Christian Williams sighting

[HawkNorth]

imagine my surprise when halfway through the first half I see a stranger bringing the ball up court. I had to go online to discover that it was Christian Williams! Pretty interesting that in one of the biggest games of the year, in one of the toughest venues in college basketball, Fran trusted the true freshman to play some meaningful minutes. Along with Ellingson and Wagner, it sure made me nervous. Great to see that Fran trusts them enough to play them in a big game. I'm guessing that with a big lead it was an opportunity to get his young guys some valuable experience in a big time atmosphere. While none of the kids did anything very notable, they also didn't do anything disastrous. They will need all of that experience when this class of seniors graduates.

 

[MarionHawk]

It was nice to see him in there and playing under control but let's be honest here, the only reason he played was because MG was in full trouble. With the score the way it was, he was not going to put MG back into the game in the first half with 2 fouls. And he had to give AC a break. Who else was going to play the PG?

 

[revkev73]

It was nice to see him...but was it a surprise? Who else would have filled in some minutes at the PG spot...with MG on the rack for the half and Sapp tired? He was a logical pick to go in, it seems.

He seemed competent...with potential...good to see him, agreed. Has to be a boost to him with Fran trusting him in that situation.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Came up with a big offensive rebound. Looked pretty poised out there.

 

[Vbeachawk]

A 6'7" pg creates a lot of problems and mismatches on the floor for Iowa's opponents. Looking forward to seeing Williams play next year when he is the man at pg. Defensively and rebounding wise, he already presents problems for opponents.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

6'6" point guards with 7' wingspans don't grow on trees and he oozes talent. Fran and staff can turn him into a matchup nightmare. He's definitely a key going forward.

 

[revkev73]

Paul Pressy

 

[SDHawkDoc]

He didn't do anything special. But, more importantly, he didn't commit a bunch of errors.
I hope he gets more meaningful minutes in the B1G season.

 

[DutchyFunStar]

Too often you see young PGs force the issue,push tempo, drive and get stuck or try to thread the needle and turn it over. There were plenty of situations where Williams could have pushed up the court for a 2 on 2 break away or had a clear path to take his man to the rim but with the lead and trying to work later in the shot clock he showed the maturity to back it out and slow things down.

 

[BBHawk]

His first stretch in he still had the "deer in the headlights" look. The second time he came in he was solid. Maybe he will be able to contribute this year - Iowa will need him at some point.

 

[shoot_the_three]

Wagner and Williams looked like they belonged, in my opinion Ellingson isn't going to contribute much against an athletic team like MSU. When MSU turned up the D in the 2nd half he looked over matched. Not that he contributed much in the first half. Would have liked to see Dom get more minutes in the 2nd half after his good first half.

 

[DanHawkPella]

To Ellingson's credit he actually kept his dribble in the face of a pretty athletic player who was trying to turn him over. A lot of kids would have picked up their dribble quickly in that situation. He's not quick enough to blow by him when he got so aggressive, but he is SKILLED enough to keep his dribble which impressed me.

Gesell on the other hand taught his guy a lesson when he got too aggressive by blowing by him for a layup over the front of the rim. I thought that was funny.

 

[icu81222]

Hope "Franny" can get him more playing time once the schedule eases up. Will pay huge dividends next season and maybe even come post season.

I was shocked to see him out there after hardly playing at all lately.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Williams is the 7'3" pg we've been waiting for.

 

[Mohawkeye]

A 6'7" pg creates a lot of problems and mismatches on the floor for Iowa's opponents. Looking forward to seeing Williams play next year when he is the man at pg. Defensively and rebounding wise, he already presents problems for opponents.

Agree. The kid screams potential. Thought his handles looked good and his defense has the potential to cause nightmares. His one turnover was actually the result of good vision when he saw Woody make the cut. Just wasn't executed and not necessary given the clock.

 

[shoot_the_three]

Dan I agree about Ellingson keeping his dribble alive, but if it was the possession that I am thinking about he did it while backing up towards the half court line.

 

[srams21]

I have been on record from the beginning saying I really like Christian's potential. I thought he did a great job of not forcing things when he was in there. Many young players would have tried to force the issue and make mistakes. He played within the flow of the game and made simple, but correct decisions with the ball. He even showed his length by grabbing a nice rebound.

Give him another year of development and understanding and he will be a good one.

 

[bagdropper]

Long season. Fran cannot keep trotting out the starters for 30+ every night.

Ideally, the true freshmen can contribute 15-20 minutes a game total from here on out. The benefits of that will bloom later in the year.

Gonna need 'em. Williams, Wagner...doesn't matter who. Get 'em in there. Iowa can't be afraid to play them.

 

[hawkeyekid]

Mike getting into foul trouble and Iowa still being able to get a big lead was a great situation for Iowa and Williams. Good minutes against one of the best teams in the country at their place.

I bet we'll see a little more of Williams as the season goes on. The Big 10 is brutal and Mike and Clemmons will need a few minutes off each night.

 

[icu81222]

Long season. Fran cannot keep trotting out the starters for 30+ every night.

Ideally, the true freshmen can contribute 15-20 minutes a game total from here on out. The benefits of that will bloom later in the year.

Gonna need 'em. Williams, Wagner...doesn't matter who. Get 'em in there. Iowa can't be afraid to play them.

Wait, did the starters all play over 30 last night?

Even if they did, it is expected vs a team like MSU on the road. Once the front heavy schedule lessens, I think the rest for starters will be there. We aren't ISU. Iowa has developed the program with depth. They will be fine.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

I agree that Williams and Wagner acquitted themselves well last night, and that they will play more as the schedule softens. Both have tremendous potential, and I'm confident we'll see that potential develop quickly as they see more and more playing time.

 

[jaffarosenfels]

I agree that Williams and Wagner acquitted themselves well last night, and that they will play more as the schedule softens. Both have tremendous potential, and I'm confident we'll see that potential develop quickly as they see more and more playing time.

When Williams got that loose ball and looked up and saw only Jok in front of him I almost wished Jok had not been there so Christian could have had the chance to really thunder one home.
I too, am excited for this kids potential but I'm glad he has time. In early season match ups it will be huge to get him comfortable with what he can do to be effective as an offensive player. I would hope they are really working on his pull up game and 3 point shot.

 

[mstp1992]

Williams is the 7'3" pg we've been waiting for.

It was like watching Ralph Sampson playing PG for us.

 

[bravehawks1]

IMO, the bench contributions will be key because our starters cannot play 30+ minutes every game in tough conference. Use of Williams was forced last night because of foul trouble, but it will provide confidence for Christian and for Fran to use him. I have been skeptical of Williams from the preseason games but he was solid last night. I think Fran needs to make a strong effort to get Wagner more minutes too. this will not only take the pressure off Woody to stay out of foul trouble, but leave matchup problems when he can play Uhl, Uthoff and Jok at 3, 4 and 2 spots respectively. I would not mind finding a few minutes for Fleming too since I think he has far greater upside than Ellingson.
Fran often becomes a fan and forgets about his bench players (Wagner at ISU and Uhl last year on several occasions). He has experienced assistants including a long time head coach so I don't get why that occurs.

 

[Ronman]

I'm sure this was exactly what McCaffery has been telling his bench players. You have to prepare hard so when you get your shot at playing time, you're ready. Williams looked ready. I'd like to see him get Fleming a few minutes here and there as well.

 

[mazda1]

I think the reason Fleming didn't play is that he's one of those guys who has tried to do too much when he comes in. I think he has the talent to do the job, but he's trying to be the man when he gets his minutes.

Certainly Williams is a true point, but if Fleming was more under control he'd get more minutes. Discipline is hard to learn when you're part of a me first HS team.

 

[RocknRollface]

To Ellingson's credit he actually kept his dribble in the face of a pretty athletic player who was trying to turn him over. A lot of kids would have picked up their dribble quickly in that situation. He's not quick enough to blow by him when he got so aggressive, but he is SKILLED enough to keep his dribble which impressed me.

Gesell on the other hand taught his guy a lesson when he got too aggressive by blowing by him for a layup over the front of the rim. I thought that was funny.

Mikes added that little hesitation head fake that looks like he's bringing the ball up for a shot and then crosses back over at the last second.

That's a big time move you see in the NBA allot, tricky to do without carrying .

He crossed up MSU defenders a couple times last night.

 

[C/Seahawk]

I'm sure this was exactly what McCaffery has been telling his bench players. You have to prepare hard so when you get your shot at playing time, you're ready. Williams looked ready. I'd like to see him get Fleming a few minutes here and there as well.

If Brady doesn't gain more confidence, I think you might get your wish with regards to Fleming(provided he is working hard in practice and developing). For whatever reason, Brady just isn't confident in what he is doing right now, playing real passively right now, probably typical of most underclassmen at one point or another. Not sure what brought it on, but he seems to be struggling to find his way right now. The nice thing is we aren't reliant on our rookies and second year players like we were a few years ago. I suppose we should enjoy it while we can

 

[johnnashhawk]

My question......can CW shoot the ball?

 

[BBHawk]

My question......can CW shoot the ball?

He has a sweet shot, yes, and like most HS kids it will get better with practice. He has a huge wingspan and huge hands, too, so I think as he gets stronger he could have some spectacular dunks.

 

[Hawkiz13]

I came here to talk about Manute Bol.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Wagner and Williams looked like they belonged, in my opinion Ellingson isn't going to contribute much against an athletic team like MSU. When MSU turned up the D in the 2nd half he looked over matched. Not that he contributed much in the first half. Would have liked to see Dom get more minutes in the 2nd half after his good first half.

He did take a nice charge on the defensive end when MSU started a mini-run. Ellingson I think will be a good one going forward. I think he understands his role on the team (sub player who is there to spell the starters). Doesn't look to force anything and just tries to play solid defense. I think that is what you are seeing out this Iowa team. Every guys has accepted their role on the team and they are playing as a group. I mean the guys coming off of the bench are contributing in little ways. As long as the starters can hit their shots, the subs just need to maintain the leads and not go crazy.

I really like the fact that Fran is playing some of the young guys. I realize that they won't light up the stat sheet like Ben Simmons, but they will gain valuable experience and that will help moving forward.

 

[shoot_the_three]

I agree that Ellingson has a role with this team just think that MSU is a bad matchup for him. Need a couple of slashers on the floor with him to try and get him some open shots. To MG and AC's credit they have been doing a nice job of breaking their guy down off of the dribble this year.

 

[danpalmq]

When Williams got that loose ball and looked up and saw only Jok in front of him I almost wished Jok had not been there so Christian could have had the chance to really thunder one home.
I too, am excited for this kids potential but I'm glad he has time. In early season match ups it will be huge to get him comfortable with what he can do to be effective as an offensive player. I would hope they are really working on his pull up game and 3 point shot.

Agreed and sorry to nitpick but I think it was a steal (picked off a Michigan State pass) rather than a loose ball.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Brady has to knock down those open threes, that's what he is supposed to be known for. I think CW is gonna be a good one.

 

[hexumhawk]

Agree that I would like to get Flemming some minutes in a few games to get him the feel if able to. It does pay off in the future to get these kids into the fire early.

 

[johnnashhawk]

I'm sure this was exactly what McCaffery has been telling his bench players. You have to prepare hard so when you get your shot at playing time, you're ready. Williams looked ready. I'd like to see him get Fleming a few minutes here and there as well.

Relative to the bench, I love the emotion they show during the game. Fleming is one of the best cheerleaders on the bench, but without exception, the entire bench is standing, cheering, supporting the guys on the floor. I love passon, and this team seems to have it.

 

[HellaHawk]

I know a few people were wondering why we didn't redshirt Williams this year and this game showed them why. We have the luxury of having two solid senior PGs, but occasionally you need a third option.

Williams had one turnover, but more than made up for it with a steal and an assist to Jok. He also had that big offensive rebound. It's rare to get offensive rebounding out of your PG, but most PGs aren't 6' 7".

 

[Mohawkeye]

Love the upside on Williams and the energy from Wagner. I'm not seeing so much what others see in Fleming, but it is a small sample size.

 

[unoHawkeye]

You can tell that he was a high school quarterback. Straight poise the entire time he was in. Played great defense and he, like Wagner, understands his role on the team.

It's great to see guys like Wagner, Williams, and Ellingson not trying to do too much with the ball as freshmen are known to do. In fact, the entire team seems to be very highly aware of their individual roles and strengths and how to utilize them.