[uofihawkInation]

Originally Posted by hawkIhoops

@ Section136. You make some valid points and my contention was not to write off the class, but to point out that the "help" McCaffrey brought in has not done much to close the massive talent gap we face.

As far as development goes, I think it depends how much kool aid one has consumed. Marble and McCabe obviously worked hard at developing their games after last season and it shows. Unfortunately everyone else has digressed or stayed the same. It is very possible this team won't win another game this year and finish last in the conference. Last night's loss was a knockout punch to any postseason hopes and to me shows lack of development because we once again can't guard shooters or stop dribble penetration. Nebraska is a chump team and they punked us at home.

You probably said the same thing after losing to Campbell didn't you?

[hawkIhoops]

We are a poor shooting team that struggles to defend and rebound. I am not sure we play another team the rest of the year that is a favorable matchup. Maybe PSU at home.

[ICbornNraised]

Originally Posted by hawkIhoops

@ Section136. You make some valid points and my contention was not to write off the class, but to point out that the "help" McCaffrey brought in has not done much to close the massive talent gap we face.

As far as development goes, I think it depends how much kool aid one has consumed. Marble and McCabe obviously worked hard at developing their games after last season and it shows. Unfortunately everyone else has digressed or stayed the same. It is very possible this team won't win another game this year and finish last in the conference. Last night's loss was a knockout punch to any postseason hopes and to me shows lack of development because we once again can't guard shooters or stop dribble penetration. Nebraska is a chump team and they punked us at home.

Bahahaha. Last night was a crushing blow, but C'mon man. Stop it!

[JHHawk]

Originally Posted by hawkIhoops

1) Continuing to run Basabe out there as a starter is becoming offensive to me as a fan. I don't care if it's Archie, Brommer, Olaseni or Stokes, but put somebody on the floor who acts like they care.

2) Every week McCaffrey talks about what he wants from Cartwright and and how Bryce is not a perimeter shooter, yet what does he do every freaking time when inserted in the game? Jack up a 3 followed by more bricks from the perimeter.

3) What exactly does Oglesby have to do to get more PT? I am sick of "May plays great D". Nobody plays great D and we need to win games by outscoring the other team, thus, IMO, Oglesby is a better option.

4) Here is a suggestion for the staff. Tell guys nearing or in foul trouble to let the guy go in for an uncontested layup vs. picking up these wimpy touch fouls that don't affect the shot, yet give the official a reason to blow the whistle.

5) I would suggest NOT banking any scholarships for 2013. The staff needs to find a juco scorer or physical rebounder. When you can't shoot or rebound, it's pretty tough to win games.

As much as I like McCaffrey, he did a poor job of evaluating this team after his first season. Pointless to recruit Olaseni only to sit him all year and a 3 point specialist isn't much help when you can't defend. White saved the class, but he has to do better than 1 for 3.

My random rebuttals:

1. yea,right. We will await your positive critiques of Brommer's hustle next time he starts. It would be the first positive comment on bb and fb from you in years.

2. Agree. Bryce needs to at least get in the flow before jacking. He did hit a three last nite.

3. In one comment you imply that Oglesby was a wasted scholly and yet here you want him to play more...pick a lane.

4. The next time a Hawk does not try to defend a drive to the hoop,you will call him out for not hustling. So you are in a win-win deal,you can complain either way.

5. Agree.

As for this class already being labeled ''1 for 3''....simply,patently ridiculous. Not worthy of a rebuttal. Clearly not aware that recruits have a say in where they attend school, and that Fran cannot just go out and pluck a Zeller off the recruit tree at will.

[sportstalent]

Thoughts on Iowa basketball for this season.

1. McCabe has came out of nowhere and has earned a starting spot for next season, the only question is will it be at PF or Center?

2. There is a lot to like with the freshman, the problem is, they are freshman. White is a determined player and it is unlikely that he regresses next season with his work ethic. Oglesby needs to let the game come to him and just play. Gabe has shown some okay things at times, but he is just raw, setting and watching this season and practicing against BIG level players will help him continue to get better.

3. Iowa has a decent record, with a legit shot at finishing above .500. How can that happen when their two "best" players are in such a funk? It proves that there is some talent on the roster, with Marble being a player that may have a huge season next year.

4. Iowa stats three sophomores from a 2010 recruiting class that was ranked in the bottom four of the rankings, that is a solid foudation.

5. Iowa's defense has helped them win games, but it has also hurt them in losses like last night and both Purdue games. It will get better as Iowa gets closer to a full roster and more size down low. Rebounding has probably hurt them more than overall defense. Look at how many second-chances Nebraska and Purdue got in those three games when it mattered most.

6. Unless a gift falls into Iowa's lap, there is zero need to fill Payne's scholarship. As players develop and Iowa has a deeper rotation it will make sense.

7. Iowa really only loses Gatens, he is the only senior that has contributed every game, it doesn't mean he has starred in every game, but he shows up and does his job as best he can every game. Archie has had moments, nothing substantial or sustained, he is a defensive presence and it may be time to go a lot of zone with White/McCabe/Archie in the frontcourt in hopes to rebound better. It doesn't matter what defense Iowa plays, they are going to give up open 3's. At least attempt to control the boards.

8. Iowa has a great chance to finish above .500, last night was a lost opportunity, but that is not the first time this season. Without a true go-to guy and the inability to stop people when it matters most; it is expected. Definitely not happy about it, but there have been a lot of good things happen this season, rather than it just be filled with nothing, but negatives.