Iowa #4 Offense & #74 Defense per KenPom

[Franisdaman]

It would be interesting to see what these numbers were before our current 8-1 run.

This looks like Fran's best defensive team. What we lack in height we make up for with length.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

It would be interesting to see what these numbers were before our current 8-1 run.

This looks like Fran's best defensive team. What we lack in height we make up for with length.

My biggest complaint about Fran teams has always been about the lack of effort on defense. That has changed.

All teams need a little luck in March. It’s time for Iowa basketball to get a little. This team has a chance to make some noise.

 

[brownd7949hawks]

My biggest complaint about Fran teams has always been about the lack of effort on defense. That has changed.

All teams need a little luck in March. It’s time for Iowa basketball to get a little. This team has a chance to make some noise.

I’ve been waiting for the “turd” game we are all use to. The more they win the more nervous I get lol.

 

[Franisdaman]

Purdue has the #1 offense.

Did Purdue's defensive woes cost them a B1G title?

B1G Defensive Rankings:

#21 Indiana
#27 Wisconsin
#32 Illinois
#38 Rutgers
#56 Michigan State
#57 Northwestern
#63 Penn State
#74 Iowa
#92 Michigan
#99 Purdue
#102 Maryland
#118 Ohio State
#153 Minnesota
#175 Nebraska

 

[Franisdaman]

I’ve been waiting for the “turd” game we are all use to. The more they win the more nervous I get lol.

we had a turd game at home vs Michigan

 

[td77]

I’ve been waiting for the “turd” game we are all use to. The more they win the more nervous I get lol.

Nothing like living life waiting for the sky to fall. Great things happen to those that expect grim results 😕

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

I’ve been waiting for the “turd” game we are all use to. The more they win the more nervous I get lol.

You’re going to have nights where shots aren’t falling and/or the other team is hitting. The defensive energy should show up every game regardless.

I love how this team has matured this season. And that’s as much a testament to the players as it is Fran. I had written this team off in December and they have proven me wrong. I love it.

 

[fezzador]

I'm pretty sure we were at 100 or worse at some point prior to February. Some of those mid December and January games are hurting our metrics, but right now I'll gladly take the #74 defensive ranking.

Iowa's defense isn't on the level of the UVA or Baylor championship squads, but as of late it's at least competent. We already know what the Hawks can do on offense, but the hustle and heart on defense has been a welcome surprise.

All I can say is, we've all been let down before numerous times. Let's just let the chips fall where they may, and enjoy the ride. I'd have to say that this team even exceeds last year's "fun to watch" factor.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Purdue has the #1 offense.

Did Purdue's defensive woes cost them a B1G title?

B1G Defensive Rankings:

#21 Indiana
#27 Wisconsin
#32 Illinois
#38 Rutgers
#56 Michigan State
#57 Northwestern
#63 Penn State
#74 Iowa
#92 Michigan
#99 Purdue
#102 Maryland
#118 Ohio State
#153 Minnesota
#175 Nebraska

To an extent yes. Some of it was just bad luck. Of their 6 losses, 4 have come on last-second 3's, some of them of the unbelievable nature. Against Wisconsin, 2 banked 3's in the final minute did them in.

If they just win 2 of those games where the opponent hit a 3 to beat them, they are the champs, or at least tie for it. But their defensive issues could certainly stop them from making a deep tourney run. If your defense is sub-par, it can let an inferior opponent stay close enough that a 3 at the end beats you.

 

[goodbyebobby]

I'm pretty sure we were at 100 or worse at some point prior to February. Some of those mid December and January games are hurting our metrics, but right now I'll gladly take the #74 defensive ranking.

Iowa's defense isn't on the level of the UVA or Baylor championship squads, but as of late it's at least competent. We already know what the Hawks can do on offense, but the hustle and heart on defense has been a welcome surprise.

All I can say is, we've all been let down before numerous times. Let's just let the chips fall where they may, and enjoy the ride. I'd have to say that this team even exceeds last year's "fun to watch" factor.

This defense is well above competent. We are very fun to watch on both ends of the court and it's not changing the rest of the way, these guys have clearly figured it out.

 

[HIWILLE]

It would be interesting to see what these numbers were before our current 8-1 run.

This looks like Fran's best defensive team. What we lack in height we make up for with length.

You nailed it.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Nothing like living life waiting for the sky to fall. Great things happen to those that expect grim results 😕

There are "turd" games for even the best of teams. It's basketball. You just hope that in the tournament the bad game happens against an opponent you can still beat, or that you just find a way to get past the game.

If Iowa gets beat by Illinois by 10+ points, it's not because the team didn't try.

 

[fezzador]

To an extent yes. Some of it was just bad luck. Of their 6 losses, 4 have come on last-second 3's, some of them of the unbelievable nature. Against Wisconsin, 2 banked 3's in the final minute did them in.

If they just win 2 of those games where the opponent hit a 3 to beat them, they are the champs, or at least tie for it. But their defensive issues could certainly stop them from making a deep tourney run. If your defense is sub-par, it can let an inferior opponent stay close enough that a 3 at the end beats you.

This year's Purdue reminds me a lot of last year's Iowa team. Elite offense, but lots of question marks on the defense. If they don't put up at least 85, they could get burned. Someone is going to torch them in the NCAA's in before the second weekend I think.

 

[BVHawkeye]

We push the ball so there are going to be more possessions for both teams. Not saying we were playing stellar defense for 2/3 of the year but we are now. ISU play good defense in their last game. 😁. Scored 36! Lol

 

[fezzador]

There are "turd" games for even the best of teams. It's basketball. You just hope that in the tournament the bad game happens against an opponent you can still beat, or that you just find a way to get past the game.

If Iowa gets beat by Illinois by 10+ points, it's not because the team didn't try.

Heck even mighty Gonzaga lost by double digits to St. Mary's.

That said, I think @ILL is going to be a dogfight. It may even come down to whoever has the ball last. With all due respect to Michigan, Illinois is simply a tougher out. It played a "junk" game against Penn State, but it's possible they were looking ahead to Iowa. They also get an additional day of rest while Michigan just finished off Sparty in an emotional rivalry win two days prior to last night.

I'd love to see an Iowa win, and of course they can. But even if they don't, it's OK. It doesn't change a thing. We still have a damn fun team that can go places.

 

[Franisdaman]

We push the ball so there are going to be more possessions for both teams. Not saying we were playing stellar defense for 2/3 of the year but we are now. ISU play good defense in their last game. 😁. Scored 36! Lol

I wonder if anyone has the stats over the last 9 games

 

[FWIW4922463]

Both the eye test and the results indicate that Iowa, over the last nine games, is playing defense at a very high level. Not perfect, but well above #74 in the country. I'd say in the top 30, which is something I never thought we'd see under Fran. And perhaps even more noteworthy, when Iowa needs stops the most, it usually gets them. When the opponent makes a run, Iowa's defense stops it, just like last night.

With its offensive efficiency and multiple weapons combined with the improved defense and rebounding, we're seeing what happens when you have a complete team. Let's hope the basketball gods look kindly on this Iowa team the rest of the way. With good draws and a little luck, these Hawkeyes could make this a brilliant season.

 

[pocha444444]

Both the eye test and the results indicate that Iowa, over the last nine games, is playing defense at a very high level. Not perfect, but well above #74 in the country. I'd say in the top 30, which is something I never thought we'd see under Fran. And perhaps even more noteworthy, when Iowa needs stops the most, it usually gets them. When the opponent makes a run, Iowa's defense stops it, just like last night.

With its offensive efficiency and multiple weapons combined with the improved defense and rebounding, we're seeing what happens when you have a complete team. Let's hope the basketball gods look kindly on this Iowa team the rest of the way. With good draws and a little luck, these Hawkeyes could make this a brilliant season.

Fran's defenses back with Woodbury and Olaseni were ranked up around 30 most of those years. Definitely helps to have those rim protectors.