Obviously there will be a huge drop off losing Garza next year, but it appears Nunge will be a serviceable starting big man. Anyone else a little concerned with what we do for post play outside of him next season? Ogundele doesn’t look close to being ready and we have no one else with any size on the roster.
Post Play Next Year
- Thread starter gohawks7470
- Start date
Wonder what could shake free in the grad transfer market?
I think that Fran either goes after a grad transfer who can play about 8 minutes per game a la Evelyn last year, or we go with an undersized lineup for about 8 minutes per game. A lineup containing Pat/Wieskamp, Kr. Murray, and Ke. Murray would likely still be pretty productive, with little rebounding drop off and enough length to still be effective defensively
It would be cool if OG got to the point where he could fill those minutes by next year though
It would be cool if OG got to the point where he could fill those minutes by next year though
I don’t think people realize how well Nunge is playing this year, especially on defense. He blocks and alters a lot of shots. I think he is an all Big player next year. He‘ll never be the offensive player Garza is, but neither will anyone else. Keegan is 5-10 pounds from being capable of playing spot duty at the 5 and Ogundule is really athletic and big, I’m confident he will progress. Very optimistic about next year.
I'm kinda surprised that Ogundele hasn't gotten himself in a little better shape by now 😐 he has a long ways to go
Nunge is going to be an awesome replacement of garza
Nunge is going to be an awesome replacement of garza
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I think we see a bit more consistent play and an even point distribution. If we can get 15-18 ppg from Jack that leaves 10 for 9 other guys to pick up the slack. Count on 15+ from Weezy, 12+ from CJF. Hopefully we can see 10ish from Murray.
I can realistically see 5 guys averaging in double digits...
I can realistically see 5 guys averaging in double digits...
I think we’ll have to go that route, I just don’t see Josh O progressing enough to where he’s the reliable bench big man that we usually have.
I have lost track of the scholarship situation. Do they have any spots open if JW and JT return or would one of them have to leave to open a spot? I think the only guy coming in is the Sandfort kid? Did not the Emarion Ellis from Davenport signed with Texas. His offers were Texas, Bryant, Louisiana Tech and UW-Milwaukee. Odd mix unless TX was the preeminent favorite early. Shows no Iowa offer.
Ogundele has to work the cardio this off-season. He’s packed a lot of muscle on, but he needs to cut the fat. I’m confident if he works with Frank, he’ll make the needed improvements.
Fran would be crazy not to pursue this angle.
We’ve always had a good bench big under Fran... Olaseni, Kriener, and now Nunge have all been solid bench options. I’m really surprised Fran has let it get to this point considering this.
How does he work with another players father who doesn't reside in IC and isn't on the coaching staff?
Where do you even come up with such a thought?
What we will lose in post production offensively we will gain on the defensive end. Take garza out and nunge in, thats an upgrade defensively. Take jbo out and add joet/ulis and thats a HUGE upgrade defensively...one thing that has been a constant over the years is being able to score. Im optimistic we will have a successful season next year
And why does the father have any motivation to stop working with his son and start working with a player that is not his son...for free?
People just need to let that weird fantasy go.
You do realize OG worked with Frank and Luka leading up to this season don’t you?
I do not see Nunge as the main guy at center. Maybe some back up minutes at Center, but I would be very concerned if he is the best center on the roster next year. This is a grad transfer position if at all possible in my opinion.
When Luka is still playing for Iowa?
I'm sure they will focus on getting Josh in shape in the off-season. One thing I've seen from him is that he gets into it under the rim like "This is my house!" and he's a "Swatter" of the ball too. Jack should do pretty well in replacing Luka. It'd be nice if Frank could stick around just long enough to work a bit with both of them. 😛
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
He absolutely will be the starting center next year. As mentioned above, our gameplan will look markedly different.
Our shooting will take a hit losing Garza and JoBo, but defense, speed and agility will all improve. I would imagine Jack will obviously spend the offseason polishing his low post game as well as 3 point shooting. If he can add another 5-10LBS of muscle, would not hurt. With that said, we are very thin at the 5. Ogundele will need to advance his body and game, and as a hedge we would be wise to bring in another body via JC OR Grad market.
I like Iowa having Nunge, PMac and the Murrays next year. All will have a year or more under their belts so it gives Iowa some frontline depth. I am hoping that Big O can make some progress through this year and the spring/summer such that he'll provide some backup minutes. But having the 4 above-mentioned players will give Iowa a little depth inside.
You and I could start at center next year too, but that doesn't mean it's an ideal plan. He's a 4. Perfect 4. Got outside shooting. Can help with some spot 5 play. Helps well on doubles and does a nice job on off ball blocks in help defense. That said, he is not big enough, mentally tough enough or inside skilled enough to be the main guy at this point. I really don't think he's close. He had 3-4 inside post opportunities yesterday and basically tossed all of them up to the rim and one of them bounced around and went in. I love the kid...... at the 4 spot. Again, I don't see it. He'll get out muscled and out toughed from the opening tip in most games in the BIG10.
What do you guys think we need from Josh? How can you evaluate him in the limited minutes he’s played this year?
I think he’s going to surprise a lot of you next year. It’s not like we need him to be a huge scoring threat.
I think he’s going to surprise a lot of you next year. It’s not like we need him to be a huge scoring threat.
Nunge is a 5. Too slow to play the 4.
His defense on the interior is fine, better than Lukas in allot of ways.
The chance that nunge starts at the 5 next yr sits at about 99.99% And he will succeed there. Barring injury. Garza has said b4 he thinks nunge is one of the better centers in the league, now he’s probably embellishing a bit being they’re teammates, but ill still take his word over others
We have our guards for next year in Ulis, Perkins, Toussaint and CJ. Our 3's will be Kris, Patrick (If Weezie does not return) & Sandfort. Nunge and Ogundele at the 5 (if no grad transfer) and Keegan & Connor at the 4. Starting line up could be Connor, CJ, Keegan, Nunge & Patrick. Lots of possibilities. If Weezie comes back it will be his team.
This,Fran needs to find a serviceable Big in the transfer portal .
I hope and pray connor isn’t the starting pg next yr. That would probably be a surefire way to say bye bye to joeT
True, except for last year. Or the year JBO as Freshman was only PG on the roster after Cmac got mono.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised by Nunge‘s post play next year. But to be fair, we’ve been spoiled by Garza’s post moves the past 2 years. Nunge isn’t going to be hitting a bunch of turn around jumpers like Garza, but the rest of his inside game is solid, he just needs more minutes where he doesn’t have to share floor space with Garza.
I really, really hope your right. IF Nunge can be successful at the 5 and stay out of foul trouble, that team could be really good again. I would feel much better if a Grad Transfer pops up that can play 12 to 15 minutes that has some experience and size.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
Got it. We dont have Luka Garza II waiting in the wings, not many teams do. I absolutely agree that Nunge is not a pure "5." He is certainly tall enough to play the 5, and has minimal post moves, but is not very thick or heavy. But we have to get our best guys on the floor. I just dont think we can expect to grab a high caliber center on the grad market. If we do, then I will be surprised and take the pie in the face.
Ogundele will need to be ready, its now or never. He wont even have to score, AT ALL. Just play decent defense, grab some rebounds and set a few picks. Probably 10 minutes per game.
Well kind of the cart before the horse, don't you think? At this point we have NO idea what we'll get from Josh O. A good off season of conditioning and work and he may be very seeviceable. Maybe we should see what happens before railing Fran for how bad he let things get? There were a lot of people on here convinced that Nunge would be a bust backing up Garza.
Yeah. I agree. It may be a position filled by 3-4 different guys. If Robbins type of player (that Minnesota got from Drake) would fall into their lap..... that would be ideal.
I agree with others that a Grad transfer at 4 or 5 would be a welcome sight. Even of Nunge is great at 4 or 5, he can't play the whole game. Currently it is a hole in the roster.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
Yes, would not balk at that type of scenario.
Also, if you look at B1G depth charts, there is tons of crossover at the "4" and the "5."
Somebody like Kofi Cockburn would be an exception to the rule. Otherwise guys like Trace Jackson Davis play both the 4 and 5, or better said, those positions can be blurred. Especially as many teams run 4 guard lineups. Good discussion for sure, as we dont have a lot of true Bigs.
Side note, I had not realized (or forgotten) that Ogundele was 6'11" - wow.
Thats because he's a wide body. He doesn't look like he is that tall until you see him next to someone else that size. He's a big boy.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
I think that if you have forwards that can defend centers, rebound and block shots, you don't really need a true 5/center. But to me, Nunge is a 5/center. He is getting more and more comfortable playing with his back to the basket and he finally appears strong enough and comfortable defending stronger players. He is ideal for what Iowa does on defense and offense.
You are seeing something the rest of us aren't. Nunge will be a great starting center next year
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