And that's the thing...even Woody wasn't Woody his first 3 games. It took him a while to become the force in the middle of that defense he became.
I'm beyond encouraged..
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And that's the thing...even Woody wasn't Woody his first 3 games. It took him a while to become the force in the middle of that defense he became.
I look back at Iowa's game against Marquette last year as an example of how experience can beat individual talent. The reverse happened to us last night.
The reason why I am encouraged is that Seton Hall went 25-9 last year and had 4 starters back. We lost to a good team that played really well (outside of missing free throws). Seton Hall will, barring injuries, beat a lot of good teams this year.
We have a lot of individual talent, and we have the offensive firepower to hang with the teams that we will play this year. I do not look for us to be a great defensive team at any point this year, but I think that our defensive organization will improve as the young guys get more experience.
The reason why I am encouraged is that Seton Hall went 25-9 last year and had 4 starters back. We lost to a good team that played really well (outside of missing free throws). Seton Hall will, barring injuries, beat a lot of good teams this year.
We have a lot of individual talent, and we have the offensive firepower to hang with the teams that we will play this year. I do not look for us to be a great defensive team at any point this year, but I think that our defensive organization will improve as the young guys get more experience.
No, because he would have spent most of the night on the bench with foul trouble.
Im not wishing for another guy like Woody but for a center whos main assest was position defense he was rarely in foul trouble his last two years.
With all the length and athleticism, I don't understand why you wouldn't switch on defense all of the time. That is the type of player that Fran has been recruiting to do just that.....???? I'm also of the opinion that Moss needs to play more for his potential to play great defense. Dailey may also fall into this category as time goes on. Kreiner, imo, is a key player that needs to play more as he rebounds, is bigger and can put the ball in the basket (plus make his ft's). Stopping dribble penetration on defense will be the key to the Hawks beating good/decent teams.
Not sure why Ellingson played 5 minutes
He hit a 3 in the first half and held his own
Maybe Fran sensed something
He hit a 3 in the first half and held his own
Maybe Fran sensed something
My point was any good defensive center would likely have been in foul trouble, unless they were just giving up easy buckets. When guys are constantly getting into the lane that easy, because the guards are playing ole defense, then either the bigs are going to pick up fouls, or the offensive player is going to get easy layups. All the position defense in the world isn't going to change that fact.
Correct. If you don't do this you are basically playing 4 on 5 basketball. Even if the big men play good position defense you still are leaving at least one wide open player. It might be the big man, or it's a wide open 3 pt shooter (how many times have we seen this watching Iowa basketball). No team is going to win many games if they can't stop dribble penetration.
I think we'll be getting a guy who provides a similar defensive ability in Luka Garza next year. I've never been high on his offensive game (could end up being a bit like Cordell Pemsl, and should definitely be better than AW was), but he should be a lot stronger than Woody was coming in, is pretty lengthy, and seems to be the type of player who is all about positioning on both ends.
And to Woodbury's credit, I think his leadership and how vocal he was on the defensive end (so everybody knew where they were supposed to be) has been and will be sorely missed this year.
to me being disinterested means they don't give a crap..you honestly believe everyone except Baer doesn't give a crap???...I mean it couldn't even remotely be possible its more related to experience & the fact they are still learning to play within the framework & play with each other? That maybe when they are out of position its more related to having played just 3 games with a 80% turnover in the starting lineup from the previous year ..let alone the number of true freshman playing key minutes...
I don't know how effective we will be as a defensive team...3 games doesn't answer that question. We may not be as good as last year...I would thing we get better. If we don't...I'll be the first to say so. But disinterested? really?
OH I fully realize its a big difference playing "d" in college then it is high school...in some cases high school coaches go nuts trying to get some of their studs to buy into playing as hard on defense as they do on offense. AAU coaches? yep defensive effort is at the top of their list.
So ya this team needs to get a lot better (and they will)...its not that they are disinterested. One more thing ... Jok needs to play smart on defense..the last thing we need is PJ sitting on the bench in foul trouble...take Jok out of the game for an extended period of time...we better be one hell of a defensive team.
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I agree ... he may not play a lot but 5 minutes is not enough..not saying he should play 15 but I could see 10. Same with Pemsl..5-6 not enough. I realize that the games those 2 had against Savannah was not the same as playing a Seton Hall...but BE did hit his only 3 pointer & Pemsl did pull down 5-6 rebounds in those 5-6 minutes.
Based on Frans post game comments..he probably would have done differently...but he did what he thought was best to try to win the game.
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some people thought woodbury as a freshman would never be a good defender. Gabe struggled early on as well.
Our guards need to do a much better job playing on ball defense. Williams length should allow him to stay a little off his man and still be able to contest shots. Pete needs to be reminded that he needs to play every possession on both ends of the court. Ellingson actually plays better fundamental defense, but is a step slow and not that long. I haven't seen the other guards play enough to assess. I wonder how Moss could be any worse than what we saw from the other guys against Seton Hall. He probably has a better combination of size and speed than the other guys, if Fran can convince him that he needs to be their defensive stopper.
yep its been well established we need to do a much better job ...everyone needs to. That's why it is a good thing to play an experienced & talented team like Seton Hall. I just watched this morning the Seton Hall game for the 3rd time .. I agree we have the tools & the potential (such as CW) to defend. Just as it has been in the past ... just takes time.
I don't think it's interest level thas the problem. It's not understanding how to play defense as a team. When you aren't sure about something, the natural tendency is to not do it. If they don't know when or how to help, they'll stand and watch. Even one on one defense is as much about body position as athletic ability and desire. An athletic player with tons of desire who doesn't understand defense will be bad at it.
You need to watch closer. If it's guard to guard, they almost ALWAYS switch. They don't switch ball screens (big on guard) nor should they.
The thing with Garza is that he's supposed to be a pretty good 3pt shooter. On O I could see him just him hanging outside the perimiter to keep the lane spaced for Cook and driving lanes and then on D he plays in the lane.
Yeah it'll be interesting to see. With his size and supposedly good footwork, I feel like he'll be in the paint quite a bit
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