The D improved as the season went on, culminating with the supreme effort at Wisconsin which ended in a spectacular All-Time finish as Jordan in coldblooded fashion drove the spike into the heads of badger fans everywhere. Jordan knew that ball was in before he shot it.....
The interior D on Happ, especially at the start of the game was outstanding and showed me a glimpse of the possibilities going forward.....
I was very impressed through the season, especially in the Big, with the 3/4 and 1/2 court trap which could and would provide points rather quickly. If my memory serves me well. Coach Calhoun loved the defensive intensity of the Hawks, especially in the second half rally against Maryland, kept referring to them as Junkyard Dawgs, quite apt in my opinion.....
Carrying on.....We would rally and take the lead with that defensive intensity scoring 10 or more points in the blink of an eye, the Hawkeye Shock Troops were as good as anyone at this. I often wondered if we could do this throughout the game, as did the Razorbacks with their famous 40 minutes of Hell. With the addition of Luka and Jack our interior D will certainly be improved, protecting the basket/rim while we harass the living daylights out of our opponents, attempting, in vain, to bring the ball upcourt. The possibility exists to play this way most of the entire game or at least the majority of it, not unlike Mr. Davis's full court press which worked to perfection most of the time. The ability, talent and numbers are certainly there.....
Nicholas is perhaps the best defender on the team with natural ability and instinct. Everyone could learn from his technique. He has always reminded me of Jarrod, especially the blocks from behind. This can be learned......
Keeping in front of whom you are guarding is key, wide stance and hands up on the perimeter is very important. Isaiah is very proficient at this. Most of the time his opponent would not advance the ball on the perimeter, passing the ball to a teammate. Jordan's D improved very well, and his oncourt savvy provided many turnovers and steals throughout the season. Christian provides very good D the entire game, and most of his points came from steals and intercepted passes. I would like to see him pass the ball quicker after getting across half court.
Defense takes hard work and dedication and sometimes comes down to simply denying the ball to the major offensive threats, on the perimeter and inside. If an opponent is dangerous nailing threes, cover him like a cheap suit the entire game making it extremely difficult to receive and handle the ball. Defensive improvement is the Key to the oncoming season, I am confident that things will work out. Mindset is essential, many players coming out of HS, need to develop their defensive ability, since it appears that wasn't emphasized in a lot of cases. We need to place as much value to stopping the opponent from scoring, and hopefully the ability to advance the ball across the half court line against us.....
Very excited about the upcoming season and the following seasons, with Patrick and Joe coming on board. Look Out For the Hawkeyes.....
Big things are ahead.....!
