Well, the basketball team isn't going to mimic the football team...I got that wrong. Although, we are not very far from 7-0 right now...and that is with a much more difficult schedule than we traditionally start the season with. Here is what I really like:
1. Woodbury is exactly what I hoped he would be: senior, fearless, smart, active, big. I think we are getting exactly what I hoped we would get from him...and I only expect things to move upwards for him as his confidence continues to grow. I absolutely LOVED the steal, dribble to the hoop, read the defense, make the assist to JU. I know that everyone wants to see a thunder dunk on that play, but that play showed exactly what I love about AW, and I think Fran does as well.
2. It was fantastic to see Peter hit that big three-ball...and many others. He is playing great. Shooting, fake and shoot, attack and score, dunk, and hit free throws. I love the way he has progressed. However, I want to caution us not to learn to depend on 24 pts, 4 steals...we aren't going to get it every game. Maybe next year, but I don't believe that consistency is there yet. But I love what that kid is doing. I used to coach Big Pete a bit in his younger years, and it is fun to see him having this level of success.
3. We have a bench. I'm not saying it is the Warriors bench, but they are serviceable. Uhl was really good last night. I really like Wagner. Baer and Ellingson are really smart, and really good...just need to develop some more. Bummer about Jones, but we seem to have a bench that Fran is starting to figure out. I love that he was able to get Jok out for 60 seconds at the end of the game last night, and get him the breather Pete needed to knock down that big shot.
4. Anthony is giving us what we need.
Here is what I don't like...yet:
1. I really like Mike as a point guard. There were a bunch of guards that came out of Iowa that year, including Paige and a bunch of D2 guys. I know everyone is looking for that All-American PG, it is just really fun to have a point guard that most of us old, fat Iowa guys can identify with. I really want him to be able to eliminate those late game empty possessions. And like Aaron White last year, I think that will happen before this season is done.
2. JU doesn't have his role figured out yet. He is still really, really good: 15/8/3/4 in 39 minutes is hard to complain about...but I think there is more in that well. I am hopeful that we will be drawing deep by the end of this year and he will be All-American type material.
3. The one negative about this more difficult schedule is that we haven't seen enough development yet in Fleming & Williams...even Wagner and Ellingson and Baer. I am excited for these next two games, I hope it gives Fran a chance to really work with those guys in game situations. I believe we are going to need some big minutes in the tourney from all of those guys.
And in all, I love this coaching staff. I love their emphasis on "character." I can't wait to see Cook tonight. It is a very fun time to be a Hawk.
Go Hawks!
1. Woodbury is exactly what I hoped he would be: senior, fearless, smart, active, big. I think we are getting exactly what I hoped we would get from him...and I only expect things to move upwards for him as his confidence continues to grow. I absolutely LOVED the steal, dribble to the hoop, read the defense, make the assist to JU. I know that everyone wants to see a thunder dunk on that play, but that play showed exactly what I love about AW, and I think Fran does as well.
2. It was fantastic to see Peter hit that big three-ball...and many others. He is playing great. Shooting, fake and shoot, attack and score, dunk, and hit free throws. I love the way he has progressed. However, I want to caution us not to learn to depend on 24 pts, 4 steals...we aren't going to get it every game. Maybe next year, but I don't believe that consistency is there yet. But I love what that kid is doing. I used to coach Big Pete a bit in his younger years, and it is fun to see him having this level of success.
3. We have a bench. I'm not saying it is the Warriors bench, but they are serviceable. Uhl was really good last night. I really like Wagner. Baer and Ellingson are really smart, and really good...just need to develop some more. Bummer about Jones, but we seem to have a bench that Fran is starting to figure out. I love that he was able to get Jok out for 60 seconds at the end of the game last night, and get him the breather Pete needed to knock down that big shot.
4. Anthony is giving us what we need.
Here is what I don't like...yet:
1. I really like Mike as a point guard. There were a bunch of guards that came out of Iowa that year, including Paige and a bunch of D2 guys. I know everyone is looking for that All-American PG, it is just really fun to have a point guard that most of us old, fat Iowa guys can identify with. I really want him to be able to eliminate those late game empty possessions. And like Aaron White last year, I think that will happen before this season is done.
2. JU doesn't have his role figured out yet. He is still really, really good: 15/8/3/4 in 39 minutes is hard to complain about...but I think there is more in that well. I am hopeful that we will be drawing deep by the end of this year and he will be All-American type material.
3. The one negative about this more difficult schedule is that we haven't seen enough development yet in Fleming & Williams...even Wagner and Ellingson and Baer. I am excited for these next two games, I hope it gives Fran a chance to really work with those guys in game situations. I believe we are going to need some big minutes in the tourney from all of those guys.
And in all, I love this coaching staff. I love their emphasis on "character." I can't wait to see Cook tonight. It is a very fun time to be a Hawk.
Go Hawks!
