Exhibition Game Analysis

[HellaHawk]

Williams, Jok, Cook, and Baer were are top four scorers. They also appear to be our 4 best players. I though each had a very solid game. Jok was great, of course. Cook was as good as promised. Baer played liked he did last year mostly, but looks stronger and more confident. Williams looked very improved. He had a very good stat line and scored in transition a number of times.

I'm curious as to who the fifth starter will be this year. It's Uhl for now. I don't think anything in this game changed that, but we have a lot of forwards that are closely grouped in my opinion: Uhl, Pemsl, Wagner, Jones. Uhl is the most veteran and has somewhat of an outside shot, but doesn't seem to have improved that much from last season. Still disappears at times. Pemsl is aggressive and rebounds well, but he missed a lot of layups. The thing I like about Cook is that he just dunks the ball. Wagner was improved, but a brutal night from the free throw line (1-5) ruined his stat sheet. Jones should be a solid shooter, but brutal on the defensive end. Curious to see how Kriener players. I really think any of these guys could end up as the fifth starter by the end of the year.

Bohannon played decent but didn't have a great shooting night. I like Williams over Bohannon because Williams pushes the ball up the court faster and plays better defense, but Bohannon should get plenty of minutes as his backup. He appeared to be an adequate backup.

Dailey and Moss did not do much. Dailey got a few more minutes than Moss. He might be ahead of him. It will be interesting to see if he redshirts this year. Even if he ahead of Moss, he still might not get many minutes because Ellingson (who was injured or sick and did not play) could end up taking the limited amount of minutes as backup SG to Jok.

Overall the team was intriguing. Very up and down this game. I imagine it will be that way all season. Defense could be a big challenge. The hard part for Fran is none of the forwards appear to be that much better than another right now (except Cook and Baer). I think he just has to keep playing them all until there is some separation. At least we shouldn't have problems if our bigs get into foul trouble. Plenty of big bodies to throw out there this year.

 

[KeyWest Tim]

Some pretty good stuff on the main board.

 

[DanL53]

I can't make hide nor hair out of it except to say I think our point guards are further along than has been rumored, Cook is the real deal, it's time to forget Baer ever walked on, he's far and away starter material. Oh, and JOK.

The rest of the guys, some had moments but it's a work in progress. Jones plays defense worse than Jok did his first year, which only means Jones can improve greatly and maybe achieve adequate?

I begin to think we might not be so much as ten deep, as six or seven with a bunch of guys grouped together after that. That'll work.

 

[BirdistheWord]

any more insights on Moss? any positives?

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Williams, Jok, Cook, and Baer were are top four scorers. They also appear to be our 4 best players. I though each had a very solid game. Jok was great, of course. Cook was as good as promised. Baer played liked he did last year mostly, but looks stronger and more confident. Williams looked very improved. He had a very good stat line and scored in transition a number of times.

I'm curious as to who the fifth starter will be this year. It's Uhl for now. I don't think anything in this game changed that, but we have a lot of forwards that are closely grouped in my opinion: Uhl, Pemsl, Wagner, Jones. Uhl is the most veteran and has somewhat of an outside shot, but doesn't seem to have improved that much from last season. Still disappears at times. Pemsl is aggressive and rebounds well, but he missed a lot of layups. The thing I like about Cook is that he just dunks the ball. Wagner was improved, but a brutal night from the free throw line (1-5) ruined his stat sheet. Jones should be a solid shooter, but brutal on the defensive end. Curious to see how Kriener players. I really think any of these guys could end up as the fifth starter by the end of the year.

Bohannon played decent but didn't have a great shooting night. I like Williams over Bohannon because Williams pushes the ball up the court faster and plays better defense, but Bohannon should get plenty of minutes as his backup. He appeared to be an adequate backup.

Dailey and Moss did not do much. Dailey got a few more minutes than Moss. He might be ahead of him. It will be interesting to see if he redshirts this year. Even if he ahead of Moss, he still might not get many minutes because Ellingson (who was injured or sick and did not play) could end up taking the limited amount of minutes as backup SG to Jok.

Overall the team was intriguing. Very up and down this game. I imagine it will be that way all season. Defense could be a big challenge. The hard part for Fran is none of the forwards appear to be that much better than another right now (except Cook and Baer). I think he just has to keep playing them all until there is some separation. At least we shouldn't have problems if our bigs get into foul trouble. Plenty of big bodies to throw out there this year.

Ironically, Williams really played well when Bohannon was at the point & he was I guess at the 2.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Have to wait a few games until the jitters and cobwebs get out. Have to wait until Kriener and Ellingson get some playing time.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

any more insights on Moss? any positives?

He drove the ball up the court fast & under control after a rebound. Later made 2 free throws. Don't remember him shooting much. It almost seemed like he was hesitant to shoot. I don't think he's comfortable with Fran's system yet.

 

[DanL53]

Have to wait a few games until the jitters and cobwebs get out. Have to wait until Kriener and Ellingson get some playing time.

And real games where you actually prepare for your opponent and play the top guys a lot look much different.

 

[twindman]

I think maybe Kriener starts at center with Cook at PF. I agree with OP that pemsl couldn't finish, Jones defense is horrible, Uhl just doesn't seem to have 'it', whatever that is. So that leaves Kriener and we have heard how good his rebounding has been in practice. Guess we will see in the next few weeks.

 

[Vbeachawk]

I thought Moss looked pretty decent playing very limited minutes. I liked that he swished his ft's and looked his best (imo) when he was playing with CW.........probably because of their playing time together in the PTL this summer. Lots of defensive errors tonite and both Uhl & Jones really disappointed me with their play (they are not newbies to the program to be playing so poorly). Will be interesting to see what Kreiner brings to the table when he gets healthy. He may get lots of minutes if he plays better than both Uhl & Jones. Jmo of course.

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

any more insights on Moss? any positives?

Moss did not have much of any impact tonight, positive or negative.

 

[larrygreenwallswildride]

Cook reminds me of a young Draymond Green at MSU.

Williams is your speed and attacking PG.

Bohannon will grow into the controlled ball movement and 3 shooting PG.

Dailey will be 3rd string PG at some point this season.

Ellingson is going to play about 4 minutes per game.

Moss seems to be in the same boat as Ellingson.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

I thought Moss looked pretty decent playing very limited minutes. I liked that he swished his ft's and looked his best (imo) when he was playing with CW.........probably because of their playing time together in the PTL this summer. Lots of defensive errors tonite and both Uhl & Jones really disappointed me with their play (they are not newbies to the program to be playing so poorly). Will be interesting to see what Kreiner brings to the table when he gets healthy. He may get lots of minutes if he plays better than both Uhl & Jones. Jmo of course.

I wouldn't buy into Jones being 100% yet.

 

[nu2u]

it's time to forget Baer ever walked on, he's far and away starter material.

Its easy to forget that at this time last year no one seriously thought that Baer would be much more than a quality practice player who might see the court in the final two minutes of a blowout..... even if Fran had nice things to say about him.

I listened on the radio but I could see Baer hustling for boards and loose balls. His game reminds me so much of Ryan Bowen -one of my all-time favorite Hawks.

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

Williams, Jok, Cook, and Baer were are top four scorers. They also appear to be our 4 best players. I though each had a very solid game. Jok was great, of course. Cook was as good as promised. Baer played liked he did last year mostly, but looks stronger and more confident. Williams looked very improved. He had a very good stat line and scored in transition a number of times.

I'm curious as to who the fifth starter will be this year. It's Uhl for now. I don't think anything in this game changed that, but we have a lot of forwards that are closely grouped in my opinion: Uhl, Pemsl, Wagner, Jones. Uhl is the most veteran and has somewhat of an outside shot, but doesn't seem to have improved that much from last season. Still disappears at times. Pemsl is aggressive and rebounds well, but he missed a lot of layups. The thing I like about Cook is that he just dunks the ball. Wagner was improved, but a brutal night from the free throw line (1-5) ruined his stat sheet. Jones should be a solid shooter, but brutal on the defensive end. Curious to see how Kriener players. I really think any of these guys could end up as the fifth starter by the end of the year.

Bohannon played decent but didn't have a great shooting night. I like Williams over Bohannon because Williams pushes the ball up the court faster and plays better defense, but Bohannon should get plenty of minutes as his backup. He appeared to be an adequate backup.

Dailey and Moss did not do much. Dailey got a few more minutes than Moss. He might be ahead of him. It will be interesting to see if he redshirts this year. Even if he ahead of Moss, he still might not get many minutes because Ellingson (who was injured or sick and did not play) could end up taking the limited amount of minutes as backup SG to Jok.

Overall the team was intriguing. Very up and down this game. I imagine it will be that way all season. Defense could be a big challenge. The hard part for Fran is none of the forwards appear to be that much better than another right now (except Cook and Baer). I think he just has to keep playing them all until there is some separation. At least we shouldn't have problems if our bigs get into foul trouble. Plenty of big bodies to throw out there this year.

Good analysis OP. I had the same general impressions from the scrimmage. It'll be interesting to see the rotation once Kriener and Ellingson are healthy.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I thought Moss looked pretty decent playing very limited minutes. I liked that he swished his ft's and looked his best (imo) when he was playing with CW.........probably because of their playing time together in the PTL this summer. Lots of defensive errors tonite and both Uhl & Jones really disappointed me with their play (they are not newbies to the program to be playing so poorly). Will be interesting to see what Kreiner brings to the table when he gets healthy. He may get lots of minutes if he plays better than both Uhl & Jones. Jmo of course.

Uhl was pretty average. He still looked like the first/second man off the bench, which isn't going to cut it. He needs to take the next step before next year and be starter material.

Jones has an excuse. Anything we get from him will be cake. However, if he's in the game, he needs to be shooting the ball. That didn't happen tonight.

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

Its easy to forget that at this time last year no one seriously thought that Baer would be much more than a quality practice player who might see the court in the final two minutes of a blowout..... even if Fran had nice things to say about him.

I listened on the radio but I could see Baer hustling for boards and loose balls. His game reminds me so much of Ryan Bowen -one of my all-time favorite Hawks.

Baer looked fine tonight even a little stronger than last year. If every player brought his desire and grit we'd be a very tough out for any team.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

Ironically, Williams really played well when Bohannon was at the point & he was I guess at the 2.

I don't find that strange. Williams is a more natural wing than a PG.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Good analysis OP. I had the same general impressions from the scrimmage. It'll be interesting to see the rotation once Kriener and Ellingson are healthy.

We only outrebounded Regis 41-38. Considering that Fran said Kriener is the team's best rebounder, I'm interested to see what he looks like ASAP.

 

[2432Hawk]

I think maybe Kriener starts at center with Cook at PF. I agree with OP that pemsl couldn't finish, Jones defense is horrible, Uhl just doesn't seem to have 'it', whatever that is. So that leaves Kriener and we have heard how good his rebounding has been in practice. Guess we will see in the next few weeks.

I heard that Kriener likely would have started tonight if not for precaution to hold out.

After watching us struggle to rebound tonight I'm convinced he needs to be our 5th starter.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

I heard that Kriener likely would have started tonight if not for precaution to hold out.

After watching us struggle to rebound tonight I'm convinced he needs to be our 5th starter.

Fran said post game that Kriener might take longer to recover.

 

[pocha444444]

Cook reminds me of a young Draymond Green at MSU.

Williams is your speed and attacking PG.

Bohannon will grow into the controlled ball movement and 3 shooting PG.

Dailey will be 3rd string PG at some point this season.

Ellingson is going to play about 4 minutes per game.

Moss seems to be in the same boat as Ellingson.

Is Cook a passer like Green? If so that would be sweet

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

My mental notes (no order)

Cook is going to be a load. I haven't seen a freshman at Iowa that will have this type of impact (full disclosure, I have only seen teams from Alford's last year on). His ability to turn over both shoulders, gather and dunk is quite a contrast from most of our previous UPPERCLASSMEN in recent memory.

Athleticism in general is WAY up. I watched a sequence where we blocked drives/putbacks three times in a row between Baer, Cook, and Wagner.

Chemistry isn't there yet. Too many fumbled short passes. It really shows that we lost a core of 5 guys that played together 3+ years. It will get better, but brace for some ugly sequences early on as we learn our own strengths and weaknesses.

Shooting appeared to be surprisingly good, but that may be from watching Pete go 4/5 in the first half and Uhl nail his first 3. If Jones is really at 40%+, we'll be tough to shut down, especially when Bohannon is running the show.

Defense is going to be a work in progress, but our length will bother smaller guards that lack elite quickness. That 2-3 zone will be deadly in a year or two with Williams, Moss, Dailey up top and Baer, Pemsl, Cook, Kreiner, Wagner the back line.

Jok is going to be 1st team All B1G. His game is so solid offsensively. Like Uthoff, his range has no limits, he can pull up mid range, he can now effectively post up, great free throw percentage, solid rebounder.

 

[nagemj02]

"Wagner was improved, but a brutal night from the free throw line (1-5) ruined his stat sheet."

That's not good but Purdue had a similar situation with Isaac Haas in their exhibition against Southern Indiana. He was 5-15 from the FT line.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

Its easy to forget that at this time last year no one seriously thought that Baer would be much more than a quality practice player who might see the court in the final two minutes of a blowout..... even if Fran had nice things to say about him.

I listened on the radio but I could see Baer hustling for boards and loose balls. His game reminds me so much of Ryan Bowen -one of my all-time favorite Hawks.

Baer is very Bowenesque. He just finds the ball. It is almost magical at times. It is like he can see a half second into the future. He must be able to foresee where the ball is going to be after it hits the rim, the moment it leaves the shooters hands. Several times I caught myself saying, how'd he get that? I would imagine he could walk right through 6 lanes of speeding traffic, during rush hour and not skip a beat. The guy is good. And will only get better.

Baer is definitely one of our top 3 players. I consider us to be very lucky to have him.

The top 3 players are very clear in my opinion. With CW being adequate, and Uhl being replaceable. CW should improve as the season goes on. I can see him being a good starter for us by tourney time. That good.

Uhl, he is disappointing to me. He looks exactly like he did at the end of last year. Lost, playing on his own, with no confidence in his shot. It seems as if he is thinking too much, and not just reacting. That and he plays as if the game is one on one and not a team sport... Although he looks the same and this is his third year, he could still improve. But I would not be surprised if Pemsl, Jones (once he is comfortable with his knee & plays better defense) or this super rebounder guy Kreiner starts over Uhl. Just my humble opinion...

 

[Suterman]

Overall plusses- Cook, Baer, Jok, Williams, Bohannon, Wagner.
minusses- Moss, Uhl, Jones
pushes- Pemsl & Dailey.

Sorry we didn't get a look at Ellingson and Kriener. I like Wagner and Cook together, they provide a good inside presence. It's only one game so we can't really say anything definitive yet. Our defense is going to be very lacking at times but we appear to have some firepower. Our 2 point guards looked quite capable on the offensive side of things.

 

[DanL53]

Williams stat line stands out in an otherwise jumbled start by our guys.

11 points in 5-6 shooting and 1-1 ft. 5 assists, no turnovers. Three rebounds. 23 minutes on the floor.

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&id=9046

 

[StormHawk42]

I was surprised by how coordinated Cook was around the basket. Once he learns to avoid the shuffle feet, he'll be even better. I was pleasantly surprised by Pemsl's variety of moves down there as well. Not concerned about him missing lay ups. That will come with time. Woodbury never quite had the moves and looked awkward around the basket.

Williams looked relatively comfortable. Thought he was clearly a step ahead of JBo, which is to be expected. I wish CW had a bit tighter handles but that's what happens when you're 6'5 and not named Magic.

Disappointed in Moss. I feel the same way about him that I have about Uhl in the past. It just seems like they're thinking too much and not letting their natural gifts shine. I think it may be getting to late for Uhl to change that. I'm hopeful Moss gets it figured out, but I have a feeling Ellingson is ahead of him for the back up 2 spot.

I think something that got me excited was seeing guys like Pemsl, Wagner, and Cook bringing the ball up the court after a rebound. The team is fast and athletic, so I like to see them just take it and go.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

Williams stat line stands out in an otherwise jumbled start by our guys.

11 points in 5-6 shooting and 1-1 ft. 5 assists, no turnovers. Three rebounds. 23 minutes on the floor.

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&id=9046

5 assists with no turnovers is encouraging. Very encouraging.

 

[StormHawk42]

Oh and I would add I wouldn't be too concerned about the rebounding. A lot of times in these exhibitions, the better team is chucking up a lot of shots, advised or not, and tend to get more shots up there. Or it may be a lack of serious effort to get positioning.

For reference, my alma mater Washburn (D2) outrebounded might Kansas in their exhibition the other night. It happens.

 

[supahawk]

I was surprised by how coordinated Cook was around the basket. Once he learns to avoid the shuffle feet, he'll be even better. I was pleasantly surprised by Pemsl's variety of moves down there as well. Not concerned about him missing lay ups. That will come with time. Woodbury never quite had the moves and looked awkward around the basket.

Williams looked relatively comfortable. Thought he was clearly a step ahead of JBo, which is to be expected. I wish CW had a bit tighter handles but that's what happens when you're 6'5 and not named Magic.

Disappointed in Moss. I feel the same way about him that I have about Uhl in the past. It just seems like they're thinking too much and not letting their natural gifts shine. I think it may be getting to late for Uhl to change that. I'm hopeful Moss gets it figured out, but I have a feeling Ellingson is ahead of him for the back up 2 spot.

I think something that got me excited was seeing guys like Pemsl, Wagner, and Cook bringing the ball up the court after a rebound. The team is fast and athletic, so I like to see them just take it and go.

I guess I thought Moss wasn't bad at all. I actually thought that of all the guards, his defensive positioning and effort was one of the best. He didn't shoot, played within the flow of the game, and made his free throws.
If I were to guess, he has probably had some poor shot selection in practice and Fran let him know, so he is being conservative.

I certainly thought his defense was better than Uhl and Jok. Nothing about his game based on this exhibition made me concerned. If he hangs in there and gets his timing right on the offensive side, he is going to add value to this team.

 

[ZumaHawk]

Another side note that I felt watching the game was the amount of fouls slowed the whole game down. Loved Pemsl game as well and hope he finishes better in the future. JoBo was confident which is 90% of the battle. We will improve no doubt about it. I also feel we will be playing 8 guys on a regular basis.

 

[zeko]

I like daileys potential, he is an explosive athlete. He was doing some crazy dunks in warmups, had a nice 3 and moved ball well.

Moss was solid , didnt force anything, and was hustling on def.

 

[denmar81]

Another side note that I felt watching the game was the amount of fouls slowed the whole game down. Loved Pemsl game as well and hope he finishes better in the future. JoBo was confident which is 90% of the battle. We will improve no doubt about it. I also feel we will be playing 8 guys on a regular basis.

Yes, the foul calls were out of hand thus making the game kind of boring. Left at the 6 minute mark. Rebounding and defense must improve drastically to finish in the top half of conference, but a lot of potential for this team.

 

[StormHawk42]

I'd also add that if Dailey stays patient and can handle being on the bench for this season, he can do some things down the road. He got up with ease on that dunk. He's got good bounce, he's just raw. Kinda like Olaseni his first year.

 

[Vbeachawk]

I also think Moss looked ok and certainly is very athletic. Liked he swished both ft's. Switching was a problem for many of the guys tonite. Moss looked most comfortable on the court when he was playing with CW, imo, which is to be expected since they played as a tandem in the PTL. Got to remember, he only saw action for 7 minutes unlike Uhl & Jones both of which played very poorly. Also thought Bohannon played pretty well other than chucking up some shots. Still have to stop drive penetration by the guards tho.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

Positives:
Jok, man can he score and he didn't take the ball from the start and have team watch him. He let team get their feet wet before he decided to push through letting game shape up first. Positive for this game and next 1 , but by third game he may need to take charge earlier we'll see how things play out. I hope he needn't do so often.
Nic Baer, amazing how he seems to always be in the right place to make something happen, improved conditioning will pay dividends this year and whether it is scoring, blocks, steals, rebounds, assists he will be all over stat sheet at games end plus the stuff you don't see.
Enjoy Mr. Cook for the 2-3 years he plays here. Fran didn't exaggerate at all , highest ceiling of any player he has had at Iowa, and barring a catastrophe he'll get there.
CW, poised for a breakout year, he has the ability to be really really good, will he like Dev develop his 3 point shot ? If he hits that consistently for him the sky is the limit.
The in between.
JoBo, appears to have an ice water in his veins attitude , that I think, hope CW is starting to get. His confidence is impressive and unlike Flemming of last year who also exuded confidence he seems to take his shots in the flow of the game.
Pemsyl, has good awareness and will give good minutes in stretches, he will be solid in time.
Wagner , as sweet a move on his man to get to the rim in first half as you'll ever see, but man shoot free throws until your arms fall off until blindfolded you can't miss. When you can hit 80% you'll be such an asset you'll be in at crunch time every game. So active
Dom Uhl, still a Clint Eastwood movie, " the good, the bad, and the ugly".
Mashe Daily, good anticipation and plays heads up, needs strength, and stamina and the hard part, playing time
Isaiah Moss, nice free throws and I bet can score but needs to do so in the flow but same issues as Dailey, looks stronger but needs playing time.
Dale Jones not there yet health wise, but good to see him on the court, he can steady a young team just by being on the floor if he can move laterally without hesitation, time will tell.
The not so good
Early spacing on offense, it got a bit better as time went on and in spurts it was pretty good, but too often it seemed clogged and bunched up and opened up without movement of players to spots. Lots of pick and rolls missed especially down low . Ball movement needs to be quicker, and more lazy passes than there should be, fortunately not by the starters.
Biggest disappointment was defensive communication, this has to get better. Players need to know when shot goes up, too many times players not even aware a shot had been taken to get in position to rebound. Too much getting sideways too to opponents letting guards get in the lane. There were moment's where they were good but lots to improve on.
Overall good first game but if team wants to get to the tournament there is work to do, talent wise we have more than enough, team offense and defense need to get better, but I saw Fran on the sideline, he knows they can be really really good, this year.
Stay tuned

 

[bagdropper]

His game reminds me so much of Ryan Bowen - one of my all-time favorite Hawks.

Yes, excellent comp. All teams need a guy or two to do the dirty work like Bowen did. I thought Aaron White was at his best when he had this role. Lunch pail types whose active play creates things out of nothing more than a knack for "quantifiable hustle".

Bowen enjoyed a near decade in the NBA with those skills.

Baer's game seems to have a lot of those same types of traits. I wish he were "15 pounds stronger", and chances are he eventually will be.

 

[DenverTurtle]

Overall plusses- Cook, Baer, Jok, Williams, Bohannon, Wagner.
minusses- Moss, Uhl, Jones
pushes- Pemsl & Dailey.

Sorry we didn't get a look at Ellingson and Kriener. I like Wagner and Cook together, they provide a good inside presence. It's only one game so we can't really say anything definitive yet. Our defense is going to be very lacking at times but we appear to have some firepower. Our 2 point guards looked quite capable on the offensive side of things.

I don't know if I'd put Moss as a minus mostly because he played so little, more of a push. Besides that I agree with everything you wrote there.

 

[Ronman]

It seemed to me Regis felt they could exploit Bohannon's ball handling, much more than Williams.

Cook will not be setting any assist records, not do we want him to. He only got 9 shots and Fran said postgame that 9 is not enough.

Pemsl showed a lot of nice moves around the basket. When he shakes the "first game" jitters, I suspect he will knock those shots down.

Williams seemed to get better as the game went on.

As someone stated, Jones does not look 100%. Who knows? He may never be. Definitely a step slow on D.

I wonder if someone on Regis started needling Jok when he had a quiet first third of the game. He definitely took over the game at that point. We will need this Jok to show up every game.

The notion that Baer will be the energy 6th man coming off the bench is dead. He is a starter.

Two more tuneup games before things get real against Seton Hall on the 17th. Plenty of time for things to sort themselves out. Looks like an entertaining team.