An Early look Ahead to Next year!

[hawk_it]

Next Year will be an interesting year. Unlike this year with 4 seniors, next year there will be 1 senior, 2 juniors (if Jones gets a redshirt), 5 sophomores (Baer on-or-off scholarship) , 6 Freshmen (rebalanced with 2 redshirts Hutton & Moss). Most likely some incoming freshmen will redshirt next year and rebalance the scholarship distribution some more.

It will be quite a competitive scramble for playing time with so many open starting spots. A lot of player development will happen between the end of this season and next. You have the off-season, prime time league, then a few more off-season months. Hopefully a lot of weight-lifting and some one growing a inch or two.

With 18 plus games left this year who will step up during B10 play! Might give us some answers.
Jok will most likely start at SF then ???. No true center but a lot of interchangeable parts so Center and PF are really hard to predict. Most likely, similar to positions 6-10 this year, it will take half the non-conference games for Fran to get it figured out.

SF Jok, Baer, Hutton
C Uhl, Cook, Kriener
PF Jones, Wagner, Pemsl
SG Ellingson, Fleming, Moss
PG Williams, Bohannon

My first guess at starters in BOLD to start the year.

 

[mazda1]

I think you can probably pencil in Uhl as well, but I'm not certain at what position.

 

[jasonrann]

I hope someone emerges to push Uhl. I have been pretty disappointed with him so far this year. Seems to go through the motions, a lot of movement, but not much in the way of results.

 

[KeyWest Tim]

As stated frequently, I would like to see @ 2 guys redshirt again next year.

If you are not getting the true Blue Chippers, it is an advantage you can use to build strength and an extra year of practice.

The kid with multiple surgeries might be someone who would also gain from this... If he has still not gotten back to full strength by then.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Is anyone else concerned about Fran's ability to develop players?

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Is anyone else concerned about Fran's ability to develop players?

This seems to contradict the most common criticism, which is that Fran can't recruit the best players. Others are critical of his in-game coaching, especially at the end of games. Still others believe that Iowa is always unlucky with final shots. How are we winning?

 

[StormHawk42]

Is anyone else concerned about Fran's ability to develop players?

I'd say that's by far the least of my concerns. Recruiting maybe. In game coaching maybe.

Turning Marble and White and likely Uthoff into draft picks is a pretty damn good testament to his development attributes.

 

[Hawk68]

I'm leery of too much red-shirting. Often what you see now is all you are going to get later. Our number one priority should be finding a BIG quality center.

 

[CanadaHawk]

I'm leery of too much red-shirting. Often what you see now is all you are going to get later. Our number one priority should be finding a BIG quality center.

Huh? White, RDM, JU, Olaseni: player development successes aren't hard to find under Fran. Even MG, who some point to as stagnant, couldn't have sniffed 7asts/game as a frosh.

As far as a center, ones that can give quality minutes don't grow on trees, as we'll find when Woody's gone.

Fran went the way of best talent available for the future. Cook's not a center, but he's got the most post potential we've seen in a long time. If Moss, Hutton, Fleming develop by next year, one or more could be in the mix, but if next season started tomorrow, I think we'd see Cook with 2 of Uhl, Baer and Jones up front, with the 3rd off the bench. Jok with Williams or JB form the backcourt with Ellingson backing them up.

Fran's making plans for centers in 2017, because one or more guys aren't going to work out by then. Also, there will be contributions from Kriener in the middle.

 

[skydog0784]

Fran, like everybody, has areas to improve upon but player development certainly isn't one of them.

Regarding potential line-ups next year... Jok is a lock to start, Uhl is a near-lock, Cook is the next most likely, after that it's all up in the air in my opinion. I think Jok shifts back to the '2' spot since we have multiple options at the '3' spot. I think somebody leaves and Fran gets a JUCO or 5th Year Transfer at PG. You just have to be very worried at the '1' spot at this point. I suspect Fran is too based on his unwillingness to play Williams until the very late stages of the games - even those which are blow-outs.

Here's my cut based on current personnel (listed by depth chart, starters in bold)...

PG Williams, Bohannon
SG Jok, Ellingson, Fleming
SF Baer, Moss, Hutton
PF Cook, Jones, Wagner, Pemsl
C Uhl, Wagner, Kriener

 

[gohawks7470]

I think I agree with Cook and Uhl on the frontline. Jones just kind of has that bench scoring feel to him. Not sure I see Baer as a starter though. What about Brady Ellingson at 2 and Jok at the 3?

 

[CanadaHawk]

Fran, like everybody, has areas to improve upon but player development certainly isn't one of them.

Regarding potential line-ups next year... Jok is a lock to start, Uhl is a near-lock, Cook is the next most likely, after that it's all up in the air in my opinion. I think Jok shifts back to the '2' spot since we have multiple options at the '3' spot. I think somebody leaves and Fran gets a JUCO or 5th Year Transfer at PG. You just have to be very worried at the '1' spot at this point. I suspect Fran is too based on his unwillingness to play Williams until the very late stages of the games - even those which are blow-outs.

Here's my cut based on current personnel (listed by depth chart, starters in bold)...

PG Williams, Bohannon
SG Jok, Ellingson, Fleming
SF Baer, Moss, Hutton
PF Cook, Jones, Wagner, Pemsl
C Uhl, Wagner, Kriener

As of now, I think this projection is pretty good. Williams played better in his last mop up duty. But I do think Cook will defend the post because he has more strength to hold that position than Uhl and Cook is certainly a better post player offensively. Also, although Baer is playing well now, we do have the B1G season yet to come and Jones was arguably ahead of him before he got hurt. But Baer appears to this point to be Fran's latest player development success. Wasn't he a RS last year?

 

[skydog0784]

I think I agree with Cook and Uhl on the frontline. Jones just kind of has that bench scoring feel to him. Not sure I see Baer as a starter though. What about Brady Ellingson at 2 and Jok at the 3?

Yes, very possible. I gave Baer the nod as he's really been impressive the last few games and has worked his way into the rotation ahead of Ellingson at this point. A lot depends on match ups though. I really like how Ellingson gets his shot off so quickly and it appears a lot of his shots are just missing. I trust those will start to fall.

 

[skydog0784]

As of now, I think this projection is pretty good. Williams played better in his last mop up duty. But I do think Cook will defend the post because he has more strength to hold that position than Uhl and Cook is certainly a better post player offensively. Also, although Baer is playing well now, we do have the B1G season yet to come and Jones was arguably ahead of him before he got hurt. But Baer appears to this point to be Fran's latest player development success. Wasn't he a RS last year?

Yes, it will be very interesting to see how Baer performs in the grind of the B1G against quality competition. Playing against MSU, Purdue, MD, etc is much different than Drake and Tenn Tech.

Jones was playing well - especially hitting the boards and the 3-ball. You have to wonder about his mobility after re-injuring the same knee - both season-ending injuries. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a Rodell Davis situation - who was a shadow of his former basketball abilities after the knee injury. Especially if Jones consumes a scholarship for the next two years.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Yes, it will be very interesting to see how Baer performs in the grind of the B1G against quality competition. Playing against MSU, Purdue, MD, etc is much different than Drake and Tenn Tech.

Jones was playing well - especially hitting the boards and the 3-ball. You have to wonder about his mobility after re-injuring the same knee - both season-ending injuries. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a Rodell Davis situation - who was a shadow of his former basketball abilities after the knee injury. Especially if Jones consumes a scholarship for the next two years.

I have yet to hear what Jones' specific injury was. Yes, he injured the same knee. But was it another tear? The same same type of tear? That would say something about his recovery.

Concerning Baer, if he can be a spark off the bench vs MSU, it could not only put us over the top in that game, but say a lot about his future.

 

[SSG T]

I'm leery of too much red-shirting. Often what you see now is all you are going to get later. Our number one priority should be finding a BIG quality center.

I don't care if Iowa ever puts a "true" center on the court again under Fran. Given what it seems he wants the offense to look like, a few inside/outside hybrid types in the 6'9-6'10 range would be best. Up the athleticism overall, have 2-3 quality shooters and a couple of elite ball handler/passers (even if they aren't scoring threats) and go for the "lets score 95 every game" style of offense. Put pressure on the other team at both ends and run, run, run.

 

[yerpHAWK]

Pretty sure I'm gonna catch some flack, but I do not think we need to start Cook, and won't, at least in the beginning. Wagner/Uhl/Jones can man the position.

 

[SSG T]

Pretty sure I'm gonna catch some flack, but I do not think we need to start Cook, and won't, at least in the beginning. Wagner/Uhl/Jones can man the position.

I can see that. The only way I could see Cook starting at the start is if he comes in and absolutely blows everyone away. Otherwise, I think he starts on the bench. It wouldn't surprise me, however, to see him starting by mid season, though.

 

[skydog0784]

I have yet to hear what Jones' specific injury was. Yes, he injured the same knee. But was it another tear? The same same type of tear? That would say something about his recovery.

Concerning Baer, if he can be a spark off the bench vs MSU, it could not only put us over the top in that game, but say a lot about his future.

Good point on Jones's knee, I haven't heard exactly what the specific knee injury was so it could very well turn out okay - could anyway even if it is the same injury.

I really want this MSU game. We've got a good shot.

 

[hawk_it]

I can see Cook starting by the Big Ten season. Most freshmen have a big learning curve learning the system and adapting to the college game. What we do not know is the Basketball IQ of the freshmen coming in. How have they been coached up to this point. I see him coming off the bench to start with.

 

[RocknRollface]

Pretty sure I'm gonna catch some flack, but I do not think we need to start Cook, and won't, at least in the beginning. Wagner/Uhl/Jones can man the position.

The people predicting cook to start were probably predicting Fleming to start this year.

Fran rarely starts underclass men over older players. Cook is not a 5 either, Fran has described him as a player he wants to use on the perimeter even.

Cooks not starting next year, it will be some combination of Uhl, Jones and Wagner.

 

[skydog0784]

Big difference IMO between the possibility of Cook (a 4 star / Top 75 / .97 247 composite rating recruit) with 1 returning starter starting next year versus Fleming (a 3 star / .84 247 composite rating recruit) with 4 returning starters starting this year. Most reasonable posters felt that either Clemmons or Uhl would fill the remaining open starting position this year.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Big difference IMO between the possibility of Cook (a 4 star / Top 75 / .97 247 composite rating recruit) with 1 returning starter starting next year versus Fleming (a 3 star / .84 247 composite rating recruit) with 4 returning starters starting this year. Most reasonable posters felt that either Clemmons or Uhl would fill the remaining open starting position this year.

Plus there's the fact that Cook's a highly-rated post recruit with unusual strength- something of a rarity so far at Iowa. Next year is a transition similar in the program in some ways to when Woody and MG started as freshmen. A lot of people on this board can relate to the analogy that if Woody can start as a frosh, then Cook certainly can.

 

[RocknRollface]

Plus there's the fact that Cook's a highly-rated post recruit with unusual strength- something of a rarity so far at Iowa. Next year is a transition similar in the program in some ways to when Woody and MG started as freshmen. A lot of people on this board can relate to the analogy that if Woody can start as a frosh, then Cook certainly can.

Woodbury had no returning experienced players for competition.

If you guys think Cook is going to start great, its your guess. My guess is he won't based on the way Fran has handled things since he has been here.

Id be willing to place money on the starters being Uhl and Wagner or Jones.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Woodbury had no returning experienced players for competition.

If you guys think Cook is going to start great, its your guess. My guess is he won't based on the way Fran has handled things since he has been here.

Id be willing to place money on the starters being Uhl and Wagner or Jones.

If Wagner was taller than the 6'6" that coach Dillard says, or he could shoot a mid-range shot at that height, or if Baer wasn't already ahead of him in the rotation, or if there was a taller center in the lineup (like when Brunner was playing), I could see that. But like Woody as a frosh, I think Cook has a skill set unique to the team that will be difficult to keep off the floor.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

If Baer keeps it up, he will have to be in the starting lineup. We will see what he is made of in the next 10 days. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with some B1G competition....

Are we up for another oversees trip this year? That would be perfect timing if so. But I am thinking we are another year off from that. I believe we went right before Gabe's junior season.

 

[Kurt Warner]

My thought is if Cook shows he should start he should start. Nobody knows until he gets on campus and shows what he's got.

 

[Hawk68]

I don't care if Iowa ever puts a "true" center on the court again under Fran. Given what it seems he wants the offense to look like, a few inside/outside hybrid types in the 6'9-6'10 range would be best. Up the athleticism overall, have 2-3 quality shooters and a couple of elite ball handler/passers (even if they aren't scoring threats) and go for the "lets score 95 every game" style of offense. Put pressure on the other team at both ends and run, run, run.

Maybe we can get S. Curry's brother and play real "small ball."

 

[RocknRollface]

If Wagner was taller than the 6'6" that coach Dillard says, or he could shoot a mid-range shot at that height, or if Baer wasn't already ahead of him in the rotation, or if there was a taller center in the lineup (like when Brunner was playing), I could see that. But like Woody as a frosh, I think Cook has a skill set unique to the team that will be difficult to keep off the floor.

He may or may not be what people are expecting, there's just no way to know, but he wont be a starter right off the bat.

To many fans expect to much based on the stars IMO.

I don't expect him to play the 5 based on what Fran has said.

 

[SSG T]

Maybe we can get S. Curry's brother and play real "small ball."

A. They don't need him to do that. B. I'm not talking small ball. I'm talking pressure defense and run and gun offense. They can do that with 5 athletic players between 6'5 and 6'9.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

I'm leery of too much red-shirting. Often what you see now is all you are going to get later. Our number one priority should be finding a BIG quality center.

I'd say the number 1 priority is to get an quality PG. Iowa still doesn't have a above avg PG on the roster, and I'm not convinced Bohannon fits the bill.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

I'd say the number 1 priority is to get an quality PG. Iowa still doesn't have a above avg PG on the roster, and I'm not convinced Bohannon fits the bill.

Fran has been trying to land this player harder than the other positions combined, since day one. When he finally does land this player, look out. It will happen...
But it could be delayed, if Connor does play PG in college. He will keep that elite PG from coming here for another 4 years. So, I guess it has to be in next year's class...? Do we have any early leads on anyone?

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

A. They don't need him to do that. B. I'm not talking small ball. I'm talking pressure defense and run and gun offense. They can do that with 5 athletic players between 6'5 and 6'9.

You are talking some long players too. Baer, Williams, Uhl, Moss, Cook, Kreiner,etc all have great length with most right around 7' wingspans. That makes a difference... I am all over this. We can torch some teams and play some good defense. Rebounding needs to be a focus for the coaches tho.

 

[danpalmq]

You are talking some long players too. Baer, Williams, Uhl, Moss, Cook, Kreiner,etc all have great length with most right around 7' wingspans. That makes a difference... I am all over this. We can torch some teams and play some good defense. Rebounding needs to be a focus for the coaches tho.

Agree wholeheartedly re length. Height is overrated. The distance from the floor to the top of the head is not really relevant in basketball. The distance from the floor to the top of the hand (standing reach) is much more important. I would guess Kreiner's standing reach is similar to Woody's even though he is 3 inches shorter.

 

[hackeysack]

Cook is not a 5 either, Fran has described him as a player he wants to use on the perimeter even.

Cooks not starting next year, it will be some combination of Uhl, Jones and Wagner.

This is simply incorrect. Cook is absolutely a 5 in this system. When Fran mentioned "perimeter" he was suggesting that Cook has the potential for more versatility than people might give him credit for, meaning he is an inside power guy that has other skills like the ability to run the floor or dribble drive to the hoop. He is not just a feed-the-post player in the mold of Woodbury.

Start or not (and he will start sooner rather than later), he is going to play a lot next year. Only things that could limit playing time will be free-throw shooting (some report it is suspect), learning Fran's post defense (like doubling perimeter ball screens), and foul trouble (which young bigs always seem to battle).

 

[CanadaHawk]

This is simply incorrect. Cook is absolutely a 5 in this system. When Fran mentioned "perimeter" he was suggesting that Cook has the potential for more versatility than people might give him credit for, meaning he is an inside power guy that has other skills like the ability to run the floor or dribble drive to the hoop. He is not just a feed-the-post player in the mold of Woodbury.

Start or not (and he will start sooner rather than later), he is going to play a lot next year. Only things that could limit playing time will be free-throw shooting (some report it is suspect), learning Fran's post defense (like doubling perimeter ball screens), and foul trouble (which young bigs always seem to battle).

This the reason Fran is going hardest after Malik Williams in 2017- a tall lanky skilled guy to play outside in with Cook's inside out skill set. Uhl could fill this role well next year beside Cook.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

This is simply incorrect. Cook is absolutely a 5 in this system. When Fran mentioned "perimeter" he was suggesting that Cook has the potential for more versatility than people might give him credit for, meaning he is an inside power guy that has other skills like the ability to run the floor or dribble drive to the hoop. He is not just a feed-the-post player in the mold of Woodbury.

Start or not (and he will start sooner rather than later), he is going to play a lot next year. Only things that could limit playing time will be free-throw shooting (some report it is suspect), learning Fran's post defense (like doubling perimeter ball screens), and foul trouble (which young bigs always seem to battle).

Cook will definitely have an opportunity to start at the 5, but Kriener, Wagner, and even Uhl could be the starting 5, depending on how the coaches decide they want to go. Kriener might be the closest thing to a true center. Let's hope he grows an inch or two and becomes a poor man's Frank Kaminsky.

 

[go-hawks37]

The one thing we've learned from this years freshman is that there will be good days and bad days. Don't expect to much as it is a big jump from high school to the big ten. Hopefully Iowa will be able to redshirt a couple of the 2016 kids. One thing we've learned from Baer and Ellingson is that it was very beneficial for them. I expect Hutton and Moss will impress us next year. No shame in redshirting, just gives kids a chance to develop and learn the system. The Hawks will be better for it years down road.