The "Art" of the block...

[revkev73]

Iowa had 9 blocks against the Purdue lineup last night...and that is very impressive and a statistical anomaly vs Purdue.

Purdue, on the season, is averaging getting 2.5 of their shots blocked per game. Iowa almost increased that average by 400%

8 of the teams Purdue has played had 0 or 1 blocks against them. This blocking binge was in the face of a confident, talented, and tall Purdue team.

Why...I suggest that several of the Iowa players are pretty well coached in the art of the block. Two of the best are Uthoff and Baer... They play good position BB, remain back a bit, but are ready to strike at the opportune time. They also seem to have good timing, long arms, and an art of the block about them. MG also gets a few blocks, artfully...and sprinkle in the others and it is intimidating.

Although length, coaching, jumping, timing, etc. all come into play...one aspect of getting shots blocked is a cardinal mistake of underestimating the ability of the guy who is guarding you. Baer and Uthoff are both slender, almost sickly looking in some ways....gosh "he" can't block my shot can he. So the unsuspecting players try to shoot over them and are immediatly surprised and stunned that "that guy" stuffed me. MG also falls into this...he can't block me group.

These three are artful and in addition...most often, instead of swatting the ball into the stands for the other team to inbound...they most often tip it. so it can be corralled again by them, or another Iowa player.

400% incease in blocks vs. Purdue? I am sure they will all be taking a look at that when they look at the game tape.

Well done...

 

[DanL53]

I can tell you actually watched a whole game. Good for you! You got lucky and caught a great one.

Unlike many teams, or players, our shot blockers Uthoff and Baer make a living blocking outside shots. In Uthoff's case he also gets up over people from behind now and then.

Each guy has quick hands and strikes at the ball like a snake. Love it!!! And they are only getting better as the season goes on.

 

[SoonerBeAHawk]

As many have commented the Baer block and recovery was excellent.

How many times do you see a block made under the basket and then recovered on the sideline by the same player? What a play.

And Uthoff? You couldn't build a better shot blocker in a laboratory.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Baer blocks shots because he closes out under control and doesn't bite on fakes, he's about as fundamentally solid as they come. Uthoff is just a freak with his wingspan and athleticism, however he's under control as well and times his very well too.

 

[HawkLogic]

As many have commented the Baer block and recovery was excellent.

How many times do you see a block made under the basket and then recovered on the sideline by the same player? What a play.

And Uthoff? You couldn't build a better shot blocker in a laboratory.

Makes me remember a LIckliter Quote, where he says he though shot blocking was overrated.

Iowa is leading B1G in shot blocks. Uthoff is the most dominant perimeter shot blocker I can recall. What a weapon. Baer is also coming up big on shot blocks. Huge for creating turnovers and run outs and getting in the heads of perimeter shooters. Imagine if we still had Olesani in paint.

 

[revkev73]

Coach I used to have said, "A big block into the stands is a waste of time...block it to someone who can get it."

I don't recall blocking one into the stands...but it looks cool.

We are a sneaky shock blocking team... I hope the other teams don't catch on too soon.

 

[And1Hawk]

Makes me remember a LIckliter Quote, where he says he though shot blocking was overrated.

Too funny.... Does that not say it all with Lick and where he took our program.

 

[RocknRollface]

Uthoff is #6 in the country in blocks right now.

 

[Mohawkeye]

I don't ever recall a shot blocker as effective in the perimeter as Utoff. Just a freaky combination of length, agility, hands and timing.

 

[hawkifann]

Coach I used to have said, "A big block into the stands is a waste of time...block it to someone who can get it."

That's what made Acie Earl such a great shot-blocker -- they almost always stayed in play.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Coach I used to have said, "A big block into the stands is a waste of time...block it to someone who can get it."

I don't recall blocking one into the stands...but it looks cool.

We are a sneaky shock blocking team... I hope the other teams don't catch on too soon.

There's nothing wrong with a block into the stands, it can be a very effective weapon. It will almost certainly affect the psyche of the shooter the next time they take a shot.

 

[revkev73]

Most prefer to have the ball back...a gained possession...Globtrotters game...swat it into the stands...

 

[revkev73]

I am glad you are back, Tuna, I thought we had lost you...

 

[goodbyebobby]

I don't ever recall a shot blocker as effective in the perimeter as Utoff. Just a freaky combination of length, agility, hands and timing.

Agreed. And the block he had on Swanigan's jumper was beautiful. Kid thought he could pull up and let it fly only to not get it six inches out of his hand.

Baer schooled him twice as well. He had the sweet turn around and the next time down he forced it off of Swanigan's leg when he brought it down to try and size Baer up.