Actually I could, I just need a reason for optimism. I’m not cheering for Iowa to make the NIT.
It is obviously early, but this is what I like so far.
1. Cook seems to have a different mindset. He has his head up whether bringing the ball down or on the block. He’s finding open guys. He also has better handles. Any team that tries to play him straight up with one man is going to end up on a lot of dunk reels. If he plays unselfish, that will be a huge asset.
2. It is just my opinion, but I think Wieskamp is going to contribute immediately. He can shoot 3’s, can get to the rack or stop anywhere in between to get a shot off.
3. Connor has great floor awareness. He had a couple sloppy passes in the exhibition game, but also had a couple that were right on the money. He will get better as the season goes on. His minutes will help keep JBo sharp and rested.
4. I liked what I saw from Cook, Garza, Pemsl and Kriener with interior passing during the exhibition. They either got a good shot or found the open big man cutting to the basket. That will cut down on slop and needless dribbling in the lane.
5. Ellingson and Wagner got 20 minutes/game between the two of them last year. Those minutes going to others is addition by subtraction.
6. Defense will be better, it cannot be worse.
We will see what happens, but I am convinced last season was the anomaly, not the norm. I guess we will find out soon enough. I will be happy with an NCAA berth, but I think we have the horses to go on a run.