Fran says Williams has passed Ellingson

[QChawks]

duh

Should have happened months ago

"Fran McCaffery on teleconference: Christian Williams will receive more minutes going forward, has officially surpassed Brady Ellingson"

 

[TheHawkeyeDudeAbides]

And the word is that Moss is even better. The odds of potential transfer after this season seem to be rising.

 

[Hawkeyestate81]

I think it is inevitable 1 maybe 2 transfer.

 

[Herkuleez]

Good....Baer deserves Ellingson's schollie.

 

[RocknRollface]

The only one that would make any sense to transfer after this year is Ellingson because he's used a redshirt and would have to burn a year and then have two left.

Moss, Hutton, Williams and obviously Wagner and Baer, look to be big parts going forward so they aren't going anywhere unless it's for reasons not related to playing time.

Flemming will have his chance to make it work next year too.

 

[wyohawk]

This mean's Fran's been reading this board again- always good news.

 

[StormHawk42]

Idk about the "should've happened months ago"

Even Williams said he was really tentative early on. It's not like we were relying on Ellingson anyway. But Gesell and Clemmons were playing really well, so there was no need to yank em and potentially lose the lead or whatever. Not to mention Fran sees these guys every day. I'll trust his opinion.

Having said that, glad he's getting it figured out. I haven't been as high on Williams as some. Just didn't see him as the savior at PG. hope to see more of what he did against IU. Loved the aggressive mentality.

 

[Curt Furence]

And the word is that Moss is even better. The odds of potential transfer after this season seem to be rising.

I really hope that Moss and Hutton don't transfer and I know it means absolutely nothing but both seemed like they were having a lot of fun on the bench Tuesday during that big run and I have seen videos of Hutton dancing and saying whatever he can do to help the team he will. For Moss, I think you have to look at it as, you weren't going to play many minutes this year anyways, why not get grades right and improve and have 4 good years left.

I mean they had to have an idea they may red shirt coming in

 

[Roy-munson]

Does anybody think Fleming could take off?? He still has a redshirt to be used.

 

[Mohawkeye]

It will be interesting to see how much Fran plays and trusts Williams going forward. I think he had been playing Gesell and Clemmons more than he wanted because he didn't trust Ellingson.

Not exactly the same situation, but kind of reminds me of when Jake Kelly became our starting point guard late in Lick's first? year. Kelly really came on strong when he got the chance to play point and Williams strikes me as having a very similar game. Hopefully Williams can give us a good bounce of the bench, he is going to be a mismatch for most teams.

 

[Curt Furence]

Does anybody think Fleming could take off?? He still has a redshirt to be used.

I would not be surprised but I hope he doesn't. I hope he comes out next year ready to shoot the ball. You can never have too many shooters.

Granted, he needs to be better defensively too, but to have Jok, Fleming, Jones, Bohannon, Uhl, Baer and Ellingson all as capable 3 point shooters would be big. I don't know much about Williams or Moss shooting the 3.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

It seemed obvious, but interesting that Fran would actually say that publicly.
I would expect that Fran, like any coach, has conversations with players after the season is over. Laying out for them exactly where he sees them as part of the team going forward is best for them, and the team. I don't think that's running someone off if they are told they're probably not going to get minutes.

 

[hexumhawk]

Generally I agree but if we want to go deep in the NCAA we will need someone other than Jok/Uthoff to hit 3s. I know Ellingson hasn't played well lately but kid had some really good games early in the year. I don't want to write him off just yet.

 

[broth87]

The Big Ten season demonstrated Thst Ellingsen is not a Big Ten player. That's not an assault on his character or the kind of kid he is or how hard he works. It's just a fact. Williams has shown an element and athleticism that quite simply Ellingsen doesn't have and Williams has earned the minutes on the court.
Quite frankly, is say the same of Wagner and Uhl. Wagner has outplayed Dom pretty regularly in Big Ten games and deserves more of Uhl's minutes than he's been getting.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I would not be surprised but I hope he doesn't. I hope he comes out next year ready to shoot the ball. You can never have too many shooters.

Granted, he needs to be better defensively too, but to have Jok, Fleming, Jones, Bohannon, Uhl, Baer and Ellingson all as capable 3 point shooters would be big. I don't know much about Williams or Moss shooting the 3.

This was the only thing holding him back. He does not play defense at all. You saw in the games he did get in, he was scrambling all over the place. I like his shooting form and he has the body to get bigger and stronger. He just needs to work on his defense, which I am sure the coaches are doing. If he can get a little quicker and play better defense he will be a force moving forward.

I would not be shocked if Ellingson leaves for UW Milwaukee or somewhere. He is a good kid and his shot is just not falling right now. He apparently strokes it in practice, but can't relay it over into game situations.

Moss/Hutton sound like Wagnar type players. They are not dominate offensively, but they are athletic and play good defense. So I think those two will fit in nicely with the returning core of players.

I just wonder how is Jone's knee rehabbing? I know he has had issues, kind of wonder if after this one he is done. Maybe giving his scholly to Baer and if anyone transfers, Fran will have another ride for next year. Just a thought.

 

[hawkeyemike23]

I really hope that Moss and Hutton don't transfer and I know it means absolutely nothing but both seemed like they were having a lot of fun on the bench Tuesday during that big run and I have seen videos of Hutton dancing and saying whatever he can do to help the team he will. For Moss, I think you have to look at it as, you weren't going to play many minutes this year anyways, why not get grades right and improve and have 4 good years left.

I mean they had to have an idea they may red shirt coming in

I think Moss and Hutton won't transfer, Ellingson and Flemming are more likely. Fran had obvious reasons to redshirt Moss and Hutton, but I think there's an underlying reason why the staff decided to do it as well. There weren't a ton of minutes to go around this year with five upperclassmen rotation guys returning, those two may not have been happy getting a few minutes a game and looked to go elsewhere. Now, they will have to lose a year of eligibility if they want to transfer, which is definitely an incentive to stay.

 

[StormHawk42]

This was the only thing holding him back. He does not play defense at all. You saw in the games he did get in, he was scrambling all over the place. I like his shooting form and he has the body to get bigger and stronger. He just needs to work on his defense, which I am sure the coaches are doing. If he can get a little quicker and play better defense he will be a force moving forward.

I would not be shocked if Ellingson leaves for UW Milwaukee or somewhere. He is a good kid and his shot is just not falling right now. He apparently strokes it in practice, but can't relay it over into game situations.

Moss/Hutton sound like Wagnar type players. They are not dominate offensively, but they are athletic and play good defense. So I think those two will fit in nicely with the returning core of players.

I just wonder how is Jone's knee rehabbing? I know he has had issues, kind of wonder if after this one he is done. Maybe giving his scholly to Baer and if anyone transfers, Fran will have another ride for next year. Just a thought.

Fran said he looks really good. Running stairs and is improving strength.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Fran said he looks really good. Running stairs and is improving strength.

Well that is good to hear. I know prior to coming to Iowa he had knee issues and when this one went, ya just never know. Good to hear that he is rehabbing and will be back next year. We could use his shooting this year!

 

[DanL53]

Just a note to consider. It appears to me as I read threads that players who have had a good game recently are always doing better than players who have struggled recently. For the year?!?! As "proof" of what they will bring next year?!??!

Be careful, or all we are really considering is what they've done lately.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Don't think Fleming transfers. He seems to genuinely enjoy being a Hawk and always has since his commitment. No real reason for Ellingson, or especially Moss/Hutton to transfer with tons of minutes opening up next year.

 

[wyohawk]

Don't think Fleming transfers. He seems to genuinely enjoy being a Hawk and always has since his commitment. No real reason for Ellingson, or especially Moss/Hutton to transfer with tons of minutes opening up next year.

IDK, there was some long thread a few weeks back about how he seemed to have a "forlorn" look in a random game picture. Some folks here were quite worried about him.

 

[unoHawkeye]

IDK, there was some long thread a few weeks back about how he seemed to have a "forlorn" look in a random game picture. Some folks here were quite worried about him.

That's right. I forgot about that look.

Rescind my original comment

 

[hooper56]

Fleming isn't going to unseat Jok and I am sure he knows that. There will be more minutes for him to compete for next season, and I am sure he knows that too.

 

[dawgs_04]

Fleming isn't going to unseat Jok and I am sure he knows that. There will be more minutes for him to compete for next season, and I am sure he knows that too.

Correct. He also knows where he stands relative to his peers at this point which may or may not persuade him.

 

[backinblack23]

I would not be shocked if Ellingson leaves for UW Milwaukee or somewhere. He is a good kid and his shot is just not falling right now. He apparently strokes it in practice, but can't relay it over into game situations.

Someone else did that all the time too and it never translated to a game. Ogelsby ring a bell.

 

[DanL53]

All Fleming has to do is score about eight points in a twelve or so minute appearance and he'll have the approval of the board.

 

[backinblack23]

All Fleming has to do is score about eight points in a twelve or so minute appearance and he'll have the approval of the board.

No but it didn't take a NBA scout to notice Williams has more athleticism than Ellignson and brings more to the table than the 3 ball. Williams still looked a little lost on defense and unsure but he hasn't played meaningful minutes in a month or so and to get thrown in there against a very athletic team is a little intimidating for most players as a true freshman. These next few games with Williams getting more playing time can be huge for his confidence and experience going into next year.

 

[DanL53]

No but it didn't take a NBA scout to notice Williams has more athleticism than Ellignson and brings more to the table than the 3 ball. Williams still looked a little lost on defense and unsure but he hasn't played meaningful minutes in a month or so and to get thrown in there against a very athletic team is a little intimidating for most players as a true freshman. These next few games with Williams getting more playing time can be huge for his confidence and experience going into next year.

20/20 hindsight over one good game? And what if next time he struggles?

 

[starbrown]

And the word is that Moss is even better. The odds of potential transfer after this season seem to be rising.

That's why I always laugh when someone points out a potential future recruit (basketball or football) and some nimrod replies with "we don't have any scholarships to give". It amazes me the number of people who don't understand that roster's at this level of competition are dynamic.

 

[skydog0784]

I haven't read the entire thread so apologies if someone else has made this point but given he chose to make this statement publicly tells me this is clearly code speak for "Brady you will play very few minutes ever as a member of this team and it would be in your best interest to transfer".

Not an indictment on Brady per se, he seems like a good young man.

 

[Ronman]

Seems to me when McCaffery has brought Ellingson into games, it was almost a heat check to see if he could knock down some threes. Unfortunately for Brady, he hasn't been able to accomplish this and quickly finds himself back on the bench. The more this happens, the less his opportunities.

 

[Mohawkeye]

I haven't read the entire thread so apologies if someone else has made this point but given he chose to make this statement publicly tells me this is clearly code speak for "Brady you will play very few minutes ever as a member of this team and it would be in your best interest to transfer".

Not an indictment on Brady per se, he seems like a good young man.

Yeah, I think that was an honest and subtle suggestion being made by Fran.

 

[nu2u]

Seems to me when McCaffery has brought Ellingson into games, it was almost a heat check to see if he could knock down some threes. Unfortunately for Brady, he hasn't been able to accomplish this and quickly finds himself back on the bench. The more this happens, the less his opportunities.

This is my exact observation also. His role with this team is clearly as a 3PT specialist. I hope BE keeps working hard and makes the most of his future opportunities.

 

[BIG Bick]

duh

Should have happened months ago

duh

Should have happened months ago? How the hell do you know what went on in practice or anything else that made Fran put B.E. ahead of C.W.? God I get tired of posters on here that think they know more than the coaches!

"Fran McCaffery on teleconference: Christian Williams will receive more minutes going forward, has officially surpassed Brady Ellingson"

"Fran McCaffery on teleconference: Christian Williams will receive more minutes going forward, has officially surpassed Brady Ellingson"

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

I hope Williams is the 6th man today. Play him a short stint initially for MG(AC's last rodeo in Michigan, he won't leave the floor much). Then a good run later in the first half. As long as he is fairly mistake free, let's have him run the show and see what he can do.

Loved the aggressiveness. His length will provide some much needed rebounding. If he can start popping shots from outside, we will be some happy campers.

Curious, Anyone know his HS stats from shooting outside?

 

[And1Hawk]

CW has been a guy I and many others have wanted to see a lot more in the bench rotation. He's smooth and long. His length created 2 and almost 3 Indiana TO's in his short stint. He's Marble'sque. I am a Fran lover but if I had to pick out one thing I wish could be changed this season in hindsight it would be more CW this season. It would potentially help this year and next.

I am not anti-Brady it's just he has really struggled and not knocked down the 3 ball in conference play in his opportunities. He looks like he is playing scared or with no confidence. I do wonder if he is going to make it at this level but sometimes another year can make a big difference.

Expect some mistakes and erratic play at times from CW just because he's a young first time player with super limited playing time this year. We cannot expect to see him go 20 & 10 the first couple times out but if he can do what he did against Indiana that's going to be a huge spark off the bench in these last couple of games and give him a confidence boost going into next year.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Not sure how anyone can be down on Williams given he had logged what 10 total minutes in big ten play prior to IU and most of those were just to get us to halftime without someone picking up a third foul. You are going to be hesitant when you get thrown out there as a freshman having not played in weeks and then you get yanked for making a mistake. Williams is not afraid to put the ball on the deck, drive if open, he can crash the boards, and as we saw against IU, his length is an asset defensively.

At this point, BE cannot do any of these things and is 100% reliant on someone else setting him up for an open look. Can he develop? Hopefully. I think not getting Williams into the mix early in conference play was a big miss by Fran. He is raw and will make mistakes, but the kid has game and isn't afraid to be aggressive as we saw the other night. He was a couple missed bunnies away from have double digit scoring in what, 6 minutes?

 

[iowa surfer]

This mean's Fran's been reading this board again- always good news.

Fran reading board? You do have a Dry SENSE OF HUMOR! Ithink? Next year' will be much better than we think. WATCH. And Woody 2nd team all big 10! A tough tough HAWK. BEAT MICHIGAN TONITE!

 

[Scott559]

I preach this often but Patience is truly a virtue, I like what I have seen of CW as well as everyone else, Fran see's him everyday, Fran doesn't want to lose games and keep the best players on the bench, Again, He see's them everyday. Brady had a year to learn the offense and defensive schemes, He may lack things that CW brings to the table but he knew where he was supposed to be and when to be there, Christian has had to learn those exact same things, It has taken some time. Would it have been nice to be giving him minutes earlier, Sure, thankfully though it seems he truly is getting a grasp on things and has earned some trust. I believe the confidence thing with Christian went both ways, He needed it himself and Fran needed to have the confidence to trust him on the floor. Instead of wondering why it didn't happen earlier, I'm just glad to see he is progressing into the rotation.

 

[HawkLogic]

Idk about the "should've happened months ago"

Even Williams said he was really tentative early on. It's not like we were relying on Ellingson anyway. But Gesell and Clemmons were playing really well, so there was no need to yank em and potentially lose the lead or whatever. Not to mention Fran sees these guys every day. I'll trust his opinion.

Having said that, glad he's getting it figured out. I haven't been as high on Williams as some. Just didn't see him as the savior at PG. hope to see more of what he did against IU. Loved the aggressive mentality.

There were some threads on the need to play CW earlier in season ahead of this collapse.
It was pretty obvious CW could at least play defense and rebound. Ellingson, while trying hard, is athletically challenged. The fact that he had yips shooting 3balls was the other problem.

The reasoning for playing CW earlier was we only had two guards, i.e. no depth. Fran needed to get the kid ready and only game time gets him ready because season is long. In retrospect, those fans were right and Fran was wrong. Two seasons (2014 and 2016) seem to indicate that Fran's instincts on how to prevent a season ending slump are not correct.

That said, Fran is our guy, but this is his weakness..learning how to recruit and field a clutch team.