Hoops Leadership

[bpiercehawks]

First of all, how nice is it for people to talk Iowa hoops in September?

I just re-watched the Matt Gatens YouTube video where Matt went off last year. The last two years we've lost quality, mentally tough, competitive leaders from our hoops squad in Cole and Gatens. It seems like we went through a funk at the beginning of those past years trying to figure out our team, leaders, rotations, roles, etc... I think this will be lessened in the fact that this is now Fran's 3rd year. Who does everyone see as our glue? I like May, but I'm not sure how much he'll play. I think this player needs to be on the court a lot, especially at crunch time. McCabe seems like that guy to me. I think he'd just as soon punch you in the mouth than lose a game. Marble could be that guy. He made some huge, clutch plays last year. I truly hope he decides he's going to be the best defensive player on the floor each night (not going to happen, but the mentality would be great). I think our two frosh pg's each have "it" and that will pay dividends for us, despite the fact they're freshmen. Your thoughts?
Go Hawks!

 

[deanvogs]

I think both Marble and White will both step up the leadership on the floor this year. I also think McCabe with his hustle and effort will be a leader on the floor. Marble was also pretty clutch in a few games last year, and I think he just has the desire to have the ball when the game in on the line. We will see though, as every team gels differently, and each team takes on an identity. Hopefully this years team will buy into playing 40 min. of tough defense. I think if they step it up defensively and get out and run, this team can surprise.

 

[jacknicholson]

That's how I see it, Dean, I think when May is on the floor, he will provide leadership and settle things down with his esperience and composure.....

He helped out a few times last year when things were getting difficult.....

I think the D will be intense the entire game and will wear the opponents down. Forty Minutes of Hawkeye Hell.....

 

[BigD]

Lol, Wow that's better than seven seconds.

 

[uofihawkInation]

I think McCabe will be an emotional leader. He plays with a ton of fire and emotion and I think that will translate to other players. White and Marble will lead with talent alone, but McCabe's fire on the bench and in the post will be huge.

 

[sportstalent]

This one is a little more simple than we all want to make it...my example: look at what happened at Michigan last season. Trey Burke was their leader, people can talk about Douglass and Novak, but having went to most of their home games, what you didn't see on camera was much more important than on camera. Burke took over huddles and was in other's ear all the time, being a PG you have to be a leader, not something Iowa has had for quite a while.

Gesell will turn into one of Iowa's leaders if not the main guy, continuity at the PG position creates leadership. Gesell will play under control, know where people are all the time and if he proves he can make FT's at the end of the game, the ball will be in his hands.

Marble and White will be leaders due to they are the two best players on the team and will carry Iowa until the newcomers get acclimated to big boy basketball. Everyone other returning player needs to just play their role and do what they do best.

I am not sold that May will be any kind of contributor...hope he is a contributor...the talent on this team is much greater and the basketball skill is much greater than anytime he has been at Iowa and when it comes rignt down to it he is 11 of 12 in pure basketball skill and IQ. Can he be a positive, vocal leader on the bench, I hope so. I really hope he has a good year as it would help ease the freshman in.

 

[Tierney]

May will be a contributor.

 

[1hawkeye1]

When Cole graduated, I was at a loss as to where our leadership would come from. Gatens surprised me by stepping into that role.
I expect RDM to do that this year. Someone will, though. I am not worried at all about finding a leader.