Bold Predictions (part 2)

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

Ok, we've wrapped up our European tour and seen our B1G schedule get released... with those updates, here is the second installment of my bold predictions:

1. Iowa will lead the B1G in FG%.
Between Pemsl's demonstrated FG% (be that shot selection or shooting ability), Cook turning it on at the end of the year and what we've seen out of Garza... we are going to get a lot of paint points, and likely that will inflate our FG%.

2. Iowa will win its first tournament since Fran took over.
We should have 3 chances (Preseason, B1G, NCAA - or NIT for you pessimists). It's somewhat a dubious mark given our NCAA success over the past 4 years. We've fallen in the championship game at least 3 times (Wichita State - I believe their final four year, Villanova - the year before their title run, Baylor in the NIT finals). This year we get it done.

3. Iowa will fail to place a player on the All B1G First Team, BUT... will have 5+ people honored (not counting "honorable mention")
Looking for Bohannon, Moss, Cook, Garza, Baer to make 2nd-3rd team, defensive, or 6th man. I also think Fran has a chance to win COY.

4. We will earn a double bye in the B1G tournament.
This one speaks for itself. Whether or not we tie for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th -- we'll be a team that doesn't have to play until Friday (is it still Wed - Sun but a week earlier?).

What else do you have?

 

[DanL53]

What else do I have? Only total agreement with you and a suspicion that the game against Michigan State in February will have regular season Big Ten Championship implications. Not that we SHOULD win the whole thing....but we will make one heck of a run at it.

Top 25 ranking at the end of the season.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

All these predictions are really possible, but I think maybe we are elevating our expectations of Garza a little too much for a true freshman in the B1G.

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

All these predictions are really possible, but I think maybe we are elevating our expectations of Garza a little too much for a true freshman in the B1G.

Forgot to mention All B1G Freshman team (that's where I had Garza fitting)

I'd be pretty happy with 15 minutes, 6 points, 4 rebounds a game from Garza (and I think he'll exceed those)

 

[CanadaHawk]

Ok, we've wrapped up our European tour and seen our B1G schedule get released... with those updates, here is the second installment of my bold predictions:

1. Iowa will lead the B1G in FG%.
Between Pemsl's demonstrated FG% (be that shot selection or shooting ability), Cook turning it on at the end of the year and what we've seen out of Garza... we are going to get a lot of paint points, and likely that will inflate our FG%.

2. Iowa will win its first tournament since Fran took over.
We should have 3 chances (Preseason, B1G, NCAA - or NIT for you pessimists). It's somewhat a dubious mark given our NCAA success over the past 4 years. We've fallen in the championship game at least 3 times (Wichita State - I believe their final four year, Villanova - the year before their title run, Baylor in the NIT finals). This year we get it done.

3. Iowa will fail to place a player on the All B1G First Team, BUT... will have 5+ people honored (not counting "honorable mention")
Looking for Bohannon, Moss, Cook, Garza, Baer to make 2nd-3rd team, defensive, or 6th man. I also think Fran has a chance to win COY.

4. We will earn a double bye in the B1G tournament.
This one speaks for itself. Whether or not we tie for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th -- we'll be a team that doesn't have to play until Friday (is it still Wed - Sun but a week earlier?).

What else do you have?

All of these look possible. However, my reservation isn't for the frontcourt but backup PG. If CW is ready to step up, I'd feel more comfortable betting with the OP. He's shown signs, but...

 

[RocknRollface]

Iowa is probably going to shoot to many long 3s to lead in fg%

 

[CanadaHawk]

Iowa is probably going to shoot to many long 3s to lead in fg%

We're actually more strong on the interior this year than Iowa has been for some time. That seems by design, which is promising for the bigs. So, with PJ gone, we're ripe for more interior shooting, leaving open 3s by competent shooters. This all tends to lead to an increase in FG% which could be dramatic.

 

[iCRUNCH]

Garza will score 60 points and grab 30 rebounds against Michigan State

 

[Rudolph]

Garza will score 60 points and grab 30 rebounds against Michigan State

… while playing the 1, giving JBo a much-needed night off.

 

[SirIllini]

What else do I have? Only total agreement with you and a suspicion that the game against Michigan State in February will have regular season Big Ten Championship implications. Not that we SHOULD win the whole thing....but we will make one heck of a run at it.

Top 25 ranking at the end of the season.

So just to be clear, Danny....Iowa will contend for the regular season championship with Michigan State but you're only willing to predict a top 25 ranking at season's end?

Hmmmmm... Doesn't make sense. If Iowa is really a B1G contender, they will be a top 10 team. So ... will Iowa be a top ten team in March? Will they be AT LEAST a 3 seed in the NCAA tourney?

 

[Ronman]

So just to be clear, Danny....Iowa will contend for the regular season championship with Michigan State but you're only willing to predict a top 25 ranking at season's end?

Hmmmmm... Doesn't make sense. If Iowa is really a B1G contender, they will be a top 10 team. So ... will Iowa be a top ten team in March? Will they be AT LEAST a 3 seed in the NCAA tourney?

You really don't have much of a life, do you?

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Thanks for your concern. I'm a meth addict living in my mother's basement.

But strangely... still more knowledgeable than 80% of the posters here.

Must make you a genius on the Illannoy sites.

 

[Ronman]

Thanks for your concern. I'm a meth addict living in my mother's basement.

But strangely... still more knowledgeable than 80% of the posters here.

You've managed to hide it well.

 

[SirIllini]

Hahaha

All the resident experts clam up when reality knocks.

So will "B1G championship contender" Iowa be at least a 3 seed in the tourney or not?

 

[hawksense]

I'm not an expert, but I'd say no. I think they make a jump this year, but so much goes into a season that you can't predict that it's hard accurately define what will happen.

But, you implying it won't happen is equally absurd.

Iowa appears to be equipped and deep at all positions, other than point. The starter is good, but the depth is murky.

And defensively, they need to be much cleaner. If that happens, I feel they could make a push for a league title.

 

[SirIllini]

Please point out where I've "implied" anything one way or the other about Iowa. That's not my m.o. For the record, I think Iowa will be a top half team this year and a tough out in the tourney. So does underwood, btw. He recently mentioned Iowa specifically as a team to watch out for. I think, barring injury, that MSU runs away with the regular season title.

I find posters like Danny amusing in that they'll make these bold declarative statements that Iowa is going to be battling with MSU for a league championship at the end of the season but then in the same breath say completely incongruous things like "top 25 finish." So which is it, man? Are they really going to be in it til the end in which case they should be a top ten team, or are they going to do well and be a 6 seed at best? Are you hedging so you don't look stupid at the end of the season (already too late) or do you just not know what you are talking about?

There are a lot of tough teams at the top of the league this year and purporting to predict top 3 finishes for any team three years out is too ridiculous not to poke fun at.

If you are going to "be bold" be consistent or at the very least make sense. Much rah rah little grey matter.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Please point out where I've "implied" anything one way or the other about Iowa. That's not my m.o. For the record, I think Iowa will be a top half team this year and a tough out in the tourney. So does underwood, btw. He recently mentioned Iowa specifically as a team to watch out for. I think, barring injury, that MSU runs away with the regular season title.

I find posters like Danny amusing in that they'll make these bold declarative statements that Iowa is going to be battling with MSU for a league championship at the end of the season but then in the same breath say completely incongruous things like "top 25 finish." So which is it, man? Are they really going to be in it til the end in which case they should be a top ten team, or are they going to do well and be a 6 seed at best? Are you hedging so you don't look stupid at the end of the season (already too late) or do you just not know what you are talking about?

There are a lot of tough teams at the top of the league this year and purporting to predict top 3 finishes for any team three years out is too ridiculous not to poke fun at.

If you are going to "be bold" be consistent or at the very least make sense. Much rah rah little grey matter.

Man I really love it when opposing fans come to other teams message boards and get their panties in a wad because the site they are on teams posters are overly optimistic and gift us with all their wisdom. Oh The horror. But I'm sure you never see posters like this on Illinois or other big 10 sites.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Plenty to be positive about. I don't see them getting the double bye for the BTT, though. I think 5th would be the high end of the finish range for them. I see them more likely as a 6 or 7. 9th if the wheels fall off.

 

[Suterman]

Sir Illini I do not think Iowa will get a #3 seed in the NCAA's or be a top 10 team in the nation. I do believe they will be good enough to get a 5-6-7 seed in the NCAA's, be a big factor in the B1G race and yes a top 25 ranking.

 

[jo2knight]

Last year the big 10 champs were only a 4 seed. So I'd say 3 seed is not likely, unless our non conference is or near undefeated.

 

[SirIllini]

Man I really love it when opposing fans come to other teams message boards and get their panties in a wad because the site they are on teams posters are overly optimistic and gift us with all their wisdom. Oh The horror. But I'm sure you never see posters like this on Illinois or other big 10 sites.

You concern for my panties is touching (if a little odd) but I assure you, madam, they remain unwadded.

You guys should be thanking me for bringing a little life to the place. This board is dead AF.

 

[SirIllini]

Last year the big 10 champs were only a 4 seed. So I'd say 3 seed is not likely, unless our non conference is or near undefeated.

Do you predict MSU (or Iowa or whoever wins the B1G) will be a 4 seed this year?

 

[AZmess]

You concern for my panties is touching (if a little odd) but I assure you, madam, they remain unwadded.

You guys should be thanking me for bringing a little life to the place. This board is dead AF.

Well, unlike you, we tend to focus on a certain fall sport too

But thank for the discussion. I personally am with you. Hoping for a top half finish in the conference. The defense will have to be MUCH better for that to happen though.

 

[SirIllini]

Funny because true. Football is a lost cause at Illinois.

Fran is a good man and a good coach. May you beat Wisconsin, IU and Northwestern badly.

 

[hawk-i bob]

Well, unlike you, we tend to focus on a certain fall sport too

But thank for the discussion. I personally am with you. Hoping for a top half finish in the conference. The defense will have to be MUCH better for that to happen though.

maybe u & you Illinoise buddy can get together..get high on supplements ...have a few beers...

 

[AZmess]

Lol no I'm not, dipshit.

 

[AZmess]

Or maybe stop being so tightly wound. This is supposed to be fun.

I laughed at a comment. You and Bob got pissed.

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

Do you predict MSU (or Iowa or whoever wins the B1G) will be a 4 seed this year?

I expect Michigan State to be better than a 4 seed. They also play Duke, Notre Dame, and are in a tournament with DePaul, Connecticut, Oregon, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Portland, and North Carolina (playing 3).

I'd consider that a significant step up from our schedule, and if they hold their own there, and win the B1G a game or two ahead of us, I could easily see a scenario where they are a #1 seed and we are a #6-7.

I don't think it is at all unreasonable to proffer a final Top 25 ranking and competing for a B1G title. That doesn't mean we've won the B1G and even if we did, it could be because MSU loses a few they shouldn't and we all finish around 14-4/13-5 in league. If you add that to a 9-4 non-conference (which would be disappointing), that could easily equate to "in contention for a B1G title" and a "Top 25 finish".

We could also go 18-0 in league, and finish with a Top 25 ranking. But would you be upset if I don't narrow it down to Top 24 ranking?

 

[iCRUNCH]

Iowa will finish 10th in big ten, win the big ten tournament, get to the final four, make the 8th seed in the eastern conference and lose to the Cavs

 

[jo2knight]

Do you predict MSU (or Iowa or whoever wins the B1G) will be a 4 seed this year?

Last year was a down year for Big Ten. Champ will probably be a 2 or 3 seed. Then we should have 2-3 teams around a 4 seed. I could see Iowa being the champion or a 4 seed pretty easy. We have a lot of talent.

 

[iabcuda]

Some threads, like this one, make me so glad I'm not married to any of you. Although there are a few of you I wouldn't mind forcing a little anal upon.

 

[jo2knight]

Some threads, like this one, make me so glad I'm not married to any of you. Although there are a few of you I wouldn't mind forcing a little anal upon.

Post of the week? LOL reply that's completely unrelated to topic, with strong gay tendencies