Curious George sums up this Senior Class and close games under Fran....

[Hawkeyestate81]

When was it clear a full comeback was possible, Georges?

“I think I looked at the scoreboard and it was like 69-60 with (about) 10 minutes left,” Niang said. “You could just look in all their faces. They were telling each other the wrong plays and then this, that and the other. They didn’t look (like) what they looked like in the first half. In the first half, they looked like they were confident, really running their stuff. In the second half, they just didn’t have that confidence or swagger about them.”

I just really think we were pressuring them and to be honest when we started coming back they just didn’t have the same look in their eyes,” Niang said. “Even when they were getting baskets they weren’t celebrating as much. They just looked like they were getting more nervous and nervous and we kept taking better shots and getting more confident and more confident. At the end of it, they just gave us the game when you think about it.”

 

[Fsanford]

When was it clear a full comeback was possible, Georges?

“I think I looked at the scoreboard and it was like 69-60 with (about) 10 minutes left,” Niang said. “You could just look in all their faces. They were telling each other the wrong plays and then this, that and the other. They didn’t look (like) what they looked like in the first half. In the first half, they looked like they were confident, really running their stuff. In the second half, they just didn’t have that confidence or swagger about them.”

I just really think we were pressuring them and to be honest when we started coming back they just didn’t have the same look in their eyes,” Niang said. “Even when they were getting baskets they weren’t celebrating as much. They just looked like they were getting more nervous and nervous and we kept taking better shots and getting more confident and more confident. At the end of it, they just gave us the game when you think about it.”

Iowa got up 20 and figured they could just hang on, once you do that it is near impossible to flip the switch and turn it on again. Nobody wanted to be the guy down the stretch.

And for a couple of them you absolutely knew they had 2 years ago in the back of their mind.once that run started.
They are human, hard not to think about it.

 

[Hawkeyestate81]

Iowa got up 20 and figured they could just hang on, once you do that it is near impossible to flip the switch and turn it on again. Nobody wanted to be the guy down the stretch.

Which sums up this Senior class, it really does, sorry. I've seen this happen countless times now.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Merry Christmas ISU. Iowa players are good at giving games/presents away.

In all seriousness though, I did not expect to win that game. I seriously thought we would get run out of the gym. We played a great first half, had some sloppy moments but overall played well. Then when the 2nd half started I said to my wife, "IF we can keep it double digits lead until 4:00min left I like our chances." Sadly that did not happen. Niang is right, the players started to get scared and worried. Good teams do not let that happen. Why do you think MSU always beats Iowa?? Their players step up in crunch time, Iowas fold.

Overall the way it ended sucked, but it was a good game. Iowa just fell apart and hopefully they will grow from this loss. Long season ahead and lots of basketball games left to be played.

 

[DodgerHawki]

When was it clear a full comeback was possible, Georges?

“I think I looked at the scoreboard and it was like 69-60 with (about) 10 minutes left,” Niang said. “You could just look in all their faces. They were telling each other the wrong plays and then this, that and the other. They didn’t look (like) what they looked like in the first half. In the first half, they looked like they were confident, really running their stuff. In the second half, they just didn’t have that confidence or swagger about them.”

I just really think we were pressuring them and to be honest when we started coming back they just didn’t have the same look in their eyes,” Niang said. “Even when they were getting baskets they weren’t celebrating as much. They just looked like they were getting more nervous and nervous and we kept taking better shots and getting more confident and more confident. At the end of it, they just gave us the game when you think about it.”

Hist last sentence is spot on. Everyone knew Iowa State would make a comeback. They trailed by 21 against Oklahoma last year and won going away. Iowa had weathered the storm after ISU cut it to 71-70. Iowa needed to punch back as ISU had spent a lot of energy. That's exactly what happened as Iowa went back ahead by 6 and 8. Literally all Iowa had to do was inbound the ball and couldn't do it. Yes, Iowa State's defense was good there. But if you can't inbound the ball you don't deserve to win. Period.

 

[Lone Clone]

Hist last sentence is spot on. Everyone knew Iowa State would make a comeback. They trailed by 21 against Oklahoma last year and won going away. Iowa had weathered the storm after ISU cut it to 71-70. Iowa needed to punch back as ISU had spent a lot of energy. That's exactly what happened as Iowa went back ahead by 6 and 8. Literally all Iowa had to do was inbound the ball and couldn't do it. Yes, Iowa State's defense was good there. But if you can't inbound the ball you don't deserve to win. Period.

Yeah, that's when I thought it was over. ISU had three possessions to take the lead and failed on all three, then Iowa went up by 8 -- primarily thanks to Gesell, for the benefit of all those who are blaming him for the loss -- and I figured it was time to pass in the hymn books.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Texting with friends and family at half and said we would find a way to lose. Hell, my 86 year old mom called after the game and said she had a bad feeling we would let them back in. Apparently the make up of this team is clear to everyone except Fran & Co.

Not an ISU fan by any stretch, but those guys fight to the end and that is more about the players than who the coach is. Doesn't matter who Izzo puts out there, they play like their pants are on fire and if they don't, they sit...we need to create a culture like that here.

 

[Hawkeyestate81]

Yeah, that's when I thought it was over. ISU had three possessions to take the lead and failed on all three, then Iowa went up by 8 -- primarily thanks to Gesell, for the benefit of all those who are blaming him for the loss -- and I figured it was time to pass in the hymn books.

Any other team not named Iowa would have won that game in that scenario. That is what we are fed up with.

 

[KeyWest Tim]

It also looked to me that as the game came closer to the end many Iowa guys really didn't want to be the one to take a shot.

Gessell has been severely criticized here, but did play hard and did take shots.

The problem even with Marble is that the guards wait until under 10 seconds to set up a play late in the game, can't get their shot or are too slow and end up with a bad possession.

I have seen this now for 5 years.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

It also looked to me that as the game came closer to the end many Iowa guys really didn't want to be the one to take a shot.

Gessell has been severely criticized here, but did play hard and did take shots.

The problem even with Marble is that the guards wait until under 10 seconds to set up a play late in the game, can't get their shot or are too slow and end up with a bad possession.

I have seen this now for 5 years.

This is the issue with me with this team. Do we run a set offense?? Because it looked like the 1st half we were moving, screening, and doing a good job of movement away from the ball. The 2nd half particular under 10:00min left we rarely moved? We had guys standing, setting ball screens and that was it?? There was no movement what so ever and we just stood and passed the ball around (similar to the lickliter years). Then when the shot clock got down under 5 we would just throw up a prayer. It was very disorganized basketball the last 10 minutes and I feel that the blame goes on the coaches and players. If it was a group of freshman I could see it playing out like that, but this is a veteran ball club.

 

[Fsanford]

This is the issue with me with this team. Do we run a set offense?? Because it looked like the 1st half we were moving, screening, and doing a good job of movement away from the ball. The 2nd half particular under 10:00min left we rarely moved? We had guys standing, setting ball screens and that was it?? There was no movement what so ever and we just stood and passed the ball around (similar to the lickliter years). Then when the shot clock got down under 5 we would just throw up a prayer. It was very disorganized basketball the last 10 minutes and I feel that the blame goes on the coaches and players. If it was a group of freshman I could see it playing out like that, but this is a veteran ball club.

If you look at it though, game plan was get it to Uthoff, once that was taken away Jok, until his eye issue was next option. When that was gone, who is the next go to guy?

ISU has 5 or 6 guys that can win you games, 5 of them score in double figures, Iowa has 2.
5 guys on ISU want the ball at the end, not sure if 5 guys on the court from Iowa feel the same way.

Basketball is a much easier game if all the guys on the floor are capable of hitting the shot.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

If you look at it though, game plan was get it to Uthoff, once that was taken away Jok, until his eye issue was next option. When that was gone, who is the next go to guy?

ISU has 5 or 6 guys that can win you games, 5 of them score in double figures, Iowa has 2.
5 guys on ISU want the ball at the end, not sure if 5 guys on the court from Iowa feel the same way.

Basketball is a much easier game if all the guys on the floor are capable of hitting the shot.

I get it they were taking Utoff away, well then move him around, set some screens and keep the movement going. ISU and Iowa both were gassed by the end, but keep moving. I remember an old ball coach telling us, "if your standing still on offense, your not doing your job." Basically he wanted us moving at all times and force the defense to guard us all the time. I mean it worked we would work the ball around and make them play defense. It just seemed like Iowa kept trying to post up Jarod on the block and they took that away, okay set some screens and move him around.

It was just a poor game plan the last 12:00min of the 2nd half. Iowa did not play like a veteran ball club.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Its comes down to coaching and preparation. Im sorry, but it does. There was disarray on the floor again at the end. We've seen this story too many times

 

[Auger]

He basically described what guys that don't have a killer instinct do. Hard to argue with him I think he was spot on.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

Learn , move on, I hope guys on the bench saw and understand when their chance comes.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

He basically described what guys that don't have a killer instinct do. Hard to argue with him I think he was spot on.

It's exactly the critique from the Central Fla (it was some Fla school) last year. I hate to say this but our upper classmen are mentally weak. You can see it in their body language. It's the "oh shoot, here we go again". How many layups/dunks did Iowa give up in the 2nd half because guys were way out of position. On offense nobody was moving around and nobody wanted to shoot the ball at the end of the game except Gesell. Go back and watch the replay. Uhl plants himself near the top of the key and had several wide open looks (because ISU wasn't even guarding him) and he'd hesitate. You could tell he wanted to shoot but didn't have the confidence, so he passed it to a teammate.

 

[HawkLogic]

Yeah, that's when I thought it was over. ISU had three possessions to take the lead and failed on all three, then Iowa went up by 8 -- primarily thanks to Gesell, for the benefit of all those who are blaming him for the loss -- and I figured it was time to pass in the hymn books.

3/10 and 5 TO's and missed the rim on his last shot for shot clock violation. Not sure I see him as guy keeping Iowa in game.

 

[aurorabimmer]

I really hope everyone with the word Iowa on their jersey looks at the last minutes of this game and see what intensity is necessary to win big time BB. ISU, MSU, Wisconsin and others that we will play this year know what is necessary. Yes Gessell did try but it takes five unless your a future NBA superstar.

 

[DarkThunder#61]

"At the end of it, they just gave us the game when you think about it.”

Outstanding quote of the year!! Well done Georges. Built-in excuse by the veteran leader from their own team. Lol sorry ISU fans. Your own best player knows that we gave you the game.

Congrats on the win that we gave you, according to Niang.

Beautifully done.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Outstanding quote of the year!! Well done Georges. Built-in excuse by the veteran leader from their own team. Lol sorry ISU fans. Your own best player knows that we gave you the game.

Congrats on the win that we gave you, according to Niang.

Beautifully done.

I think that was blatantly obvious to anyone who saw the game.

 

[moondog24]

Last many were ready to throw Fran and some of the players after a couple of bad loses in the Big 10, but they bounced back and played some of the best BB in recent years. The ending at Iowa State was devastating, especially with the experience we had on the floor, but give ISU their due, they have a coach and experienced players as well, three of whom are probably better than anyone else on the floor. And let's not kid ourselves, Hilton is one of maybe there or four of the toughest places for a visiting team to play. It would have been great if Iowa could have held on and won, but they will learn from this and in the long run be much tougher.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Which sums up this Senior class, it really does, sorry. I've seen this happen countless times now.

Either you can't count very high, you really like to exaggerate, or both.

 

[DarkThunder#61]

I think that was blatantly obvious to anyone who saw the game.

Of course, and it's also why Cyclone fans have been relatively quiet over here.

 

[Tacos123]

Last many were ready to throw Fran and some of the players after a couple of bad loses in the Big 10, but they bounced back and played some of the best BB in recent years. The ending at Iowa State was devastating, especially with the experience we had on the floor, but give ISU their due, they have a coach and experienced players as well, three of whom are probably better than anyone else on the floor. And let's not kid ourselves, Hilton is one of maybe there or four of the toughest places for a visiting team to play. It would have been great if Iowa could have held on and won, but they will learn from this and in the long run be much tougher.

The issue is that they're not learning from this, coaches and players alike. The team continues to look for someone else to win it for them. Frustrating.

 

[Lone Clone]

Of course, and it's also why Cyclone fans have been relatively quiet over here.

Hell, I'm the first poster who quoted Georges on that aspect of the game. Of course Iowa gave it away.

I would argue, however, that ISU tried desperately to give it away for a half or more. 12 turnovers in the first half, almost all of them unforced; missed bunnies; just generally played horribly. If both teams play their "A" game it doesn't come down to the final seconds.

 

[navyrules]

Hell, I'm the first poster who quoted Georges on that aspect of the game. Of course Iowa gave it away.

I would argue, however, that ISU tried desperately to give it away for a half or more. 12 turnovers in the first half, almost all of them unforced; missed bunnies; just generally played horribly. If both teams play their "A" game it doesn't come down to the final seconds.

That may be true unless you consider Iowa's "A" game includes Uthoff playing like he did the first half for the whole game. Then I think it may be close.

 

[sloehawk]

Last many were ready to throw Fran and some of the players after a couple of bad loses in the Big 10, but they bounced back and played some of the best BB in recent years. The ending at Iowa State was devastating, especially with the experience we had on the floor, but give ISU their due, they have a coach and experienced players as well, three of whom are probably better than anyone else on the floor. And let's not kid ourselves, Hilton is one of maybe there or four of the toughest places for a visiting team to play. It would have been great if Iowa could have held on and won, but they will learn from this and in the long run be much tougher.

B.S. This is a TREND, not a mirage.

Look, Iowa has come from behind, lost from ahead, all kinds of things (and certainly some good things in there) in 100 plus games in the last 4-5 years. But they far and away choke more at end of games than they do win them. Don't need to look that up, just watch the games (you get a head start because 2 of those absolute choke jobs both happened in Ames, to a supposedly superior opponent, on their home floor).

We've lost 3 games this year and led all 3 late if I'm not mistaken. Teams make runs from way down, or lose them when way up, happens all the time. BUT, when you lead late, and you supposedly have all this "experience" on the court, that is theoretically supposed to win you games. The fact that it more often than not does not happen for Iowa, strongly suggests they haven't learned much about closing out games. Coaches or players.

To say that this latest in the long line of choked games is the one that they will "learn from", is quite frankly laughable at this point. You may well be proven right, but you'll be bucking a serious trend that says otherwise.

 

[Lone Clone]

That may be true unless you consider Iowa's "A" game includes Uthoff playing like he did the first half for the whole game. Then I think it may be close.

I take nothing away from Uthoff. It was an incredible performance. I will say again that I wish he played for the Cyclones. But I think ISU's defense made it easier for him.

To answer your question, if he were to play the whole game like he did the first half, then I would expect Iowa to win. Although you never know. Rick Mount had 61 against Iowa and the Boilermakers lost the game; Lafester Rhodes had 54 against Iowa and the game went to overtime.

 

[thewop]

Which sums up this Senior class, it really does, sorry. I've seen this happen countless times now.

Part of me hopes it's the senior class, and not a deeper issue than that (like Fran). The other part of me hopes it's just a long string of bad luck.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

B.S. This is a TREND, not a mirage.

Look, Iowa has come from behind, lost from ahead, all kinds of things (and certainly some good things in there) in 100 plus games in the last 4-5 years. But they far and away choke more at end of games than they do win them. Don't need to look that up, just watch the games (you get a head start because 2 of those absolute choke jobs both happened in Ames, to a supposedly superior opponent, on their home floor).

We've lost 3 games this year and led all 3 late if I'm not mistaken. Teams make runs from way down, or lose them when way up, happens all the time. BUT, when you lead late, and you supposedly have all this "experience" on the court, that is theoretically supposed to win you games. The fact that it more often than not does not happen for Iowa, strongly suggests they haven't learned much about closing out games. Coaches or players.

To say that this latest in the long line of choked games is the one that they will "learn from", is quite frankly laughable at this point. You may well be proven right, but you'll be bucking a serious trend that says otherwise.

Great post!

 

[DarkThunder#61]

If both teams play their "A" game it doesn't come down to the final seconds.

You're right. Iowa would've won going away in that case, especially if both teams played the best they could play for a full 40 minutes.

 

[hawk-i bob]

Which sums up this Senior class, it really does, sorry. I've seen this happen countless times now.

Iowa seniors have won 74 games ... so I assume you are referring to some of the 41 losses. I don't have a memory that allows me to say countless. Some people seem to or prefer to remember the bad and forget the good.

I've posted in the lounge I didn't like the minute distribution from the starters to the reserves in the ISU game. I thought Iowa looked really tired in the last 8-9 minutes of the game ...after destroying ISU for 30 minutes.

Iowa handed this game to ISU. Very disappointing.

Saying that, I appreciate this senior class as the one who helped the Iowa BB program from 54-76 the previous 4 years to 74-41 the last 3+...and the first back-back NCAA bids in 10 years (2005&2006)....and the first NCAA win in nearly 15 years.

Have we had disappointed losses in the last 3+ years...yep.
Have we lost games we should not have ....yep.

But on balance.....considering where we were, where we are....NO I'm not going to sum up our seniors based on the fact they blew the ISU game. Countless? if we are going to start counting lets count every game...we just beat a really talented FlaSt team in OT the other week..does that count toward the count?

I understand the disappointment in the way we lost the ISU game...should have never happened.
I also understand it brings out & back the posters who are pretty silent after super wins...poster vocal after we blow a game. You see they don't count every game just the one(s) like the one that just took place.

Lets win the next 2. I'm looking forward to being in Carver for the MSU matchup...I hope they come in ranked #1. Wow #1 ...

 

[Lone Clone]

You're right. Iowa would've won going away in that case, especially if both teams played the best they could play for a full 40 minutes.

If you are serious, you can't be taken seriously.

 

[Hawkeyestate81]

If you are serious, you can't be taken seriously.

I think Iowa is just as good as ISU worst case.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

I would much rather have lost that game with Uthoff firing from wherever he could get a shot up. He shot 69% from 3 last week if my stats are right. Yes, mistakes were made, intensity and focus were lost, but Uthoff had to take over once Jok went down. Easy for a YMCA hacker league hoopster like me to say, but man, everyone on the floor was deferring to him.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Uh oh.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...cyclones-miss-remainder-season-due-hip-issues

 

[RockEyeState]

Its comes down to coaching and preparation. Im sorry, but it does. There was disarray on the floor again at the end. We've seen this story too many times

There are simple, smart Basketball strategies that are just not being utilized by this Coach
& for the life of me, I don't know why. Some Jr High coaches could have coached IOWA to a
Victory, with a 20 pt lead against the clowns. Ever heard of taking the shot clock down? Ever heard of NOT throwing the ball in close to your opponents bucket, for an easy, quick hoop??

 

[dawgs_04]

Ever heard of taking the shot clock down?

Taking the shot clock down is a huge problem for Fran's teams. His offense is built on creating good looks and taking them when available. Fran's idea of taking the shot clock down is dribbling for 25 seconds and having Gesell attack the trees. It doesn't work and hasn't worked for Fran's entire tenure.

What we need is somebody to show some balls rather than putting it between their legs when the game is on the line. Stay aggressive and the system will work. We have no offense when we burn the clock.

 

[DarkThunder#61]

If you are serious, you can't be taken seriously.

I'm always serious when it comes to the fact that Iowa is better than Iowa State....always.