Josh Ogundele

[Franisdaman]

I think he plays enough for conditioning to be a factor, especially in BIG games against Illinois, UM, OSU and Purdue. We need his size against some very big fellas. He would probably even play more if he was in great condition.

Regarding the 3 candidates who will be playing the 5 position, @Suterman said this about the Oct 23 scrimmage vs Bradley:

Josh O. moved well and played fairly well. Did not play that much.

Rebraca was solid but not super productive.

Mulvey looked pretty good.

 

[perryhawk]

Regarding the 3 candidates who will be playing the 5 position, @Suterman said this about the Oct 23 scrimmage vs Bradley:

Josh O. moved well and played fairly well. Did not play that much.

Rebraca was solid but not super productive.

Mulvey looked pretty good.

I think that Fran is either trying to motivate Josh, or send a message........

 

[Mohawkeye]

I think he plays enough for conditioning to be a factor, especially in BIG games against Illinois, UM, OSU and Purdue. We need his size against some very big fellas. He would probably even play more if he was in great condition.

I really doubt he ever plays much more than 20 minutes a game, with the exception of maybe against Kofi. If he’s playing 25 minutes a game then I’ll take that as a sign he is playing really well.

 

[Franisdaman]

He will play a few minutes more this year. 5 to 8 per game tops

I think you might be a little overly critical in this case. Josh looks transformed from what he looked like last year. It's obvious that he's worked hard at getting his body into better shape. It doesn't mean he's done getting to where Fran wants him but I think he's close. He's a big bodied 6-10 dude. I'm thinking maybe another 10 lbs and he's a lean mean balling machine.

Josh was well over 300 pounds last season, yes he got to campus last Fall but was also sick and unable to do much work for a couple months, since that time he's worked hard and made tremendous progress WHILE STILL BEING A FULL TIME STUDENT. It bothers me how people forget that these kids only get so much time to work with the coaches, but they also still have to make sure they are attending to their course work. Luka graduated and was able to hire a trainers and chef and to work FULL TIME on getting into the best shape of his life.

We really need to stop comparing anyone or their work ethic to Luka (it's not fair)

Has it been confirmed anywhere that Josh’s conditioning is still holding him back? I feel like we are having an entire conversation around what has only been message board conjecture. I think there has been some speculation by a few pundits that Josh not be a major contributor this year, but I think it’s more a factor of his overall basketball development than whether or not he is in physical shape.

Can anyone provide a link to anything resembling official confirmation that Josh’s conditioning is still an issue and/or that he is still unable to play extended minutes? Perhaps I’ve just missed it.

Exactly. He was out of shape when he arrived last year. He now says he’s in his best shape since high school. So why are we talking about him still having conditioning issues? What evidence is there that he is still not able to play extended minutes?

I guess you could point to Fran saying he needs to “get even better”; but to me, that is something a coach would say about any player. It doesn’t signal to me that he is still out of shape.

Sounds to me that he still needs to lose some weight , ie. he is not yet at the weight prescribed by the coaching staff. I’m not seeing where he is not able to play sustained minutes due to conditioning, but I guess we will soon see.

First question then is what and where is “there, yet” ?
Next question is for this years team , seeming it’s going to be a 5 by committee, Rebraca, Mulvey, Josh O, maybe Keegan, Kris, is Josh O, “ there yet”, for this season ? Seems we’re talking 6-8 minutes per game, no more than 10 likely. If he isn’t conditioned for that, then yes there is a conditioning issue, I agree with that. I find that possibility, very remote however. call me pie in the sky optimistic, I’m not seeing Josh O having a conditioning issue for the upcoming season.

The highlighted stuff could easily be about losing weight not conditioning. If was right after the comment on weight.

None of you know he can not play extended minutes. Quit acting like you know anything about him

This. No sense in guessing about this. We'll know soon enough. But from what I have seen and read (dropping 50 lbs in about a year, getting in shape) is damn good, especially starting off sick and during a pandemic. He looks and moves very well. Nit-picking about those last 10 lbs is ridiculous.

Exactly.

From everything we have heard, Josh has made tremendous progress since last year. And saying “he’s made great progress but is still working to get to what we think is his ideal playing shape” is a completely different narrative than saying “he has lingering conditioning problems and is incapable of playing extended minutes.”

Jees..... I honestly hope it DOES happen. I think that Josh will be an important and productive player over the next couple of years, if not the first few games of this year, and if young Mulvey passes him, then we've got another good post player on our hands. His high school coach said he was an older junior last year, ( basically the age of a senior), so I'd bet he's 19 now, just as he would be as a college freshman anyway. Let the cream rise.......

Like Olaseni, Josh was a project coming in IMO. His Sr production was unimpressive, and he was still pretty raw last year. I'll be pleasantly surprised if he's a good B1G player this year or next. He has strength, and a nice shooting touch, but it takes more than that to excel in a Power 6 conference. I think Mulvey and Ogundele will eventually be in the rotation, but my future hope is in Freeman (2023).

I think he plays enough for conditioning to be a factor, especially in BIG games against Illinois, UM, OSU and Purdue. We need his size against some very big fellas. He would probably even play more if he was in great condition.

I think that Fran is either trying to motivate Josh, or send a message........

I really doubt he ever plays much more than 20 minutes a game, with the exception of maybe against Kofi. If he’s playing 25 minutes a game then I’ll take that as a sign he is playing really well.

Several of you who I quoted above had doubts about the reports on Josh and wondered why are we still talking about conditioning issues.


The Timeline:

(1) On June 29 it was reported that while Josh has made huge strides from a conditioning standpoint, Ogundele knows that there still is much work to be done. LINK to that article: www.hawkfanatic.com/2021/06/29/josh-ogundele-has-one-clear-focus-during-summer-workouts/

(2) On Oct 20, the Des Moines Register quoted Fran saying that "Josh is sustaining effort more. He lost a lot of weight. He's down to the 260s. But he has to get even better in that area and he knows it." LINK to that story: www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2021/10/20/iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-filling-luka-garza-void-josh-ogundele-filip-rebraca-riley-mulvey/8451438002/

(3) Last night, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men have struggled. Tom said that Filip is still adjusting, Josh Ogundele is still developing & getting his wind and that Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.

Skip ahead to the 23:50 mark where they talk about this year's team.

Michigan, Purdue, & Illinois all have really good big men. Tom said this Iowa team will miss Jack Nunge; Jack would have started at the 5 this year for Iowa.

LINK TO THAT PODCAST:

Hawkeye Report Podcast 418 – Hawkeye Report Podcast

 

[topherchris20]

Several of you who I quoted above had doubts about the reports on Josh and wondered why are we still talking about conditioning issues.


The Timeline:

(1) On June 29 it was reported that while Josh has made huge strides from a conditioning standpoint, Ogundele knows that there still is much work to be done. LINK to that article: www.hawkfanatic.com/2021/06/29/josh-ogundele-has-one-clear-focus-during-summer-workouts/

(2) On Oct 20, the Des Moines Register quoted Fran saying that "Josh is sustaining effort more. He lost a lot of weight. He's down to the 260s. But he has to get even better in that area and he knows it." LINK to that story: www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2021/10/20/iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-filling-luka-garza-void-josh-ogundele-filip-rebraca-riley-mulvey/8451438002/

(3) Last night, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men have struggled. Tom said that Filip is still adjusting, Josh Ogundele is still developing & getting his wind and that Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.

Skip ahead to the 23:50 mark where they talk about this year's team.

Michigan, Purdue, & Illinois all have really good big men. Tom said this Iowa team will miss Jack Nunge; Jack would have started at the 5 this year for Iowa.

LINK TO THAT PODCAST:

Hawkeye Report Podcast 418 – Hawkeye Report Podcast

How long did it take you to compile this post?

 

[Lumas Etima]

Several of you who I quoted above had doubts about the reports on Josh and wondered why are we still talking about conditioning issues.


The Timeline:

(1) On June 29 it was reported that while Josh has made huge strides from a conditioning standpoint, Ogundele knows that there still is much work to be done. LINK to that article: www.hawkfanatic.com/2021/06/29/josh-ogundele-has-one-clear-focus-during-summer-workouts/

(2) On Oct 20, the Des Moines Register quoted Fran saying that "Josh is sustaining effort more. He lost a lot of weight. He's down to the 260s. But he has to get even better in that area and he knows it." LINK to that story: www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2021/10/20/iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-filling-luka-garza-void-josh-ogundele-filip-rebraca-riley-mulvey/8451438002/

(3) Last night, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men have struggled. Tom said that Filip is still adjusting, Josh Ogundele is still developing & getting his wind and that Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.

Skip ahead to the 23:50 mark where they talk about this year's team.

Michigan, Purdue, & Illinois all have really good big men. Tom said this Iowa team will miss Jack Nunge; Jack would have started at the 5 this year for Iowa.

LINK TO THAT PODCAST:

Hawkeye Report Podcast 418 – Hawkeye Report Podcast

I concede the point. Let's move on.

 

[JRHawk2003]

DNP against Longwood. Looks like he is behind the freshman. Last year is basically a free year. So could he be redshirted this year?

 

[CleteyColgate]

DNP against Longwood. Looks like he is behind the freshman. Last year is basically a free year. So could he be redshirted this year?

Back

 

[JRHawk2003]

Back

Oh OK. I guess I missed that. Is there any idea where in the rotation he would be?

 

[BBHawk]

Oh OK. I guess I missed that. Is there any idea where in the rotation he would be?

He nd Mulvey were pretty even, with Mulvey having an edge in conditioning and Big O having an edge in strength. Should make for a good competition.

 

[kceasthawk]

I think with Sandfort stepping up and shooting with confidence he fills a need at that three wing spot. With PMac, Sandfort, some Connor, some Kris that takes up the three minutes. The four is (duh) Keegan, Keegan, Kris, Keegan, Keegan, Kris. When Rebraca came in both he and Fran talked in interviews that he would play 3-5 spots. Just don't see that happening with the way the roster is evolving. Rebraca is going to be almost exclusively the 5 man 95% of his minutes. Against some teams Keegan or Kris will be the five the other at the four. That leaves scarce few 5 minutes, maybe 6-8 minutes to be split between Mulvey and Josh. We'll probably see that extended some against Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan.

 

[BBHawk]

I think with Sandfort stepping up and shooting with confidence he fills a need at that three wing spot. With PMac, Sandfort, some Connot, some Kris that takes up the three minutes. The four is (duh) Keegan, Keegan, Kris, Keegan, Keegan, Kris. When Rebraka came in both he and Fran talked in interviews that he would play 3-5 spots. Just don't see that happening with the way the roster is evolving. Rebraka is going to be almost exclusively the 5 man 95% of his minutes. Against some teams Keegan or Kris will be the five the other at the four. That leaves scarce few 5 minutes, maybe 6-8 minutes to be split between Mulvey and Josh. We'll probably see that extended some against Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan.

If you are going to misspell Rebraca's name, at least Rebracha is closer to being phonetically correct...

 

[Franisdaman]

Several of you who I quoted above had doubts about the reports on Josh and wondered why are we still talking about conditioning issues.


The Timeline:

(1) On June 29 it was reported that while Josh has made huge strides from a conditioning standpoint, Ogundele knows that there still is much work to be done. LINK to that article: www.hawkfanatic.com/2021/06/29/josh-ogundele-has-one-clear-focus-during-summer-workouts/

(2) On Oct 20, the Des Moines Register quoted Fran saying that "Josh is sustaining effort more. He lost a lot of weight. He's down to the 260s. But he has to get even better in that area and he knows it." LINK to that story: www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2021/10/20/iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-filling-luka-garza-void-josh-ogundele-filip-rebraca-riley-mulvey/8451438002/

(3) Last night, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men have struggled. Tom said that Filip is still adjusting, Josh Ogundele is still developing & getting his wind and that Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.

Skip ahead to the 23:50 mark where they talk about this year's team.

Michigan, Purdue, & Illinois all have really good big men. Tom said this Iowa team will miss Jack Nunge; Jack would have started at the 5 this year for Iowa.

LINK TO THAT PODCAST:

Hawkeye Report Podcast 418 – Hawkeye Report Podcast

As a reminder, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men had struggled.

He said that

* Filip was still adjusting

* Josh Ogundele was still developing & getting his wind

and that

* Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.


Filip was efficient tonight; 9 points, 13 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Josh played just 6 minutes.

Riley played 5.

 

[CleteyColgate]

As a reminder, on Oct 27, during a Hawkeye Report Podcast, Tom said the Iowa big men had struggled.

He said that

* Filip was still adjusting

* Josh Ogundele was still developing & getting his wind

and that

* Riley is adjusting to physical basketball at this level against grown men.


Filip was efficient tonight; 9 points, 13 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Josh played just 6 minutes.

Riley played 5.

I love ya, but do we need to get another recap of this?

 

[shanksit44]

Regarding the 3 candidates who will be playing the 5 position, @Suterman said this about the Oct 23 scrimmage vs Bradley:

Josh O. moved well and played fairly well. Did not play that much.

Rebraca was solid but not super productive.

Mulvey looked pretty good.

Like his size and looks like he has touch. Can he defend the middle? Weak point for years now in Iowa's game has been down low on D so I hope he has a little Reggie Evans/Eddie Horton in him.

 

[CleteyColgate]

Like his size and looks like he has touch. Can he defend the middle? Weak point for years now in Iowa's game has been down low on D so I hope he has a little Reggie Evans/Eddie Horton in him.

Needs to be a little quicker defensively around the rim

 

[GoEagles23]

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

 

[CleteyColgate]

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

CJF was healthier than Nunge so no

 

[BBHawk]

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

That's a nasty opinion about someone you don't know. SMH

 

[KcTo]

I think Ogundele bulk will be needed to defend the physical centers in The B1G.

 

[Franisdaman]

I love ya, but do we need to get another recap of this?

Well, some posters didn't want to acknowledge it, but we had issues/concerns with the 5 position coming into the season.

And it is now pretty clear that we still have issues with the 5 position based on what we have seen so far in the rotations and on court performance. 6 minutes for Josh and 5 minutes for Riley vs UMKC. Yikes.

And in less that 3 weeks comes Purdue (Dec 3) and Illinois (Dec 6).

 

[Franisdaman]

Like his size and looks like he has touch. Can he defend the middle? Weak point for years now in Iowa's game has been down low on D so I hope he has a little Reggie Evans/Eddie Horton in him.

Needs to be a little quicker defensively around the rim

Yeah, it seems like Josh needs to work on movement & quickness.

 

[Franisdaman]

That's a nasty opinion about someone you don't know. SMH

Not trying to be mean but here's a serious question. When was the last time Iowa had a player where there was so much focus on that player's weight loss and conditioning/getting his wind?

This is an issue that has been asked about, written about and discussed in podcasts since Josh got here. Reporters from the Register, Gazette, Hawkeye Report, etc. all have been asking about it and writing about it.

In comparison, we have other players who had major surgeries (JBo, Connor, etc) who have quickly come back and have had no issues with weight gain and regaining their conditioning/getting their wind. And thankfully so.

 

[Franisdaman]

I think Ogundele bulk will be needed to defend the physical centers in The B1G.

I agree.

But can Fran depend on him/trust him in key moments and for extended minutes?

And what happens in B1G play when Rebraca gets in foul trouble in the first half and Fran sits him? Does Fran go to Josh at the 5 or does he immediately go to a forward (Kris)?

 

[CyberJJ]

I agree.

But can Fran depend on him/trust him in key moments and for extended minutes?

And what happens in B1G play when Rebraca gets in foul trouble in the first half and Fran sits him? Does Fran go to Josh at the 5 or does he immediately go to a forward (Kris)?

Good questions. Will have to see that play out but that is an enjoyable part of the early season as you start to figure out the rotations. Fran’s a bit harder to figure out as he plays so many guys and has the early hook with foul trouble.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

Not trying to be mean but here's a serious question. When was the last time Iowa had a player where there was so much focus on that player's weight loss and conditioning/getting his wind?

This is an issue that has been asked about, written about and discussed in podcasts since Josh got here. Reporters from the Register, Gazette, Hawkeye Report, etc. all have been asking about it and writing about it.

In comparison, we have other players who had major surgeries (JBo, Connor, etc) who have quickly come back and have had no issues with weight gain and regaining their conditioning/getting their wind. And thankfully so.

Brennan Cougil. The answer is Brennan Cougil.

 

[Ronman]

Josh looks winded after just a couple trips up and down the court. I think we need to face the fact that he is flat out a project and we may not see results for another year, if then. Not sure why the staff chose to take him on as he doesn't seem to have any real innate skills. I don't like to dump on the kid. I'm sure he is a fine young man, but I keep waiting until McCaffery gets this program to the point where projects aren't part of the winning equation.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

Josh looks winded after just a couple trips up and down the court. I think we need to face the fact that he is flat out a project and we may not see results for another year, if then. Not sure why the staff chose to take him on as he doesn't seem to have any real innate skills. I don't like to dump on the kid. I'm sure he is a fine young man, but I keep waiting until McCaffery gets this program to the point where projects aren't part of the winning equation.

Last year was supposed to be his project year. This really shows his maturity level. As someone who has issues with my weight and is a stress eater I am somewhat sympathetic. Saying that this is a squandered opportunity and one he may look back on later in life and regret.

 

[CleteyColgate]

Last year was supposed to be his project year. This really shows his maturity level. As someone who has issues with my weight and is a stress eater I am somewhat sympathetic. Saying that this is a squandered opportunity and one he may look back on later in life and regret.

No shit I expected him to be first team All Big 10 this year

 

[Lumas Etima]

Not trying to be mean but here's a serious question. When was the last time Iowa had a player where there was so much focus on that player's weight loss and conditioning/getting his wind?

Patrick McCaffery, just a couple years ago. Well, that was actually a focus on weight gain, but the conditioning talk was there as well. Obviously a much different scenario for P-Mac (as far as we know), and thankfully nobody accused Patrick of being lazy.

I think it’s been demonstrated that there are, indeed, some questions about Josh’s stamina. But there can be lots of reasons why kids might have stamina issues. It would be nice if we gave our own players the benefit of the doubt before jumping into allegations of laziness.

 

[Underscore2]

How long did it take you to compile this post?

Franizda is single handedly wearing out my mouse scroll wheel. But that's ok.

 

[Franisdaman]

Patrick McCaffery, just a couple years ago. Well, that was actually a focus on weight gain, but the conditioning talk was there as well. Obviously a much different scenario for P-Mac (as far as we know), and thankfully nobody accused Patrick of being lazy.

I think it’s been demonstrated that there are, indeed, some questions about Josh’s stamina. But there can be lots of reasons why kids might have stamina issues. It would be nice if we gave our own players the benefit of the doubt before jumping into allegations of laziness.

Patrick's issue was related to his thyroid & getting his meds right, IIRC. And it was cancer related. He just didn't have the energy to practice or play at the time. Of course no one called him lazy because we knew what he had battled through.

As a result, on May 29, 2020, Patrick received approval for a medical hardship after playing in just 2 games in the 2019-2020 season, giving him 4 years of college eligibility (through 2024).

And no reporter has called Josh out as being lazy. But they all have pointed out the 2 issues: (1) being overweight; (2) not being able to catch his wind. And as a result, he was one of the last off the bench & barely played against lowly UMKC.

 

[BBHawk]

Franizda is single handedly wearing out my mouse scroll wheel. But that's ok.

In most cases, it's TD, DR with his posts. Life's too short and he isn't trying to hurt anyone so what the heck!

 

[Franisdaman]

In most cases, it's TD, DR with his posts. Life's too short and he isn't trying to hurt anyone so what the heck!

 

[Lumas Etima]

And no reporter has called Josh out as being lazy.

No, but posters on this site have said it. And other posters have implied it (or defended the allegation.) That’s what I have a problem with.

 

[nbanflfactory]

Josh looks winded after just a couple trips up and down the court. I think we need to face the fact that he is flat out a project and we may not see results for another year, if then. Not sure why the staff chose to take him on as he doesn't seem to have any real innate skills. I don't like to dump on the kid. I'm sure he is a fine young man, but I keep waiting until McCaffery gets this program to the point where projects aren't part of the winning equation.

This is Iowa bud, get used to it. Were never gonna be bama football and kansas bball.

 

[Franisdaman]

No, but posters on this site have said it (that he is lazy). And other posters have implied it (or defended the allegation.) That’s what I have a problem with.

Just trying to be fair here, to unnamed posters.

You said posters have called him lazy. I found that to be an odd comment because I don't recall that. I just recall the discussions to be focused on what has simply been reported: (1) he has had issues with his weight; (2) he has had issues with his conditioning/getting his wind. And because of these 2 issues, he only played mop up duty vs a very bad UMKC team.

So, since you said posters called him lazy, I was curious to see who those posters were so I did a search on "Josh Lazy" and I only found one poster call him lazy.


That one poster was GoEagles23. And that post occurred yesterday.

Here is that one and only post::

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

• GoEagles23
• Post #177
• Yesterday at 7:24 AM

 

[BBHawk]

Just trying to be fair here, to unnamed posters.

You said posters have called him lazy. I found that to be an odd comment because I don't recall that. I just recall the discussions to be focused on what has simply been reported: (1) he has had issues with his weight; (2) he has had issues with his conditioning/getting his wind. And because of these 2 issues, he only played mop up duty vs a very bad UMKC team.

So, since you said posters called him lazy, I was curious to see who those posters were so I did a search on "Josh Lazy" and I only found one poster call him lazy.


That one poster was GoEagles23. And that post occurred yesterday.

Here is that one and only post::

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

• GoEagles23
• Post #177
• Yesterday at 7:24 AM

Josh O will never be consistently productive at Iowa. Just too much lazy in him. Jack Nunge may be the biggest loss for this squad (of all those that had remaining eligibility)

Here you go.

 

[Franisdaman]

Here you go.

As you can see in my post, I pointed out that ONE poster.

There is not more than ONE poster calling Josh lazy, which was alleged.

 

[jonesy5960]

Josh looks winded after just a couple trips up and down the court. I think we need to face the fact that he is flat out a project and we may not see results for another year, if then. Not sure why the staff chose to take him on as he doesn't seem to have any real innate skills. I don't like to dump on the kid. I'm sure he is a fine young man, but I keep waiting until McCaffery gets this program to the point where projects aren't part of the winning equation.

I understand that he has conditioning issues but your statement that he has no real skills is simply incorrect. He moves well and has an excellent shooting touch for a big man.. Someone posting a workout video of him knocking down 3 after 3.. He has skills that will become more apparent over the course of this and subsequent years assuming his physical condition improves. To the best of my knowledge, no one on this forum knows why his conditioning continues to lag. I think some people calling him out for being lazy and saying he has no skills is beyond the pale and unfair to the young man.