2017 Recruit Contributions

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

Not looking to get the hype train going light speed, but wondering what type of contribution people would consider a success.

Here's what I'm going to consider a success:

Connor - being available to cover foul trouble for Bohannon, and keeping the offense running. This was a weak spot for Christian Williams this year, and forced our sub patterns to lean defensive in the few games Bohannon picked up fouls.
If Connor can also pick up 5-10 minutes at the 2-3, shoot 35% from three and average only 1 turnover, I'd take that freshman year production.

Garza - harder to quantify, as I'm looking for a defensive presence. I'd like to see Garza contribute to us only allowing offensive rebounds 28% of the time (I believe we were 30-31%) this year. If he cab add 4-6 points a game in 10-15 minutes, that would be good. I'm looking for a "Kriener" impact.

Nunge - I'd love to see him replicate Pemsl's efficiency. Not from the same areas or styles, but being a reliable - efficient scorer in limited minutes would really help spread out the scoring load and negate any "defensive stoppers" we might face.

Between the above potential impacts and implied progress from returning players, we'd be set up to comfortably make the tournament.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Just remember there is an 'adjustment" period to college ball. Our freshman were thrown into the "fire" early in the season and you saw a 8-5 record. Once the light clicked and they got comfortable they started to win some games. But with freshman there is up and down nights. They are very inconsistent.

Next years group should not be relied on for anything. They should come in and spell the starters but any contributions will be "bonus" for this team. The guys we have returning should hopefully be a year older and a year better (worry about the sophomore slump).

I would think about red-shirting at least 1 of the freshman.

 

[Mitch122]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

 

[DanL53]

I'm looking forward, more, to the development of our current guys.

But from the freshmen we need help rebounding and defending the interior from bigs, and guys driving into the lane. Need Conner to provide some good depth at both guard spots.

If all three are in the top nine or ten in mpg, it will be a huge help. They'll have passed some role players to get there.

 

[BeardedAxeWound]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

Agree, but there is a possibility that one or both will be upgrades at their respective positions (Garza @ 5, Nunge @ 3). Fran has proven he will play the best players he has, regardless of class or experience.

 

[StormHawk42]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

Takes 2 to tango. Most P5 players today don't want to even though it may make a ton of sense (Baer, Moss, Ethan Happ for starters)

 

[DanL53]

Takes 2 to tango. Most P5 players today don't want to even though it may make a ton of sense (Baer, Moss, Ethan Happ for starters)

I agree. But I've always wondered about the decision to redshirt Happ. If he could have given even five good minutes against Duke, Ryan and Wisconsin might have been Champs.

 

[HawksRMe]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

Doubt any of them redshirt. I think people are going to lose playing time to these three. We'll see.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Connor McCaffery will make the biggest contribution among our incoming freshmen next year. I've watched him for four years in person and we are getting a special player. The other two bigs will also fight for "starting" time (top nine rotation) and I'd be shocked if both new bigs aren't in it. I think Fran keeps playing a lot of players next year (maybe 11 a game again), if they are contributors and not liabilities. If nobody transfers this spring, I think next year someone will leave for lack of playing time.

 

[Hawkeye3087]

When you when you're not pulling from the top of the talent pool I think you redshirt every big guy you can afford. Even if it's a slight upgrade to the team next year it's a massive, massive upgrade in that 5th year.

Guards and forwards are just different. They required so much more skill development to make it because they didn't have the luxury of adding "height" to their skill set.

 

[crHawkeye92]

Connor McCaffery will make the biggest contribution among our incoming freshmen next year. I've watched him for four years in person and we are getting a special player. The other two bigs will also fight for "starting" time (top nine rotation) and I'd be shocked if both new bigs aren't in it. I think Fran keeps playing a lot of players next year (maybe 11 a game again), if they are contributors and not liabilities.

Who do you think loses playing time then? There's no way we can give playing time to 7 bigs next year.

 

[perryhawk]

One of the good things about this class is that they DON'T HAVE TO come in and start or be depended upon to be a primary contributor.

IF we can get a role filled in the middle that improves interior defense and rebounding....that also represents somewhat of a threat to score that would be significant.

If Conner provides dependable depth in the back court that would be sufficient.

As DanL said, the development of our current players is the key to improving our record.

I really think Maishee could help a lot next year as a combo 2-3. Hopefully he doesn't transfer.

 

[StormHawk42]

I think Connor may be the flex backup to the 1 and 2 spots with JoBo and Moss at the expense of Ellingson and Dailey. I think Nunge may actually see the most floor time at the back up 3 and 4 IF he can block shots and rebound like he's capable of. That would be at the expense of Williams and Uhl most likely.

Still not sure on Garza. Kriener won't give up his minutes easily.

 

[DanL53]

White, Uthoff, Olaseni, Woodbury, McCabe, Basabi. That's six we found a way to get playing time and I'd remind it would have been with Meyer sitting on the bench if he hadn't transferred.

We still don't even know who will be back. But presuming no one, just speaking of the bigs here, leaves, we still have to wonder who of Kriener, Uhl, Wagner and the frosh will be most productive. I'm giving the edge to Cook and Pemsl, and Baer, for having secure minutes. But the rest is up in the air.

And I don't think you redshirt talent that is ahead of other guys.

Oh, and if I may add. We did have those six mentioned, and Meyer, and still found a way to play Eric May at the wing. Granted, Meyer was redshirting, but that's seven guys seeing the court.

The key is who among the bigs can move to the three. Baer can. Can Nunge? Uhl? Or what if we decide to go really big? Wisconsin did alright starting Hayes, Decker and Kaminski. If we have guys that can hit the three, and we do, at the bigs, why not? Imagine the mismatches.

 

[ChrisVarick]

I think Dailey and Conner pass Williams next year and rotate behind JoBo and Moss. I just don't see the light for Williams turning on. He still looks lost running the offense.

 

[perryhawk]

I think Connor may be the flex backup to the 1 and 2 spots with JoBo and Moss at the expense of Ellingson and Dailey. I think Nunge may actually see the most floor time at the back up 3 and 4 IF he can block shots and rebound like he's capable of. That would be at the expense of Williams and Uhl most likely.

Still not sure on Garza. Kriener won't give up his minutes easily.

Good discussion......if Kriener adds some muscle and a little nasty to his game he could be a very strong element of this team next year.

I would love it if a player of Nunge's caliber could come in and redshirt....and I think he is a high caliber player. That would be great for the future of the program and to me, signify that the program is going up to another level.

 

[lucky5]

Could Uhl go the grad transfer route? I like his game but he can make you pull your hair out too. He could be the odd man out.

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

I think the key is that we CAN redshirt bigs now. We may not, but we are at that point. If recruiting guards improves a bit, we'll be able to start "reloading" rather than rebuilding.

Additionally, we can get our rotation down where our fans would be more comfortable (8-9).

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Could Uhl go the grad transfer route? I like his game but he can make you pull your hair out too. He could be the odd man out.

Main thing with uhl is he even in position to be graduating before next season? I'd like to see nunge just from a physical standpoint. That 5th year was huge for uthoff and have heard lot of comparison between the 2. Wisconsin had so much success under bo ryan red shirting players uthoff being one thank goodness he came to his senses and left the grinch aka Bo. Just wish Dailey would have this year.

 

[SSG T]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

I'd bet money that if any RS, the only to do so would be Connor. I'm dead serious when I say I think Garza and Nunge will be decent contributors (ie, in the rotation).

 

[mazda1]

I'd vote to play them if they earn time. Let the minutes fall where they may and if we have a couple of guys transfer due to lack of minutes there are worse things then being able to add a couple of guys to Joe's class.

I'm not proposing we Crean kids, but if someone rides the pine due to a freshman setting them there then maybe it's a win for that kid to be able to get to a program that fits him better. If the frosh can't earn pt maybe they'll be more open to a shirt.

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

It makes more sense to redshirt Kriener next season. I know that's probably not a popular idea given that he's a favorite off the bench, but of all the bigs this year he is the one who benefits the most from a year of strength and conditioning. It also would even out scholarships some and give Kriener a year to really shine at the center position with fewer bodies competing for minutes. Garza or Nunge would still be left with the possibility of a redshirt year down the line if the position gets too crowded.

 

[sober_teacher]

It makes more sense to redshirt Kriener next season. I know that's probably not a popular idea given that he's a favorite off the bench, but of all the bigs this year he is the one who benefits the most from a year of strength and conditioning. It also would even out scholarships some and give Kriener a year to really shine at the center position with fewer bodies competing for minutes. Garza or Nunge would still be left with the possibility of a redshirt year down the line if the position gets too crowded.

Not sure who, but it will be very surprising if at least one player doesn't transfer. Williams/Uhl might be my top contenders based on who's coming in.

I do think Nunge and Garza have the chance to start at the 3 and 5 positions respectively.

 

[kceasthawk]

Redshirt all of them. Or at least the 2 big guys. We already have a 10 man rotation. Can't play 14.

I mean, this year people were saying we needed to get Kriener more minutes. Next year we return all our big guys and add two more in Garza and Nunge. There just isn't enough minutes.

I respect your view on this, but totally disagree. While your correct, you can't play 14, its a matter of which 10 guys to play. Are hope as fans should be that Fran is able to continue the Hawk program in an upward ascent. He can do this by continuing to recruit better and better players, and letting them compete for meaningful minutes. The time is NOW! If Garza, Nunge, and CMac are better equipped to help advance the program, then lets say, Uhl, Wagner, Williams, or anyone else on the team, then they should play now, and let the chips fall where they may. It only makes sense to play these new players IF they are better. This also shows new recruits that the best players will play, and not sit on the bench for a couple of years,(a constant complaint by some about our football program). Also if Fran is able to continue the seemingly upward trend in recruiting, we need to continue to open scholarships and not keeping guys here an extra year. Leave the redshirts for guys who are injured or feel they need to do it, and frankly at this point, I'm probably not giving one of our limited schollies to a guy who himself thinks he's a project!

 

[kceasthawk]

I'd vote to play them if they earn time. Let the minutes fall where they may and if we have a couple of guys transfer due to lack of minutes there are worse things then being able to add a couple of guys to Joe's class.

I'm not proposing we Crean kids, but if someone rides the pine due to a freshman setting them there then maybe it's a win for that kid to be able to get to a program that fits him better. If the frosh can't earn pt maybe they'll be more open to a shirt.

Very well said..........

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

Not sure who, but it will be very surprising if at least one player doesn't transfer. Williams/Uhl might be my top contenders based on who's coming in.

I do think Nunge and Garza have the chance to start at the 3 and 5 positions respectively.

I don't think either Uhl or Williams is a realistic transfer possibility. Uhl will be a senior next season and Williams a junior. Williams will get minutes on his defense alone. Uhl will simply a body but with the trip to Germany coming up I don't see him leaving.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

Just remember there is an 'adjustment" period to college ball. Our freshman were thrown into the "fire" early in the season and you saw a 8-5 record. Once the light clicked and they got comfortable they started to win some games. But with freshman there is up and down nights. They are very inconsistent.

Next years group should not be relied on for anything. They should come in and spell the starters but any contributions will be "bonus" for this team. The guys we have returning should hopefully be a year older and a year better (worry about the sophomore slump).

I would think about red-shirting at least 1 of the freshman.

That is why playing in Germany this summer will be such a Huge benefit for this team. The current freshmen get to mature further, and the incoming freshmen get a major jump over other teams not traveling abroad this summer. Germany will be a Big time boost for us, IMHO....

 

[kceasthawk]

I think the key is that we CAN redshirt bigs now. We may not, but we are at that point. If recruiting guards improves a bit, we'll be able to start "reloading" rather than rebuilding.

Additionally, we can get our rotation down where our fans would be more comfortable (8-9).

I'm sorry, this one really went right over my head. So now the rotation needs to be down to where the fans are comfortable?
This redshirt stuff never gets old does it? I'd love to see a study done on how much guys redshirting leads to their transferring before they ever play significant minutes at their initial school. IF their the best players, to be the starter or first backup at their projected position, or positions, then play them now!

 

[kceasthawk]

I don't think either Uhl or Williams is a realistic transfer possibility. Uhl will be a senior next season and Williams a junior. Williams will get minutes on his defense alone. Uhl will simply a body but with the trip to Germany coming up I don't see him leaving.

I don't see anyway Uhl transfers on the heels of the teams trip to Germany this summer. That doesn't mean that Fran has to play him if he has better options come next year.

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

I don't see anyway Uhl transfers on the heels of the teams trip to Germany this summer. That doesn't mean that Fran has to play him if he has better options come next year.

If Uhl doesn't get off the bench I wounder if the NCAA would consider next year a redshirt year for him and grant him eligibility as a graduate transfer.

 

[kceasthawk]

If Uhl doesn't get off the bench I wounder if the NCAA would consider next year a redshirt year for him and grant him eligibility as a graduate transfer.

If he didn't play at all, and applied for it then yes.

 

[BirdistheWord]

need to give Uhl can of Red Bull before every game

 

[sober_teacher]

I don't see anyway Uhl transfers on the heels of the teams trip to Germany this summer. That doesn't mean that Fran has to play him if he has better options come next year.

Forgot about Germany trip. The reason I mention Williams is that he does have a redshirt available to transfer and still have two years left.

I'm just throwing things against the wall though. So many underclassmen, so many transfers nationally every year. I like what each of these guys brings to the table, just hard to see them all coming back.