I know, I know, I should just enjoy this season. I am. Trust me on that. But seeing as how we have multiple players who redshirted and are having great seasons, I think it'll be fun to see who steps up after this amazing senior class graduates.
Jok's growth as a player can't be understated. He's gone from being lost on defense to leading the B1G in steals...wow. His shot and confidence has gotten better and better. I can see him being "the guy" next season. In fact, I think we need him to be. Being the lone senior next year, I hope he doesn't put too much pressure on himself to be a leader. Its not much of a leap to guess that he will lead the Hawks in scoring next season but leading as in being vocal in the huddle and on the court, we'll see. Also, can he maintain his stellar defense? I love that Fran stuck w/ this young man when others didn't and he's rewarded Fran's faithfulness w/ grit, hustle and confidence.
Uhl is pulling out moves that I never dreamed he could do. His jump from last season to this has been nothing short of remarkable. He has a quiet confidence, much like the Ute's. Hopefully he won't have to play too much center next season but what a luxury to have such a skilled player that can successfully take an opposing center (most) out of his comfort zone and have success. I think he will take Uthoff's spot at SF/PF next season and be our second leading scorer, complimenting Jok. If he can use his length and skill set to do a good impression of Uthoff next season, it'll really ease the growing pains of having two freshmen PG's
Baer has really shined as a redshirt freshman and it just makes me salivate at what the other young guys we have redshirting (Moss and Hutton) can bring to the table after one year of learning what Fran wants from them. I'll admit, when I heard other posters talk about Baer, I didn't expect much. After all, everyone looks like a future NBA draft pick in the PTL. But this kid's hustle reminds me of a Street/Bowen type player. He is versatile and he does NOT shrink in the moment. He'll get stronger and more confident and then we'll see what he can really do w/ more minutes.
Wagner has been a pleasant surprise to me down low. I think someone said that he only stands 6'6" but his quick leaping ability is phenomenal. He keeps surprising me every time he plays. He can get off two jumps to others one. And he can block shots. Someone compared him to Brandon Dawson and I like it. He has a ways to reach that kind of consistency and production but IMO he's on his way. He hasn't shown much of an outside shot but that's not his game. Yet.
Ellingson plays solid basketball but he hasn't hit his stride yet although his last game almost felt like a coming out party. He passes up lots of shots which can be troubling but I think I'd rather him do that than take ill advised, momentum killing shots. He had some good open looks (and not for long) and he made the defense pay. I hope he can build on that. He is the only player I was thinking would be a bit of a disappointment. I can only imagine what he would look like if he hadn't had the benefit of a redshirt year. Its good to be wrong and crow don't taste half bad when the Hawks are playing like they are.
We are in a golden age for Hawkeye Hoops.
Thoughts?
Jok's growth as a player can't be understated. He's gone from being lost on defense to leading the B1G in steals...wow. His shot and confidence has gotten better and better. I can see him being "the guy" next season. In fact, I think we need him to be. Being the lone senior next year, I hope he doesn't put too much pressure on himself to be a leader. Its not much of a leap to guess that he will lead the Hawks in scoring next season but leading as in being vocal in the huddle and on the court, we'll see. Also, can he maintain his stellar defense? I love that Fran stuck w/ this young man when others didn't and he's rewarded Fran's faithfulness w/ grit, hustle and confidence.
Uhl is pulling out moves that I never dreamed he could do. His jump from last season to this has been nothing short of remarkable. He has a quiet confidence, much like the Ute's. Hopefully he won't have to play too much center next season but what a luxury to have such a skilled player that can successfully take an opposing center (most) out of his comfort zone and have success. I think he will take Uthoff's spot at SF/PF next season and be our second leading scorer, complimenting Jok. If he can use his length and skill set to do a good impression of Uthoff next season, it'll really ease the growing pains of having two freshmen PG's
Baer has really shined as a redshirt freshman and it just makes me salivate at what the other young guys we have redshirting (Moss and Hutton) can bring to the table after one year of learning what Fran wants from them. I'll admit, when I heard other posters talk about Baer, I didn't expect much. After all, everyone looks like a future NBA draft pick in the PTL. But this kid's hustle reminds me of a Street/Bowen type player. He is versatile and he does NOT shrink in the moment. He'll get stronger and more confident and then we'll see what he can really do w/ more minutes.
Wagner has been a pleasant surprise to me down low. I think someone said that he only stands 6'6" but his quick leaping ability is phenomenal. He keeps surprising me every time he plays. He can get off two jumps to others one. And he can block shots. Someone compared him to Brandon Dawson and I like it. He has a ways to reach that kind of consistency and production but IMO he's on his way. He hasn't shown much of an outside shot but that's not his game. Yet.
Ellingson plays solid basketball but he hasn't hit his stride yet although his last game almost felt like a coming out party. He passes up lots of shots which can be troubling but I think I'd rather him do that than take ill advised, momentum killing shots. He had some good open looks (and not for long) and he made the defense pay. I hope he can build on that. He is the only player I was thinking would be a bit of a disappointment. I can only imagine what he would look like if he hadn't had the benefit of a redshirt year. Its good to be wrong and crow don't taste half bad when the Hawks are playing like they are.
We are in a golden age for Hawkeye Hoops.
Thoughts?
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