Matt Gatens and Eric May

DuffMan

DuffMan

Well-Known Member
I have read a few posts (in the minority but more than just a handful) that are skeptical on the abilities of Matt Gatens and Eric May. One person went to so far to say that Matt Gatens or Eric May wouldn't be getting significant minuites for most other teams in the Big Ten due to lack of talent.

I laughed out loud several times at the thought of that last night.

Matt Gatens is probably the most versatile player to come to Iowa since Kenyon Murray. He's not quite in Kenyon's league in terms of atheltic ability but he's just as skilled with the ball, he's a much better shooter, and is as solid on the glass. This year he's added the pull up mid range jumper to his game giving him another option when trying to create. He's a strong body, a good rebounder, a great passer, outstanding behind the arch and at the line. The things this guy does are pretty increadible really. If he had more talent around him and played on a winning team his stats would be through the roof and he'd be in the hunt for B10 player of the year.

Eric May is rough around some edges, he needs to be more consistent shooting the basketball, he gets out of controll at times but...

IMO he is the most atheltic freshman to come to Iowa since Ricky Davis. He will be an absoulute force on defense in his carreer.
 
Interesting. I missed those posts.

Both guys are legit D1/B10 players. Absolutely.

What's more amazing to me (I was thinking about this last night) is that Gatens is less that 2 years removed from playing HS basketball. We forget that he only has 1 full season of Big Ten basketball under his belt. I think I criticize him more than I should, esp as he is only in the middle of his sophomore year.
 
I like players like May. He might never be a refined basketball player, but his athleticism allows him to be a huge asset regardless. He can rebound, block shots, get to loose balls, ect... These things help you get extra possessions, easy points, and win games. If May could become a consistent 3 point shooter and play with his energy and athleticism he will be a great assest for this team.
 
If somebody like Izzo says he'd love to have Gatens on his team, that's good enough for me.
 
drew003 said:
I like players like May. He might never be a refined basketball player, but his athleticism allows him to be a huge asset regardless. He can rebound, block shots, get to loose balls, ect... These things help you get extra possessions, easy points, and win games. If May could become a consistent 3 point shooter and play with his energy and athleticism he will be a great assest for this team.
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Well, I'm firmly in the small Camp that sees Eric May as the player with the most potential.

Has no one noticed the Incredible blocked shots, quick moves and jumping ability of one, Eric May? The guy is a True Freshman. Come on, man

:)
 
I am amazed every time May blocks a break away layup. Who does that? He is very athletic to be able to do that consistently. I'm excited for the future success of this team.
 
I submit that Tyler Smith was more versatile than either Matt or Kenyon. He actually did everything. But I like Matt, who is living up to his #86 player in the country rating. Funny how that happens...ie. the higher rated players usually play better.
May is solid,so far. He needs to step up his shooting but I think he will.
Fuller, May, Gatens, Payne and Cole are a decent core...not world beating,but decent. We need a couple of difference makers added to the recipie.
 
HaydensDad said:
I am amazed every time May blocks a break away layup. Who does that? He is very athletic to be able to do that consistently. I'm excited for the future success of this team.
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Exactly, Hayden. A better, more athletic player, in terms of speed and strength we have not seen on the floor for Iowa, since perhaps Doug Thomas.

:)
 
Eric May is my favorite player on this team. Love his energy. Not the smoothest player, but he is tough and athletic. Gatens is solid, tries to do too much at times, not a star, but solid.
 
May reminds me of a bigger and less polished version of the Kramer kid from Purdue. In fact, I think May would have fit in very well with the classic bruising Purdue teams of the 90's. It's great to have both Gatens and May.
 
I like both of these guys. I don't think anyone could honestly say Gates would not play significant minutes for any Big Ten team. He is not a great player, but he is very solid.

I like the energy May brings to the table. He may never refine his game enough to be an all Big Ten player, but I really like his upside.

To me the jury is still out on Payne and I have always had serious reservations about Cougil. Hope they both prove me wrong.
 
May reminds me of Haluska in his agressiveness. His offensive skills could use a lot of polish, but he's a better leaper and rebounder. Kind of a mix of Haluska and Ryan Bowen.
 
HawkeyeTech said:
May reminds me of Haluska in his agressiveness. His offensive skills could use a lot of polish, but he's a better leaper and rebounder. Kind of a mix of Haluska and Ryan Bowen.
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Reminds me more of a mix of Haluska and Roy Marble. Eric May's strength and physique remind me of Roy Marble, but not quite Kent Hill.
 
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