[EddyP]

Hawkeyes prepare to host Minnesota on Wednesday


“Ultimately it comes down to toughness,” McCaffery said. “And we lack that right now, I don’t mind saying that. We don’t have the toughness that’s necessary to defend in this league. And somehow it’s incumbent upon me and my staff to get our guys to not only be able to execute fundamentally, but to be more physical, be tougher, and do it more consistently.”

“To be honest with you, I’ve never gone through with any team I’ve ever been associated with what we’re going through now,” McCaffery said. “I am really working hard to try and get it corrected, and there’s a couple ways to do that. You can obviously work on drills…ultimately you’ve got to put it together.”

Actually 3 ways Fran:

1. Drills
2. Slam a chair on the floor
3. Sit next to you on the bench

I think we are into phase 3.

[BILLBUCKNER]

Yes, I would like to see him sit every one of his starters if they come out playing passively.

[uihawk82]

I remember bob knight 20 to 30 years ago with another of his great teams that was getting whomped at Illinois. He took all his starters out and they didnt play the last 15 minutes. they got the message, were rested and beat a good team a couple days later.

Oh I long for those days when every team played on Thursday night and Saturday. You knew when the games would be and after each day you knew the standings.

[FalseMirage]

Originally Posted by uihawk82

I remember bob knight 20 to 30 years ago with another of his great teams that was getting whomped at Illinois. He took all his starters out and they didnt play the last 15 minutes. they got the message, were rested and beat a good team a couple days later.

Oh I long for those days when every team played on Thursday night and Saturday. You knew when the games would be and after each day you knew the standings.

As I remember it (and I'm not saying I remember correctly) he sat all the starters with the exception of Uwe Blab.

[uihawk82]

Ah yes you are probably correct. Alford might have been a sophomore or junior. I think this was a year or two before they won the title with Keith Smart.

Of course Knight didnt care about ruffling feathers, hurting feelings, etc of his fans, players, administration.

I hope fran's quotes sink in and somebody lays some hard fouls on anyone driving the lane. Hell I would like to see a really hard foul just trying to keep players without the ball who want to establish a post position.

[hawkforlife9]

Seems very odd to me that he has never seen this before in all his years of coaching???

[jackl]

Originally Posted by hawkforlife9

Seems very odd to me that he has never seen this before in all his years of coaching???

He must not of watched last year.

[uihawk82]

Originally Posted by hawkforlife9

Seems very odd to me that he has never seen this before in all his years of coaching???

I think he means the whole team.

I dont see any players sticking their nose or chest in on an opponent, they are playing defense very upright, not fighting through or around screens.

I had the pleasure of watching Dolph Pulliam at Drake an his 'belly button' defense was just that. He focused on the opponents waist and hips because no matter how many head and shoulder fakes you make a player is only going in the direction his hips are pointed in (at least with speed). And Dolph used his strength.

[OUTofTOWNHAWK]

Kirk would have went with....."well thats basketball".

[DesMoinesHawki]

The one continued pattern I like about Fran is he calls it like it is ... And he is the first to shoulder some of the blame. It is one thing to simply call out players but many a time Fran follows up a critical comment with a comment that is critical of him and his staff. I really just like everything about Fran ... He continues his mission; he has a plan, and the Hawks will get there ... I know this ... this is the most excited I have been about Iowa basketball in about 7 years ...

[cjbucks]

Originally Posted by uihawk82

Ah yes you are probably correct. Alford might have been a sophomore or junior. I think this was a year or two before they won the title with Keith Smart.

Of course Knight didnt care about ruffling feathers, hurting feelings, etc of his fans, players, administration.

I hope fran's quotes sink in and somebody lays some hard fouls on anyone driving the lane. Hell I would like to see a really hard foul just trying to keep players without the ball who want to establish a post position.

Is that when Knight put tampons in their lockers? Maybe Fran should give that a try.........

[KnightHawk9]

Most of us knew that we weren't going to "arrive" yet this season. What is essential is that Fran keeps pushing these players to work their hardest in each game. That way, when they all fully understand the system, and when the players are here that can fully implement the system, the culture of hard work has already been established. Only then, with system and effort and athletes, will the wins come.

[hawkIhoops]

Originally Posted by jackl

He must not of watched last year.

Good point. I like McCaffrey, think he will get it done here etc., but what was the guy thinking by not getting a juco rebounder with some muscle? These guys are a dime a dozen and we allegeldy have Florida connections with Speraw and Texas connections with Dillard.

I am not talking Reggie Evans caliber, but some dude with some street game and a mean streak who wants to board and defend. Poor job of evaluating the needs of the team IMO. Basabe's struggles aside, he knew what he had returning with Archie and Brommer...not much.

I am calling my shot now and saying somebody will pick up a flagrant foul tomorrow night attempting to stop a dunk.

[doclee]

I hope and believe that Fran is talking more about mental toughness than physical toughness. To the extent that he may want more physical toughness, I do not think he wants flagrant fouls. I will admit that many BT teams play defense in a pretty darn physical way...see Wisconsin, MSU as two examples. I have no problem with returning the favor against physical teams. I have heard the Iowa fans respond to a flagrant foul against one of their own and they show no mercy. I would say we should avoid that kind of play, period.

[atomicblue224]

Originally Posted by DesMoinesHawki

The one continued pattern I like about Fran is he calls it like it is ... And he is the first to shoulder some of the blame. It is one thing to simply call out players but many a time Fran follows up a critical comment with a comment that is critical of him and his staff. I really just like everything about Fran ... He continues his mission; he has a plan, and the Hawks will get there ... I know this ... this is the most excited I have been about Iowa basketball in about 7 years ...

agreed