Hoops Thoughts

[bpiercehawks]

I think we have 2 locks as starters next year. Cartwright and Basabe. I've thought all along that Fran does not have the patience to lose. He will not tolerate mediocre basketball. I love that Matt G is a Hawkeye for life. The kid has a great deal of passion. However, the next big shot he hits will be his first. I find myself sitting on the couch trying to will his 3 point shots to go in. I could see us getting a stud pg or combo guard this offseason and having him play alongside Cartwright. Maybe Cully is that guy if healthy (probably not). I don't think Archie is back. I noticed a week or so back that there was a huge play we made and they flashed to the Iowa bench. Devon was the only player who wasn't standing up celebrating/enjoying the play. A small thing, but as a former coach, I thought that was a huge thing. Maybe he was feeling the effects from his concussion, but I saw it as something else. I hate losing, but I love the fact that I get upset when we lose and people are talking about Iowa basketball. I didn't even remember when we played the last 2-3 years and I grew up watching Lute's Final Four team, Raveling, Mr. Davis. Hawkeye basketball will be back, and Fran will make it happen.

 

[hawkIhoops]

Excellent observations. I agree that McCaffrey used this year to see what guys can do. Unfortunately outside of Basabe, Cole and Cartwright, I am sure he is disappointed. McCaffrey is no dummy, as he offered Oglesby and White (two shooters) right out of the gates. I hope he sits every player down says "If you want to get PT next year, work on A, B, C." Outside of Cartwright and Basabe, the other three positions should be open for tryouts.

Regarding Archie, he needs to move on. Nothing personal, I just haven't ever felt like he gave a crap. From being invisible in the PTL, to sitting on the bench sulking, to shooting 29% from the free throw line, I just don't think the dude deserves another year to underwhelm. Sure he can run, jump and dunk, but he has no post moves, can't catch the ball and can't make free throws....not what you want from a big on a team void of talent in that position.

 

[nickhawk]

Very good observations.

I really hope that Marble and McCabe step up their games next year and we land at least one JUCO big man who can come in and contribute solid minutes right away.

We need guys who consistently hit open outside shots and definitely some more athleticism to seriously compete in the Big 10. I am still a fan of Eric May, but he has to step up and become more of an overall offensive weapon and not just a freak athlete who can thunder dunk in the open court - he needs to be able to hit some shots and make his own shots.

Cartwright and Basabe both have a good chance to be All Big 10 next year, but the key for the team will be to surround those 2 with better shooters and more consistent offensive weapons.

I am definitely more excited about the future of Iowa basketball than I have been in quite some time - but the Hawks need to learn to close out some tight games late and get some W's to truly start winning back the majority of the idle/apathetic fan base.