One player, who's the key for success next season??

[hawkforlife9]

Waiting for Fran to recruit him...

 

[RocknRollface]

I think this thread shows just how uncertain we are with how we'll perform next season. We have a lot of question marks, but we also have a lot of potential answers. We really don't have "proof" that any one player will be able to perform, next season, the way they need to perform. By that I mean, every player on the team must make a specific improvement or two, or they haven't played at this level, yet. I see the potential in all of the players, with the exception of TD (hasn't played D1 yet), to make those strides. If they do, we will challenge WUs. If not, we'll be in the 5-7 slots.

I agree. There's allot of guys who could potentially step up now that roles are basically wide open to be established.

It's all speculation at this point but most of the guys in question have show glimpses of what they could potentially do.

 

[UncleHawk]

I'll agree to disagree here...as I think Trey recruitment was more directed at Clemmon's issues rather than Gesell's. Plus it addressed depth at the PG position as Marble leaving certainly created a void there. It's also a getting the best player available get as he's got a skill set (speed / quickness) that is an upgrade and can create more shots for others.

Trey has to show he can play defense in a complex scheme, commit to it, and guard B10 skill players...and then there is the physical nature of the B10 that may be a step up in the push and shove department for him. Obviously, it's a major step up from where he's been.

IMO, Gesell is a consistent outside shot (from 3) away from being a star in the league. He's got the handles, assist to turnover ratio, and he's committed. He's got a decent stroke, but I think they have worked on him releasing the ball quicker and it flattened out his shot. My guess is that with his work ethic...he's going to improve greatly from 3 this year. I'll be shocked if Trey beats him out. If he does, we are going to be better, so it's all good.

TD is a back-up plan because we missed on Ulis. Are you saying Ulis was recruited because of Clemmons' issues? I don't think so. With RDM's departure, we need another creator. It's possible he will come from the pre-2014 roster. But TD was recruited to help fill that void. He's not Ulis but he's the quickest player we've had since Chancey Leslie. Besides which, he's shown good leadership qualities in reaching out to the other guys and potential recruits. Then there's the fact that he grew up playing ball in NYC, which can only give him more seasoning coming into the program.

I guess I don't see the either/or when it comes to MG vs TD in the starting line-up. It's highly likely MG will start. If MG can bring consistency to his shot, it is even more likely that he will be at the other guard spot with TD because then he would have the tools of a scoring guard. The only other option is Jok IMO at SG. JO is too streaky a shooter to put up starter's numbers consistently.

Jok's defensive woes have been talked about quite a bit. You're saying TD could be worse? At the very least TD is much quicker than Jok. Plus, the kids he grew up playing against in NYC had to prepare him for physical play better than Des Moines HS BB.

Jok could well be starting, but I agree with SpecialK that it could be at the 2 or 3 depending on how it works out with Uthoff and TD and the rotation in the frontcourt.

In the end, however, I agree that this is good competition and helps ensure that whoever starts will represent Iowa well.

 

[MiniMoeHawk]

TD is a back-up plan because we missed on Ulis. Are you saying Ulis was recruited because of Clemmons' issues? I don't think so. With RDM's departure, we need another creator. It's possible he will come from the pre-2014 roster. But TD was recruited to help fill that void. He's not Ulis but he's the quickest player we've had since Chancey Leslie. Besides which, he's shown good leadership qualities in reaching out to the other guys and potential recruits. Then there's the fact that he grew up playing ball in NYC, which can only give him more seasoning coming into the program.

I guess I don't see the either/or when it comes to MG vs TD in the starting line-up. It's highly likely MG will start. If MG can bring consistency to his shot, it is even more likely that he will be at the other guard spot with TD because then he would have the tools of a scoring guard. The only other option is Jok IMO at SG. JO is too streaky a shooter to put up starter's numbers consistently.

Jok's defensive woes have been talked about quite a bit. You're saying TD could be worse? At the very least TD is much quicker than Jok. Plus, the kids he grew up playing against in NYC had to prepare him for physical play better than Des Moines HS BB.

Jok could well be starting, but I agree with SpecialK that it could be at the 2 or 3 depending on how it works out with Uthoff and TD and the rotation in the frontcourt.

In the end, however, I agree that this is good competition and helps ensure that whoever starts will represent Iowa well.

TD might have been a plan B....But plan B is still a good get and was more important that any of the other near miss recruits.

 

[bws258]

White ... if he can be the man, rather than the disappearing-man, then this team could be good ... Gessel's got the heart, the shooters are there, the Woody & Gabe are solid down low, it's gotta be White that makes the difference ... he has the ability, if he can just figure out how to bring it consistently.

 

[Tierney]

A junior college guy might of been plan B, but that doesn't mean he won't end up being better. TD is a very talented point guard. I don't know if he will ever be in the NBA, but I don't see Ulis ever being there.

 

[UncleHawk]

White ... if he can be the man, rather than the disappearing-man, then this team could be good ... Gessel's got the heart, the shooters are there, the Woody & Gabe are solid down low, it's gotta be White that makes the difference ... he has the ability, if he can just figure out how to bring it consistently.

White is the proven quantity. The problem is that he has proven that he is an excellent transition offense player and garbage man. That may get you numbers that contribute to the bottom line but it doesn't carry a team. Others, that haven't proven that they can, will have to take on that role vacated by RDM.

 

[MiniMoeHawk]

Fran needs to decide on the roles of each player...The players will be more confident if they know what their identity is

 

[RocknRollface]

Fran needs to decide on the roles of each player...The players will be more confident if they know what their identity is

Hopefully the players will step up into the roles they fit.

Last year there seemed to be strict predetermined roles for the upperclassmen, I think roles will open for the taking now that there is not the same seniority factor.