[hawk2012]

I don't think Woodbury needs to score many points next year for us to win consistently but he does need to be able to play adequate defense. Our post defense is not good right now... McCabe is not big enough to play center. Archie and Brommer each have their moments but get lost a lot. Olesani is still young so it's hard to say if he'll be able to contribute next year. Kyle Meyer might also be in the mix here, but I'm guessing it's most likely Woodbury.

We need someone to stop Zeller from dunking on us next year. Anyone know how Woodbury has held up against other top big men in the camps?

[bcl20]

From the looks of it he's pretty skinny so he would have to put some weight on to hold his own I would think. His height alone will help though.

[BryceC]

He'll be a freshman big man. Very few freshman step in and play good defense.

[DFaceHawkeye]

Originally Posted by BryceC

He'll be a freshman big man. Very few freshman step in and play good defense.

If Iowa wants to stop Seller from slamming it home every other possession, they need guards that can stop dribble penetration and will actually rotate into the lane as a second or even third help. A big body inside will help, but guard pressure and no dribble penetration will help more.

[CAARHawk]

I agree. Many of Iowa's defensive woes start on the perimeter.

Any combo of Meyer, Woody, McCabe, White, and Gabe when he learns the game better should be able to step down and set up a roadblock to the hoop. But they will need the guards to allow them a second to do so.

[Hawkfnntn]

He last two guys have it right no matter how good or tall Woodbury is he can't stop guards penetration and his guy at the same time. Unless he's Hakeem Olajuwon or something.

[hawkfan33]

His defense will be the strong point of his game next year. Multiple scouting reports on him have talked about what a great communicator he is from the back of the defense. If you're getting recognized by scouts for doing this when playing with random teammates in summer camp, that's saying something. Having him anchoring our defense next year will be a huge improvement.

But also, as others have said, it's hard for big men to have to big of an impact when we're scrambling around the entire time, trying to rotate over to help someone who got beat on the ball.

[hawkIhoops]

Originally Posted by CAARHawk

I agree. Many of Iowa's defensive woes start on the perimeter.

Any combo of Meyer, Woody, McCabe, White, and Gabe when he learns the game better should be able to step down and set up a roadblock to the hoop. But they will need the guards to allow them a second to do so.

Good points. McCaffrey's system puts extra demands on bigs, namely that they run the floor. We will have to see what Meyer and Woodbury can do, but I am not counting on either to bring much in the way of physicality to the team. McCabe brings that to an extent, but struggles in up tempo games (like last night).

[DFaceHawkeye]

Originally Posted by hawkIhoops

Good points. McCaffrey's system puts extra demands on bigs, namely that they run the floor. We will have to see what Meyer and Woodbury can do, but I am not counting on either to bring much in the way of physicality to the team. McCabe brings that to an extent, but struggles in up tempo games (like last night).

I think McCabe struggled last night because B10 coaches aren't dumb. Crean recognized that he had been leading Iowa lately and I'm sure they focused on that. McCabe isn't the type of player that can overcome a game plan against him. If you watch that game, he never was given much room to work with. The pace may have affected his output, but I would bet coaching did as well.

[hawkeye12345]

I agree with some above about or perimeter defense needing to improve as it is gawd awful right now. But, there is also a chicken and egg thing going on here. If the ball-handler knows he can go in the lane without fear of it getting handed to him then he is more inclined with trying to penetrate off the dribble. If he gets doubled then he dishes it to a taller player or wing without fear of a shot blocker.

Watch an Illinois game. Watch how the opponents guards treat the stick they have in the middle. They will not dribble drive, period. If they do, they know that there is a 7' in there ready to hand them their lunch. This allows the perimeter guys to overplay the dribble and passing lanes. If they get burned there is time to recover. Right now we are simply playing prevent on D. We need to be more aggressive without the risk.

The addition of Woodbury is probably the single biggest addition that the Iowa program has had since the 70s.

On top of that, Gesell can play D and Clemmons is known for his D.