I know we're not needing to get much out of this year's class, but could any of these guys contribute this year? Or are all of them next year contributors? Haven't heard much either from Fran's comments or from practice observations.
Iowa freshmen
- Thread starter CleteyColgate
- Start date
Fran had media type day today and spoke about the freshman a bit.
The Frosh?
“The only guy that’s a little bit behind right now is Josh (Ogundele), and that’s not his fault. He had an interesting journey just to get here, so he’s catching up. The other four guys were here in the beginning, and all four of them, the Murray twins (Keegan and Kris), Aaron (Ulis) and Tony (Perkins) have been tremendous. All those guys are ready to play. It’s not going to be easy to find minutes for them if everybody else stays healthy, but we’ll see where it ends up because we’re going to need everybody at some point.”
I'm concerned about Ogundele long term, and he's a bit behind at the moment, but the other 4 I feel pretty good about.
ULIS - steady guard with good size, strength and athleticism. Not elite in any one area, but very good in most of them and a good team player.
PERKINS - athletic guard who can make things happen in the paint and a solid shooter. Athleticism doesn't necessarily mean good defender, but has potential there. Not as skilled now as he will be in 2 years, so unless he's a situational defender I may prefer playing Ulis at SG over him if minutes allow and letting him redshirt.
KEEGAN - plays more "outside-in" of the twins, the slightly better shooter who is slightly taller still I believe. A bit like Patrick with his length and shooting, but about 10-15 lbs heavier than Patrick.
KRIS - plays more "inside-out" of the twins, as he's pretty bouncy and energetic both on defense and rebouding. Solid outside shooter as well. Reminds me more of Baer in terms of description of what he brings, but will need to see more.
Given that PG and SG have a ton of returning minutes, I honestly don't see why Ulis or Perkins wouldn't redshirt rather than getting 3 mpg on average. If we played one I might play Ulis unless Perkins brings high level defense which is a need.
I think it more likely that we may need minutes at SF/PF and so Keegan or Kris is more likely to play. I think Keegan has more position flexibility and may be the slightly better player, so I think it will be him. He and Patrick can both play the SF/PF spots and are very similar. I'm very high on Keegan and because he can play a lot of positions it makes sense that he would be the top option here given we have more minutes available in the frontcourt.
ULIS - steady guard with good size, strength and athleticism. Not elite in any one area, but very good in most of them and a good team player.
PERKINS - athletic guard who can make things happen in the paint and a solid shooter. Athleticism doesn't necessarily mean good defender, but has potential there. Not as skilled now as he will be in 2 years, so unless he's a situational defender I may prefer playing Ulis at SG over him if minutes allow and letting him redshirt.
KEEGAN - plays more "outside-in" of the twins, the slightly better shooter who is slightly taller still I believe. A bit like Patrick with his length and shooting, but about 10-15 lbs heavier than Patrick.
KRIS - plays more "inside-out" of the twins, as he's pretty bouncy and energetic both on defense and rebouding. Solid outside shooter as well. Reminds me more of Baer in terms of description of what he brings, but will need to see more.
Given that PG and SG have a ton of returning minutes, I honestly don't see why Ulis or Perkins wouldn't redshirt rather than getting 3 mpg on average. If we played one I might play Ulis unless Perkins brings high level defense which is a need.
I think it more likely that we may need minutes at SF/PF and so Keegan or Kris is more likely to play. I think Keegan has more position flexibility and may be the slightly better player, so I think it will be him. He and Patrick can both play the SF/PF spots and are very similar. I'm very high on Keegan and because he can play a lot of positions it makes sense that he would be the top option here given we have more minutes available in the frontcourt.
In the reading/listening opportunities from Fran and others that are in the know:
Perkins is playing/practicing pretty well. He may be better and more ready to play than anticipated at signing.
Keegan Murray has been rebounding really well in practice (according to Fran's statement yesterday)...both Murray's are the ideal team guys....they just work hard and do what they are supposed to do in addition to being talented and capable of playing multiple positions.
Patrick is playing and feeling good....had a slight detour with a pulled muscle but will play and contribute to the team.
Ulis is playing/practicing really well....coaches are pleased, just that he is behind guys at the 1 and the 2 that might be the toughest to get playing time ahead of.
Perkins is playing/practicing pretty well. He may be better and more ready to play than anticipated at signing.
Keegan Murray has been rebounding really well in practice (according to Fran's statement yesterday)...both Murray's are the ideal team guys....they just work hard and do what they are supposed to do in addition to being talented and capable of playing multiple positions.
Patrick is playing and feeling good....had a slight detour with a pulled muscle but will play and contribute to the team.
Ulis is playing/practicing really well....coaches are pleased, just that he is behind guys at the 1 and the 2 that might be the toughest to get playing time ahead of.
This is a free year in terms of eligibility so no one will have to redshirt this year. Just an FYI... so we should see all of them this year even if just in clean up minutes
Fran already said that NO ONE will redshirt, since its a free year, and no one will lose eligibility for this season.
There is no reason to redshirt anyone this year as it is a freebie. I don’t expect freshmen to play much unless Nunge injured again then one of Murray’s may get more time. I forget which one is best rebounder but he may be one to play more
why would anyone redshirt when you're given a free year of eligibility and you never know when you might get called on to contribute due to COVID19?
Just speaking as having been their coach since 1st grade, Keegan and Kris compliment each other. Depends on the game and situation as to who can be more effective. Both have had to learn to be stoppers on the defensive end. DME helped them understand that they needed to be high energy on both ends of the floor. Keegan has always been the better "catch and shoot" player, with Kris being the better "slasher and finisher" of the two. Kris has always been the "stat sheet" stuffer, where Keegan could get you 20+ with his ability to knock down threes. If one is struggling the other has always been able to carry us and get his brother going. To say one is better is to discredit the growth that both have made over the last 2 years. Wherever coach plays them, they will be an asset to this team. Both understand that the lessons they are learning every day in practice will help them as players and help this team to reach its full potential.
Can't wait to see them play for the Hawks...
Long time since a skinny freshman from Michigan painted the logo on the right while wearing his McDonald's All American jersey...
Kenyon, I was in college when you were playing so you are a few years older than me... Anyway, thank you so much for some great memories during the Dr. Davis years. I am so happy for you to relive some of your youth through your boys, I hope they can help Iowa reach Final 4 and beyond. You were always a great player in attitude and I can see you played your heart out, win or lose. I know IA is blessed to have the twins, I think they may be more better skill wise than you because you prepared them. They have 4 years of helping IA BB go on a higher ceiling than we have anticipated but hope to experience.
I look forward to enjoying this season no matter how fewer games because of covid issues, I will enjoy it.
Go Hawks!
I look forward to enjoying this season no matter how fewer games because of covid issues, I will enjoy it.
Go Hawks!
Kenyon, I was in college when you were playing so you are a few years older than me... Anyway, thank you so much for some great memories during the Dr. Davis years. I am so happy for you to relive some of your youth through your boys, I hope they can help Iowa reach Final 4 and beyond. You were always a great player in attitude and I can see you played your heart out, win or lose. I know IA is blessed to have the twins, I think they may be more better skill wise than you because you prepared them. They have 4 years of helping IA BB go on a higher ceiling than we have anticipated but hope to experience.
I look forward to enjoying this season no matter how fewer games because of covid issues, I will enjoy it.
Go Hawks!
If no one loses eligibility this season we probably will see all of the freshmen in garbage time. As I said, and will continue to say until proven wrong, one or both of the Murray boys will be in the regular rotation and see time almost every game. They bring a size skill combination that this squad otherwise appears to lack. They obviously have great bloodlines, probably good fundamentals and they're pretty solidly built. Still look to have a little baby fat but weight training will solve that problem.
My IC friends have been unusually quiet so the only thing I've heard is Ulis and Perkins are good but not anywhere as ready to play as Joey T and CJ were as freshmen. That's kind of ambiguous as Joey T and CJ were obviously far more than ready to play as freshmen.
My IC friends have been unusually quiet so the only thing I've heard is Ulis and Perkins are good but not anywhere as ready to play as Joey T and CJ were as freshmen. That's kind of ambiguous as Joey T and CJ were obviously far more than ready to play as freshmen.
Thanks for the analysis, Kenyon. I'm not sure any fan (other than you, of course) is qualified to say that someone is going to better than someone else right now, having not seen any of them play at this level. But we are all excited to see them in action!
Just in case no one has told you yet, this is a free year of eligibility. Just thought I would tell you.
It's sounding to me, like Keegan is going to get some of the
Pemsl/Kreiner minutes at the 4. This is a very important area to fill, for this team.
#goHawks
Kenyon, I hope you weren't their free throw shooting coach....I kid. I am pumped to watch your kids excel at a sport that you were so terrific at. Can't wait to see if we can actually get this season going.
Kris and Keegan both will see whatever minutes are there at the 4. They both have slid down to the 5 on the defensive end and Kris has had some work at the 3. So, Fran has multiple variations in his lineup that will be dictated by opponent, health and who is playing well. Practices have been HIGHLY competitive since this summer!!
Nobody is redshirting. It's a free year and with Cornavirus the depth is needed.
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