Hawkeye Prime Time League Highlights, Observations from 7-9-17

[thedukeofearl]

I thought the only thing Ryan was missing this year was strength. He has all of the skills and the basketball IQ...IMO. I think he's going to have an outstanding career at Iowa.

I don't think stats are going to be super flashy for a lot of the front court guys. There is so much talent. And there are so many guys deserving of minutes. I won't be at all surprised if multiple players end the season averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds a game and had outstanding seasons.

If I remember correctly, Ryan was recovering from an injury and didn't play much in the PTL. Didn't get time on the floor pre-conference. But he did show flashes of offensive ability, seemed uncomfortable on D at times, and I will never forget the battle with Haas for the ball.....

Cordell Pemsl and Kriener gave Haas all he could handle. I felt the floor shake in my house when Cordell took Haas to the hardwood.....



I can see the front court Lads getting solid minutes as the season winds on. Cook, Pemsl and Kriener will get substantial minutes and Hopefully Garza and Nunge will get around 6-8 minutes or more depending on their adjustment to the Big. Ahmad and Dom will provide solid minutes all season, and Nicholas will be all over the place, starting or coming off the bench, Baer is the best 6th man in the college game. Good problem to have.....So many quality players to choose from. When Fran and the staff decide on effective lineups, we could have a very efficient platoon system. Would be very good to use 9/10 players in various combinations. Might wear our opponents down, vainly attempting to keep up with the versatile Hawkeyes this coming season, which I am more than anxious to witness.....

 

[thedukeofearl]

Some guys come in ready to play. Cook did last year. Why is it hard to believe that Nunge and Nunge can't play right away too?

I know its prime time league but I'm starting to get pretty excited for next year.

I have no idea how it will all work out but I just think this is the overall most talented roster Fran has had here at Iowa by far and I think that's a great sign with the addition of these 2 guys plus I think Kriener has really improved and Dailey too. I've heard Cook and Wagner's shots are both better and Baer continues to work on being a more complete offensive player.

Now we have to trust Fran to figure out the rotations and to get the best out of each guy no matter what role it is they end up playing.

Luka and Jack certainly seem to have superior talent, and when the conference starts, hopefully will have gained valuable experience and be able to contribute. Both are more than capable on offense, and have the size, ability, and attitude to block shots. Our D will be much better with them in the game guarding the basket when we apply our 3/4 and 1/2 court press which was very good throughout the season, usually in the second half when we were 10 or more points behind......

This, to me, is the most talented team Fran has had, and just might be one of the most talented teams the Hawks have ever had. If fact when Joe and Patrick come on board.....Watch Out.....!

Life will be Very Good.....

 

[trj]

Some guys come in ready to play. Cook did last year. Why is it hard to believe that Nunge and Nunge can't play right away too?

I know its prime time league but I'm starting to get pretty excited for next year.

I have no idea how it will all work out but I just think this is the overall most talented roster Fran has had here at Iowa by far and I think that's a great sign with the addition of these 2 guys plus I think Kriener has really improved and Dailey too. I've heard Cook and Wagner's shots are both better and Baer continues to work on being a more complete offensive player.

Now we have to trust Fran to figure out the rotations and to get the best out of each guy no matter what role it is they end up playing.

Cook had to play and there were growing pains with that especially on the defensive end. All I am saying is let's just pump the brakes a little bit on this. Listen to Jon/Rob's podcast and that is all I am getting at.

Don't get it twisted I am as excited about Iowa basketball as the next.

 

[atomicblue224]

Went to West Liberty yesterday, sat in a camp chair near the half court line with Jimmy. Got there an hour and a half early, set the chairs down and went to the Bluebird Cafe for lunch. Good place to eat. Got back in the gym just before the game started.....

First of all, I was really impressed with Ryan Kriener. He has no hesitation at all and will be a factor on offense and defense this season. I don't know how they will keep him out of the starting lineup. He is very active on Offense, and as a last resort will nail a three, almost every time. He has many moves in the paint and will be very difficult to stop. Watch out for him flying down the court for a slam. He and Tyler will provide thrills all season. Ryan reminds me a bit of Aaron White, especially his on court awareness. He is always around the ball, and quite versatile in the paint.....

Jordan played very well, despite being covered by UNI's McCloud. Bohannon brought the ball downcourt quickly and usually found Kriener. Jordan's stats are a little low because he is working on a soft shot in the paint. Might be better to use the square behind the rim. He ran the team efficiently all day. To end the game Dom nailed a gunslinger low three, followed by JBo racing downcourt to launch a game-ending three. Visions of things to come, perhaps.....

Tyler was unstoppable whenever he decided to take it to the rim, making changes in midair to make the shot, one way or another. Seemed to be working on a jump shot as well......

Dom looked good, rebounding and also looked more comfortable on offense, seemed to be getting back in the groove. We will need his experience. Not certain how many minutes he will get with a loaded lineup, but he will get some necessary time on the floor.....
I like your analysis...... Keep it up and good job.
Isaiah looked good. His style of play makes him look a bit slow, but he paces himself, always in position, picking up speed when needed. Casual efficient style. He should be starting......

Nicholas was Nicholas, as good as ever, working on a game in the paint, playing D, getting rebounds and all around excellent play. Nicolas should be starting, but I personally like him coming off the bench. He is very efficient and makes his presence felt immediately. I believe he analyses the game on the bench and knows exactly how to help, bolstered by his natural ability and basketball savvy......

Dailey looked good, looking more relaxed handling the ball. He is taller than I thought and will provide assistance throughout the season. Not certain how many minutes he will get but he will be on the floor.....

Didn't watch the game in the other gym, but Jimmy stopped to look in the doorway, and liked what he saw with Nunge scoring inside. Said he reminded him of Zeller and Kevin McHale.....

Jimmy knows his basketball and is a walking encyclopedia, so I take his observations to heart.....

Ton of fun and a good way to spend a July Sunday......

Ryan really impressed me......

Cat is very savvy. He and JBo work together nicely. Jordan's savvy is unquestioned......

Good things coming, Lads.....

 

[Mademyaccount4u]

I thought it was stated some time last year that Kriener was ill early in the season and fell behind others. And with Pemsl playing as well has he did early, Kriener wasn't afforded much of an opportunity until later.

I'm not really sure how this gets missed, but he had a sickness, likely mono, and was unable to participate in the PTL. He also lost a lot of weight, presumably some muscle with that weight. I understand not remembering the details, but I believe Jon and Rob just had a podcast where they mentioned it, among other things. If you don't listen to it, you should. Pretty much anything Miller/Deace or Miller/Howe is must for the Hawkeye fanatic.