It looks like Wagner has really improved his shot over last year. I can see Wagner, Uhl, and Cook starting at the small forward, power forward, and center positions. All three are high level athletes that should be able to be great defenders with the right coaching. Iowa has guards that have length and athletic ability to disrupt an offense. They look more than capable offensively. Fran should have a lot of fun coaching them this year.
PTL Observations, Highlights, Interviews
- Thread starter RobHowe
- Start date
50613sivert
Member
The other PTL thread is unreadable, so I'll comment here.
I ran a "fantasy" type score for the first three games.
There's a lot of talent in this PTL. But even with the great returns and new recruits, Baer is leading everyone statistically.
Unfortunately, assists aren't recorded reliability.
I ran a "fantasy" type score for the first three games.
There's a lot of talent in this PTL. But even with the great returns and new recruits, Baer is leading everyone statistically.
Unfortunately, assists aren't recorded reliability.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
Is Dale Jones playing yet? I haven't seen anything on Jones. Did I miss something? This guy can really shoot the three...Jok level of shooting. He really could have helped last year if he didn't get hurt. Plus he rebounds. Any updates on his health?
SteveGarvey1
Well-Known Member
I'm optimistic overall but there will be only only basketball on the court at a time and a bunch of guys who can shoot it. Sort of like the problem the Warriors could have with K.D. going to them.
Wait, did I just compare us to Golden State?
Wait, did I just compare us to Golden State?
RobHowe
Administrator
Not playing in the PTL. Still working his way back from knee surgery. On track to be ready for the season.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
Thanks Rob. Great to hear. Its interesting...I know this team could struggle early with the youth on the roster and that the freshmen will be required to play significant minutes, but I don't honestly remember a time when Iowa had this type of roster. We are more athletic than I can remember at every spot...and I'm talking athleticism, not skill yet. Wagner, Cook, and Uhl are freakish athletes and Dom has serious handles for a big guy. Hell, I could see Fran working without a true point and having Dom bring the ball up and get us into our offense...and he can play the 5...crazy. If Jones comes back, that's another athletic body who can shoot. I really think this team will be a tough out in the second half of the big ten season. I know everyone has been talking about Cook in the PTL...but the tape I've seen, Baer looks confident and much improved, especially off the dribble. It's going to be fun to watch Fran break the colts.
DP5555
Well-Known Member
Baer is going to be a bear for opposing teams to deal with from here on out. I truly believe that. He could be the next Aaron Craft type player in the B10. Definitely not the same player. Not the same position. However, that tenacity and heart that Craft displayed night in and night out that just ticked people off is the same style I see in Baer. He has a different skill set than craft, but if he continues to bring it night in and night out he could be equally as effective.
I agree though. He looks like he's a better player already. I'm guessing he gained a ton of confidence from last season and that has helped vault him to another level. He's just sneaky good. He's smooth and crafty on offense and he's long and pesky on defense.
I agree though. He looks like he's a better player already. I'm guessing he gained a ton of confidence from last season and that has helped vault him to another level. He's just sneaky good. He's smooth and crafty on offense and he's long and pesky on defense.
I wouldn't say Dom has great handles or that he's a freak athlete.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
I guess freakish may be a bit much for a description of Uhl's athleticism...but I think he's going to have a break out year and he's well above average of an athlete for his size. I think you are completely wrong about his ability to handle the ball though. Let's see if we face some man pressure and if Fran takes some stress off Williams or Bohanan by having Uhl bring the ball up the floor. You know, Fran has done this before with Uhl right? Just saying.
Uhl really impressed me how under control he was bringing the ball up last year.
trj
Well-Known Member
He reminds me of Ryan Bowen, Bowen was a little better athlete, but Baer is a better shooter. He will be a 12/7 guy probably the rest of his career. Jack of all trades kind of guy. He will give what you need: rebounding, defense, energy off the bench. Whatever the particular game calls for.
I think Baer will be pretty good, but he is going to be better with the influx of big guys on the team. Last year Woodbury was listed at 245 lbs and the next guy was 215 lbs. This year there is five guys over 215 lbs on the team and all five guys that will be thicker than Woodbury was. It should help open up guys like Baer, Moss, Williams, Dailey, Ellingson, and Jok. This team should be fun to watch offensively.
trj
Well-Known Member
lol, no one under the age of 40 even knows who that is. They could probably tell you more about Jim Jones than Bobby Jones.
hawkjunkie
Well-Known Member
I do not see how Baer could be kept on the bench to start. The guy just has "it". I say he is a starter.
Jok, Uhl, Cook & Williams start the game with Baer. Wagner will be coming off the bench, unless he takes Uhl's spot.
I agree, yet some players really excel at coming off the bench...they can contribute quickly, be a bench player without sulking, and ignite or stabilize the team as needed. Baer seems to have a the talent and temperament to do this well. That said, it is tough to leave a talented player on "the bench." Interesting to see how it plays out...especially to see how much endurance and durability he has this year.
