Don't be confused by Williams' stat line

[CentralIAHawk]

I think the stat line for CW is a bit of a tale of 2 halves. In the first half, and the first part of the second half, CW played the point guard position. He handled the ball well, pushed it well offensively, and assisted well. However, he wasn't much of a scoring threat.

Much of his scoring happen late, when he was playing off the ball, with JBo manning the point.

My opinion is that his positioning will be determined in the flow of the game, based on whether we are struggling defensively or offensively.

If we need stops and a rebound, then I think we see CW at the point, with somebody like Baer or Wagner at the three.

If we need to score, then I really like Jordan at the point, and Williams at the 3. I would leave Peter alone at the 2. It looks to me like CW is more of a natural 3 off the ball, then he is a natural 2.

Go Hawks!

 

[DanL53]

Right. Swamp gas and weather balloons. Don't let Stat Lines fool us.

If only this were a hockey game we could shuttle guys in and out while the game is going on. And while I see your point that Williams would make a great point guard, two guard, or three guard, the answer is yes.

Did you watch the game last night and if you did, than you caught the repeated, "Guard who brings the ball up" comments. I don't know what more can be done to tell people, WE PLAY POSTIONLESS BASKETBALL SO WE DON'T HAVE A POINT GUARD!!!" Thank you, carry on.

 

[CentralIAHawk]

Dan,

Actually, I did watch the game very closely last night. And I am a big fan of your opinion, Dan.

However, with that said, last night was not "positionless "when it comes to the point guard position. Yes, I agree, several different players brought the ball up the court in the fast break. However, when we were in the half-court set, they're generally was a point guard who was trying to get everyone into a flow. And when that person was CW, he was not looking to score very much. However, when that person was J Bo, he was looking to score as he was executing the office. In addition, CW became a very different player when J Bo was on the floor with him.

It doesn't matter, I don't know nearly as much as I think I do most times, LOL. All my point is, Christian Williams was a very different player with Jordan Bohannon was on the floor. I am excited to watch this all develop.

Go Hawks!

 

[Suterman]

Good observation and I think pretty accurate. I'm not sure either Williams or JoBo are pure point guards but they will be adequate.

 

[DanL53]

Dan,

Actually, I did watch the game very closely last night. And I am a big fan of your opinion, Dan.

However, with that said, last night was not "positionless "when it comes to the point guard position. Yes, I agree, several different players brought the ball up the court in the fast break. However, when we were in the half-court set, they're generally was a point guard who was trying to get everyone into a flow. And when that person was CW, he was not looking to score very much. However, when that person was J Bo, he was looking to score as he was executing the office. In addition, CW became a very different player when J Bo was on the floor with him.

It doesn't matter, I don't know nearly as much as I think I do most times, LOL. All my point is, Christian Williams was a very different player with Jordan Bohannon was on the floor. I am excited to watch this all develop.

Go Hawks!

I don't know near as much as I act like. You're opinion is as valuable as mine. I just believe that we'll see several guys setting up the offense, with the ball at the top of the key. It may be Williams or Bohannon to start a half court offense, but that's only because they will usually bring the ball up from out of bounds. As we run the motion, you won't see us stop it to wait for Williams or Bohannon to get back to the top and start everything again.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

Right. Swamp gas and weather balloons. Don't let Stat Lines fool us.

If only this were a hockey game we could shuttle guys in and out while the game is going on. And while I see your point that Williams would make a great point guard, two guard, or three guard, the answer is yes.

Did you watch the game last night and if you did, than you caught the repeated, "Guard who brings the ball up" comments. I don't know what more can be done to tell people, WE PLAY POSTIONLESS BASKETBALL SO WE DON'T HAVE A POINT GUARD!!!" Thank you, carry on.

= we will never win a BIG title if that continues.

 

[goodbyebobby]

Dan,

Actually, I did watch the game very closely last night. And I am a big fan of your opinion, Dan.

However, with that said, last night was not "positionless "when it comes to the point guard position. Yes, I agree, several different players brought the ball up the court in the fast break. However, when we were in the half-court set, they're generally was a point guard who was trying to get everyone into a flow. And when that person was CW, he was not looking to score very much. However, when that person was J Bo, he was looking to score as he was executing the office. In addition, CW became a very different player when J Bo was on the floor with him.

It doesn't matter, I don't know nearly as much as I think I do most times, LOL. All my point is, Christian Williams was a very different player with Jordan Bohannon was on the floor. I am excited to watch this all develop.

Go Hawks!

That's sweet, and it is going to be fun watching this season develop. I think they can be pretty competitive if Wagner can become Brendan/Brandon? Dawson from MSU.

 

[lonewolf52]

I am not as concerned offensively as I agree that CW can be a major scoring threat from the 3. BUT I really want to see CW guarding opposing PGs as his length and rebounding would give us a huge advantage defensively.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I've watched this game 4 times now ...1 live and 3 on tape minus about the 3 minutes in the second half when we lost our connection... ??

What I probably am most excited and happy to see with the guard play was just how tight CW and Jordan's handles were. #1 Montoya (sp?), #2 and #5 were good little perimeter guards for Regis especially #1.....he's as good a little PG as you'll see in our league. Quick as crap too. Also just to note. Pete's handles seem tighter and better....great for the Hawks.

CW and Jordan are not Dre Woolwridge yet with their handles in traffic or against pressure (I will never forget Dre going through his legs against the full court pressure of Kentucky in the NCAA tourny...sweet) but I was glad that Regis and their guards gave this team some full, 3/4 and half court extended pressure. And CW and Jordan handled the pressure very well. No TOs for CW. I was impressed with his ball handling.

And he did his damage scoring mostly when he was at the PG position. Length of the court drives to the rim and the 15 and 6 minute mark in the second half before Jordan got into the game with that very nice length of the court assist and the dunk by CW. CW then took a steal the length of the court again and fed Maishe Dailey in the corner to knock down the 3. Also Pemsl found CW underneath the basket for a very nice assist and 3 pt play for CW.

Very impressed on exhibition night #1 with our guard play. Been saying this...CW and Jordan are talents. Give them some rope at this position.

 

[unIowa]

I've watched this game 4 times now ...1 live and 3 on tape minus about the 3 minutes in the second half when we lost our connection... ??

What I probably am most excited and happy to see with the guard play was just how tight CW and Jordan's handles were. #1 Montoya (sp?), #2 and #5 were good little perimeter guards for Regis especially #1.....he's as good a little PG as you'll see in our league. Quick as crap too. Also just to note. Pete's handles seem tighter and better....great for the Hawks.

CW and Jordan are not Dre Woolwridge yet with their handles in traffic or against pressure (I will never forget Dre going through his legs against the full court pressure of Kentucky in the NCAA tourny...sweet) but I was glad that Regis and their guards gave this team some full, 3/4 and half court extended pressure. And CW and Jordan handled the pressure very well. No TOs for CW. I was impressed with his ball handling.

And he did his damage scoring mostly when he was at the PG position. Length of the court drives to the rim and the 15 and 6 minute mark in the second half before Jordan got into the game with that very nice length of the court assist and the dunk by CW. CW then took a steal the length of the court again and fed Maishe Dailey in the corner to knock down the 3. Also Pemsl found CW underneath the basket for a very nice assist and 3 pt play for CW.

Very impressed on exhibition night #1 with our guard play. Been saying this...CW and Jordan are talents. Give them some rope at this position.

pete was still very sloppy w the ball, I didn't see any improvement over last season.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

pete was still very sloppy w the ball, I didn't see any improvement over last season.

Well.....he did have ONE TO and 2 assists if that is what you call sloppy? Did you re-watch the game? He had a player up in him most of the game with a shadow...also had 3 steals.

I saw his dribbling to be tighter in and under pressure. Difficult to do when you draw a ton of attention.. We'll disagree,

 

[unIowa]

Well.....he did have ONE TO and 2 assists if that is what you call sloppy? Did you re-watch the game? He had a player up in him most of the game with a shadow...also had 3 steals.

I saw his dribbling to be tighter in and under pressure. Difficult to do when you draw a ton of attention.. We'll disagree,

I suggest you rewatch the game, his ball handling will keep him out of the league. He is a special shooter but has always been loose w the ball.

 

[DanHawkPella]

I liked what I saw out of Williams quite a bit. Bo too - his lack of length and shot selection were problems imo, but he hustles as much as anyone and he has a great stroke. I think he'll settle in and ultimately his minutes will be based on matchups (zone vs. m2m; individuals he has to guard). I'm not overly concerned with them although they'll have their rough spots.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I suggest you rewatch the game, his ball handling will keep him out of the league. He is a special shooter but has always been loose w the ball.

OK.... I did re-watch the game...for the 5th time. And I quite honestly don't know what in the heck you are seeing and I am not an NBA scout either so whether Pete gets to the league or not, I'll leave that alone. That's not what I am saying anyway....I just think his dribbling is tighter/better and I am sure it probably is. Pete is a dang good BB player who works very hard at his BB craft getting better and better.

Outside of a 4 minute stretch in the 2nd half that I don't think anyone watching on BTN Plus saw, here was Pete's touches and until he left the game at 6:44 mark. Outside of the one ill-advised behind the back pass TO, in my view there is no evidence whatsoever in this game to sloppy ball handling....

First half

1. 18:00 - took a shot
2. 17:29 - assist to Baer - 3pt shot
3. 16:58 - fouled with pressure
4. 14:00 - pass from Baer & fouled on the lay-up - 1st pt.
5. 13:29 - Drive to the hoop - fouled - 2 FTs

Comes out at 12:37 and back in at 8:35

1. 5:39 - drive and dish to Baer for 2 pts
2. 5:30 - made 3 pt shot
3. 4:20 - steal and behind the back pass - TO
4. 4:04 - fouled and 2 FTs
5. 3:55 - made 3 pt shot
6. 3:27 - Brings the ball up the court....is this it?*
7. 3:09 - Fouled - 2 FTs
8. 2:30 - 3pt shot from Herky's feathers
9. 1:37 - 3pt shot

Second Half

1. 19:05 - 3pt shot from Herky's nose
2. 17:49 - Fouled
3. 17:42 - 3pt shot & miss
4. 17:11 - 2pt mid range jumper
5. 15:52 to 11:51 - lost broadcast
6. 10:29 - Bad defense
7. 9:46 - Fast break drive and fouled - 2 pts
8. 8:03 - Curl move in the lane - 2pts
9. 6:44 - Out of Game

 

[CentralIAHawk]

That behind the back pass was one of my favorite plays of the game! The pass was executed perfectly, the recipient of the pass simply wasn't expecting it - first game playing together??? I will predict that we will see that pass pulled out again (even though Fran might've said something to Pete about not doing that again) before the end of this season...and next time it will lead to a monster dunk.

Go Hawks!

 

[gtghawk]

I don't know near as much as I act like. You're opinion is as valuable as mine. I just believe that we'll see several guys setting up the offense, with the ball at the top of the key. It may be Williams or Bohannon to start a half court offense, but that's only because they will usually bring the ball up from out of bounds. As we run the motion, you won't see us stop it to wait for Williams or Bohannon to get back to the top and start everything again.

I agree with both of you on this - and I like having multiple players with the ability to hustle the ball up the court.

However, when I think of PG, I am thinking of that guy we want with the ball after the offense breaks down and we need to get a good shot and there are only 8 seconds left on the shot clock. that guy who can get penetration and finish or feed our shooters. that guy who can create off the dribble. Is that Jok this season?

Great discussion

Go Hawkeyes!!!

 

[EduNeerHawk]

That behind the back pass was one of my favorite plays of the game! The pass was executed perfectly, the recipient of the pass simply wasn't expecting it - first game playing together??? I will predict that we will see that pass pulled out again (even though Fran might've said something to Pete about not doing that again) before the end of this season...and next time it will lead to a monster dunk.

Go Hawks!

Yea, I like the thought/attempt of the pass too.....wouldn't want to do this against a tougher opponent but man, when executed.....with a monster dunk, it doesn't get any better on a BB court...

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I agree with both of you on this - and I like having multiple players with the ability to hustle the ball up the court.

However, when I think of PG, I am thinking of that guy we want with the ball after the offense breaks down and we need to get a good shot and there are only 8 seconds left on the shot clock. that guy who can get penetration and finish or feed our shooters. that guy who can create off the dribble. Is that Jok this season?

Great discussion

Go Hawkeyes!!!

Good points here and by Dan. We've got a very looooong way to go with this season yet and a lot to be seen yet against some better comp but my hopes after Friday's very early view is either you put the ball in Pete's hands and see if he can get a shot off from Herky's nose or feathers....I mean Pete has the ability to can a shot from distances we've not seen by a Hawk...he is 6'6" inches too.

Or....put the ball in Cook's hand on the perimeter or in the post but on the perimeter, his handles are so friggin impressive for a 6'8/9" inch player with his bounce/explosioin to the rim, he will probably get fouled. He may turn into a 3 pt shot threat too.... I bet he does.

Or....I really was happy and encouraged with CW's handles, he is a tough match-up on the perimeter and can get to the rim with bounce again but can finish with contact. He did this the other night for a 3 pt play. He is just a big perimeter player with many skills teams have to try to stop?

Or....I am excited to see Wag's progression this season too. That one dive to the rim was so big time impressive to me. The players say he has the quickest first step on the team. Do that all day, catch me if you can...and he'll probably get fouled too.

Or....Baer trap....he just get's it done.

Finally.....see if Jordan like Pete can knock down the pressure shot...he did this in HS.

 

[2432Hawk]

That behind the back pass was one of my favorite plays of the game! The pass was executed perfectly, the recipient of the pass simply wasn't expecting it - first game playing together??? I will predict that we will see that pass pulled out again (even though Fran might've said something to Pete about not doing that again) before the end of this season...and next time it will lead to a monster dunk.

Go Hawks!

I thought it was a terrible pass. player behind had to catch and then navigate 2 defenders. If he'd have thrown it up off the glass Cook would have thrown it down!

 

[DanL53]

I agree with both of you on this - and I like having multiple players with the ability to hustle the ball up the court.

However, when I think of PG, I am thinking of that guy we want with the ball after the offense breaks down and we need to get a good shot and there are only 8 seconds left on the shot clock. that guy who can get penetration and finish or feed our shooters. that guy who can create off the dribble. Is that Jok this season?

Great discussion

Go Hawkeyes!!!

Very good point. Yes certainly we'll have set plays for when time is running out. That'll be interesting to see what Fran has in mind. A few years ago it was Marble with the ball trying to make something happen. The last couple of years it was Gesell. I say.....chuckles....we don't let it get to that point. But if it does I do want the ball in William's hand, possibly Bohannon's but not sure that's an upgrade from last season as the opponents aren't going to give him an open three look, they'll be hounding him like ravenous dogs. If Williams is not in the game I might prefer Jok have the ball with 5 seconds to go and just shoot the dang thing.

We haven't talked much (as much as the board has been chattering) about Williams driving ability, or his passing, which we're going to be seeing as he settles in. He is the closest we've got to all the fan's desires for a true point. That height will be a huge asset, and he has some good/very good ability to see the open guy. Bohannon, I like the kid and I think he could be as productive in a slightly different way (3 balls) as Gesell was. But he is a two playing the one, if as it seems we still want to drive that square peg into the round hole of Iowa's offense.