New Story Following the future

[Blair Sanderson]

Following the future
Blair Sanderson | Editor

Jack Nunge had 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots on Friday.

In our following the future update, we take a look at how Iowa's commits are doing on the court this season, get up to date on their stats, and much more.

Class of 2017

Jack Nunge had a big game on Friday with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots as Castle beat Jeffersonville by a score of 73-52. For the season, Nunge is now averaging 22.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game for Castle (20-3).

Luka Garza had another busy week with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 73-53 win over Potomac Tuesday, 10 points and 8 rebounds in an easy 63-39 win over Georgetown Day on Friday, and then 26 points and 13 rebounds in a 79-60 win over St. Andrews. This season, Garza is averaging 23.9 points and 12.7 rebounds per game for Maret (24-3).

Connor McCaffery led Iowa City West with 24 points and 5 rebounds in their 71-44 win over Pleasant Valley on Friday. On the season, McCaffery is averaging 19.8 points per game for West (19-3).

Incoming walk-on Austin Ash had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in Mount Vernon's 62-46 win over Maquoketa on Monday. Then Thursday, Ash scored 26 points, but saw Mount Vernon lose to Xavier 63-55. Ash finishes the season averaging 24.1 points per game and shooting 41.1% from 3-point range for Mount Vernon (17-6).

Class of 2018

Joe Wieskamp had a big fourth quarter and finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds as he led Muscatine to a 61-55 win over Linn-Mar on Friday. On the season, Wieskamp is averaging 30.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game for Muscatine (15-6).

Class of 2019

Patrick McCaffery finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds in Iowa City West's 71-44 win over Pleasant Valley on Friday. This season, McCaffery is currently averaging 14.6 points per game for West (19-3).

Make sure to visit the Hawkeye Lounge for the latest on Iowa basketball recruiting and join us again next week for another following the future update.

 

[blackgoldmine]

For someone who has the ability and inclination, how do the high school numbers above for each of these recruits compare to the AAU numbers from last summer. I feel like the AAU numbers may better reflect true numbers than perhaps HS numbers that are inflated due to each being the "star" of the team and called on to lead in all categories...

 

[hawk_it]

3.5 blocks per game will be nice addition!

 

[icwesthawk]

I've been wrong more than right about recruits but Nunge and Connor seem like good fits, not sure about Luka.

 

[Auger]

Nunge seems to be Baer fully loaded.

 

[StormHawk42]

I've been wrong more than right about recruits but Nunge and Connor seem like good fits, not sure about Luka.

I've quietly had my reservations about Luka. I think he can contribute but I don't really see much from him that Kriener doesn't already provide. And Luka is a below the rim player. Not sure how that'll go in the B1G.

Go ahead and flame me. Just how I see it right now. Would be glad to be wrong.

 

[C/Seahawk]

I've quietly had my reservations about Luka. I think he can contribute but I don't really see much from him that Kriener doesn't already provide. And Luka is a below the rim player. Not sure how that'll go in the B1G.

Go ahead and flame me. Just how I see it right now. Would be glad to be wrong.

The first intriguing aspect to garza is the offers he received, a lot of high majors. Second, he seemed to do quite well during the AAU season last summer. Third, he appears to be highly skilled with a pretty solid outside shot. Fourth, we've heard comments and his tapes back it up, he is a very hard worker on the court. Last but certainly not least, while he doesn't jump out of the gym, he is 6'10 with long arms, so despite a pedestrian vertical, he can still challenge shots and rebound well. Both garza and nunge seem to be in position for significant roles next year. While there might be a lot of returning players, everyone will be forced to step up their games between now and next season. Seems like a win/win for Iowa.

 

[hooper56]

I don't see many minutes for incoming freshmen on next year's team. Unless they are really outstanding I just don't see how they can earn minutes.

 

[nu2u]

I don't see many minutes for incoming freshmen on next year's team. Unless they are really outstanding I just don't see how they can earn minutes.

Garza is going to get significant minutes because he is a rebounding machine. Not sure which player gets pinched but I think his time it will be mostly at the expense of Kriener.

 

[Auger]

A lot will depend on the development of the current FR. Cook needs a true C to work off of as I believe Cook has more upside working just outside the paint and being a facing the basket PF. If Pemsl and Kriener dont workout well at C and develop both at O and D it will open up a huge chance for Luka. Iowa needs someone to own the paint.

Also for Nunge a lot will depend on where Uhl, Baer, Cook, Wagner, Pemsl and Kriener shake out at. Nunge is a solid stretch forward but the above mentioned guys all seem to float around and play multiple positions and it creates a logjam and not always the best lineups. Wish Fran would just play the best positional 9 guys and shrink his lineups by half. Iowa plays with far too many lineups with too many guys changing positions.

If Connor comes in and is better than Williams at the point and is a better outside shot I can see him getting 10-15 mins a game to help spell JBo and to help give Iowa scoring options at the 2. I could see a lineup during the game of JBo, Connor and Moss at the 1-3. That lineup would stretch the D and open up the middle while having potentially 2 good passers/shooters on the outside. Out of all the incoming FR I see Connor the most likely to get minutes. He will bring some aspects of game that Jok leaves behind thay nobody else really can fill.

 

[kceasthawk]

Garza is going to get significant minutes because he is a rebounding machine. Not sure which player gets pinched but I think his time it will be mostly at the expense of Kriener.

I'm thinking more that Kreiner and Garza split the post time next year. I base that thinking that we'll see Kreiner continue to improve his overall game. Remember that he missed a lot of preseason workouts and conditioning because of some nagging injury and illness.I think between the two we'll have a true post player, so that Cook, and Pemsl. can play the four, which is a position both are much more suited for. The years of us trying to guard and play offense through the post with a 6'7" player are over for awhile anyway. I know we had Woody, who was solid on defense, but I think Kreiner and Garza will provide much more offensive firepower, and at least adequate defense.

 

[RocknRollface]

Garza is going to get significant minutes because he is a rebounding machine. Not sure which player gets pinched but I think his time it will be mostly at the expense of Kriener.

I dont see it.

Kreiner is the best rebounder on the team now and doesn't play that much.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

I have no idea how it all shakes out next year but I do know we will have lots of options. Lots of opportunities for guys to working aspects of their game they haven't used this year, for team cohesion and benefit. Next year you best be ready to step on the court ready to go or the minutes you get will be infrequent and maybe during mop up time .

 

[DanHawkPella]

I like having the problem of playing time between all our 4's and 5's - especially two 5's.

POST SCORING: Kriener B; Garza A-
Kriener has a very nice hook he can get off against anyone. He is more agile and jumps better.
Garza has a wider variety of moves and is a bit stronger in the upper body. Pump fakes well and understands how to score without jumping over people

PERIMETER SCORING: Kriener B; Garza B
Kriener has mainly used his 15 foot jumper, but it's been very accurate. Should extend to 3 point range eventually (shot in HS).
Garza's film shows similar shooting touch to Kriener from both 15 and 3 point land.

REBOUNDING: Kriener B+, Garza B+
Kriener is more agile and jumps better, and thus should offensive rebound better than Garza
Garza's size and positioning should give him a defensive rebounding advantage over Kriener

DEFENSE: Kriener B+, Garza C
Kriener runs the court better and has the foot agility to stay in front of most 5's, including 4's playing the 5 spot
Garza is a lot like Woody in this area - big frame, high BB IQ, will have to win with positioning and length. Will struggle against 4's playing the 5 spot (like a Cook type).

We tend to over-emphasize offense when evaluating players, and I do think Garza has a slight edge on offense due to having a wider array of things he can do. His low post footwork and shot fakes are ahead of Kriener, although Krieners hook should not be under-estimated. Defensively, however, Kriener has the advantage and his ability to sprint down court on offense or defense is a huge hidden benefit.

If Kriener puts on 15 lbs or so in the offseason, Garza's size advantage may not be as great as it is today (Garza may put on weight also but doesn't need as much as Kriener).

I think they both get time, but Kriener could start at the 5 next year and Garza would have to beat him out as he gains experience. Minutes would depend on matchups, as there are some situations where Garza may have a tough guard.

I think Kriener, Garza, Pemsl, Nunge and Wagner are fighting over 50 minutes / game at PF/C (Cook will eat up 30).

That situation would argue for perhaps a transfer (Wagner?) and/or a redshirt (Nunge?). Pemsl fighting for more minutes would come at the expense of the Center spot as his minutes would all come at PF but Cook could move more of his minutes to Center if need be.

Bohannon, McCaffery, Williams
Moss, Ellingson, Dailey
Baer, Uhl, Dailey
Cook, Pemsl, Wagner / Nunge
Kriener, Garza, Cook

 

[regibson1]

I like having the problem of playing time between all our 4's and 5's - especially two 5's.

POST SCORING: Kriener B; Garza A-
Kriener has a very nice hook he can get off against anyone. He is more agile and jumps better.
Garza has a wider variety of moves and is a bit stronger in the upper body. Pump fakes well and understands how to score without jumping over people

PERIMETER SCORING: Kriener B; Garza B


Kriener has mainly used his 15 foot jumper, but it's been very accurate. Should extend to 3 point range eventually (shot in HS).
Garza's film shows similar shooting touch to Kriener from both 15 and 3 point land.

REBOUNDING: Kriener B+, Garza B+
Kriener is more agile and jumps better, and thus should offensive rebound better than Garza
Garza's size and positioning should give him a defensive rebounding advantage over Kriener

DEFENSE: Kriener B+, Garza C
Kriener runs the court better and has the foot agility to stay in front of most 5's, including 4's playing the 5 spot
Garza is a lot like Woody in this area - big frame, high BB IQ, will have to win with positioning and length. Will struggle against 4's playing the 5 spot (like a Cook type).

We tend to over-emphasize offense when evaluating players, and I do think Garza has a slight edge on offense due to having a wider array of things he can do. His low post footwork and shot fakes are ahead of Kriener, although Krieners hook should not be under-estimated. Defensively, however, Kriener has the advantage and his ability to sprint down court on offense or defense is a huge hidden benefit.

If Kriener puts on 15 lbs or so in the offseason, Garza's size advantage may not be as great as it is today (Garza may put on weight also but doesn't need as much as Kriener).

I think they both get time, but Kriener could start at the 5 next year and Garza would have to beat him out as he gains experience. Minutes would depend on matchups, as there are some situations where Garza may have a tough guard.

I think Kriener, Garza, Pemsl, Nunge and Wagner are fighting over 50 minutes / game at PF/C (Cook will eat up 30).

That situation would argue for perhaps a transfer (Wagner?) and/or a redshirt (Nunge?). Pemsl fighting for more minutes would come at the expense of the Center spot as his minutes would all come at PF but Cook could move more of his minutes to Center if need be.

Bohannon, McCaffery, Williams
Moss, Ellingson, Dailey
Baer, Uhl, Dailey
Cook, Pemsl, Wagner / Nunge
Kriener, Garza, Cook

Thanks for the great write up. To me, the biggest advantage that Kriener will have over Garza next year is having played one year at Iowa and the work that he will be able to do over the summer working on his game and working in the weight room.

One category that was not mentioned was level of HS competition. Garza has played a much higher level of HS competition in the Washington D.C area than Kriener in Iowa and has been able to compete at a very high level. Kriener was questioned by people on this board as deserving of a Div 1 scholarship until they saw him play this year.

I think that Kriener will definitely have the initial advantage but I believe that Garza will more than hold his own and will give Fran two excellent Centers to work with next year.

 

[nu2u]

PERIMETER SCORING: Kriener B; Garza B

Don't know what you are defining as perimeter but Garza is more accurate beyond 15 feet and definitely from the 3PT line as well - his range was supposedly one of the main reasons Rick Pitino was recruiting him to Louisville.. Kriener has a nice mid range jump shot but is 1-5 on 3PT FGAs this year.... he should improve going forward but Garza is clearly the better long range shooter.

I would give Kriener the advantage on agility and ability to run the court, as you mentioned. I believe Garza is a better rebounder but Kriener battles hard also.

I don't think the gap on defense is as great as you suggest. Ryan is a better shot blocker but has had trouble with bigger players. Garza is already bigger at 6ft11 and 245lbs.

Just like Kriener, Garza will have to make adjustments to prove he can defend B10 Centers but he has performed pretty well against high level competition the past few years (including battles on the AAU circuit against players nationally ranked higher than him) so I think his learning curve won't be that steep.

Glad to have these two playing together the next several years.

 

[DanHawkPella]

Went looking for measurements....

Garza
6'9" without shoes
7'0.5" wingspan
235 lbs (down from over 265)
CARING IS CREEPY: WASHINGTON D.C. CENTER LUKA GARZA COMMITS ...

Kriener
6'9"
247 lbs
7'2 to 7'3" wingspan
http://sportsspotlight.com/blog/hawkeye-notebook-10616/

Can't find 3pt totals from HS but Ryan was 4/14 through JAN of his Jr. Year (11 games) and Luka had made 12 in 17 games the start of his Jr. year. Both are good FT shooters.

My guess is that Garza is 1" taller but the same standing reach, 10 lbs lighter, and with 5" less vertical.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

Went looking for measurements....

Garza
6'9" without shoes
7'0.5" wingspan
235 lbs (down from over 265)
CARING IS CREEPY: WASHINGTON D.C. CENTER LUKA GARZA COMMITS ...

Kriener
6'9"
247 lbs
7'2 to 7'3" wingspan
http://sportsspotlight.com/blog/hawkeye-notebook-10616/

Can't find 3pt totals from HS but Ryan was 4/14 through JAN of his Jr. Year (11 games) and Luka had made 12 in 17 games the start of his Jr. year. Both are good FT shooters.

My guess is that Garza is 1" taller but the same standing reach, 10 lbs lighter, and with 5" less vertical.

I like Kreiner's upside better than Garza's. Kreiner needs to put in some time with a jugs machine. Too many passes go right thru his hands. Needs to clean that up.

 

[cleotishaywood]

Just hope that either one can develop a penchant for defending the rim and rebounding.

 

[hooper56]

I like having the problem of playing time between all our 4's and 5's - especially two 5's.

POST SCORING: Kriener B; Garza A-
Kriener has a very nice hook he can get off against anyone. He is more agile and jumps better.
Garza has a wider variety of moves and is a bit stronger in the upper body. Pump fakes well and understands how to score without jumping over people

PERIMETER SCORING: Kriener B; Garza B
Kriener has mainly used his 15 foot jumper, but it's been very accurate. Should extend to 3 point range eventually (shot in HS).
Garza's film shows similar shooting touch to Kriener from both 15 and 3 point land.

REBOUNDING: Kriener B+, Garza B+
Kriener is more agile and jumps better, and thus should offensive rebound better than Garza
Garza's size and positioning should give him a defensive rebounding advantage over Kriener

DEFENSE: Kriener B+, Garza C
Kriener runs the court better and has the foot agility to stay in front of most 5's, including 4's playing the 5 spot
Garza is a lot like Woody in this area - big frame, high BB IQ, will have to win with positioning and length. Will struggle against 4's playing the 5 spot (like a Cook type).

We tend to over-emphasize offense when evaluating players, and I do think Garza has a slight edge on offense due to having a wider array of things he can do. His low post footwork and shot fakes are ahead of Kriener, although Krieners hook should not be under-estimated. Defensively, however, Kriener has the advantage and his ability to sprint down court on offense or defense is a huge hidden benefit.

If Kriener puts on 15 lbs or so in the offseason, Garza's size advantage may not be as great as it is today (Garza may put on weight also but doesn't need as much as Kriener).

I think they both get time, but Kriener could start at the 5 next year and Garza would have to beat him out as he gains experience. Minutes would depend on matchups, as there are some situations where Garza may have a tough guard.

I think Kriener, Garza, Pemsl, Nunge and Wagner are fighting over 50 minutes / game at PF/C (Cook will eat up 30).

That situation would argue for perhaps a transfer (Wagner?) and/or a redshirt (Nunge?). Pemsl fighting for more minutes would come at the expense of the Center spot as his minutes would all come at PF but Cook could move more of his minutes to Center if need be.

Bohannon, McCaffery, Williams
Moss, Ellingson, Dailey
Baer, Uhl, Dailey
Cook, Pemsl, Wagner / Nunge
Kriener, Garza, Cook

I think this would be a fantastic post if you had ever seen Garza play in person. I am assuming you have not and am also assuming you have seen Kreiner in person. Please correct me if my assumptions are incorrect. If you have not seen garza up close and in person then I don't know how much validity your grading is.

 

[DanHawkPella]

I think this would be a fantastic post if you had ever seen Garza play in person. I am assuming you have not and am also assuming you have seen Kreiner in person. Please correct me if my assumptions are incorrect. If you have not seen garza up close and in person then I don't know how much validity your grading is.

You are hinting that you disagree with parts of it, but you aren't saying what they are. I am basing it off of what I have seen on TV/Film only - seeing them on court does give a different perspective, but rather than debate viewing angles, who sweats more, or who talks more I'm more interested in what you disagree with. . Or are you saying that anyone who tries to evaluate a player without seeing them in person has zero credibility? That would be odd imo.

I did a lot of work to check out updated weights, heights and wingspans, and provided links to those sources.

Garza appears to use his body better in the post, but isn't necessarily bigger than Kriener in terms of weight or standing reach (height he is). He has shot and made more 3's, but it's not like Kriener can't shoot them or hasn't shot them either. Kriener runs the floor and jumps better. Garza has a wider array of moves with his back to the basket and pump fakes well. Both are good passers.

What do you disagree with?

Garza is better at the same time in his career, but looking forward to next November Kriener will have 1 more year of strength training and 1 year of experience under his belt, so it's not a given that Garza beats him out, especially early on.

 

[hooper56]

You are hinting that you disagree with parts of it, but you aren't saying what they are. I am basing it off of what I have seen on TV/Film only - seeing them on court does give a different perspective, but rather than debate viewing angles, who sweats more, or who talks more I'm more interested in what you disagree with. . Or are you saying that anyone who tries to evaluate a player without seeing them in person has zero credibility? That would be odd imo.

I did a lot of work to check out updated weights, heights and wingspans, and provided links to those sources.

Garza appears to use his body better in the post, but isn't necessarily bigger than Kriener in terms of weight or standing reach (height he is). He has shot and made more 3's, but it's not like Kriener can't shoot them or hasn't shot them either. Kriener runs the floor and jumps better. Garza has a wider array of moves with his back to the basket and pump fakes well. Both are good passers.

What do you disagree with?

Garza is better at the same time in his career, but looking forward to next November Kriener will have 1 more year of strength training and 1 year of experience under his belt, so it's not a given that Garza beats him out, especially early on.

I don't necessarily disagree with anything you have said as I have not seen Garza play in person either. I did stand next to him when he was on his visit and my impression was that he is bigger and taller than you say, but it is just a guess. I think it is super hard to evaluate big men unless you see them courtside. Strength is such a big deal. Case in point: Pemsl never seemed to me like he was working that hard or had good footwork when I saw video of him. But clearly he is strong and fairly polished as a post man.

I am guessing Kreiner might have the edge over Garza at first simply from a strength and mental understanding of the system standpoint, so I am in agreement with you on that. But big guys often have little tricks and we will see how Garza competes. It would be fun to watch he and Kreiner going head to head!

 

[Iowamavs14]

Of all the current big men, Kriener has shown the most variety of moves. He's shown a nice left or right hand hook(very hard to block), great up and under move against Haas and Purdue, excellent pick and pop from 13 to 17 feet and loves to use the backside of the hoop or reverses with either hand. Cook is very athletic and tremendous upside, but from shear footwork and efficiently scoring I love Pemsl and Kriener. Kriener shot the 3 very well in his 17 AAU season and shot 39% from 3 his senior year in HS. As his body matures he will be more and more effective. Lots of upside in Kriener.

 

[hooper56]

Let's face it: Cook, Pemsl and Kriener all have tremendous upside. Our frontcourt is definitely set for the foreseeable future.