 

[NewMexHawk]

Having a true 5 in the game will allow Mel to play his natural position and he will benefit greatly from it. He just needs to work hard this year and it will pay off next.

 

[PatrickAdamovicz]

I have saw some very encouraging signs from Mel in the last few games. He's definitely playing harder/better.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

He needs to play defense, rebound, and run the floor. And do it with passion. He shouldn't worry about the offensive end. This off season, it's all about making the 10 to 15 foot jumper consistently. He does that, and he can take his guy off the dribble. It would open up so much of his game.

 

[nationalchamps]

Mel needs to learn a few post moves and how to play defense way more than having a solid 5 at his side.

He won't need to if he has a 5 by his side and he can play his natural position. He's not a true post player.

 

[hawkIhoops]

I am glad to read that Basabe is remaining positive and plans to use this season as motivation. Sophomore slump, teams adjusted after seeing him for a year, the weight, no Cole, reading too many of his press clippings.....hard to say what contributed to his sluggish season. If he does work on his post moves and spends time with Marble and White in the offseason, he could have a huge impact next year. Maybe the spotlight / expectations were too much??

 

[tm3308]

A true 5 takes pressure off of our 4 spot guys, especially when the 5 can pass as well as Woodbury does.

But Basabe hasn't been playing the 5, so I don't get where this "so he can play his natural position" stuff is coming from. He sure as hell isn't a wing player, and he's not a center (which he hasn't been playing). That means his best fit is as a 4, which is where he's been playing all year.

 

[GhostofBTT]

He won't need to if he has a 5 by his side and he can play his natural position. He's not a true post player.

He is playing his natural position, and he is a post player.

His problem is that he got content. I don't believe a word of this "I'm taking this all in and it's fueling my fire" stuff.