Rotation so far

[Herky T Hawk]

Most of us were worried before the season began that Fran would go back to his old habits of giving too many players significant minutes when looking at the full roster we have this year. But the first two games have shown that he may not be doing that this season. We really had 8 person rotations in each game before putting in the youngsters in a blowout. This will change when Nunge is available, which will probably cut into Keegan’s minutes, but still will likely be capped at 9 barring injury or foul trouble.

I think this bodes well for the team. We have some very damn good players that need to be playing bigger minutes this season. I don’t see how some of our talented youngsters should be stealing many minutes from the veterans barring significant defensive issues. I could see Ulis getting a few minutes of time per half in many games to provide backcourt defensive pressure and gain experience for next year, but probably not anything of significance. But otherwise Kris, Tony, and Josh will likely be observers in non-blowouts.

 

[Franisdaman]

Most of us were worried before the season began that Fran would go back to his old habits of giving too many players significant minutes when looking at the full roster we have this year. But the first two games have shown that he may not be doing that this season. We really had 8 person rotations in each game before putting in the youngsters in a blowout. This will change when Nunge is available, which will probably cut into Keegan’s minutes, but still will likely be capped at 9 barring injury or foul trouble.

I think this bodes well for the team. We have some very damn good players that need to be playing bigger minutes this season. I don’t see how some of our talented youngsters should be stealing many minutes from the veterans barring significant defensive issues. I could see Ulis getting a few minutes of time per half in many games to provide backcourt defensive pressure and gain experience for next year, but probably not anything of significance. But otherwise Kris, Tony, and Josh will likely be observers in non-blowouts.

Many (reporters, posters) have speculated & written that the top 9 players RIGHT NOW appear 100% clear:

Starters
JBo
CJF
Weezy
Connor
Garza

Off the bench
Nunge
PMac
Joe T
Keegan

From what I have seen so far, in big games, Fran is gonna have to stick with this 9 man rotation.

Can he trust any of the 4 other scholarship players (Perkins, Ulis, Josh O, Kris) in the games vs Gonzaga & North Carolina if the top 9 are not in foul trouble? We shall see, because who knows what is happening in practice & who knows how these 4 will perform in upcoming games.

 

[kceasthawk]

Many (reporters, posters) have speculated & written that the top 9 players RIGHT NOW appear 100% clear:

Starters
JBo
CJF
Weezy
Connor
Garza

Off the bench
Nunge
PMac
Joe T
Keegan

From what I have seen so far, in big games, Fran is gonna have to stick with this 9 man rotation.

Can he trust any of the 4 other scholarship players (Perkins, Ulis, Josh O, Kris) in the games vs Gonzaga & North Carolina if the top 9 are not in foul trouble? We shall see, because who knows what is happening in practice & who knows how these 4 will perform in upcoming games.

I think Ulis is the one guy of that group who will play a few minutes per game, but will see. he looks very composed.....

 

[Franisdaman]

I think Ulis is the one guy of that group who will play a few minutes per game, but will see. he looks very composed.....

i love how he steps up to the FT line w/ confidence, too

 

[HawkLogic]

I think Ulis is the one guy of that group who will play a few minutes per game, but will see. he looks very composed.....

Ullis seems to be better suited to running a team than JoeT, who seems to hurry too much and
struggles in half court. That said, there already is Connor and Jbo..not a lot of minutes for a backup PG unless Ullis beats out JoeT.

JoeT is a junkyard dog and he presents a special problem with his elite quickness.

 

[24 so far]

Many (reporters, posters) have speculated & written that the top 9 players RIGHT NOW appear 100% clear:

Starters
JBo
CJF
Weezy
Connor
Garza

Off the bench
Nunge
PMac
Joe T
Keegan

From what I have seen so far, in big games, Fran is gonna have to stick with this 9 man rotation.

Can he trust any of the 4 other scholarship players (Perkins, Ulis, Josh O, Kris) in the games vs Gonzaga & North Carolina if the top 9 are not in foul trouble? We shall see, because who knows what is happening in practice & who knows how these 4 will perform in upcoming games.

I think that rotation looks OK, but I could see Nunge starting and Connor coming off the bench. The only thing is you probably need Nunge in the game when Garza needs a rest, so both starting might be a little problematic.

 

[retrohawki]

By the time Iowa starts playing games where every possession matters, Ulis will be playing more minutes than Joe T.

 

[Ronman]

JoeT just looks like he is pressing a bit to start this season. Maybe he's feeling a little pressure from Ulis, but I trust that he will settle down and provide the Hawks with some competent guard play, especially on defense. Also, it's nice to see that his three point shooting has picked up where it left off last year.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

I've never had a problem with playing 9 or even 10 guys.

My biggest beef has been with the substitution patterns. Too many times in the past when there would be several minute stretches with bizarre line ups on the floor that lacked any semblance of offensive flow. With this team there should be no reason that at least 3 significant offensive threats are on the floor at all times.
Frankly, as poor a half court defensive team as they are I could see a strategy of the full court press for significant portions of a game. Speed up pace of play, increased number of possessions, gas the team that plays a 7 man rotation. Why not trade some 2 point buckets they'll give up in the press for a faster pace of play and more chance to hit from 3?

 

[WB67hawk]

SDHawkdoc— don’t know if you have coached or not but 8 is the number most coaches think is best. Going beyond that it is hard to keep continuity with regard to press break, out of bounds plays, chemistry, and keeping starters sharp. You don’t want them sitting too long. Maybe 9 if foul trouble but you hate to go that far Into your bench.

 

[hexumhawk]

I think that rotation looks OK, but I could see Nunge starting and Connor coming off the bench. The only thing is you probably need Nunge in the game when Garza needs a rest, so both starting might be a little problematic.

Nunge and PMac are the X factors for this year imo. Both are versatile and can pull off multiple positions and we will need them to.

 

[hosken]

8 or 9 player rotation is good. I think back to when Fran tried playing 10 or 11 and it just wasn't effective. Let's say he plays an 8 man rotation, that doesn't mean it has to be the same 8 guys every game or have the same minute distribution. Garza is going to play his minutes because he is the best player in the country. Everyone else should not feel like they get the same minutes. I worry about the defense. If someone isn't doing their job on defense sit them. Even if it means somebody like Bohannon or Wieskamp sits longer than they usually do.
I know Fran and his staff know defense, but I hope they demand all the players execute it consistently. Let players make mistakes on offense because there is enough talent on that end to overcome mistakes. On the defensive end the players should feel pressure to never let up.