Young and Prideful.

[BILLYBOBSTEXAS]

yeah, but besides those we need a post presence. LOL

Yes I was referring to a defensive presence. I have no problem with Pemsl or the others at all. To me, they seem to be better adapted to the forward position than center. FWIW I am a former Dubuquer and truly like his game!

 

[NikeHawk21]

Yes I was referring to a defensive presence. I have no problem with Pemsl or the others at all. To me, they seem to be better adapted to the forward position than center. FWIW I am a former Dubuquer and truly like his game!

Agreed. We need a "rim protector" and we need to improve our defensive rebounding. I'm hoping Garza will be the guy to do both.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

And Jok brings something this teams absolutely needs...8-8 from the FT line...

No doubt. In the past Iowa has choked up games like that due to free throw shooting. Him and JBo making 3/4 down the stretch is what put them away. You can be sure the coaches don't overlook that.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

Agreed. We need a "rim protector" and we need to improve our defensive rebounding. I'm hoping Garza will be the guy to do both.

Yeah, I was thinking recently that someone like an Acie Earl in the middle is exactly what would help this team most right now IMO. A guy who can block/alter shots and grab some rebounds. That would really make a huge difference.

Hopefully Cook, Kriener & Pemsl continue to develop to help shore that up (and next year's recruits). I suppose we shouldn't be too surprised they've struggled a bit defensively though since we're talking about 3 freshmen. Seems like big guys usually take longer to develop.

 

[revkev73]

Jok is also trusting the Fab-4 more...and doesn't feel the need to carry the team of youngsters.

Jok, can shoot, he needs to shoot...but not in a ball hog way...either through his desire or Fran's desire...doesn't work.

Big man who can intimidate the drivers on defense...yes...nice to have one. None, now...best blocker is diminutive Nick Baer.

 

[NikeHawk21]

Yeah, I was thinking recently that someone like an Acie Earl in the middle is exactly what would help this team most right now IMO. A guy who can block/alter shots and grab some rebounds. That would really make a huge difference.

Hopefully Cook, Kriener & Pemsl continue to develop to help shore that up (and next year's recruits). I suppose we shouldn't be too surprised they've struggled a bit defensively though since we're talking about 3 freshmen. Seems like big guys usually take longer to develop.

I do think those three will continue to develop defensively.

IMO being a good rim protector is primarily about two things, size/strength and positioning. Blocking shots helps but it's not the most important thing. I think Woody was a good rim protector but he rarely blocked shots.

You need the size and strength to maintain your position down low and alter shots, hopefully while staying on your feet to avoid fouls. Garza IIRC has a couple inches on Cook/Pemsl and a pretty nice wingspan which should help. For reference, Baer is a good shot blocker but not a good "rim protector" because he doesn't have the girth to maintain his position down there. Give him Pemsl or Cook's frame and I think he'd be a great rim protector.

The other aspect is positioning, and this is where Cook & Pemsl struggle. They find themselves out of position more times than not. As you've said it may be a lot to ask a freshman Garza to be good at this, but that's my hope at least. I think some of it can be taught, and some of it is just is just innate (see Baer).