We lost a lot of close games last year but also dominated some really good teams as well. I don't think this upcoming team has the potential to beat Michigan State twice by double digits so in my mind a big win like that erases a close loss. Plus most inexperienced teams struggle to close out those close games and don't win on the road so I'm not expecting it to improve from last season. Long story short, we should have been better last year than what we were but our talent level is going to be down this year so I think it's hard to predict us to be just as good or better
Jok Returns - Starting 5?
- Thread starter NikeHawk21
- Start date
We lost a lot of close games last year but also dominated some really good teams as well. I don't think this upcoming team has the potential to beat Michigan State twice by double digits so in my mind a big win like that erases a close loss. Plus most inexperienced teams struggle to close out those close games and don't win on the road so I'm not expecting it to improve from last season. Long story short, we should have been better last year than what we were but our talent level is going to be down this year so I think it's hard to predict us to be just as good or better
I agree that this team won't able to dominate teams as good as Michigan State. But like you said, last year's team didn't finish anywhere close to their ceiling. Their ceiling was higher than this year's team will be. But if this year's team reaches it's ceiling, they can have a better end of year ranking. I'm not saying I expect it to happen. But last year's collapse made it possible.
trj
Well-Known Member
All of the above. I do not think Jok has the athleticism or the game to just have others hang out on the perimeter and watch him shoot. Ideally, you want him shooting 15-18 shots a game with FG% above 40%. Imo, if Jok is taking 20+ shots a game it means the others haven't improved the way we wanted and/or expected.
I would be surprised if this upcoming team's ceiling can be a top 25 team. I could be wrong on that but way too many question marks, recruiting misses and inexperience. Get a year of them playing together under their belt and they can be but I just don't see it next year
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I like that lineup, very athletic. I could be wrong but I've been under the impression that Cook was brought in to play the 5. Uhl showed the ability to somewhat guard bigs in spurts, but I don't think we want to rely on that.
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
Couple things here.
1. We just graduated a PG and C that played big minutes and appeared disinterested in shooting / scoring most of the time. Even if Jok shoots 20 times a night I still think our offensive continuity will improve.
2. Uhl is not scared to shoot. Baer will shoot. I don't think Williams or Moss are timid about shooting either. I think we have plenty of guys that will look to score.
3. I said this in another thread but I do think we need to throw it into Cook & Wagner in the post a few times a game and let them make a post move. I think it will open up space for others.
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SteveGarvey1
Well-Known Member
For this team to be any good, Cook and Wagner will really have to develop good post moves.
docholihawk
Well-Known Member
Usually with question marks it splits pretty evenly on the ones progressing and the ones needing more development. If we win 20 games I'll be happy and plan on a very bright future after that. I think Fran would be happy with a lineup who all are 6'5" and 6'9" with length and maybe not having anyone in a true position.
docholihawk
Well-Known Member
One of the biggest question marks I have is with Dom Uhl. He has the talent to be a star but I think he needs to raise hi basketball iq and improve his shot selection.
I think the reason Iowa was ranked so high last year was mainly because of the coaching staff. Once other teams figured out Iowa, they pretty much took a nose dive. Its pretty hard to believe that Wagner, Cook, and Uhl won't have better post moves than what Iowa has had in the past. I enjoyed watching Woodbury, but in the last ten games he looked like he was afraid to shoot. Iowa should have a lot more offensive weapons this coming year, especially if Jones is healthy. Next years team is going to probably miss Woodbury in the defensive end, but Wagner, Cook, and Uhl are all pretty quick and athletic. I wouldn't sell the Iowa Coaching staff short next year. They have done pretty well with a lot less talent, and this looks like they type of team Fran loves.
BigD
Well-Known Member
Couldn't agree more with this post. Well said and accurate assessment.