Last shot of the game....Why always Gessell?

[BrunoMars420]

For the life of me why does Fran seem to think Gessell is the best person to make a play with the game on the line? He is probably the least clutch player I have seen wear an Iowa uniform. You can guarantee a TO, missed shot, or missed clutch free throws. Why not one time we isolate the All american or once of the best shooters in the country Pete Jok????

 

[hawk_a_holic]

Nothing like making sure the worst shooter on your team gets the last shot. MG has yet to connect in that situation and really was primed to choke again if not for Woody bailing us all out. Isn't JU a good enough ball handler to have the ball in his hands there? What ever happened to giving the ball to your best player and going with it? MG is terrible at finishing at the rim and is not a good shooter.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I think because, in theory, MG is a better ball handler. Of course, the opponent knows this so they overplay Ute and Pete, leaving Woody, Sapp and MG to take the last shot. Pitiful.

Fran is going to ride these seniors - end of story. For example, you could take out Sapp and Woody for Williams/Ellingson and Uhl. That would give the Hawks 5 shooters on the floor.

However, shooting is one thing ... making is a whole different story.

 

[DenverTurtle]

Part of it is Uthoff defers and so frequently passes on shots. The other harsh reality is that after Uthoff(who won't shoot at crunch time) Gessel is the best player we have at creating his own shot.

Christian Williams has shown flashes of this and we should all be going to Chrurch twice a week to pray that this continues to develop for him. So that's why Fran had Gessel with the ball for the last shot.

Peter has added some dribble drive and post up this year so the team will need him to build on that for next year, particularly the ball handling.

What bothers me most is having Gessel dribble until there's 7 seconds on the shot/game clock before he gets it going. Mike isn't great at creating his own shot but setting up others. So if you want him to take the shot you need to get the offense going and ball moving to give any of our players their best chance to make a play.

 

[Herkuleez]

Part of it is Uthoff defers and so frequently passes on shots. The other harsh reality is that after Uthoff(who won't shoot at crunch time) Gessel is the best player we have at creating his own shot.

This...unfortunately.

Jok has a hard time creating, which is his biggest shortcoming and one he needs to work on for next year to help the team, and give him any chance at making it in the pros.

 

[Tunadog]

G-e-s-e-l-l. Gesell. It's not that hard.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

I've wondered the same thing. Would love to be in that huddle when Fran is diagramming these last plays.

My guess is there are multiple options but as many have pointed out other guys aren't getting open or aren't willing to step up in crunch time and I think Gesell is forced just to wing it.

 

[cg8284]

I'd love to see what he's diagramming as well since 90% of the time the play is just Gesell just standing 40 ft away dribbling till there's 7 second left then shooting a horrible shot. There are no sets run at all. Four guys standing and MG dribbling the clock away.

 

[RocknRollface]

I've wondered the same thing. Would love to be in that huddle when Fran is diagramming these last plays.

My guess is there are multiple options but as many have pointed out other guys aren't getting open or aren't willing to step up in crunch time and I think Gesell is forced just to wing it.

Well 90% of the time there is no huddle to diagram plays.

Iowa doesn't run "plays" at the end of games. Thats the whole problem.

There is most likely some sort of default set they are supposed to be in but its just a bunch of confusion.

I don't know what you call it.

Gessel dribbles, everyone else stands in the lane and then he forces a shot.

When Fran actually has a chance to diagram something we get a decent look but for some reason he refuses to acknowledge the reality of what works and what doesn't

 

[hawkfan1963]

Woody said in one of the post game interviews the original play broke down so Mike had to make a quick decision. It all worked out.

 

[archmage2002]

The 4 stack offense at the end of games/halfs suck. The problem is that its a passive offense and is a lot more easier to defend. Uthoff doesn't try very hard in that set and Jok gives up almost as soon as he is defended well. That leaves Gessell on a island and having to make plays. I keep getting into an argument with my friend due to hating the offense.. he says almost every team runs that offense at the end of games and that its just Gessell sucking.

 

[Fsanford]

Maybe other teams have something to do with it and overplay Jok and Uthoff knowing those are the guys who can hit a shot

 

[slipHawk]

Because Mike (generally) does not turn it over. If I had to guess, I'd guess Fran doesn't want to pass it around because it increases the chance of a TO.

 

[RocknRollface]

The 4 stack offense at the end of games/halfs suck. The problem is that its a passive offense and is a lot more easier to defend. Uthoff doesn't try very hard in that set and Jok gives up almost as soon as he is defended well. That leaves Gessell on a island and having to make plays. I keep getting into an argument with my friend due to hating the offense.. he says almost every team runs that offense at the end of games and that its just Gessell sucking.

Yeah whatever they're trying to do there it doesn't work.

Jok and Uthoff just get stuck in the paint. It's just kind of pathetic.

I'd rather see a high screen and roll with the other three behind the line for space.

Only problem is that would still be counting on Gessel and Woodbury as your primary options .

 

[RocknRollface]

Another thought is that it's hard to isolate Uthoff because you have two defenders that can help off of MG or AC.

It's just difficult anyway you look at it when you're two best ballhandlers can't shoot.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

That 1-4 low set absolutely sucks. Every team knows were going to run it.
We need to run a pick and roll with Uthoff setting the pick If the defense switches Uthoff has a shot against a shorter player or one on one with a player that has good handles and a capable fall away.
For gods sake at the very least let Clemons run the point. He's at least capable of playing through contact.
Fran refuses to admit that his end of the game PLAY don't work. He refuses to try something new. It's a stubbornness you rarely see

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Another thought is that it's hard to isolate Uthoff because you have two defenders that can help off of MG or AC.

It's just difficult anyway you look at it when you're two best ballhandlers can't shoot.

This is why you pick and roll with Jared and put jok on the ball side in the corner. If his man helps you have two capable shooters. Plus you give mike some help with a pick.

 

[hawknut]

Its terrible coaching. Has Gesell ever made the shot at the end of the half or the game? He didn't even get a shot against Illinois in the BTT. To repeatedly do something that doesn't work is just plain foolish. A two point swing at half can mean a game. Why not a timeout? Don't believe in your plays?

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Just not the right mix of players for crunch time. We know Jok and Uthoff are going to be the focus of the defense, but we don't have a Plan B. We need another shooter on the floor, but as others have stated, Fran not deviating from the starting 5. Baer, Uhl, Williams would be better options than Clemmons if Clemmons isn't going to be a threat to drive, which he hasn't of late. Even a Wagner or Uhl for Woodbury for a possession or two to try a slip screen or something.

 

[hawkfan1963]

Its terrible coaching. Has Gesell ever made the shot at the end of the half or the game? He didn't even get a shot against Illinois in the BTT. To repeatedly do something that doesn't work is just plain foolish. A two point swing at half can mean a game. Why not a timeout? Don't believe in your plays?

Once again, Woody said in one of the post game interviews the original play broke down so Mike had to make a quick decision. It all worked out.

 

[Mountain Man Hawk]

It's hard for me to believe that was a play that broke down. As others have said, everyone stands around while Gessell waits for the clock to get down to 7 seconds before driving the lane. It would be great if the other players would at least make some attempt to get open.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Seriously I think the other teams have scored more points when we have the ball with the shot clock turned off than we have. Hell I think they have even had more shots.
Point being. What we do at the end of halves is not just bad but jr high level bad. Historically bad. Another level of bad.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Once again, Woody said in one of the post game interviews the original play broke down so Mike had to make a quick decision. It all worked out.

What the heck do you think this means. They were running the same play as always. Just because it didn't go as woody expected doesn't mean that the same old tired play call is/was good

 

[wbrhawkeye]

Everyone knows how to defend against this because Mike gets blocked and is a horrible shooter

 

[GPRHAWK]

G-e-s-e-l-l. Gesell. It's not that hard.

It's strangely difficult. I've struggled with it for 4 years. Gessel, Gessell, Gesell. I've had to look it up multiple times before mentioning him in a post

 

[hawkfan1963]

I agree that there need to be improvements for the Hawkeyes, but to bitch after a win in the NCAA tournament is ridculous. Clemmons fouled the player shooting a 3. Dumb thing to do. After this game was over I turned to a different game and saw the same thing happen there also. Not sure complaining is in order when Michigan State is gone and Iowa isn't.

 

[takai]

I watched the replay again, and man that was an embarrassing shot by Gesell.

 

[*hawksrock*]

That 1-4 low set absolutely sucks. Every team knows were going to run it.
We need to run a pick and roll with Uthoff setting the pick If the defense switches Uthoff has a shot against a shorter player or one on one with a player that has good handles and a capable fall away.
For gods sake at the very least let Clemons run the point. He's at least capable of playing through contact.
Fran refuses to admit that his end of the game PLAY don't work. He refuses to try something new. It's a stubbornness you rarely see

nearly as stubborn as capt'n kirk, apparently this is an attribute the U of I likes.

 

[MitchL]

Woody said in one of the post game interviews the original play broke down so Mike had to make a quick decision. It all worked out.

That was the case in probably every game this season that came down to one play. Except the "it all worked out".

 

[MWardT]

I don't get why Jok or Uthoff just won't come get the ball from Gessell. If someone is going to have to force a shot anyway, wouldn't we rather have a forced shot from one of those two? But, for some reason neither will come and get the ball from Gessell so he is forced to do something.

 

[Capital1Hawk]

Maybe other teams have something to do with it and overplay Jok and Uthoff knowing those are the guys who can hit a shot

Jared should demand the ball at top of key then shoot it and not pass it. He is afraid of the shot. Most all stars due to have the ball in that situation and are pissed if they don't have it. Would like to see that killer instinct ou of him.

 

[RocknRollface]

This is why you pick and roll with Jared and put jok on the ball side in the corner. If his man helps you have two capable shooters. Plus you give mike some help with a pick.

Thats not a bad idea.

Only problem is Woodys man is going to be standing in the lane.

If you're going to run a pick with anyone other than Woodbury you pretty much have to get him out of the game which has its pluses and minuses.

On the plus side you get much better spacing with Uhl or Bear or both because the D has to stay with them outside, the minus is obviously rebounding.

The other thing is you have to call a TO to make the substitution, which Fran will never do for some reason.

 

[PHXIowaClub]

Michael Jordan never had an issue getting the ball for the last play of the half/game. I think Jok is much more of a clutch player than Uthoff. If I was Fran, I would have Jok come get the ball and let him win or lose the game for Iowa at the top of the key. Much better option that Gesell.

PS: I agree Gesell is the hardest last name to spell (harder than Hinkel). I don't know why but I have to look it up every time.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

The 4 stack offense at the end of games/halfs suck. The problem is that its a passive offense and is a lot more easier to defend. Uthoff doesn't try very hard in that set and Jok gives up almost as soon as he is defended well. That leaves Gessell on a island and having to make plays. I keep getting into an argument with my friend due to hating the offense.. he says almost every team runs that offense at the end of games and that its just Gessell sucking.

You're both right to an extent.....

Gesell motioned for someone to come either set a screen or get the ball from him at least 3 different times yesterday and nobody moved. So what else is he suppose to do? And you're right about the offense breaking down so easily. Woodbury's quote is kind of a "duh" statement, because all teams do is switch on every screen, and when you set half-assed screens with no intention of cutting hard anywhere in particular to begin with, chances are....the play you initially had in mind wasn't gonna work.

So, again, that leaves Mike to play hero ball........and yes, that is where he shows that he is not as capable as a lot of these other guards (not to get too specific on what kind of guards they are, but I think we all know) you see in the NCAA tournament hitting tough fadeaway off-balanced contested shots late in the clock/game.....................................................

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Michael Jordan never had an issue getting the ball for the last play of the half/game. I think Jok is much more of a clutch player than Uthoff. If I was Fran, I would have Jok come get the ball and let him win or lose the game for Iowa at the top of the key. Much better option that Gesell.

PS: I agree Gesell is the hardest last name to spell (harder than Hinkel). I don't know why but I have to look it up every time.

Pronouncing it maybe.....just think of 'sell' with a 'Ge' in front of it. Can't go wrong. Hinkle on the other hand...............................

 

[slipHawk]

Jared should demand the ball at top of key then shoot it and not pass it. He is afraid of the shot. Most all stars due to have the ball in that situation and are pissed if they don't have it. Would like to see that killer instinct ou of him.

Jarod. *flees from thread*

 

[MepoDawg#]

Another thing is if it is supposed to MG driving and shooting or passing you would think they would spread the floor not clog the lane. This is why I don't get why they all stand around. Hard to get an open shit when you're not moving and makes it easy for the defense to help on the driver.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Hard to get an open shit when you're not moving

Normally you'd be sitting during that kind of play, Cotton.

 

[Chewback]

G-e-s-e-l-l. Gesell. It's not that hard.

Uthoff doesn't seem that hard either but it's misspelled here more often than not. Fran needs to recruit more guys with 3-letter names like Jok, something that HR posters can manage.

 

[WAHawkeye]

In general, Iowa does not attack in its half-court offense. Dependent upon Jok & Uthoff coming off of double screens. Third scoring option has, for the most part, been lacking all season. In the end, any win in the tournament is great.