Is Ben Still Looking in the Portal?

[NorthKCHawk]

Roster limits are 15.
We have 10 guys returning. 2 incoming freshmen. 2 portal additions. And presumably Ben is holding a spot for Banks if the NCAA capitulates on JUCOs. So, is he done?

IMHO, we are still a scoring guard short. We are now set at center with McKeever, Manua and Jarik, and we are very talented at the forward positions. I just don't see enough offense from the guard position. I am hearing conflicting information on whether Iowa is done or not.

 

[BuiltLikeWilt]

I hope so, dont think we've got THAT guy yet . IMO I'd still like a true power forward or point guard.

 

[Zstatman]

I'd like to see another big, someone that can board with the best of them.

Jirak needs to develop as a 5 not a stretch 4 which is where his game seems to be.

Can Matteoni be a contributor inside?

And, I've suggested this before, is there any chance any of our plethora of wings can play at the 2? Maybe even some 1? If so, the need for another PG is not so great. I like tall guards.

 

[Gander Hawk]

I think the front court looks set, although I'd hold a spot for Banks if he wants it, he's earned it. Another guard certainly wouldn't hurt but only if they find a good fit.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I'd like to see another big, someone that can board with the best of them.

Jirak needs to develop as a 5 not a stretch 4 which is where his game seems to be.

Can Matteoni be a contributor inside?

And, I've suggested this before, is there any chance any of our plethora of wings can play at the 2? Maybe even some 1? If so, the need for another PG is not so great. I like tall guards.

I'm not getting my hopes on him. From what little I saw he seems to have a long ways to go. I don't think he'll be ready next yr at all beyond that who knows

 

[NorthKCHawk]

I'd like to see another big, someone that can board with the best of them.

Jirak needs to develop as a 5 not a stretch 4 which is where his game seems to be.

Can Matteoni be a contributor inside?

And, I've suggested this before, is there any chance any of our plethora of wings can play at the 2? Maybe even some 1? If so, the need for another PG is not so great. I like tall guards.

I see Tate Sage as a swing 2-3. He is not a ball handler per se, but he can shoot, drive, and play defense from the wing. His size could be an advantage playing from the wing.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Roster limits are 15.
We have 10 guys returning. 2 incoming freshmen. 2 portal additions. And presumably Ben is holding a spot for Banks if the NCAA capitulates on JUCOs. So, is he done?

IMHO, we are still a scoring guard short. We are now set at center with McKeever, Manua and Jarik, and we are very talented at the forward positions. I just don't see enough offense from the guard position. I am hearing conflicting information on whether Iowa is done or not.

Yeah... I suppose Coons is listed as more of a 3 then a 2 but I'm guessing between Combs Howard and Coons those are the other guards and that's who we're rocking with.

We left a spot open this yr didn't we? I don't think we used em all up so I could see Ben being done. Unless Banks gets word he can play another yr I think he'd take him back in a heartbeat. I haven't heard any rumblings of other visits for anything. Doesn't mean Ben is done but I wouldn't be surprised if 14 is what we'll have

 

[NorthKCHawk]

I'd like to see another big, someone that can board with the best of them.

Jirak needs to develop as a 5 not a stretch 4 which is where his game seems to be.

Can Matteoni be a contributor inside?

And, I've suggested this before, is there any chance any of our plethora of wings can play at the 2? Maybe even some 1? If so, the need for another PG is not so great. I like tall guards.

I also don't see that Iowa is possibly in the market for another big. We have 3 centers on the roster now and Iowa just paid one of them 3 million dollars if the internet can be believed. You don't pay that kind of money without expecting McKeever to play serious minutes at the 5.

We paid a million for Thompson, and with his accolades and a year in the system, I think we are expecting he Koch, maybe Cam, Maybe Banks, and Sage to fill out those 3 and 4 spots.

 

[BuiltLikeWilt]

I think the front court looks set, although I'd hold a spot for Banks if he wants it, he's earned it. Another guard certainly wouldn't hurt but only if they find a good fit.

Well the way it looks none of our big guys have played extended minutes due to fouls or fatigue, so one more to keep them all fresh would be nice a Gregg Brunner type ( just wishing ) .

 

[NorthKCHawk]

Yeah... I suppose Coons is listed as more of a 3 then a 2 but I'm guessing between Combs Howard and Coons those are the other guards and that's who we're rocking with.

We left a spot open this yr didn't we? I don't think we used em all up so I could see Ben being done. Unless Banks gets word he can play another yr I think he'd take him back in a heartbeat. I haven't heard any rumblings of other visits for anything. Doesn't mean Ben is done but I wouldn't be surprised if 14 is what we'll have

We have 1 spot left. Word is it is being held for Banks. So, he may be done for now.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I see Tate Sage as a swing 2-3. He is not a ball handler per se, but he can shoot, drive, and play defense from the wing. His size could be an advantage playing from the wing.

Very true. He struggled mightily with Stojakovic it seemed like. But who didn't that guy is a stud. But you're right he could play the 2 some. The lineups Ben is going to be able to put out there is pretty wild. It'll be interesting who steps up amongst the Howards, Sages, Thompsons to see who emerges.

 

[NorthKCHawk]

Very true. He struggled mightily with Stojakovic it seemed like. But who didn't that guy is a stud. But you're right he could play the 2 some. The lineups Ben is going to be able to put out there is pretty wild. It'll be interesting who steps up amongst the Howards, Sages, Thompsons to see who emerges.

Agreed. I think Combs, Koch and McKeever are locks as starters. But, the first two guys' positions might be fluid. The other two starting spots are wide open (unless Banks comes back).

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Agreed. I think Combs, Koch and McKeever are locks as starters. But, the first two guys' positions might be fluid. The other two starting spots are wide open (unless Banks comes back).

That's kinda how I see it too. Cause the new PG coming in Coleman is very likely to start I would guess but who knows that's a small back court. If Ben is more comfortable with Howard to start off with that might be how he plays it. Who starts doesn't mean a ton with him it's more about who plays more and in crunch time. Cam started all yr but he played about right at 20 mpg. So McKeever coming in and playing 23-25 plus mins still leaves room for Cam to do the same.

They can go big with a lineup of Combs, Sage, Thompson, Koch and McKeever out there at times. Or smaller with Combs, Coleman, Sage, Koch and Cam. Along with the other guys he can mix in.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

That's kinda how I see it too. Cause the new PG coming in Coleman is very likely to start I would guess but who knows that's a small back court. If Ben is more comfortable with Howard to start off with that might be how he plays it. Who starts doesn't mean a ton with him it's more about who plays more and in crunch time. Cam started all yr but he played about right at 20 mpg. So McKeever coming in and playing 23-25 plus mins still leaves room for Cam to do the same.

They can go big with a lineup of Combs, Sage, Thompson, Koch and McKeever out there at times. Or smaller with Combs, Coleman, Sage, Koch and Cam. Along with the other guys he can mix in.

I don't see Cam playing along with McKeever much. That'd be like the women playing Stuelke and Heiden together. It'd really clog up the lane with how neither of them can shoot outside the paint and I can't see Ben wanting to do that for very long of stretches.

 

[Zstatman]

I also don't see that Iowa is possibly in the market for another big. We have 3 centers on the roster now and Iowa just paid one of them 3 million dollars if the internet can be believed. You don't pay that kind of money without expecting McKeever to play serious minutes at the 5.

We paid a million for Thompson, and with his accolades and a year in the system, I think we are expecting he Koch, maybe Cam, Maybe Banks, and Sage to fill out those 3 and 4 spots.

We paid McKeever $3M, I hadn't heard that. Good for him, that's a lot of money.

BM and staff must have learned their lesson in losing Brennan last year. You remember, the 6'10" center that ended up at Villanova and averaged a double-double? He would've made a big difference for the Hawks this past year.

 

[Zstatman]

I'm not getting my hopes on him. From what little I saw he seems to have a long ways to go. I don't think he'll be ready next yr at all beyond that who knows

If BM and staff don't feel Matteoni can contribute, I'd think they would have moved him on to open up another roster spot. He's 6'9" so has some size. I'll keep looking for him to contribute.

 

[Zstatman]

Are we all aware Tate Sage is a twin? I may have heard but had forgotten.

His twin, Ethan, who is also 6'7", played his freshman year at Pittsburgh St in Kansas, entered the portal and just signed with Belmont so he must have some game.

No, I'm not suggesting BM should go after him! Just an fyi.......

 

[NorthKCHawk]

I don't see Cam playing along with McKeever much. That'd be like the women playing Stuelke and Heiden together. It'd really clog up the lane with how neither of them can shoot outside the paint and I can't see Ben wanting to do that for very long of stretches.

I am not following. Iowa WBB played Stuelke and Heiden together a lot. They both started. The high low game between those two was unstoppable at times.

That said, I don't disagree with your premise as to the men that those two likely will not be on the floor together a lot next season. In an ideal world, Cam's minutes go down to 15 per game.

 

[NorthKCHawk]

If BM and staff don't feel Matteoni can contribute, I'd think they would have moved him on to open up another roster spot. He's 6'9" so has some size. I'll keep looking for him to contribute.

I hear what you are saying and I personally would like one more roster spot to find a scoring guard.

That said, I have heard some chatter that you kind of need guys like this for practice. There are no more grey shirts or the like. You have 15 guys and you need bodies for practice that don't cost you much, if any, dough. I mean, I don't see Koch's brother playing, but I am sure he is great to have in practice. Not sure whether McCollum's kid is a real prospect or just a gym guy. I am guessing every team needs 3-4 guys that are primarily there for practice depth.

 

[BuiltLikeWilt]

Agreed. I think Combs, Koch and McKeever are locks as starters. But, the first two guys' positions might be fluid. The other two starting spots are wide open (unless Banks comes back).

I've got no problem with Cam....there was something going on last season. He was afraid to make a mistake or get blocked late in the season. First part of year I thought we took him out too soon sometimes, and lost our size matchups when he was being pretty productive. (didn't have another big to spell him) But he got really timid about making turnovers and or missing shots, which hampered his game. I watched some vids of games when he was at Drake and he wasn't as timid... can say the same for Combs and Howard I just wonder if Coach had those guy a little scared to fail