Are you saying Baer shot worse than Clemmons and Gesell in the last 10 games? That is not possible.
Baer's Talent
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Are you saying Baer shot worse than Clemmons and Gesell in the last 10 games? That is not possible.
The thing is, Baer makes an impact regardless of teams gameplanning against him because of his effort and hustle. He can score on putbacks and just being in the right place at the right time and still get 8 ppg with enough minutes.
And it's easy to hype up a player like Baer because with his effort, you know that he's going to see continued improvement
Really hope he adds muscle. He has excellent talent, but his body lets him down when battling big guys consistently. If can bulk up a bit, his rebounding and movement around the basket (his best attributes) will get even better.
I personally feel that Nicholas Baer would be, at best, the second or third guy off the bench on a true B1G or NCAA contending team. If he is a starter, that doesn't bode well for the overall quality or depth of the program.
He had some nice games this year. He hustles his ass off. He has some ability. And, yes, he'll likely improve. But, the last half of the season is, IMO, a better indicator of his "true" value. He's a defensive liability on the court who was absolutely exploited during the last half of the season. He has limited ability to create his own shot (yeah, I saw yesterday's game).
Will he hurt you as a second or third guy off the bench? More often than not, no. But I just don't see him as a player that gets 30-32 minutes a game unless Iowa is a middling B1G team.
I hope I'm wrong but that's where I'm at today.
He had some nice games this year. He hustles his ass off. He has some ability. And, yes, he'll likely improve. But, the last half of the season is, IMO, a better indicator of his "true" value. He's a defensive liability on the court who was absolutely exploited during the last half of the season. He has limited ability to create his own shot (yeah, I saw yesterday's game).
Will he hurt you as a second or third guy off the bench? More often than not, no. But I just don't see him as a player that gets 30-32 minutes a game unless Iowa is a middling B1G team.
I hope I'm wrong but that's where I'm at today.
...as a team that can compete for the top third in the MVC.
I love the contributions that Nicholas has made this year, he has certainly earned a scholarship, and I hope to see him progress in his time at Iowa, but if we're talking about Iowa building around their surprising walk-on as the centerpiece they are in some serious trouble.
Yeah, this is pretty much it. He seems to be a very smart ballplayer who doesn't get frustrated or intimidated when things don't go his way (unlike a few of his teammates). He just keeps playing ball and looking for opportunities. He blew my mind with a couple of his drives and was our leading scorer until about the last minute or so. I'm looking forward to watching this guy for awhile.
Well, to me he looked a lot less lost than the starters. Whole damn team was lost. At least he tried.
On the big stage, he looks like he steps up. Also, he plays harder than some of the starters did. If he can continue to do that dribble drive and pull up shots when he is a well known commodity, then he is a big time improvement over what we had this year. IF he continues to improve, then yes, I could see him being a big time player.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
sorry 333, feels like you are trying to diminish Baer's contribution against Nova, not buying it. Again, not saying he will ever be an all american, but he is clearly more than a nice player with that performance. Still plenty to prove yes, but he is a gamer, which is more than I can say for many of our starters.
I understand exactly what you're saying but Baer was impressive with his length and touch against Nova. He is smooth, unhesitant to shoot, and busts his butt.
15 lbs. is going to be a huge start for him. He puts on 25 total by the time he gets to his Sr yr and he will be a huge part of this squad.
I have no idea what the future holds for Baer, I do think he has skills, is pretty solid in the fundamentals and I sure am not ready to relegate him to the 6th, 7th or 8th spots off the bench for his career at Iowa. I don't care about the Walk on label, He looks like a player to me.
Baer's greatest strength is between his ears. He thinks faster and anticipates better than anyone else in an Iowa uniform. Combine that with very good length, the ability to shoot a variety of shots pretty well, the ability to play several positions, and a willingness to never stop hustling on either end, and you have the perfect glue guy. I am not sure if Baer will start or come off the bench, which he does very well. Either way, I would bet that he will average at least 20 min/game for the rest of his career, if he stays healthy.
I love Nicholas Baer, and yes I think he starts next year and from here on out. I think the comparison to Kevin Boyle is a good one. The bad news is Kevin didn't improve a whole lot over his career. I think Nicholas will improve and dramatically.
Baer is athletic and smart. He can play inside and out. He plays with effort and enthusiasm. And, none of these things are his best quality.
Nick Baer has the "it" factor that our seniors didn't have. He elevates his game in the big moments instead of shrinking. He is the money player we want on the team.
This young man was under a lot of pressure as a freshman walk-on and he performed incredibly well!
If I had to pick between Baer and Pete for next year, I might take Baer.
Nick Baer has the "it" factor that our seniors didn't have. He elevates his game in the big moments instead of shrinking. He is the money player we want on the team.
This young man was under a lot of pressure as a freshman walk-on and he performed incredibly well!
If I had to pick between Baer and Pete for next year, I might take Baer.
have to laugh at the so called internet experts and their whining about game planning.
A top coach can adjust during a game; guess what Baer kept doing it. game planning is not going to make much difference.
A top coach would have noticed Baer and have contingency plans for him; not hard to do during a game with the kind of talent Nova has.
So the fact that he kept on performing well tells me that game planning ain't going to mean squat.
Yes this kid deserves a scholly.
A top coach can adjust during a game; guess what Baer kept doing it. game planning is not going to make much difference.
A top coach would have noticed Baer and have contingency plans for him; not hard to do during a game with the kind of talent Nova has.
So the fact that he kept on performing well tells me that game planning ain't going to mean squat.
Yes this kid deserves a scholly.
Sobering thought of the day: Some say Baer doesn't deserve a schollie.
Here's a list of players who got a chance at a free ride: Trey Dickerson, Josh Oglesby, Zach McCabe, Darius Stokes, 28 year old who transferred quickly, and I'm sure I forgot some.
Point is, if you can't honor someone who is a PROVEN commodity with a scholarship, then what are you in business for? The kid hustles, rebounds, shoots pretty well, is where he is supposed to be, blocks shots and shows real enthusiasm. He looks a little unorthodox, which is why I'm guessing most are reluctant to give him the ride.
He is a freshman, now sophomore, who by all accounts will only get better. He's in that mold. I'm guessing those who say he wouldn't play on other B1G teams should ask the other head coaches what they think. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing him on Senior Day when he is recognized.
Wasn't trying to denigrate the past players mentioned. Others have, so I thought it would be a point of reference.
Here's a list of players who got a chance at a free ride: Trey Dickerson, Josh Oglesby, Zach McCabe, Darius Stokes, 28 year old who transferred quickly, and I'm sure I forgot some.
Point is, if you can't honor someone who is a PROVEN commodity with a scholarship, then what are you in business for? The kid hustles, rebounds, shoots pretty well, is where he is supposed to be, blocks shots and shows real enthusiasm. He looks a little unorthodox, which is why I'm guessing most are reluctant to give him the ride.
He is a freshman, now sophomore, who by all accounts will only get better. He's in that mold. I'm guessing those who say he wouldn't play on other B1G teams should ask the other head coaches what they think. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing him on Senior Day when he is recognized.
Wasn't trying to denigrate the past players mentioned. Others have, so I thought it would be a point of reference.
Nicholas Baer will get better, much better. Even if he were to only gain weight, and does not improve the rest of his game throughout his Iowa career, he will be better. That is what has me excited for his future, he will improve on his game. It will be fun to follow. He and the rest of the newer fellas have me eager for November already!
Several, including an unnamed mod on this board, say we need his energy off the bench. That is wrong guys, we need his vigor at tipoff. Players like Baer are what this team has needed for years. We need others to feed off that never say die energy right off the bat.
I think Jok, Baer, Jones, Wagner and Uhl form a good core for next year. Most will start, and possibly all at some point in the season... If we have a bench, which I believe we will and that they will out perform this year's bench, then we will surprise.
Several, including an unnamed mod on this board, say we need his energy off the bench. That is wrong guys, we need his vigor at tipoff. Players like Baer are what this team has needed for years. We need others to feed off that never say die energy right off the bat.
I think Jok, Baer, Jones, Wagner and Uhl form a good core for next year. Most will start, and possibly all at some point in the season... If we have a bench, which I believe we will and that they will out perform this year's bench, then we will surprise.
Baer attempted one 3 point shot his varsity career at Bettendorf, so yeah it's something he needs to work on, and I'm sure he is.
Considering he only attempted one 3 pt shot is telling. Especially considering that he finished 4th on the team in 3pt PG percentage.
Interesting note there, our TOP 4 3pt shooters, based on shooting percentage, return next year. Very interesting. I did not know that one. Jones, Uhl, Jok and Baer.
That is something to build off of.
Remember when Mike Gesell outplayed Marcus Paige? That was a great single game performance . . . I'm not drawing any conclusions about Baer's future based upon a one-game performance against Villanova.
He's best served as a 6th man energy guy off the bench. Maybe...Maybe he starts senior year.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
He had more than one good game - c'mon man! And by the way, the game I was referencing as an example happened to be in the NCAA Tournament.
I am not sure if he has enough talent at this level to be one of the go-to guys going forward but there is something about what he brings from a fearlessness, intensity and all-out desire to be a Hawkeye standpoint that makes me pumped up to see what he does the next 3 years.
He was willing, like Jok, to take some big shots in some big moments at different points in the season. Not all of the shots fell but some did and they were big. I love his 'will not be denied' attitude and it makes up for anything he lacks. I can still see his huge steal/loose ball pickup against MSU at home and quick turn around 3 ball or his knocking down a huge 3 ball against Indiana in the comeback then waving his arms to maximize the crowd energy. The roof came off with his make. He went all out against NOVA when almost everyone else was melting down. Good, good stuff and hope to see more of that.
He seemed to shoot much better in general at home, especially the 3 ball, but hopefully that will improve away from Carver this next year. Heady player and seems to be at the right place at the right time - anticipation skills.
He was willing, like Jok, to take some big shots in some big moments at different points in the season. Not all of the shots fell but some did and they were big. I love his 'will not be denied' attitude and it makes up for anything he lacks. I can still see his huge steal/loose ball pickup against MSU at home and quick turn around 3 ball or his knocking down a huge 3 ball against Indiana in the comeback then waving his arms to maximize the crowd energy. The roof came off with his make. He went all out against NOVA when almost everyone else was melting down. Good, good stuff and hope to see more of that.
He seemed to shoot much better in general at home, especially the 3 ball, but hopefully that will improve away from Carver this next year. Heady player and seems to be at the right place at the right time - anticipation skills.
I may have missed it, but Baer with a 10-15 lb. gain will be able to attack the rim even more. It's possible if his physical attributes catch up more with his mental side he will be an above average to good player for Iowa consistently. 10 points per game floor with a ceiling of a hand full of breakout games during the year. That isn't slighting Baer I don't think by any means. BBIQ alone will let him grab those 10 points.
Baer showed it all year. Maybe you did not watch the Hawks that much. But if you did, you would have noticed his all-around game. It is worth paying attention to. There is much more to the game of basketball than just scoring.
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