Braden Smith dominated that game. Love Thelwell and Dix was great but not a point guard. But we haven’t had a point guard recruited to play multiple years at Iowa, that’s even been average in literally decades. It’s flabbergasting.
One Team had a Point Guard, the Other Didn’t
- Thread starter IChawkeye45
- Start date
That is Fran ball. Cartwright, Gesell, Clemmons, CMAC, JBO, Harding, Threlwell----none of those guys is Hall of Fame material. You gotta have a stud PG to go on NCAA tourney run, you gotta play defense and rebound. Those are not Fran things.
Jbo was not a point guard unless Garza was running free down the floor Conner was our last point guard
The problem with that team was you had CMac and JBo starting on the same team, which was a recipe for disaster in terms of defense and athleticism.
CMAC wasn't a point guard. . He played Point Forward, 2nd PG, or whatever you want to call on the Garza team. All he did was feed
Garza from a wing position.
Great assist to turnover ratio.
Also, helps if you play defense and rebound.
Iowa defense……….
I agree that Iowa hasn't had anything close to a dominate point guard for years. But if the bar is Brandon Smith we likely won't see one ever.
That guy is really, really good.
That guy is really, really good.
Braden Smith is even better.
Can you imagine @curtisj157 reaction to a Braden smith and foster loyer committing?
Loyer definitely looks like he came straight from LL Bean marketing dept.
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We haven’t even had an average big ten point guard since Devyn Marble, and he wasn’t necessarily a true point guard. You’d have to go all the way back to Jeff Horner before that. That’s like two decades!
20 years ago all of the posts on this board were about how horrible Horner was and how we needed a true PG.
Well it’s been downhill since then. We were coming off guys like Andre Woolridge and then Dean Oliver.
We actually do have a true point guard he just
doesn’t believe in himself. Brock has some great attributes but for whatever reason he is holding back. He can break down a defense but then does not follow through with attacking the rim (getting the bucket or foul) or making the pass (he just stops/freezes for whatever reason) We have seen him have really good nights, so it is there, he just chooses not to bring it consistently or is afraid. Also, he does not hunt his shot (which he should) like all great points do, then work off that. It’s ok to disagree but this kid does have the tools (and apparently the work ethic as said before season) but chooses to disappear/disappoint, so leaves me thinking he just doesn’t believe in himself, which does/has shown on the court. Just play Brock, basketball is not a game of perfect, go play, believe and let the chips fall but don’t be holding back.
doesn’t believe in himself. Brock has some great attributes but for whatever reason he is holding back. He can break down a defense but then does not follow through with attacking the rim (getting the bucket or foul) or making the pass (he just stops/freezes for whatever reason) We have seen him have really good nights, so it is there, he just chooses not to bring it consistently or is afraid. Also, he does not hunt his shot (which he should) like all great points do, then work off that. It’s ok to disagree but this kid does have the tools (and apparently the work ethic as said before season) but chooses to disappear/disappoint, so leaves me thinking he just doesn’t believe in himself, which does/has shown on the court. Just play Brock, basketball is not a game of perfect, go play, believe and let the chips fall but don’t be holding back.
Brock is too small, not much of a threat from the perimter and dribbles into trouble too often. Love his energy and work ethic, but if he's your starting Big 10 PG, you have a problem.
Don't bother.
The people who know, know. The ones who don't, don't want to hear it.
Just nod your head and smile when you hear things like "Brock is choosing to be ineffective."
lol
One of the biggest differences between Braden and Brock is Braden’s dedication to the weight room. His 8000 calorie a day and workout program that started in HS shows. I know I know, basketball players don’t need to lift weights and lifting weights will hurt their shooting! LOL
8000 Cal?
If true that is mind-boggling.
I was at Carver last nite watching him and I have to he sold me on being BIG MVP and all- American.
I was never sold on him but he is quicker and bigger than Brock and he showed that he is a 3 level scorer who can dish well. Whole package.
PU is not super talented beyond Smith but they might just get league title again.wow.
There’s a video on BTN about his workout in HS where he packed on 30+ pounds of muscle. The additional strength made his quickness and vertical explode. Worked out in one of coaches garage (Tavio Henson). His mother said “I just felt like I was feeding him all the time)……….Another pg who took his weight training very serous was Dean Oliver. I used to talk regularly with the Iowa strength coach at the time. He was frustrated Dr. Tom was so lax in requiring the players strength training but said Dean took it serious and worked out HARD.
30 lbs of muscle? That's crazy. What's he trying to do, win basketball games?
At Iowa we do the emaciated distance runner body. It works great.
Strength training/muscle building has been around for decades in college bball. It is stunning how far behind Fran is with this.
Players don't need to be bodybuilders. But, the lack of muscle bulk and functional strength of many Iowa players under Fran compared to their contemporaries is obvious.
Players don't need to be bodybuilders. But, the lack of muscle bulk and functional strength of many Iowa players under Fran compared to their contemporaries is obvious.
I would have been thrilled! We all know a short, white point guard is a one-way express train to the Final Four!!! They are not only useful for counter help at The Pottery Barn or efficiently crafting that overpriced sandwich at Panera, a short, white guy has been the answer at point guard for every Final Four team for decades. Give me less Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, and more Gilligan and Potsie at point guard!
Both Brock and Drew are decent point guards. No, they do not measure up to Smith; but, no PG in the Big 10 does and possibly the entire country. I am glad to have both of them. PG is not Iowa's weakness. Iowa needs powerful rebounders and a coach to coach defense.
The neglect of strength training started under Dr. Tom and didn’t change with boy wonder, Lick, and now Fran.
He scored, from the PG position, that's you're only glaring difference. He played all 40 minutes and had the same assists, TO's and rebounds as Threadwell and Harding combined, who both played about half. He simply shot more from that position. I wouldn't say he exhibited being a great PG
There's a fairly established proof of concept with just about every great nba player of the last 30 years. Jordan lifted weights all season long.
I don't believe Basabe got worse by gaining strength. More likely he gained more bad weight than muscle.
Yes we have, they are either not good enough or not consistent.
Gonna have to write a big check.
Also, yeah it would be great to have the #6 candidate of the year playing for the Hawks.
Point guard is definitely Iowa’s weakness. It’s the reason we haven’t been to the sweet sixteen this century.
Is this Fran? Our guards simply could not defend Smith. He was everywhere. No one could guard Dix either. Dix (and Luka and Keegan, and Kris and Joe W) deserved a point guard that can help run a team. Instead we have what Fran has thrown out there for the last decade plus. And that’s not a shot at Thelwell. He’s been great. We just need someone like him as a freshman, not just one year. The only reason the score was tied and Iowa wasn’t up ten at half was Smith.
I have to disagree; he is a very good point guard. He shoots well, plays strong defense, great vision and anticipation, shares the ball, and has great intensity, but JMO. The only thing I do not like is the beard.
You should replace Fran as coach. Nobody knows as much about basketball as you.
I wouldn’t recruit my son’s or play them minutes they don’t deserve. And I’d coach defense. Let’s make it happen!You should replace Fran as coach. Nobody knows as much about basketball as you.
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