Baer...Bobby Jones

[revkev73]

Baer really reminds me of Bobby Jones, North Carolina and the 76rs with the Dr. of yore...

Slender, long, smart, in the right places, lots of deflections and good decisions. He seems to have an innate ability to play the game at a high level. Perhaps he will grow and inch or two, still.

He also has the same stature and moves as Jones, IMHO...great guy to have on the team and contribute.

 

[Chewback]

He definitely understands the game.

 

[Dubhawk]

Rebound he read to the backside for the put back was a thing of beauty. Just has a great feel for the game.

 

[revkev73]

That was a very smart play and an extremely difficult shot, from that distance. His shots tend to land softly...

 

[Mohawkeye]

His basketball IQ and poise is off the charts. ALWAYS knows where the ball is going before anyone else. That blocked shot on the MSU fast break was classic. Not just hustle, but he knew where the ball and shot were going before MSU did. Same on the nice 10 footer off the rebound and the dunk play. Kid has incredible ball instincts.

 

[relishingwinning18]

His basketball IQ and poise is off the charts. ALWAYS knows where the ball is going before anyone else. That blocked shot on the MSU fast break was classic. Not just hustle, but he knew where the ball and shot were going before MSU did. Same on the nice 10 footer off the rebound and the dunk play. Kid has incredible ball instincts.

It is just uncanny how he is always on the right place.

 

[cg8284]

Once they started the press he reminded me of Ryan Bowen

 

[Kurt Warner]

Never thought of that comparison op but I agree, Bobby Jones was a great player and is very similar to Baer

 

[SMNWHawk]

Ryan Bowen but with Kyle Galloway shooting ability.

 

[pkaul666]

Baer really reminds me of Bobby Jones, North Carolina and the 76rs with the Dr. of yore...

Slender, long, smart, in the right places, lots of deflections and good decisions. He seems to have an innate ability to play the game at a high level. Perhaps he will grow and inch or two, still.

He also has the same stature and moves as Jones, IMHO...great guy to have on the team and contribute.

how does a kid like Baer not get a scholarship? clearly the catalyst for first half run and one feisty, hard working SOB. Typical Bettendorf bulldog.

 

[herkyfan78]

Has anyone ever seen him on a golf course?

 

[RocknRollface]

A play that really impressed me was when a guard switched to him and he just backed him down about ten feet and turned and made an easy shot.

Its so obvious but you rarely see it done that efficiently.

 

[arrrrrghhhh!]

Key play backing him down and scoring at that point in the game

 

[Ree4]

Hate to make such a recent reference but to me he seems like a less athletic Aaron White that can hit the 3 ball consistently (this early in his career). We won't see many alley oops to him but he seems like a great garbage man which can be attributed to "basketball IQ" and being in the right place at the right time. It's amazing how good he is as a walk on freshman, can't wait to watch him develop

 

[hawkbleeder]

Give him the Chris Street Award now.

 

[hawksense]

Street would be proud of the comparison.

 

[perryhawk]

Baer really reminds me of Bobby Jones, North Carolina and the 76rs with the Dr. of yore...

Slender, long, smart, in the right places, lots of deflections and good decisions. He seems to have an innate ability to play the game at a high level. Perhaps he will grow and inch or two, still.

He also has the same stature and moves as Jones, IMHO...great guy to have on the team and contribute.

Bingo. ....Bobby Jones is hitting the nail on the head.

 

[goodbyebobby]

Bingo. ....Bobby Jones is hitting the nail on the head.

It really is, even his mannerisms our similar.

 

[mazda1]

I'm going to "stick" with Vidnovick.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

It really is, even his mannerisms our similar.

Good comparison Rev to B Jones.....here you go and there is a lot of Baer in these highlights.....and Baer is only a redshirt freshman.

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[revkev73]

I watched all of the game last night...great win...and kept seeing Baer's mannerisms, smarts, length and I kept thinking...who does that guy remind me of? Finally, Jones came to mind, yes, same mannerisms, stature. What I like about him also is his aggression when needed and also his ability to take what is given him. That short range jumped, about 6-8 feet on the baseline was a thing of beauty, a lost art. Many will simply try to drive with it, turn it over, etc. It was there...he took it and made it. Very few players can make that shot and have confidence to shoot it.

Another talent he has is keeping his hands and arms low when trying to grab a pick in the press, etc., avoiding fouls, forcing difficult passes.

Bobby Jones seems to be the closest comparison. Of Iowa players, Kevin Boyle seems the closest in some ways.

I wonder if or how often a walk on makes the all BigTen freshman team?

Should be a treat to watch? Can he play the point???

 

[buttermypancakes]

Once they started the press he reminded me of Ryan Bowen

His lateral quickness is underrated and he is by far our best option at the top of the press. The difference between White last year and Baer is staggering. The downside to that is he does seem to tire and I would rather have him on the court longer if that means we don't press.

 

[revkev73]

Thanks for the Bobby Jones clip, Ed...eerily similar...wonder if Baer even knows who he is?

Baer seems quite fearless...the first shot he put up was a brick...from three, IIRC...didn't discourage him...didn't wilt...very mature player.

He could use some maturing...physically...but he is only a pup. I just don't see much White in him. White was so limited shooting and remained so for the most part.

 

[Drew003]

The best thing about Baer is he knows what he can and cannot do. You don't see him trying to make isolation moves (because he can't). He makes open jump shots, hustles all the time, and competes for rebounds. Combine that with a reasonably athletic 6 ft 6in frame and good awareness and you have a pretty handy role player.

 

[revkev73]

He plays way too well to be labeled a role player...he has senior instincts and is highly mobile...

 

[srams21]

He is a much much better shooter than I had anticipated. I knew he was a scrappy hustle type guy. However, the shooting and ability to handle the ball and his bball IQ is off the charts. He is going to be key going forward and I don't mean just this year.

 

[hawkeye122671]

Baer has made me a believer for sure. That back down, turn around was simply beautiful. It was just incredible. I love how hard this kid plays. He took a foul on a break away too. Smart kid.

 

[revkev73]

That back down move, when the game was slipping away was very impressive...no hesitation...mismatch...do it...done.

I got this...guys...move out of the way.

 

[youflog1hawk]

As a fan you know a player is legit when he comes in and he has your trust.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Agree with others on Baer's attributes. I would add that he hasn't been afraid of big moments. He took a 3 and missed, but came back a few minutes later and drained one after chasing down a rebound if memory serves. I think Fran needs to keep him on the floor in late game situations, as he seems willing and capable of taking / making pressure shots. Teams will load up on Uthoff and Jok, but it's hard to cover 3 shooters.

 

[revkev73]

I would sit Sap and play Baer at the end of games...Clemmons is afraid at the FT line in the clutch...

 

[hawksense]

Baer is fine coming off the bench, IMO. He's getting all the minutes he needs.

 

[hansenhawk]

I am just happy we have him for THREE more years!

 

[twindman]

Also, remember baer only took 1 three pointer in high school, too! That is pretty amazing.

 

[Drew003]

He plays way too well to be labeled a role player...he has senior instincts and is highly mobile...

He's been a good role player lately, but make no mistake, he's a role player. He's a spot-up shooter that plays with length and good energy. But Baer is a limited offensive player who can't initiate offense or isolate, he's simply opportunistic on offense and capitalizes well on his opportunities.

 

[revkev73]

He was isolated, by chance, against the PG for MSU in the paint, with his back to the basket and immediately made some nice moves for a bucket. Not many Iowa players have done that recently. No...he isn't going to be a break someone down off the dribble guy...but who knows, he is a little baby in basketball years.

 

[jockos]

He reminds me of a more athletic Wade Lookingbill.

 

[goodbyebobby]

He was isolated, by chance, against the PG for MSU in the paint, with his back to the basket and immediately made some nice moves for a bucket. Not many Iowa players have done that recently. No...he isn't going to be a break someone down off the dribble guy...but who knows, he is a little baby in basketball years.

That was a nice play, as were the aforementioned three of the rebound, as well as the dunk picking up the loose ball, the blocked 3 point attempt, the offensive rebound and short put back.

He is really smart and his wind will continue to improve as his minutes keep rising.

 

[revkev73]

He is slender and has almost a "sickly" look to him...which makes him even more dangerous.

Great player to have off the bench...someone you can trust, who will think, isn't afraid, ice, a defensive ally...

 

[RocknRollface]

Also, remember baer only took 1 three pointer in high school, too! That is pretty amazing.

That's crazy.

He developed that shot in a little over a year and a half.

That says allot and it leads me to think he can and will continue to expand his offensive game.