I don't really care who the starting five are as long as White/Marble are two of those 5.
Here is what is great heading into the season is that I don't feel like Iowa can't matchup to any team. That doesn't mean that I think Iowa is better than all those teams, but I also don't have the feeling Iowa will lose to MSU by 30. Iowa is still relying on freshman in the blocks and we all know bigs develop a little slower, but at least Iowa has the bodies to run in and out along with some real size and not undersized PF's, or non-talented players with very limited skill.
Here is where I am excited though, the backcourt now has depth that will have the combination of shooting and athleticism...quite the contrast. Gesell, Clemmons, Marble, Oglesby and Ingram all bring something Iowa has to have and I am not worried about Iowa playing small in the backcourt, they have size to back them up, but also Iowa hasn't been this athletic in the backcourt for a very long time. You have to be deep at guard and Iowa is beginning to be very deep in the backcourt, Jok comes in next season and provides even more depth to a talented roster.
Fran is putting together a roster that has players who can play multiple positions, the only thing he hasn't landed is that 6'7" high-level SF, maybe Jok will grow an inch and get back to his original self...or Malek Harris can be that player. As far as this season, Iowa can play so many combinations of players and can go to an offensive or a defensive lineup depending on the situation, that has not been the case since well, the streak? Iowa will be able to defend better with the size on the roster and the athleticism added in the backcourt. I honestly don't expect too many rough times in the non-conference, Iowa is a diferent program than they have been for a few years. Iowa has more than one proven player back, what a concept, and brought in a good freshman class that compliments the returnees. The incoming players have to let the returnees take charge and just let the game come to them naturally. Iowa will need the freshman to be ready to step up come conference play when one of Iowa's returnee's is off. The problem with the non-conference is there are no real tests, or not enough of them...ISU is going to be a test, but there aren't a lot of games that stick out that will be, maybe there will be a couple other ones, but there shouldn't be. I am glad the BIG schedule is the way it is, loaded upfront and a lot of winnable games late.
