Hope the L is somewhat of a blessing in disguise

[vacuum_cleaner]

That game was a street fight..so was Wisconsin game. We played really well but so did Illinois. Games against WI, IL, and OHST in 3 days would wear out anyone so hope it's kinda a weird positive that we lost.

At least now we don't have to worry about someone getting injured. Chance to get a lil rest after two crazy physical games. And there was no incentive to winning---we're a 2 seed any way you cut it.

Illinois played one of their best games of the year and we didn't. If we happen to play them again (oh how i would love that), Garza isn't getting outplayed again.

Rest up and come out ready to rock n roll!

 

[24 so far]

That game was a street fight..so was Wisconsin game. We played really well but so did Illinois. Games against WI, IL, and OHST in 3 days would wear out anyone so hope it's kinda a weird positive that we lost.

At least now we don't have to worry about someone getting injured. Chance to get a lil rest after two crazy physical games. And there was no incentive to winning---we're a 2 seed any way you cut it.

Illinois played one of their best games of the year and we didn't. If we happen to play them again (oh how i would love that), Garza isn't getting outplayed again.

Rest up and come out ready to rock n roll!

Without Nunge, Luka has to dial it back on Defense, that hurts us. Not that Luka is a great defender, but he's better when he has room for error. That room for error is gone, and all the opponents know it. Doesn't mean we can't beat good teams, but definitely makes it harder.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

That game was a street fight..so was Wisconsin game. We played really well but so did Illinois. Games against WI, IL, and OHST in 3 days would wear out anyone so hope it's kinda a weird positive that we lost.

At least now we don't have to worry about someone getting injured. Chance to get a lil rest after two crazy physical games. And there was no incentive to winning---we're a 2 seed any way you cut it.

Illinois played one of their best games of the year and we didn't. If we happen to play them again (oh how i would love that), Garza isn't getting outplayed again.

Rest up and come out ready to rock n roll!

Oh after this game we absolutely would've had a chance at a 1 if we had won out.

I actually think the blessing in disguise is the fact we got to play in the venue where the Final Four is taking place. We will go back to a smaller venue and it should be easier to shoot as a result.

 

[hawkifann]

Without Nunge, Luka has to dial it back on Defense, that hurts us. Not that Luka is a great defender, but he's better when he has room for error. That room for error is gone, and all the opponents know it. Doesn't mean we can't beat good teams, but definitely makes it harder.

The big key is that everyone can know it, but only a handful of teams have a big that can actually execute that plan against Garza. Kofi is absolutely one of those guys.

 

[vacuum_cleaner]

The big key is that everyone can know it, but only a handful of teams have a big that can actually execute that plan against Garza. Kofi is absolutely one of those guys.

Fact. I'm watching some of these championship games and I'm like, Garza would score 40 w his eyes closed on this center.

Kofi had a great game. Both offensively and defensively. Not too many Kofi's in the nation. And there's no way Garza would have another game like that if they played again. he would adjust.

Illinois is super talented btw. They beat Michigan by 30 without Ayo. Man i would love if hawks played them again though. If we have Illinois with even a normal performance, we'd win by double digits.

 

[unoHawkeye]

The blessing to me is that Iowa had the opportunity to play another competitive game against a top 5 team (and arguably the hottest team) in the country. These games make the team better and it was an awesome primer for the Dance. Just look at how Iowa followed up the Michigan game a few weeks back... an absolute drubbing of OSU. Hope that this game has the same effect

 

[Raptorpeeps]

Man i would love if hawks played them again though. If we have Illinois with even a normal performance, we'd win by double digits.

I’m not following ....

They’ve beaten us twice. They have more talent. They play better defense. Why exactly would we not only beat them but beat them by double digits if we played a third time?

We were 5/8 from three late in the first half and still losing by 8 pts. That should tell you something. We led 14-13 5 min in and never held the lead again. That should also tell you something.

Kind of silly, imo. It would be like Wisconsin fans saying they would “love” to play us again.

They’re better and deeper. I don’t want to play them again.

 

[Pepperman]

I’m not following ....

They’ve beaten us twice. They have more talent. They play better defense. Why exactly would we not only beat them but beat them by double digits if we played a third time?

We were 5/8 from three late in the first half and still losing by 8 pts. That should tell you something. We led 2-0 and never held the lead again. That should also tell you something.

Kind of silly, imo. It would be like Wisconsin fans saying they would “love” to play us again.

They’re better. I don’t want to play them again.

we did lead after 2-0 but I think your other (and main) points are true.

The big key is that everyone can know it, but only a handful of teams have a big that can actually execute that plan against Garza. Kofi is absolutely one of those guys.

My memory of games against Illinois the last two years is that Iowa’s 1-3 and Garza usually looks worse than normal against them. Not sure if that’s his own matchup not being as favorable or if their guard play allows them to be more aggressive. I actually think Kofi’s just really really good and Garza forces too much trying to prove he can handle him. That won’t be a popular opinion here, I know, but is what I see.

 

[Raptorpeeps]

we did lead after 2-0 but I think your other (and main) points are true.




My memory of games against Illinois the last two years is that Iowa’s 1-3 and Garza usually looks worse than normal against them. Not sure if that’s his own matchup not being as favorable or if their guard play allows them to be more aggressive. I actually think Kofi’s just really really good and Garza forces too much trying to prove he can handle him. That won’t be a popular opinion here, I know, but is what I see.

Iowa led 14-13 five minutes into the game and never led after that: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/playbyplay?gameId=401296313

 

[nu2u]

The big key is that everyone can know it, but only a handful of teams have a big that can actually execute that plan against Garza. Kofi is absolutely one of those guys.

I agree with your assessment but it only applies if Garza is on the floor for a full game (less few mins rest). I hope to hell the refs aren't quick with the whistle for contact that is allowed in B10 games.. If Nunge was available it would be less of a worry. Without Jack, Garza fouls will be a huge factor IMO.

 

[kceasthawk]

That game was a street fight..so was Wisconsin game. We played really well but so did Illinois. Games against WI, IL, and OHST in 3 days would wear out anyone so hope it's kinda a weird positive that we lost.

At least now we don't have to worry about someone getting injured. Chance to get a lil rest after two crazy physical games. And there was no incentive to winning---we're a 2 seed any way you cut it.

Illinois played one of their best games of the year and we didn't. If we happen to play them again (oh how i would love that), Garza isn't getting outplayed again.

Rest up and come out ready to rock n roll!

The Garza thing I don't see. Luka is what he is. Kofi is a beast period, and he'll play in the league for a long time BECAUSE he's even more physical then Luka AND more athletic. The difference from his freshman year to this one is obvious. Last year Luka was simply able to take advantage of Cockburn with his experience and array of moves and shots. Kofi has narrowed the gap on Luka and has increased his footwork, post moves and knowledge. Without some help from another athletic rim protector, (like Nunge) I'm pretty sure we'd see the same thing next time. Luka's only advantage would be to get Kofi away from the basket more, but that also takes away some from his game. Keegan does a solid job as a help rim defender, but he doesn't have the mass to keep Kofi from simply burying him under the basket so far that he can't stop him. IF we play them again, I think we'd have to give Josh O a shot at about five minutes a half to push back at Kofi and use up 3 or 4 of those fouls. Then of course there's still Ayo to deal with not to mention Curbelo who played very well yesterday.....

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Wiesy and CJ on a back-to-back with two bum ankle/feet. Garza in foul trouble. Down five with two minutes to go. Let’s get healthy.

 

[UpstreamHawkeye]

Wiesy and CJ on a back-to-back with two bum ankle/feet. Garza in foul trouble. Down five with two minutes to go. Let’s get healthy.

With the ball too, but then Bohannon tried to crossover dribble past Corbello. Too many turnovers cost Iowa the game.

 

[24 so far]

I’m not following ....

They’ve beaten us twice. They have more talent. They play better defense. Why exactly would we not only beat them but beat them by double digits if we played a third time?

We were 5/8 from three late in the first half and still losing by 8 pts. That should tell you something. We led 14-13 5 min in and never held the lead again. That should also tell you something.

Kind of silly, imo. It would be like Wisconsin fans saying they would “love” to play us again.

They’re better and deeper. I don’t want to play them again.

I'd love to play them again, because it means we're winning games in the tournament. We were down 5 late with the ball and plenty of time but didn't finish well, they're not unbeatable for Iowa by any stretch of the imagination.

Unfortunately we couldn't ever get the lead and put more pressure on them.

I do think they are overall better than Iowa, but this isn't Lew Alcindor's UCLA, and they're gettable for Iowa.

 

[Packer54]

we did lead after 2-0 but I think your other (and main) points are true.




My memory of games against Illinois the last two years is that Iowa’s 1-3 and Garza usually looks worse than normal against them. Not sure if that’s his own matchup not being as favorable or if their guard play allows them to be more aggressive. I actually think Kofi’s just really really good and Garza forces too much trying to prove he can handle him. That won’t be a popular opinion here, I know, but is what I see.

I think it would be a great ideal if we do play them again that when Kofi is screening our guard at the top Luke stays 3 feet back and allows our guards to slide through rather than hedge out on the guard leaving as easy path to the rim for Kofi. It felt like that was behind the bulk of him points. He is a beast but uncontested slams can be minimized if we change it up a bit.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Wiesy and CJ on a back-to-back with two bum ankle/feet. Garza in foul trouble. Down five with two minutes to go. Let’s get healthy.

after game fran mentioned CJ just wasn’t himself. The back to back days of playing was bothersome. So with us almost being locked for 2 seed wasn’t the end of the world we lost. As competitors I know fran and team wanted the BTT tourney title but could be a blessing in disguise that CJ or weiskamp didn’t aggravate anything. Get rested up and start our run next week. Feel like with a day between games here out will help CJ more than the back to back.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

If this was a street fight, Illinois was Kimbo.
Did anyone actually feel like Iowa had a chance even when it got kinda close?
5 point deficit still felt like 15.
Hawks just don't have the horses to hang with teams that are fast.

 

[24 so far]

I think Iowa's starters all have the "whatever you do, don't foul" mentality, and it appears other teams just play hard and take there chances.

I think that's why aside from the athleticism, our bench with Keegan, Nunge and Joe T get after people a little more and take chances the starters won't. Just my opinion, but our Defense has been better overall. Pick and roll was bad both games, let their guards shoot a 3, better percentage than Kofi for a dunk.

 

[IAHawkGrad2000]

The Garza thing I don't see. Luka is what he is. Kofi is a beast period, and he'll play in the league for a long time BECAUSE he's even more physical then Luka AND more athletic. The difference from his freshman year to this one is obvious. Last year Luka was simply able to take advantage of Cockburn with his experience and array of moves and shots. Kofi has narrowed the gap on Luka and has increased his footwork, post moves and knowledge. Without some help from another athletic rim protector, (like Nunge) I'm pretty sure we'd see the same thing next time. Luka's only advantage would be to get Kofi away from the basket more, but that also takes away some from his game. Keegan does a solid job as a help rim defender, but he doesn't have the mass to keep Kofi from simply burying him under the basket so far that he can't stop him. IF we play them again, I think we'd have to give Josh O a shot at about five minutes a half to push back at Kofi and use up 3 or 4 of those fouls. Then of course there's still Ayo to deal with not to mention Curbelo who played very well yesterday.....

Kofi is a monster but he will be in a similar spot as Garza regarding the NBA, a backup/bench player. The days of a big center, Shaq, are long gone. If he can develop any kind of shot outside of 3 feet it may be a different story but only being able to layup/dunk, he wont be anything special.

 

[ChiDoc]

Man i would love if hawks played them again though. If we have Illinois with even a normal performance, we'd win by double digits.

It’s like half the people on this board don’t even watch the games or don’t know enough about basketball to understand what’s happening.

There is absolutely nobody on the roster with the size and athleticism to guard Ayo, Kofi, and Curbelo. They are all way too athletic for their respective matchups. Anybody can beat anyone on a given day but it’s OBVIOUS that Illinois is clearly the better team at this point. They are more athletic at every single position on the floor, some by huge margins.

Hopefully the draw today minimizes opponents with really athletic guards.

 

[Pepperman]

Hopefully the draw today minimizes opponents with really athletic guards.

I’m thinking this is the time of year where the teams still playing generally have great guard play, so I’m not sure what teams we are hoping to draw? Certainly by round two, we will be one of the few remaining teams that lack great guard play (but not many teams have Luka and Keegan.

but I get your general point and I’m absolutely hoping we avoid quick teams that can play honest defense up in our grill.

 

[IAHawkGrad2000]

Going up against teams with athletic guards is only a major issue is they also have someone who can guard Garza 1-on-1 ... not many teams have that combo.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Kept it competitive against a team that is better than them. That shouldn't hurt Iowa's confidence. They were outmatched athletically across the board, but played hard and kept grinding.

 

[WadeWilson]

We certainly didn't rotate to cover Cofi at all but I thought we genuinely had a shot when we cut it to 5. Maybe I'm overestimating their ability but I think they can compete with anyone. The time off is definitely a good thing for the team.

 

[tippet1]

I personally don't think losing is ever beneficial. If you can't learn something when you win games, then there is something wrong.

 

[ChiDoc]

Going up against teams with athletic guards is only a major issue is they also have someone who can guard Garza 1-on-1 ... not many teams have that combo.

Disagree. Garza can’t do it all by himself, he had 28+ points in multiple losses this year.

Guards drive success in the NCAA tournament and have for years.

3 point shooting is the equalizer, but that’s not always dependable and really athletic teams that challenge every shot can create often poor performances from outside.

 

[BirdistheWord]

Kofi is a monster but he will be in a similar spot as Garza regarding the NBA, a backup/bench player. The days of a big center, Shaq, are long gone. If he can develop any kind of shot outside of 3 feet it may be a different story but only being able to layup/dunk, he wont be anything special.

His size/strength/agility combination are largely unique. I agree that the more skill he can add via shooting would exponentially elevate his worth. He could be kind of a Reggie Evans or Dennis Rodman, but a lot bigger and stronger. Tons of rebounds, picks and garbage buckets as well as rim protector. Maybe late 1st round ceiling. Early to mid 2nd round most likely.

 

[ChiDoc]

His size/strength/agility combination are largely unique. I agree that the more skill he can add via shooting would exponentially elevate his worth. He could be kind of a Reggie Evans or Dennis Rodman, but a lot bigger and stronger. Tons of rebounds, picks and garbage buckets as well as rim protector. Maybe late 1st round ceiling. Early to mid 2nd round most likely.

Exactly, there are a very small number of humans with his size and quickness. Being able to match up with guys like Embiid, AD, Porziingus, etc on defense and rebound still has some value because it’s rare. Probably early 2nd round. Udoka Azubuike, picked 27th last year is a good comp.

 

[IAHawkGrad2000]

Disagree. Garza can’t do it all by himself, he had 28+ points in multiple losses this year.

Guards drive success in the NCAA tournament and have for years.

3 point shooting is the equalizer, but that’s not always dependable and really athletic teams that challenge every shot can create often poor performances from outside.

My whole point was they'll have to double/triple Garza which SHOULD free up our guards. Illinois could leave their guards glued to ours because they didnt have to double.

 

[hooper56]

If this was a street fight, Illinois was Kimbo.
Did anyone actually feel like Iowa had a chance even when it got kinda close?
5 point deficit still felt like 15.
Hawks just don't have the horses to hang with teams that are fast.

When we cut their lead to 5, I felt certain we would win.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

It’s like half the people on this board don’t even watch the games or don’t know enough about basketball to understand what’s happening.

There is absolutely nobody on the roster with the size and athleticism to guard Ayo, Kofi, and Curbelo. They are all way too athletic for their respective matchups. Anybody can beat anyone on a given day but it’s OBVIOUS that Illinois is clearly the better team at this point. They are more athletic at every single position on the floor, some by huge margins.

Hopefully the draw today minimizes opponents with really athletic guards.

This is absolutely correct. And to OP's point, I'd rather Iowa have the rest. Lack of athleticism will be a problem for this team in the tournament. I'd rather they have the freshest legs possible.

 

[Buffalo43]

My take away is that we need to tighten up our pick and roll defense

 

[natchrlman]

This is absolutely correct. And to OP's point, I'd rather Iowa have the rest. Lack of athleticism will be a problem for this team in the tournament. I'd rather they have the freshest legs possible.

💯 agree

 

[hawkifann]

I’m not following ....

They’ve beaten us twice. They have more talent. They play better defense. Why exactly would we not only beat them but beat them by double digits if we played a third time?

We were 5/8 from three late in the first half and still losing by 8 pts. That should tell you something. We led 14-13 5 min in and never held the lead again. That should also tell you something.

Kind of silly, imo. It would be like Wisconsin fans saying they would “love” to play us again.

They’re better and deeper. I don’t want to play them again.

I’d be thrilled to play them again. It would be for the NCAA title.

 

[Pepperman]

I’d be thrilled to play them again. It would be for the NCAA title.

which we probably wouldn’t win... but I get your point. Illinois is just superior to us. Nothing wrong with saying that IMHO and I know you’re a good dude who likely agrees. I’d love the chance at that though, but I’d be betting on Illinois -7.5 or whatever the line might be.

 

[hawkifann]

which we probably wouldn’t win... but I get your point. Illinois is just superior to us. Nothing wrong with saying that IMHO and I know you’re a good dude who likely agrees. I’d love the chance at that though, but I’d be betting on Illinois -7.5 or whatever the line might be.

Today, I agree with you. If Iowa were to make it that far, however, they’d have probably taken out a serious contender or two, so I’d be curious to see who was hot, how they adjusted, etc. Illinois is a REALLY good team. I haven’t made my way through the bracket yet, but right now, I’d probably take them straight up against everyone. We’ll see how it goes.