Michael Edwards
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I wish we would but it sounds like Dale Jones is a done deal. Barring some transfer or de-commit, I don't see how Fran can get him. Edwards looks great in his highlight video (don't they all) but as others have pointed out, it was against guys much shorter than him although he showed great skills for a big.
I trust Fran to find the best player available to the hawks.
I was hoping for Edwards, but looks like he is blowing up and has said all along if Michigan offers he is going there.
I think Jones (if we get him) will bring a different type of player than what Iowa is used to. He is a 4 who can hang out around the perimeter and therefore pull his defender away from the basket. Hopefully opening up driving lanes or chance for Woodie to post up down low and get one on one match-ups.
If you noticed that is what Zaga did with their big. They would park him on the block and have 4 out and when the double team came, someone would either slip back door or spot up for a 3. Maybe this is the type of offense Fran is going towards IDK.
Also I think Wagnar will bring some much needed rebounding to the team. The kid battled taller players all year (only 6-6) but he plays much bigger and always seems to battle for the ball.
I was hoping for Edwards, but looks like he is blowing up and has said all along if Michigan offers he is going there.
I think Jones (if we get him) will bring a different type of player than what Iowa is used to. He is a 4 who can hang out around the perimeter and therefore pull his defender away from the basket. Hopefully opening up driving lanes or chance for Woodie to post up down low and get one on one match-ups.
If you noticed that is what Zaga did with their big. They would park him on the block and have 4 out and when the double team came, someone would either slip back door or spot up for a 3. Maybe this is the type of offense Fran is going towards IDK.
Also I think Wagnar will bring some much needed rebounding to the team. The kid battled taller players all year (only 6-6) but he plays much bigger and always seems to battle for the ball.
True, it almost seemed like Woody rushes it too much when he gets the ball in the post. The Zaga big just held onto the ball and took his time. I am hopeful that woody will improve his post game and become a force down low.
That's funny because it looked to me that Woody has some low post moves, he's just slow in pulling them off. He appeared slow and mechanical. Gonzaga's big was slow too but far more confident in his abilities.
This post was edited on 3/30 7:45 PM by IronFist1776
This post was edited on 3/30 7:45 PM by IronFist1776
The Gonzaga big didn't have moves. He outweighed Woody by 50 pounds and just pushed over him while traveling on every play. Woody would benefit from putting on a few more pounds of muscle. He has a variety of offensive moves but hasn't been able to perfect any. He'll never be an offensive juggernaut, but I think people will be a little surprised next year. Hard work pays off.
For those not really following his recruitment, in the last couple weeks he's added offers from Nebraska, Georgia, Auburn, Pitt, Marquette, SMU, and Kansas State (I may have missed a few). Talk of interest from Iowa, Michigan, UCLA and Duke. Prior to a couple weeks ago, was pretty much just mid-majors. It's amazing how fast these kids can blow up once word gets out.
Posted from Rivals Mobile
Posted from Rivals Mobile
I'm not just talking about the matchup with Woody. The Zags Big looked good throughout the tourney (except for yesterday when he got into foul trouble early). And Woody has had several matchups throughout the season that favored him (height & weight) and never looked as good as the Zags Big.
Based on tapes and size, I would vote for Edwards, but the coaches know a lot more than I do. I like Jones' versatility on offense, but hope he can defend the basket and rebound against the big boys in the B1G, which is going to be our biggest need.
Woody is too slow to have any post moves and does not recognize where the pressure to spin in right manner. If you watch him try to back his way in, he is also easily knocked off his base and many of his shots end up short. He also possesses either small hands or weak hands to control the ball and combined with lack of jumping ability, will never be a post player. His best move on the block would be to develop a hook shot which would virtually unstoppable. Otherwise, he needs to play 10 feet from basket, take jumpers or be a passer.
I know there were reports that the Iowa staff reached out to Edwards. Perhpas the interest was not reciprocated in which case the staff did not feel like an offer would be productive.
I'll go ahead and say it, "We didn't want him anyway!!!" LOL Anyway this kid looks very skilled and will be exciting to watch. Hopefully he goes to Michigan so the Hawks can beat on him his whole career.
Well, the kid retweeted everything posted online mentioning Iowa interest in him (something he hasn't done with all schools). I'm in the camp that Iowa is holding the offer until after Jones visits. I think Jones is a nice prospect and like that it evens the classes some, but Edwards looks to have exactly what I think Iowa needs. And you can't teach his size and athleticism (Gabe-esque).
Posted from Rivals Mobile
I was just guessing, because to me that's the only way it makes sense to make Jones the primary target. I was more impressed with Edwards's videos and apparently most college coaches would agree.
Perhaps Fran is hesitant about signing so many freshmen? Even so, if Edwards is better it would not make sense to go after Jones before Edwards.
IMO that may be a risky strategy if the staff is equally impressed with Edwards. Its not like Jones is eager to take the next flight to Iowa for his official visit and, all the while, the capacity of Edwards' voicemail is being tested by other coaches who have offered.
Agree about zaga's center.
Woody needs to gain upper body strength; and lose some weight in his feet, lol. Plays like he has 40 lb feet sometimes
That, about 60 pounds, longer arms and some great passing.
Woodys not a bad passer but that guy is the best passing 7ftr ive seen in college in a long time. That pass over the head that Wiltjer blew was fantastic. He purposely used the dribble to draw both defenders to him to set up the pass, you never see big men do that.
Its just weird that Americans don't see the point in learning how to pass or play the post anymore, its strictly a European thing now.
Woody problem is hes not bouncy or heavy. Usually guys are either narrow and athletic or wide and heavy.
He can't back guys down because he doesn't carry much weight in his lower body but he can't out jump them or out reach them either.
Exactly. He has the speed and athleticism (lack thereof) of a giant, but the skinny body of an athletic center.
Dribbling is also a problem. The good centers can put the ball on the floor. Woody is almost a guaranteed turnover when dribbling.
He does play defense and rebound well and that's all we can ask for him. Not the offensive threat most hoped, but he's solid.
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