Frustrated thoughts

[Obviously Oblivious]

-Bohannon gives us very little on both ends of the court and lately can't even make FTs at the expected clip

-Connor, much of the same. A little better on D but brings nothing on the O end and can't make FTs either

-Patrick has upside with his length, but he needs to get tougher on the D end and learn to body up people for rebound position.

-Rebraca is efficient on the O end but he's not a threat from anywhere outside of 6 feet. On D he's not a rim protector to shut down penetration. We desperately need that.

-Touissaint, Kris, Tony and Aron should all be getting more time. I'm open to seeing more minutes from both Peyton, Josh & Riley as well.

The entire team as a whole doesn't make rebounding a priority. Our shooters don't even follow their shots, we seem overly concerned with allowing teams to run out on us after a miss. We need a change in attitude and priorities. When we shoot poorly we are sunk because O rebounds never happen and we allow the opposing team to crash the boards with impunity and little to no resistance on our part. It's frustrating.

 

[hopstiguy61]

It seems like Rebraca plays smaller than his height- can't really defend players his size or taller, doesn't rebound well for a player his size, and has no real, effective post-up game. He plays like he should be a '3', but he doesn't have the skills for that position.

Although I'm not overly impressed with JoshO, might it be better to get him a few more minutes at the '5'? It seems like our rebounding would improve with him in the rotation, even if it's only for a few non-garbage-time minutes.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

just don't think FR is big enough for Big ten centers. He's likely giving up 2-3 inches, 20lbs, and 6 inches or more of reach. Just not a winning strategy. I think he would be a good 4.

 

[sm_hawkeye]

Yeah I agree with OP thoughts.

Fran must have thought this team could make up for their lack of size and getting killed on the boards by having an elite press defense, gaining possessions back by turnovers, and then tiring the opponent out by out running them.

Instead of an elite press we have a average to good press. Wisconsin had better size and they still played more effective at a high pace.

Ribraca makes some great efforts but too much is being asked of him right now. He played the four last year I think right? Now he’s suppose to just be ready start as a center in the big ten?

I think if Fran going to get this team to compete with the top 6 in big10 he is going to have to put more trust in Josh even if he’s not ready.

Starting Jordan at this point appears fulfilling a promise to him if he returned. He just doesn’t seem to be confident anymore. The last game he dribbled into a trap in last minutes and about sailed the ball into the crowd to Connor who isn’t who you want getting fouled. A six year player needs to lead with better decisions that that.

I am glad he came back still but he needs to embrace what he is, a talented shooter with negatives in defense and lacks isolation ability. He has plenty to be proud of, there’s no shame coming off the bench to drill some threes. Pass the torch to Ulis or Perkins. The starting lineup just doesn’t have enough defense.

 

[hawkguy77]

We lose no matter what tonight but my goodness Wisconsin couldn’t miss a shot.

Other random thoughts:

- I hate Wisconsin.
- Davison is a POS.
- Keegan as always was great but the team needs to target him even more. He’s so much better than anyone else.
- I hate Wisconsin.
- JT was pretty good tonight. Much better than Perkins and Ulis.
- I hate Wisconsin.
- Ribraca just doesn’t do it for me. Give Josh O more minutes. Not saying don’t play or start Ribraca but Josh should get a few minutes here and there.
- I still support Fran and hope we can be a tourney team.
- I hate Wisconsin.

I was encouraged about this team after they battled back against Purdue without Keegan. Last night made me very pessimistic about the rest of the season.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Russ Millard

I don't think Russ was a dirty player. Sure he was a "banger" on the post, but I really don't recall anything he did being dirty, or even Woodbury-like. BTW I don't think Woodbury was purposely poking eyes--I just think he was clumsy/gangly enough that he did it by accident.

 

[cubsMDdmb]

I was encouraged about this team after they battled back against Purdue without Keegan. Last night made me very pessimistic about the rest of the season.

I agree. Very disheartening game.

 

[HotelAlphaWilcoKilo]

I don't think Russ was a dirty player. Sure he was a "banger" on the post, but I really don't recall anything he did being dirty, or even Woodbury-like. BTW I don't think Woodbury was purposely poking eyes--I just think he was clumsy/gangly enough that he did it by accident.

I didn't mean to suggest he was dirty, but of the pain-in-the-ass-for-the-other-team variety. It's been 25+ years though, so I may even be wrong with that assessment. He certainly wasn't in the Davison/Grayson Allen douche league.

 

[Mohawkeye]

I tend to agree with the above, but I do not feel like FM has the skill or desire to leverage his players strengths. IMO he throws them out there says "go out score them". I personally cannot think of one thing FM's team do every year consistently and with success.

Low turnovers. High free throw percentage. We foul less than we get fouled. Those are pretty consistent over the years.

 

[rsigmundi]

How people can still be pro-Fran at this point is beyond me. ISU was 2-22 last year and is now a Top 10 team after losing 90% of their roster and rebuilding via the portal. Fran, with access to the same portal, nets Rebraca who is undersized and overmatched against pedestrian post players.

Next to the guards. Does anyone see development in Joe T. or Ulis? Fran rationalized his portal laziness by touting Jbo's return and Mulvey reclassifying. How is that working out? Jbo, against even token defense, is incapable of getting a shot off and is a defensive liability. Mulvey and Josh sit while Iowa gets destroyed on the glass and Connor logs mega minutes despite being average on defense and ZERO threat to score.

This season is lost. Time to look to the future with less Jbo and Connor and more Sandfort, Perkins, Kris, Mulvey and Josh.

Do you realize your talking about the all time Iowa leader in assists and 3s? And about PM -- wasn't he a top 100 highschool recruit, or something, with incredible talent and skills? Ugh.

 

[SVRHawkeye]

That's our story every loss. The other team couldn't miss a shot.
Why?
Fran needs to go.
He sucks.
He is not the answer.

Maybe it’s just the university of Iowa that sucks. I’ve been a fan since Lute. Iowa has pretty much sucked in mediocrity that entire time. Of course our state is a small, irrelevant, dying spot in the middle of the country from which most of our kids can’t wait to escape. But let’s just say Fran sucks. FFS

 

[Hawksfor3]

Just listened to the post game presser (video on HR Homepage).

Fran, when asked about being outrebounded offensively the last 4 games, said it was "Disappointing". Said that it takes "A lot of conditioning and tenacity" and that we need to get better. Said that the guards need to get back, but the others have to go to the boards. Aren't those the things that should be addressed at practice?

As usual, he gave them a lot of credit and didn't seem terribly upset. Meanwhile.....

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Just listened to the post game presser (video on HR Homepage).

Fran, when asked about being outrebounded the last 4 games, said it was "Disappointing". Said that it takes "A lot of conditioning and tenacity" and that we need to get better. Said that the guards need to get back, but the others have to go to the boards. Aren't those the things that should be addressed at practice?

As usual, he gave them a lot of credit and didn't seem terribly upset. Meanwhile.....

How is conditioning even remotely possible? the other teams are playing less bench players less minutes. That's a horrible answer. Tenacity is controlled by playing time and culture that fran doesn't teach . I've always been struck by his lack of composure on the sidelines, why can't he control himself? Does this lack of discipline creep into his coaching?

 

[Hawksfor3]

How is conditioning even remotely possible? the other teams are playing less bench players less minutes. That's a horrible answer. Tenacity is controlled by playing time and culture that fran doesn't teach . I've always been struck by his lack of composure on the sidelines, why can't he control himself? Does this lack of discipline creep into his coaching?

Agree. It's about desire and execution. The coach(es) have to re-enforce getting to the glass and going for it. The players have to go hard to the glass for the rebounds. There were many times that our opponents would run in and jump over us to get the boards. We need to jump with them, not just stand.

 

[TheTruthTheWholeTruth]

Low turnovers. High free throw percentage. We foul less than we get fouled. Those are pretty consistent over the years.

High assist rate as well

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Do you realize your talking about the all time Iowa leader in assists and 3s? And about PM -- wasn't he a top 100 highschool recruit, or something, with incredible talent and skills? Ugh.

Yes. Do you realize Jbo has no offense beyond 3's and free throws and when not scoring is a liability given his poor D? This isn't a knock on Jbo. He is an elite shooter, but can't create his own offense and Fran can't get him any looks in the half court.

I like Pmac's game, but he is a complimentary player not a go to guy and never will be. That's fine if Fran puts better talent around him, but he hasn't and likely won't.

The entire team is suffering because Iowa lacks a PG and a post presence. Keegan is a special player and can get his shots because he is simply that good. The problem is that's one guy. As we saw against WI, their defense was significantly better than Iowa's offense and it won't be the last time we see that scenario unfold.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

There are multiple issues, but the single biggest problematic one now is rebounding margin.
They just can't keep getting killed on the boards that badly and expect to win.
Fixing that doesn't guarantee getting to .500 or better in the league. But if they continue to be -17 against teams they will win few, if any, of those games.

 

[Rudolph]

I think Mulvey is going to pass Ogundele shortly if he hasn’t already. He contests shots very well and has better hands to grab rebounds and passes. Ogundele is more athletic and the better defender away from the hoop. I think Mulvey needs to start logging minutes if we ever hope to solve any of our rebounding issues

The rebounding issues run far deeper than who’s on the floor.

 

[Mohawkeye]

The rebounding issues run far deeper than who’s on the floor.

How do you know? Ogundule has a very good rebounds/minute ratio.

 

[Ronman]

The Wisconsin effort was truly frustrating, but I am holding out hope that we can have at least a decent season as there really doesn't seem to be any real powerhouses in the B1G this season. Purdue is very good, but they can be beat. Illinois is going to have a good year given the way officials are calling their games. I just don't think Wisconsin is THAT good. Michigan has struggled mightily. This version of Michigan St. looks less than their usual excellent self. If our players can start rebounding like their lives depended on it, I still think we can win some games.

 

[BBHawk]

I was encouraged about this team after they battled back against Purdue without Keegan. Last night made me very pessimistic about the rest of the season.

Tha same team played both games. Focus and effort determined the difference, plus WI is playing at a very high level right now. Davis cannot miss, and Davison is really hot. These 2 things won't last. I really wish Iowa was playing them in CHA this year.

 

[Rudolph]

How do you know? Ogundule has a very good rebounds/minute ratio.

It’s cultural to the program. Close your eyes and imagine Wisconsin or Michigan State or Purdue running both technical and competitive rebounding drills daily in practice—like Iowa did under Dr. Tom. Now close your eyes and imagine Fran’s Iowa teams doing the same.

 

[unoHawkeye]

The rebounding issues run far deeper than who’s on the floor.

Right, but it’s still possible that switching up personnel on the floor could help

 

[Mohawkeye]

It’s cultural to the program. Close your eyes and imagine Wisconsin or Michigan State or Purdue running both technical and competitive rebounding drills daily in practice—like Iowa did under Dr. Tom. Now close your eyes and imagine Fran’s Iowa teams doing the same.

Disagree. Those teams have much more physical players. I’ve never been to a practice for any of those teams so I cannot speak to what they do, but I think it’s more of a personnel and scheme issue. We don’t have any bangers playing and we rely too much on zone defense. Neither Rebraca or PMac or Bohannon are built to be good rebounders. And never will be much better no matter how much you coach them up. PMac would be better if he put on some muscle, but that’s not happening right away. Ulis and Kris Murray are both above average rebounders, play them more and you’ll see a different result. I suspect Ogundule is also a very good rebounder from what little we’ve seen.

 

[Fan In Black]

complaining about Frans teams rebounding or D is like complaining about Kirks teams offensive scheme.

 

[Rudolph]

Disagree. Those teams have much more physical players. I’ve never been to a practice for any of those teams so I cannot speak to what they do, but I think it’s more of a personnel and scheme issue. We don’t have any bangers playing and we rely too much on zone defense. Neither Rebraca or PMac or Bohannon are built to be good rebounders. And never will be much better no matter how much you coach them up. PMac would be better if he put on some muscle, but that’s not happening right away. Ulis and Kris Murray are both above average rebounders, play them more and you’ll see a different result. I suspect Ogundule is also a very good rebounder from what little we’ve seen.

You can tell how programs are built by watching them over time. Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan State make it a clear priority to defend and rebound. Dr. Tom may not have priorities defense the same way, but rebounding was a major, major focus—daily. And the stats confirm.

This isn’t some hard-to-deduce thing.

 

[Mohawkeye]

You can tell how programs are built by watching them over time. Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan State make it a clear priority to defend and rebound. Dr. Tom may not have priorities defense the same way, but rebounding was a major, major focus—daily. And the stats confirm.

This isn’t some hard-to-deduce thing.

I agree. And history shows Iowa has not been a bad rebounding team under Fran. This season, yes. Traditionally, no.

 

[Rudolph]

I agree. And history shows Iowa has not been a bad rebounding team under Fran. This season, yes. Traditionally, no.

I would be shocked if Fran had a positive rebounding stat versus any of the three teams—arguably the perennial powers—I’m referencing.

It’s the yearly issue with this team. Bluder’s, too.

Couple finesse programs without the athletes to win that way versus the top of the league.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Sit Bohannon for Perkins and impress on him that his priorities are defense and rebounding. Give at least some of Rebraca's minutes to Josh O and Mulvey with the same instructions. Play more Kris for Patrick.

Who knows if that would do much given the lack of attention Fran pays to D and rebounding. But at least those personnel changes might help some.

 

[Mohawkeye]

I would be shocked if Fran had a positive rebounding stat versus any of the three teams—arguably the perennial powers—I’m referencing.

It’s the yearly issue with this team. Bluder’s, too.

Couple finesse programs without the athletes to win that way versus the top of the league.

That could very well be true, maybe even expected, but it doesn’t contradict my premise that rebounding is not a consistent problem under Fran.

 

[Rudolph]

That could very well be true, maybe even expected, but it doesn’t contradict my premise that rebounding is not a consistent problem under Fran.

Consistent problem versus top of the league. Thus the middling frustration.

 

[nbanflfactory]

Yeah I don’t really have the answer other than Toussaint needs to be averaging 30 minutes per game with Ulis getting the other 10 at PG, and the other 5 at off guard. 20 per game for Perkins, 15 for Bohannon

If jbo can get open and his shot is on he can play most the game. If either isn't happening he can play 5mins

I'd like to see what happens if Joet shoots more 3s!

 

[HawkLogic]

Just listened to the post game presser (video on HR Homepage).

Fran, when asked about being outrebounded offensively the last 4 games, said it was "Disappointing". Said that it takes "A lot of conditioning and tenacity" and that we need to get better. Said that the guards need to get back, but the others have to go to the boards. Aren't those the things that should be addressed at practice?

As usual, he gave them a lot of credit and didn't seem terribly upset. Meanwhile.....

The issue isn't lack of offensive rebounds, it is not getting the defensinsive rebounds to get stops..

A good rebounding team would get 75% of defensive rebounds. Last game vs Wisconsin, Iowa got 20 defensiive rebounds while giving up 15 offensive rebounds to Wisconsin...that is getting 57% of defenseive rebounds.. That has nothing to do with guards getting back...they are on defense already and not rebounding.

 

[BBHawk]

The issue isn't lack of offensive rebounds, it is not getting the defensinsive rebounds to get stops..

A good rebounding team would get 75% of defensive rebounds. Last game vs Wisconsin, Iowa got 20 defensiive rebounds while giving up 15 offensive rebounds to Wisconsin...that is getting 57% of defenseive rebounds.. That has nothing to do with guards getting back...they are on defense already and not rebounding.

Yup. Little if any blocking out, and players are more likely to be leaking out for a break rather than hitting the boards.

 

[HawkLogic]

Maybe it’s just the university of Iowa that sucks. I’ve been a fan since Lute. Iowa has pretty much sucked in mediocrity that entire time. Of course our state is a small, irrelevant, dying spot in the middle of the country from which most of our kids can’t wait to escape. But let’s just say Fran sucks. FFS

Iowa hasn't sucked, they've been average---i.e. around 0.500 in B1G ball.


The 87 team after lute was incredible and really could have should have won a tilte.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

There is a reason poor shooting teams seem to play well against Iowa.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

There are multiple issues, but the single biggest problematic one now is rebounding margin.
They just can't keep getting killed on the boards that badly and expect to win.
Fixing that doesn't guarantee getting to .500 or better in the league. But if they continue to be -17 against teams they will win few, if any, of those games.

Good point. I don't expect Fran to be able to recruit Duke or Kentucky talent, but I do expect him to evolve as a recruiter and coach and I am not seeing it. Rebraca is a nice player, but gives up too much size. If Fran didn't think Josh could contribute this season, which appears to be the case, he should have recognized the necessity to bring another guy in via the portal--a Reggie Evans, Cy Tate, or Doug Thomas type player to bang down low and rebound. Any points from this guy would be a plus, but a more physical presence in the paint would give the team some toughness, which is sorely lacking. Mulvey was coming regardless, so I don't see the value of burning a year of eligibility to sit on the bench.

Fran doesn't see defense as a catalyst for the offense. He wants to play fast and shoot 3's, but can't because the team gets killed on the glass and plays sketchy d. Playing fast has amounted to rushing to inbound the ball after an opponent's made basket. The half-court offense is Keegan or hot potato with guys who can't create their own offense or shoot low % from 3.

I know the "Wisconsin sucks" crowd won't like this, but their style has been far more successful than Fran's the last 12 years and will be again this year with, IMO, less talent than Iowa has.

 

[Bee93]

What is so hard to understand? It’s been 10 or so years now. Fran is who he is, and Iowa BBall is what it is. It’s like none of you Fran supporters watch other NCAA games. You all seem happy with our ceiling under this mediocre coach. Can’t wait for us to make the NCAAs in a couple years and get embarrassed in the second round. It’s far beyond time for a change.

 

[RocknRollface]

Disagree. Those teams have much more physical players. I’ve never been to a practice for any of those teams so I cannot speak to what they do, but I think it’s more of a personnel and scheme issue. We don’t have any bangers playing and we rely too much on zone defense. Neither Rebraca or PMac or Bohannon are built to be good rebounders. And never will be much better no matter how much you coach them up. PMac would be better if he put on some muscle, but that’s not happening right away. Ulis and Kris Murray are both above average rebounders, play them more and you’ll see a different result. I suspect Ogundule is also a very good rebounder from what little we’ve seen.

Theres no reason Rebraca and Patrick can't rebound.

Rebraca is 6,9 230 and decently athletic. Pat is tall and can jump very well.

Skinny guys can rebound if they want to. Its not like Joe Weiskamp, Aaron White or Ryan Bowen weren't skinny.

I don't expect Pat to be a great rebounder but he's not even trying a lot of the time.

 

[BirdistheWord]

1. Wisconsin got a lot of calls, but hey its a home game and what do you expect?
2. Bucky got virtually every loose ball/50-50 ball - UGH
3. Bucky +9 for Offensive Rebounds - those are like turnovers
4. Bucky's stout defense forced us to play one on one ball with players like PMac throwing up contested junk
5. Ultimately, Bucky controlled tempo, scheme and got great looks at the basket or easy buckets

Implications: (some dead horse material...)
1. Rebraca not bringing really anything on either end of the floor. May as well start weaving in more Josh/Riley
2. JBo has become very situational. Very athletic or Defensive minded teams are like Kryptonite. His minutes need to be extremely limited (e.g. 10-12)
3. Fran needs to turn Joe T loose more, he is one of our best assets to get to the rim and shoots the ball at a solid percentage (ideally inside the arc)
4. Kris Murray needs to play heavy minutes going forward. He is probably our best three point shooter who also can play lock down defense. And he can rebound.
5. Connor should play zero minutes going forward unless garbage time or we need a goon for retaliation.
6. PMac should come in off the bench, play moderate minutes (15-20)
7. Increase Sandfort's minutes. We desperately need his 3 point shooting and he can shoot over guys and play better defense/rebounding than JBo
8. Can we try more Joe T + Perkins together?