Great win, entertaining game. This is the second game I've seen in person this year, the other being Seton Hall. I'll start with good stuff and then improvements to make.
First of all, defense is still a bit inconsistent, but the rotations are light years better than they were against SH. It's a step by step process; the final step now is finishing off the possession with the rebound. Once Cook and Pemsl figure that part out, the D will look much different. Was not crazy about the 3-2 zone and thought Fran used it too much. 3-2 is a nice defense if you have terrific rotations and are facing a team that struggles with 3's. Even though Iowa's rotations are improved, they're not exceptional yet. Thought it gave away too many open shots.
Cook looked much more in rhythm tonight. JoBo has no fear and it's gonna burn him some nights, but his mentality can't be taught. Jok is still Jok. I'm more surprised when he misses at this point. People can lay off Ellingson. He's turned into a serviceable bench player. Baer does everything that doesn't show up in the box score, but he added a handful of nice 3's so he had an awesome game.
Disappointed Fran had Moss on the bench a lot. He is a pretty capable defender and he has the bulk to match up with other big guards. Uhl, well, yeah we know. One of Moss/Jok and one of Pemsl/Cook needs to be on the court at all times. There was one lineup in the first half that was CW-Brady-Baer-Uhl-Wagner. Yikes. They held their own but no way they'll get away with that all the time.
Free throws are still a problem and we can't really change that. Terrific coaching by Fran though to get Ellingson and Wagner in and out at the end for offense/defense.
I know he never will but I wish Fran would use his timeouts when things need to slow down or they have an opportunity for a special play. Specifically, when there was one second left, I thought we should get a timeout to get something set up towards the basket. Instead, Bohannon took an 80 footer.
The team looked so much more comfortable at home, which isn't surprising. But obviously they'll need to steal some on the road too. All in all, compared to the SH game, I thought the team looked much more like a Big 10 team. Taking their lumps sure, but the pieces are there. Just gotta have faith.
First of all, defense is still a bit inconsistent, but the rotations are light years better than they were against SH. It's a step by step process; the final step now is finishing off the possession with the rebound. Once Cook and Pemsl figure that part out, the D will look much different. Was not crazy about the 3-2 zone and thought Fran used it too much. 3-2 is a nice defense if you have terrific rotations and are facing a team that struggles with 3's. Even though Iowa's rotations are improved, they're not exceptional yet. Thought it gave away too many open shots.
Cook looked much more in rhythm tonight. JoBo has no fear and it's gonna burn him some nights, but his mentality can't be taught. Jok is still Jok. I'm more surprised when he misses at this point. People can lay off Ellingson. He's turned into a serviceable bench player. Baer does everything that doesn't show up in the box score, but he added a handful of nice 3's so he had an awesome game.
Disappointed Fran had Moss on the bench a lot. He is a pretty capable defender and he has the bulk to match up with other big guards. Uhl, well, yeah we know. One of Moss/Jok and one of Pemsl/Cook needs to be on the court at all times. There was one lineup in the first half that was CW-Brady-Baer-Uhl-Wagner. Yikes. They held their own but no way they'll get away with that all the time.
Free throws are still a problem and we can't really change that. Terrific coaching by Fran though to get Ellingson and Wagner in and out at the end for offense/defense.
I know he never will but I wish Fran would use his timeouts when things need to slow down or they have an opportunity for a special play. Specifically, when there was one second left, I thought we should get a timeout to get something set up towards the basket. Instead, Bohannon took an 80 footer.
The team looked so much more comfortable at home, which isn't surprising. But obviously they'll need to steal some on the road too. All in all, compared to the SH game, I thought the team looked much more like a Big 10 team. Taking their lumps sure, but the pieces are there. Just gotta have faith.
