Iowa played hard; Mulvey and Brauns played well

[Beattheohiostate]

The Hawkeyes were tied at halftime with the #7 team in the country, and when Purdue looked like they might break it wide open in the second half, Iowa responded and, with about 2 minutes to go, Dix missed a corner three that would have tied it again. It was over after that, but as disappointed as I am with the men's basketball program, fairness requires that I commend everyone who played last night for a great effort.

The defense was very good in the first half, and I loved the consecutive over-and-back violations Mulvey helped create. And how about that sequence when Brauns blocked the Purdue shot and then dunked on a fast break pass from Payton Sandfort . . . That was winning basketball, especially without last year's freshman of the year.

Traore probably should have played more in the second half in place of Pryce to improve defense and rebounding. Purdue got a lot of wide open threes in that second half and, despite not being very good at threes this year, they hit 'em last night.

Obviously it's time for a new coach and a new direction for Iowa men's basketball, but I can never fault players who play hard, and Iowa did that last night against the #7 team in the country, and despite everything, had Iowa made its FTs, a lingering issue, the Hawkeyes could have won. That's how close they were to a huge upset.

I said before Freeman got hurt that I don't see another win on the schedule. I stand by that, but if the Hawkeyes can keep playing hard like last night and if Fran can go with more of a defensive lineup, then who knows.

At any rate, give Mulvey and Brauns a lot of credit for making the most of their time on the floor last night.

 

[Buffalo43]

Pryce was over helping and got burned for it twice

 

[hawkjt]

Attended the game and I agree the effort was good.
Not sure why traore did not get more minutes but Pryce is a better shooter(sans free throw line) and they needed to catch up.
I have not given Mulvey much credit but he does hustle and has length.
Braun played his best ball of year.
If that 3 drops to tie I think we probably win. Crowd was into it and the players were responding.

But Josh had a strong game..best in awhile. He was wiped out late with fatigue from his effort.
Hope Owen and Dix are here to stay.

 

[djwoody]

We’d be competitive in the Missouri Valley.

 

[Beattheohiostate]

We’d be competitive in the Missouri Valley.

I think #7 Purdue might have a different opinion.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Mulvey is still a mystery to me. Plays hard, has size, makes some contributions, but has spent his entire career on the bench. Maybe he should have worked harder. Maybe he should have been developed better. IDK. The whole thing feels like a wasted opportunity.

 

[iowamike21]

Mulvey is still a mystery to me. Plays hard, has size, makes some contributions, but has spent his entire career on the bench. Maybe he should have worked harder. Maybe he should have been developed better. IDK. The whole thing feels like a wasted opportunity.

I don't think you can blame the player. Bigs usually take longer to develop, and Mulvey has had some injury problems and mostly mop-up minutes. He seems to have great potential, some of which could blossom quickly with the increase in playing time the rest of the year. I like the kid and hope he finishes well.

 

[Mohawkeye]

Mulvey is still a mystery to me. Plays hard, has size, makes some contributions, but has spent his entire career on the bench. Maybe he should have worked harder. Maybe he should have been developed better. IDK. The whole thing feels like a wasted opportunity.

He certainly has earned more playing time, if you ask me. Once you are in Fran's doghouse, hard to get out. But I don't understand why he didn't play more in the 2nd half after starting and doing well in the first. Just a mystery to me. His hustle is contagious.

 

[Willin]

Pryce was over helping and got burned for it twice

Went under a screen when guarding Smith who was in the zone, also, and paid the pryce. Not sure why he stayed in the game after that. You just can't do that vs a hot shooter. I agree that Traore should have played a lot in 2nd half. He was making plays for teammates in the first half. Yeah he turned it over, but he does make things happen offensively.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I don't think you can blame the player. Bigs usually take longer to develop.

Well, I know nothing about him. But I don't think you can simply exclude the possibility that he didn't apply himself to getting better.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Went under a screen when guarding Smith who was in the zone, also, and paid the pryce. Not sure why he stayed in the game after that. You just can't do that vs a hot shooter. I agree that Traore should have played a lot in 2nd half. He was making plays for teammates in the first half. Yeah he turned it over, but he does make things happen offensively.

I'm not sure what was worse between those repeated issues from Pryce or Peyton's inability to defend his man? I've been very critical of both Sandfort's defensive IQs on help defense, over or under screens, rotations in the zone... all that. I get frustrated because I think they *can* do it but need to not have mental lapses.


For the rest of the guys, it's obvious that Brauns and Mulvey aren't going to score like Owen but they both bring high energy and Brauns specifically walls up well and plays strong. Everyone wants to make fun of our guys being mid- level MVC guys so here's one who was a starter and contributor on a good one (until recently). I love Dembele's story and what he's about about but I think the only advantage he has over the other two is shooting. I think right now it is time to see these two guys get the go ahead in that spot.

I'm just hoping the guys just keep hustling and representing the university the best they can. I think we still win around 3 games but also will be blown out when the shot isn't falling.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

Attended the game and I agree the effort was good.
Not sure why traore did not get more minutes but Pryce is a better shooter(sans free throw line) and they needed to catch up.
I have not given Mulvey much credit but he does hustle and has length.
Braun played his best ball of year.
If that 3 drops to tie I think we probably win. Crowd was into it and the players were responding.

But Josh had a strong game..best in awhile. He was wiped out late with fatigue from his effort.
Hope Owen and Dix are here to stay.

Have you watched Traore play? He looks timid and completely lost out there 90% of the time

 

[nosok23]

The Hawkeyes were tied at halftime with the #7 team in the country, and when Purdue looked like they might break it wide open in the second half, Iowa responded and, with about 2 minutes to go, Dix missed a corner three that would have tied it again. It was over after that, but as disappointed as I am with the men's basketball program, fairness requires that I commend everyone who played last night for a great effort.

The defense was very good in the first half, and I loved the consecutive over-and-back violations Mulvey helped create. And how about that sequence when Brauns blocked the Purdue shot and then dunked on a fast break pass from Payton Sandfort . . . That was winning basketball, especially without last year's freshman of the year.

Traore probably should have played more in the second half in place of Pryce to improve defense and rebounding. Purdue got a lot of wide open threes in that second half and, despite not being very good at threes this year, they hit 'em last night.

Obviously it's time for a new coach and a new direction for Iowa men's basketball, but I can never fault players who play hard, and Iowa did that last night against the #7 team in the country, and despite everything, had Iowa made its FTs, a lingering issue, the Hawkeyes could have won. That's how close they were to a huge upset.

I said before Freeman got hurt that I don't see another win on the schedule. I stand by that, but if the Hawkeyes can keep playing hard like last night and if Fran can go with more of a defensive lineup, then who knows.

At any rate, give Mulvey and Brauns a lot of credit for making the most of their time on the floor last night.

Purdue is not a top 10 team dude!

 

[iowamike21]

Well, I know nothing about him. But I don't think you can simply exclude the possibility that he didn't apply himself to getting better.

Why would you think that? You admit you know "nothing about him." I've met few serious athletes who didn't apply themselves and want to get better. So why are you maligning a young man just for the hell of it?

 

[iowamike21]

Purdue is not a top 10 team dude!

Thanks for your insight, dude. Tell it to the pollsters and the broadcasters and, well, anyone else who'll listen. Purdue leads the Big Ten and is ranked #7 nationally, whether you like it or not. Ignoring reality is one way to go, though.

 

[iowamike21]

Have you watched Traore play? He looks timid and completely lost out there 90% of the time

Sadly, this is true.

 

[sm_hawkeye]

Attended the game and I agree the effort was good.
Not sure why traore did not get more minutes but Pryce is a better shooter(sans free throw line) and they needed to catch up.
I have not given Mulvey much credit but he does hustle and has length.
Braun played his best ball of year.
If that 3 drops to tie I think we probably win. Crowd was into it and the players were responding.

But Josh had a strong game..best in awhile. He was wiped out late with fatigue from his effort.
Hope Owen and Dix are here to stay.

Anyone who’s best skillset revolves around shooting, who’s misses back to back free throws, should take a seat and let teammates who have their strengths firing take over. That just shouldn’t happen unless you’re a player that brings a lot on defense, playmaking, or someone that can create their own scoring.

 

[goodbyebobby]

Sadly, this is true.

Not been the same since his ankle sprain.

 

[nosok23]

Thanks for your insight, dude. Tell it to the pollsters and the broadcasters and, well, anyone else who'll listen. Purdue leads the Big Ten and is ranked #7 nationally, whether you like it or not. Ignoring reality is one way to go, though.

Big Ten is down this year and by fault they are ranked in the top 10. They're right at 10 in net rankings. I feel they're overrated.

 

[LukaDuka]

Not been the same since his ankle sprain.

He looks a little lost on both ends. Not sure of defensive rotations and not really a shooter so Fran doesn't run offense for him.

 

[Knothole Hawk]

The team played best with Riley on the floor. He had the best +-, with Brauns doing much better than Dembele, who did not have a good game, considering all the minutes he's had these 2 years. I'd rather see some minutes going to Tajo, just to see if he can step up. You can't expect much from our bigs. But we all knew we were weak at the 5,

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Not been the same since his ankle sprain.

He really has not looked like the same player since that injury. At the time I was thinking the Hawks beat Iowa State had we had him available for that game. Now he doesn’t appear to be that much of a “difference maker”.

 

[ozzie8]

He really has not looked like the same player since that injury. At the time I was thinking the Hawks beat Iowa State had we had him available for that game. Now he doesn’t appear to be that much of a “difference maker”.

Can’t find his rhythm out there and doesn’t have much confidence. Seems like everything he does is forcing the issue. He’s the type of kid that could get some deflections defensively and get on the boards to get himself going

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Why would you think that? You admit you know "nothing about him." I've met few serious athletes who didn't apply themselves and want to get better. So why are you maligning a young man just for the hell of it?

I don't think that. I said you can't exclude the possibility. I was responding to a post that claimed you can't blame Mulvey. I really have no idea.

 

[shanksit44]

Mulvey is still a mystery to me. Plays hard, has size, makes some contributions, but has spent his entire career on the bench. Maybe he should have worked harder. Maybe he should have been developed better. IDK. The whole thing feels like a wasted opportunity.

That’s all on Fran.

 

[LukaDuka]

That’s all on Fran.

Fifty Fifty, Players can spend their own time working out. Luka and his dad are a prime example of transforming your game/body to compete at the highest level. I give Fran about 10% credit for Luka's development.

 

[Buffalo43]

Riley and Evan barely saw the floor today

 

[Rustys Dad]

The Hawkeyes were tied at halftime with the #7 team in the country, and when Purdue looked like they might break it wide open in the second half, Iowa responded and, with about 2 minutes to go, Dix missed a corner three that would have tied it again. It was over after that, but as disappointed as I am with the men's basketball program, fairness requires that I commend everyone who played last night for a great effort.

The defense was very good in the first half, and I loved the consecutive over-and-back violations Mulvey helped create. And how about that sequence when Brauns blocked the Purdue shot and then dunked on a fast break pass from Payton Sandfort . . . That was winning basketball, especially without last year's freshman of the year.

Traore probably should have played more in the second half in place of Pryce to improve defense and rebounding. Purdue got a lot of wide open threes in that second half and, despite not being very good at threes this year, they hit 'em last night.

Obviously it's time for a new coach and a new direction for Iowa men's basketball, but I can never fault players who play hard, and Iowa did that last night against the #7 team in the country, and despite everything, had Iowa made its FTs, a lingering issue, the Hawkeyes could have won. That's how close they were to a huge upset.

I said before Freeman got hurt that I don't see another win on the schedule. I stand by that, but if the Hawkeyes can keep playing hard like last night and if Fran can go with more of a defensive lineup, then who knows.

At any rate, give Mulvey and Brauns a lot of credit for making the most of their time on the floor last night.

I do feel for the players. It’s the man leading the ship that’s at fault. Fran can’t be gone soon enough. He doesn’t even “look” like he gives a shit on the sideline … Well - he knows his days are numbered after the season.

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

I do feel for the players. It’s the man leading the ship that’s at fault. Fran can’t be gone soon enough. He doesn’t even “look” like he gives a shit on the sideline … Well - he knows his days are numbered after the season.

He was done before the season started.

Still can’t believe nobody heard this back in October. Or still aren’t hearing things about it currently.

 

[the24fan]

The Hawkeyes were tied at halftime with the #7 team in the country, and when Purdue looked like they might break it wide open in the second half, Iowa responded and, with about 2 minutes to go, Dix missed a corner three that would have tied it again. It was over after that, but as disappointed as I am with the men's basketball program, fairness requires that I commend everyone who played last night for a great effort.

The defense was very good in the first half, and I loved the consecutive over-and-back violations Mulvey helped create. And how about that sequence when Brauns blocked the Purdue shot and then dunked on a fast break pass from Payton Sandfort . . . That was winning basketball, especially without last year's freshman of the year.

Traore probably should have played more in the second half in place of Pryce to improve defense and rebounding. Purdue got a lot of wide open threes in that second half and, despite not being very good at threes this year, they hit 'em last night.

Obviously it's time for a new coach and a new direction for Iowa men's basketball, but I can never fault players who play hard, and Iowa did that last night against the #7 team in the country, and despite everything, had Iowa made its FTs, a lingering issue, the Hawkeyes could have won. That's how close they were to a huge upset.

I said before Freeman got hurt that I don't see another win on the schedule. I stand by that, but if the Hawkeyes can keep playing hard like last night and if Fran can go with more of a defensive lineup, then who knows.

At any rate, give Mulvey and Brauns a lot of credit for making the most of their time on the floor last night.

washing machines work hard too.
Not B1G caliber players.
End of story

 

[HawkLogic]

The team played best with Riley on the floor. He had the best +-, with Brauns doing much better than Dembele, who did not have a good game, considering all the minutes he's had these 2 years. I'd rather see some minutes going to Tajo, just to see if he can step up. You can't expect much from our bigs. But we all knew we were weak at the 5,

At least Tadjo can jump and matchup athletically. Dembele is earth bound and seems to not understand what he is supposed to do.
Tadjo won't know what to do either, but will be faster at it and can block shots and rebound. Mulvey is about 7'0...that alone means he should be playing vs teams that have 7footers or post scorers where the extra height helps on defense..

It would be nice if the plug would be pulled on Fran right now and put in an acting coach (not Dillard) and let all the players compete for playing time with an open book instead of Fran ball with Union cards and no regard to defense/rebouding.

.

 

[HawkLogic]

Fifty Fifty, Players can spend their own time working out. Luka and his dad are a prime example of transforming your game/body to compete at the highest level. I give Fran about 10% credit for Luka's development.

I agree

Fran's system maximized the scoring opportunities for Garza and Fran recruited him and beat out Louisville which was a big recruiting in win.

Giving Fran Credit for developing Garza's shooting, work ethic, skills was always laughable. IF Fran developed Garza, then explain why his teaching/coaching had no effect on Mulvey, who doesn't have a post move after 4 years of Fran? Fran should have been motivated to coach up his owns kids. Fran's kids have all been flawed players despite having head coach father that opened doors.

 

[RocknRollface]

I agree

Fran's system maximized the scoring opportunities for Garza and Fran recruited him and beat out Louisville which was a big recruiting in win.

Giving Fran Credit for developing Garza's shooting, work ethic, skills was always laughable. IF Fran developed Garza, then explain why his teaching/coaching had no effect on Mulvey, who doesn't have a post move after 4 years of Fran? Fran should have been motivated to coach up his owns kids. Fran's kids have all been flawed players despite having head coach father that opened doors.

That's a great example to prove the point that I hadn't even considered.

Most development or lack of is due to the players themselves and Luka and Keegan also had a ton of influence from their dad's.