mike needs to become a threat to knock down

[NikeHawk21]

Every one around here is so sensitive. I don't even take the OPs post as that negative. Mike is capable of hitting outside shots and the OP along with some others (including myself) believe he is going to need to knock them down when the going gets tough for this team to make a deep run. I'm not overly worried because I know he can, however to me it seems like someone is telling him not to or he's just lost confidence.

As for the guy who wants him benched I complete disagree, Mike brings a ton to this team even when he's not scoring.

 

[tm3308]

Every one around here is so sensitive. I don't even take the OPs post as that negative. Mike is capable of hitting outside shots and the OP along with some others (including myself) believe he is going to need to knock them down when the going gets tough for this team to make a deep run. I'm not overly worried because I know he can, however to me it seems like someone is telling him not to or he's just lost confidence.

As for the guy who wants him benched I complete disagree, Mike brings a ton to this team even when he's not scoring.

There's a difference between saying he needs to rediscover his stroke and saying he needs to develop one.

 

[Seth53]

Who'd be sitting if Ulis had come to Iowa....MG or Sapp?

 

[tm3308]

Who'd be sitting if Ulis had come to Iowa....MG or Sapp?

Would Sapp still be here if Ulis had signed? I know he came back last year feeling like he had something to prove, but he might have decided to go elsewhere if Fran had brought in one of the best PG recruits in the country.

 

[JG10Hawk]

Mike's go to shot has been the mid range pull up jumper. I don't know how anybody that has watched this team play the last three and half years would say any different.

Yes, his 3pt shot has been pretty inconsistent. He's a career 31% shooter from beyond the arc. That does however include him playing with two separate injuries that hinder one's shooting ability throughout almost half of his career. He's shot it much better this season sitting at 37% even with that including a poor 3-13 (23%) conference clip.

I for one wish he would shoot it more when open. He passes up at least two good looks a game while trying to find a driving lane and/or an open teammate.

That said, one shouldn't really be nitpicking too much, he does run the show for one of the most efficient offenses in the nation.

 

[mrolympia]

off topic a bit, his put back dunk that didn't count was badass. had no idea mike had those kinds of ups

 

[tm3308]

off topic a bit, his put back dunk that didn't count was badass. had no idea mike had those kinds of ups

Pretty sure he's won the dunk contest at the Black and Gold Blowout every year since he's been here. Players have consistently said he's the best dunker on the team the last few years.

 

[Hawkeyes5]

Hawks need Mike to:
1) Stop aggressively driving to the basket - especially with any intent to try to score. It rarely creates anything positive, like a score or a decent kick. It mostly results in posterization or a lost possession, which is going to cost your team a close game when it really matters this March.

2) Stop dribbling aimlessly for more than a couple seconds. Mike, you're not going to break anyone down, let alone, take them off the dribble. You've proven it for 4 years. We've all watched you prove it for 4 years. Please stop doing or you are going to cost your team a close game when it really matters this March.

3) Keep the ball moving with quick perimeter passes. I said, perimeter, not those forced attempts to thread the needle to Woody's kneecaps (that he can barely reach down to control). Let Uthoff, Jok, Baer, Sapp or just about anyquit one else on the floor (besides Woody) attempt to advance the ball toward the hoop. You need to treat the ball like a hot potato or you are going to cost your team a close game when it really matters this March.

4) Keep doing everything else -- the effort, the hustle, the defense -- exactly the same.

Mm-K? Thanx!

Wow...gee mister I wish I had your coaching knowledge. How about we all quit being so d**n critical and just enjoy this season? Mmm k? Thanx

 

[bcl20]

Gesell absolutely did not prove he was a threat to hit the 15 foot jumper today...

 

[hawkinarkansas]

Gesell absolutely did not prove he was a threat to hit the 15 foot jumper today...

that mike was willing to take the shot today is what makes him a threat. when he passes up the open looks he had the previous 5-6 games, he is not threat. basketball 101.

 

[DDThompson]

Gesell absolutely did not prove he was a threat to hit the 15 foot jumper today...

Yep. I've said for awhile that he is a sniper with the one-dribble 17' elbow shot. I say shoot that any time; that will open the lane up for him to drive or dump it to a big man.


The good news is: this team has played great and can still get better!

 

[uihawk82]

Yep. I've said for awhile that he is a sniper with the one-dribble 17' elbow shot. I say shoot that any time; that will open the lane up for him to drive or dump it to a big man.


The good news is: this team has played great and can still get better!

I definitely agree as they probably bring their rebounding and defense with them to most games. But if they get the shooting going just a little bit better and more consistent they will be very tough. A few weeks ago they had a couple games shooting about 50% from the field and they just blew the opponents out of the water or out of the building.