Michigan State's 2nd leading scorer, Alyza Winston, is in the transfer portal. The Spartans are definitely a team trending down right now. They've been hit hard by injuries, but I was surprised how poor they looked on Sunday. Seems like things will get worse now before they get better.
Hawkeye Women’s BBall Season 2021-2022
- Thread starter huntermmm
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I don't think I have ever seen a team so lazy at getting back on defense as MSU was on Sunday in that 3rd quarter. It sure looked like they had quit on their coach. Maybe Suzy Merchant has worn out her welcome.
Apparently it was write about Iowa WBB day today and no one told us. Here's another article about the team that focuses more on statistics. The defensive statistics at the end are particularly interesting, because they show a big defensive improvement so far.
That said, I'm not sure looking at statistics of any sort 6 games into a season is particularly worthwhile. Outside of Duke, Iowa's competition has been fairly weak. And the team certainly wasn't back up to speed in the Duke game. Probably better to check back in a month or two to see where things stand.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/feature...last-seasons-sweet-success/?ex_cid=538twitter
That said, I'm not sure looking at statistics of any sort 6 games into a season is particularly worthwhile. Outside of Duke, Iowa's competition has been fairly weak. And the team certainly wasn't back up to speed in the Duke game. Probably better to check back in a month or two to see where things stand.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/feature...last-seasons-sweet-success/?ex_cid=538twitter
What a fast and sad turnaround from MSU being borderline top-25 team to one that would be lucky to make the WNIT at this point. It's too bad for us because MSU flopping will look bad for the conference as a whole and can negatively affect NCAA tournament seeding. For the same reason, it's a shame the Big Ten had an overall poor showing in the ACC challenge. The Big Ten as a conference currently has just the 6th best RPI, behind the four other P5 conferences as well as the American.
I hope this article is right, as is the defensive and rebounding improvement that others are seeing from this team. But I still don’t see it, having watched only the Duke and MSU games. I hope my negativity about defense and rebounding is because I am stuck in my views from last season, and have yet to embrace the new evidence. Unfortunately, for me, if we learned that Iowa has some key players with bizarre injuries that prevent them from getting in a defensive stance or ever having their butt lower than the butt of the player they are guarding, that would make perfect sense.
This is a very small sample of games, but last year we gave up 81 points to UNI. This year, we gave up 61.
Last year, we gave up 86 and 72 points to Michigan State. This year, we gave up 61, and several of those were in garbage time.
This certainly isn't an apples to apples comparison. Michigan State is worse this year than last. I don't know enough about UNI to say how they compare to last year. But there is at least some comparative data that could suggest the defense is better this year.
The refs were something else. But Iowa just plain sucked. I think Lisa should have left a few players back in Iowa City. Lisa needs to put a end to her Logan Cook experiment, and I have been a big fan of hers hoping she would improve if she would get playing time. But enough is enough. Man O man that was terrible to watch.
Trying to find something to be optimistic about... So how about that stint of Q4 when O'Grady was in and we *actually* had a rim protecting presence?? I loved it. Two blocks in the same possession I believe! Can't wait to see her keep developing. Monika is one of my favorite players, but I've gotten so used to watching her worse-than-average defense that I kind of had forgotten what it was like to have a rim protector on our team. I also thought Kate and McKenna played about as good of defense as we could have expected guarding Ashley.
As others have said, I want O'Grady to get ALL of Czinano's back-up minutes. I'm fine with Cook playing spot minutes backing up Warnock IF we are playing a team that also plays two posts and we need her to play some post defense at the 4. But tonight, I would have rather just gone with four guards (starters plus Tomi or Kylie) like we starting doing in the second half (I believe).
I'm annoyed at the FT discrepancy. With 4:00 to go in the game, we had attempted just 4 FT's to their 14. (Of course, this differential ballooned at the end when we starting fouling.) And it sucks that Kate's 2nd foul was originally assigned to Monika, which gave Monika 3 foul and forced us to take her out of the game. If the foul had been properly assigned, Monika could have stayed in the game for that stretch at the end of Q2.
I get that we are a better offensive than defensive team. But I feel like the slight improvements we've seen on defense this year have been negated so far by a decrease in offensive efficiency compared to last year. Simply put, the shooting percentages are down across the board. Caitlin was shooting well in the first half at least which was nice to see again.
I was pleased that we started rebounding better in Q2-4. After giving up 8 offensive rebounds in the first quarter, they finished with only 14. If we had rebounded better and taken care of the ball better in Q1, though, this could have been a very different game. We'd have been playing from ahead instead of having to rely on our defense to get stops in order to claw our way back into the game. I thought our defense was at least "OK" until we just had too many lapses in the final stretch of the game.
As others have said, I want O'Grady to get ALL of Czinano's back-up minutes. I'm fine with Cook playing spot minutes backing up Warnock IF we are playing a team that also plays two posts and we need her to play some post defense at the 4. But tonight, I would have rather just gone with four guards (starters plus Tomi or Kylie) like we starting doing in the second half (I believe).
I'm annoyed at the FT discrepancy. With 4:00 to go in the game, we had attempted just 4 FT's to their 14. (Of course, this differential ballooned at the end when we starting fouling.) And it sucks that Kate's 2nd foul was originally assigned to Monika, which gave Monika 3 foul and forced us to take her out of the game. If the foul had been properly assigned, Monika could have stayed in the game for that stretch at the end of Q2.
I get that we are a better offensive than defensive team. But I feel like the slight improvements we've seen on defense this year have been negated so far by a decrease in offensive efficiency compared to last year. Simply put, the shooting percentages are down across the board. Caitlin was shooting well in the first half at least which was nice to see again.
I was pleased that we started rebounding better in Q2-4. After giving up 8 offensive rebounds in the first quarter, they finished with only 14. If we had rebounded better and taken care of the ball better in Q1, though, this could have been a very different game. We'd have been playing from ahead instead of having to rely on our defense to get stops in order to claw our way back into the game. I thought our defense was at least "OK" until we just had too many lapses in the final stretch of the game.
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Here's my recap from last night. I know there's a lot of doom and gloom after a loss (especially a loss to Iowa State), but I don't think I'm as down on things as some are.
The offense isn't where it was last year, but a lot of that seems to be shooting. Clark's shot selection got a little wild last night, but I thought it was pretty good against Michigan State. The shots just aren't falling yet. If she keeps taking good shots, eventually they will.
Defensively, I think we're starting to see stretches of good play. The questions moving forward are can those stretches turn into something more and can the team rebound enough to close out stops? Hopefully they keep working to improve both areas.
I also mentioned O'Grady's rim protection in the recap. It was refreshing to see. It's pretty clear now that she should be getting all the backup 5 minutes. I'd also like to see the coaches be creative and see if they can get her some time as the backup 4. Her defense and rebounding could be a boost the team desperately needs.
https://www.goiowaawesome.com/iowa-...671/15-iowa-state-77-12-iowa-70-streaks-kill#
The offense isn't where it was last year, but a lot of that seems to be shooting. Clark's shot selection got a little wild last night, but I thought it was pretty good against Michigan State. The shots just aren't falling yet. If she keeps taking good shots, eventually they will.
Defensively, I think we're starting to see stretches of good play. The questions moving forward are can those stretches turn into something more and can the team rebound enough to close out stops? Hopefully they keep working to improve both areas.
I also mentioned O'Grady's rim protection in the recap. It was refreshing to see. It's pretty clear now that she should be getting all the backup 5 minutes. I'd also like to see the coaches be creative and see if they can get her some time as the backup 4. Her defense and rebounding could be a boost the team desperately needs.
https://www.goiowaawesome.com/iowa-...671/15-iowa-state-77-12-iowa-70-streaks-kill#
Next year, I can see times with Czinano/Goodman with O’Grady in the game for specialized lineups. Warnock is our four, so I don’t suggest anything close to relaxing her, of course.
One thing to keep in mind for next year is that Hannah Stuelke looks much better suited to play the 4 in our current system than Goodman or O'Grady who are natural 5s. We'll see if she's ready to play right away. Even if she is, O'Grady or Goodman could make sense at the 4 for defensive purposes.
In general I wish the coaches would use substitutions more. I think part of our defensive issues are that players are worried about going 100% every possession because they're being asked to play 30+ minutes every game. We might see higher intensity if players (aside from Clark) knew they would only play 25-30 minutes a game, and would have time to recover after they are in.
One other point: we don't player another ranked team now until January 23. That's a 9 game stretch where we should (in theory) be favored. I hope the coaches have a plan to get our bench more involved in those games.
We need to get O'Grady to the point where the coaches trust her to play all the backup 5 minutes. We need to work on her low-post moves so that we still have a low-post presence when Czinano is out, even if it won't be as dangerous.
We need Taiwo and Feuerbach to grow to the point where they can sub in for Marshall and Martin and the coaches don't feel like we're losing much.
I'd also like to see more from Affolter. She's shown good potential on the glass, but has been inconsistent at best on both ends. Could she contribute more at the 4 and give Warnock a break?
Building our depth will be important come March. I hope the coaches focus more on that in the next 9 games rather than playing the starters until the final few minutes in games we're up 20+.
We need to get O'Grady to the point where the coaches trust her to play all the backup 5 minutes. We need to work on her low-post moves so that we still have a low-post presence when Czinano is out, even if it won't be as dangerous.
We need Taiwo and Feuerbach to grow to the point where they can sub in for Marshall and Martin and the coaches don't feel like we're losing much.
I'd also like to see more from Affolter. She's shown good potential on the glass, but has been inconsistent at best on both ends. Could she contribute more at the 4 and give Warnock a break?
Building our depth will be important come March. I hope the coaches focus more on that in the next 9 games rather than playing the starters until the final few minutes in games we're up 20+.
Agree, I would have liked to see Tomi and Kylie in together for stretches. Both for defensive purposes but also because we needed more driving threats to open up the three point line. Once fatigue sets in, Marshall/Martin/Warnock become too easy to guard because there is not much threat they will beat you off the bounce. Warnock in particular looked gassed -- fouled out and multiple airballs -- and I don't necessarily blame her having had the huge responsibility of guarding Ashley and trying to keep her off the boards all night.
Also, I don't want to see Clark playing 40 minutes, even in a close game. It may feel like a short term loss, not having her for a few possessions each quarter, but it's a long term gain having her fresher at the ends of games and getting the others a bit of experiencing running things without her.
One other thing ISU did well last night -- limiting our fast break points. They just totally took that away and it really exposed us.
Agree. It might mean short term struggles with a few more mistakes and kinks to work out, but long term gain. It should be said though that UCF is no cupcake. They've already beat Arkansas, USC, Belmont and played Tennessee really close.
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Totally agree on Feuerbach and Affolter, but waiting for Taiwo to grow is like waiting for Godot. Her missed layups last night are the just the latest evidence. I thought at the end of last year that maybe she could learn to contribute in traffic or at the hoop, but it’s not going to happen. Spot duty yes, but development time should go to Feuerbach and Affolter.
I agree. She just throws the ball up on layups no idea where it is going, but we know not in the basket!
Time to flush last nights game. I was hoping the officiating wouldn't be to bad, but it was. And combine that with cold shooting is a recipe for disaster, without adding the poor defense and rebounding. Monika shot 38.5% and McKenna was 1 of 5 from three Clark shot 38.5% so nobody really had a good game. One bright spot kinda Martin was 1 point short of a double double,
Defense and rebounding has been an eye-sore for so long with Lisa I don't really expect it to get better. Just need for these players to get into sync with each other.
I agree with thoughts on Taiwo, was hoping she would take off from last year, but doesn't seem to be the case. As far as Feuerbach is concern I haven't decided yet. ISU seems to be playing better without her this year, and Iowa seems to be playing worse, so only time will tell.
Defense and rebounding has been an eye-sore for so long with Lisa I don't really expect it to get better. Just need for these players to get into sync with each other.
I agree with thoughts on Taiwo, was hoping she would take off from last year, but doesn't seem to be the case. As far as Feuerbach is concern I haven't decided yet. ISU seems to be playing better without her this year, and Iowa seems to be playing worse, so only time will tell.
Taiwo is strong defender and vastly improved 3 point shooter. She just needs to be more selective with her shots. Feuerbach has been hit and miss.
The team just needs to communicate and have more court awareness and move without the ball. There's too much standing around. Screens are not set in time. Not enough cutting to the basket. Spacing is poor and the ball stays on side of the court too long. We need more than one set play for Monica. This team has other option and needs to use them. Marshall needs to be shooting.
Kate Martin has been really good all year but we're not getting much production from the 2. Kate Martin needs to be on the floor for 30 minutes a game. We lose way too much without her. She has the most hustle and best court awareness on the team.
They should just stop trying to drive into traffic when there's no shot there. The problem is unless Monica is open, most of the players are holding onto the ball, dribbling in place, or passing the ball around the perimeter. There is no sense of urgency in any of the movement. We are great in transition but the halfcourt offense has been ugly. We have capable players but most of them are way too tentative and seem afraid to shoot the ball or the passes are not crisp and the defense has time to close out on the open shooter.
UCF will be very tough. Especially after another long layoff.
Some interesting statistical analysis sheds light on individual and team improvements from last year (despite what some critics think)…
fivethirtyeight.com
Caitlin Clark And Iowa Are Building On Last Season’s Sweet Success
By any measure, 2020-21 was a successful season for the Iowa women’s basketball team. The Hawkeyes finished 20-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 on the backs of s…
We will see where she is at when the season ends. I have no doubt that by the end of year her numbers will be up. She had turnover issues in both of our losses. If she takes care of the ball, we win. If she doesn't, we lose. I don't think anyone is being overly critical of her -- just acknowledging what needs to be improve if Iowa is to have a successful season and NCAA tourney run.Some interesting statistical analysis sheds light on individual and team improvements from last year (despite what some critics think)…
Caitlin Clark And Iowa Are Building On Last Season’s Sweet Success
By any measure, 2020-21 was a successful season for the Iowa women’s basketball team. The Hawkeyes finished 20-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 on the backs of s…
I'm more concerned about the other guard positions. Kate and Gabbie need to step up their games. Both are entirely capable of being double digit scorers every night and need to step up their intensity. Both can also she shut down defenders. I want to see 12 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds on average from them over the rest of the season.
Gabbie needs to step it up in particular. She goes off on Rutgers every time we play them. I want her to imagine every night she's playing Rutgers and be aggressive on both sides of the ball. She has the potential to be an All Big Ten guard if she just quits being tentative.
I see they are 7-1 currently with wins over USC, Arkansas, and Virginia. Lost by 8 to Tennessee.
Also their coach is originally from Iowa. Played her last two years at Iowa for Stringer after two years at Georgia.
Perhaps on the bench usage. But in the games against good teams (ISU, MSU, Duke), the bench just looks really bad. They are basically trying to buy some time until the starters can get back in. It's a limited sample and the team will improve as they can practice/play more games.
Be patient, once the shooting touch clicks in we will roll.
The week ahead for women's hoops
The Hawkeyes will be taking the court fresh off of a 10-day break and will face a pair of solid opponents before
Need to get to the line tonight. Twenty times would be nice.
IUPUI will have not played for almost two weeks.
IUPUI will have not played for almost two weeks.
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At halftime, Iowa is tied at 31 with UCF. We have 14 turnovers and we’re shooting 33%. The high point is my wife’s fresh pear bread.
Between the Iowa TOs, the UCF offense and the officiating, that was UGLY!
We’re lucky that UCF played as sloppy as we did tonight. We need to do some serious soul searching about taking care of the ball, shot selection, and managing the shot clock. To me it seems like a lot of it comes down to trying to force too much in transition.
As Linus predicted, the FT line was very important. We made 8 more FTs and also won the game by exactly 8 points. We are very fortunate that the refs didn’t let the game get too physical because it would have been to our severe disadvantage.
Only lost the offensive rebounding margin by 2. That’s one of the few silver linings I can find tonight.
As Linus predicted, the FT line was very important. We made 8 more FTs and also won the game by exactly 8 points. We are very fortunate that the refs didn’t let the game get too physical because it would have been to our severe disadvantage.
Only lost the offensive rebounding margin by 2. That’s one of the few silver linings I can find tonight.
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I think the two breaks—Covid and finals — have them still off kilter. Hoping much better a month from now. For once they may welcome the grind of conference play to wake them up…
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