bpiercehawks
Well-Known Member
I'm a bit surprised that many have been down on this squad. Yes, it would have been nice to win a game in the Garden, but I feel very good about this group. We are getting excellent production out of White, Uthoff, and Woody. In my opinion, Woody has really stepped up this year. He does so many "little" things. He is great at hedging on ball screens, outlet passing, talking, etc... He has improved his mid-range jumper and is taking the ball to the basket with more strength. Yes, you can complain about the turnover when he forced the pass to White, but he will learn from this.
Whitey has been terrific. All-Big 10 terrific. He needs to consistently put forth this effort; I see this happening.
Jarrod does some very nice things. 55% from 3 is ridiculous. I'd love to see Fran continue to expect more offense out of him and to put him in situations that will give him these opportunities. His strength makes me nervous at the end of games/halves, because refs will swallow their whistles (especially on the road), but I'd go through him if I need a bucket.
Our guards have been underwhelming. Clemmons needs to stay in the starting lineup. He has a toughness to him that I love. Also, defensively he's solid. I love Mike G, but he has struggled. It was very telling against Texas when he was being denied the ball in the half-court. He really struggled just to get open.
I think Josh and Jok are going to be huge keys. I like Josh's overall game. He had a costly turnover in NY, but I'm ok with him taking big shots this year. Jok has to make good decisions with the ball, and he has to want to play like a division I basketball player on the defensive end. Fran is really wanting to get him involved more, but Peter is shooting himself in the foot.
I love that we are playing a tough schedule. I'd rather take a few lumps here and there this time of year. We'll be ok. Go Hawks!
Whitey has been terrific. All-Big 10 terrific. He needs to consistently put forth this effort; I see this happening.
Jarrod does some very nice things. 55% from 3 is ridiculous. I'd love to see Fran continue to expect more offense out of him and to put him in situations that will give him these opportunities. His strength makes me nervous at the end of games/halves, because refs will swallow their whistles (especially on the road), but I'd go through him if I need a bucket.
Our guards have been underwhelming. Clemmons needs to stay in the starting lineup. He has a toughness to him that I love. Also, defensively he's solid. I love Mike G, but he has struggled. It was very telling against Texas when he was being denied the ball in the half-court. He really struggled just to get open.
I think Josh and Jok are going to be huge keys. I like Josh's overall game. He had a costly turnover in NY, but I'm ok with him taking big shots this year. Jok has to make good decisions with the ball, and he has to want to play like a division I basketball player on the defensive end. Fran is really wanting to get him involved more, but Peter is shooting himself in the foot.
I love that we are playing a tough schedule. I'd rather take a few lumps here and there this time of year. We'll be ok. Go Hawks!
