Team ball

[mazda1]

In the last two games we've seen a definite change in defensive intensity and the movement and sharing of the ball.

I know Jok is far and away our best talent, but I wonder if his leadership is as strong as the national media makes it out to be. When he goes thru the motions on D instead of giving effort it has to frustrate those who are busting it. If he coasts it encourages others to give less then their best. Peter certainly has been battling injuries, but his defense has been at issue all year. We tend to stand and watch him on offense.

If this group of youngsters keeps playing with effort on the defensive end and moving the ball we should be in most games. If we attack the boards we could become dangerous.

Next year after some free throw and strength training over the summer it could be fun. I'm almost to the point where I'm not concerned about when Jok comes back as a few more games of these guys playing together could get us a jump start on next year.

 

[MadToxicologist]

I think we knew that with only a single senior on our team and mainly sophomores and freshmen as the main contributors - this year we would struggle. Many on this platform predicted this season to be an up and down season with highs (beating Purdue) and lows (too many losses by double digit scores). What few saw happening was that we would lose our lone senor and leading scorer for a couple of games but the TEAM came together and provided excitement. WOW!

 

[Ree4]

up and down!

 

[DodgerHawki]

In the last two games we've seen a definite change in defensive intensity and the movement and sharing of the ball.

I know Jok is far and away our best talent, but I wonder if his leadership is as strong as the national media makes it out to be. When he goes thru the motions on D instead of giving effort it has to frustrate those who are busting it. If he coasts it encourages others to give less then their best. Peter certainly has been battling injuries, but his defense has been at issue all year. We tend to stand and watch him on offense.

If this group of youngsters keeps playing with effort on the defensive end and moving the ball we should be in most games. If we attack the boards we could become dangerous.

Next year after some free throw and strength training over the summer it could be fun. I'm almost to the point where I'm not concerned about when Jok comes back as a few more games of these guys playing together could get us a jump start on next year.

We have seen an improvement in the defensive effort. No doubt. I will give Jok the benefit of the doubt that his at times lax defensive effort was due to both the back issue and feeling like he needed to save energy to score. The last couple of games have shown Iowa doesn't need him reserving energy for offense to win.

Hopefully we get the best of both worlds. The continued great ball movement, with a superior shooter/scorer in Jok as part of the mix. And continued defensive activity and effort. If that means Jok plays 24 very efficient and effective minutes instead of 35, so be it.

 

[bizkitsngravy]

Here's the thing will Fran next year try to instill team ball or will he again anoint a single player to be the leader and focal point most offense goes through this person and most points?

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Next year we won't have a single player who stands head and shoulders above the rest. We have to play team ball.

 

[skydog0784]

This is a very legitimate question / concern. Hopefully Jok's return doesn't compromise the offensive flow and ball movement, defensive intensity, and energy.

With Jok's offensive prowress; if he can contribute defensively, not stifle the offensive flow, and bring energy; then this will be a fun next couple of months.

 

[e720718998]

Next year we won't have a single player who stands head and shoulders above the rest. We have to play team ball.

I Think Cook might be that guy that could be head and shoulders above the rest ....yes he has some areas that need improving for sure but I think he has the most potential to explode to the upside.

 

[mazda1]

I said before this season Baer should be captain as he sets the effort example of what we want this team to be. His talent is less than his result, he's willing to do the dirty work, and his play shows he bleeds basketball.

To me he's what we want the team to become. He'll defer and set the example. He may not even start, but he'll have the teams respect. He's a role model for team ball IMO.

 

[DanL53]

Some random views on an interesting thread:

1) Jok is a scorer. That has never changed. Most of the time his defense is ok. But he is fragile as glass, also always has been. When he's hurting he does struggle on defense. We also didn't change a thing while he was out. A white kid from Wisconsin took the designated Jok role on for a time. Yes, we did move the ball better as no opponent decided to hang all over one of our guys.

2) Leadership comes in many forms. Jok's diet regimen of no junk food, his effort to stay in excellent shape, that translates to the new guys. He has often been the team guy that took these young fellows around campus as the player designated to host them. But yeah, when it comes to on the floor leadership I'm very happy we have Coach Baer.

3) Don't know about a designated scorer under McCaffery. Could it have something to do with the rosters?

4) Yes, team ball. We're seeing the young fellows come together and is that an accident despite McCaffery's intent to find a solo star? (Sarcasm) Wow, we're sure lucky the young guys must have somebody else coaching them up. They are probably reading this board.

 

[kzoohawk80]

I think the schedule helped them a little with Jok out. O$U acted like they didn't even care. Rutgers is horrible on offense. This team has played defense well when it's offense plays well. With or without Jok that has been true. Can they keep up this momentum? Because they haven't played consistent all year.

 

[aurorabimmer]

With Jok teams have to have their best defensive player on Jok and often one other. If they are in a zone they are always looking for where Jok is and hoping he isn't able to get a shot off. That opens up other Hawks for shots and I hope that the Hawks have learned a little more about team ball. I also heard on one of the broadcasts that Fran was on the team about others besides Jok able to get shots because of the other teams pre-occupation with Jok. Heck Jok can go off for 30 or more on any night.

 

[HoustonHawkeye]

I think an interesting question for next year will be: Who want's the ball in last 30 seconds of the game, and who does Fran want to have the ball in the last 30 seconds? This question is about who takes the last shot to win the game?

 

[hawk_it]

I think an interesting question for next year will be: Who want's the ball in last 30 seconds of the game, and who does Fran want to have the ball in the last 30 seconds? This question is about who takes the last shot to win the game?

I think keep the ball moving to find the open man. That is always the best percentage shot there is.

 

[RocknRollface]

With Jok teams have to have their best defensive player on Jok and often one other. If they are in a zone they are always looking for where Jok is and hoping he isn't able to get a shot off. That opens up other Hawks for shots and I hope that the Hawks have learned a little more about team ball. I also heard on one of the broadcasts that Fran was on the team about others besides Jok able to get shots because of the other teams pre-occupation with Jok. Heck Jok can go off for 30 or more on any night.

But thats not actually what happens.

Iowas offense becomes slow and predictable and basically deteriorats into high ball screens for Jok and not much else.