The Problem is not Defense per se

[Raptorpeeps]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

 

[rfgiowa]

The blue print to beat Iowa has been out there for a while now.

 

[blhawk]

I agree we need more athletes (or play the ones we have) and that makes solid defense a lot easier but its absolutely a teaching problem which goes hand in hand with our toughness problem. Our defensive spacing, anticipation, rebounding technique and effort getting back in transition and going for loose balls are all horrible at times and generally sub par.

That's coaching.....you can coach up a team on defense much easier than offense. Has Wisconsin been loaded with unreal athleticism the last 2 decades? No. But their coaches know how to coach defense and recruit players who are willing to put in the work on D. Ours dont. That could change with young guys but with our starters it's a problem

 

[kcgolfer]

I agree with op. I do look forward to the coming years because our athleticism will be vastly better. Joe T, Perkins, uhlis, the Murray’s, and Nunge is a better rim protector than Garza.

 

[24 so far]

I think Luka generally plays decent defense for a guy who can't jump, and who knows he needs to be on the floor. He plays smart most of the time in that regard. You can't contest everything and expect to be in at the end.

It's pretty clear the 3 point Defense is abysmal, again. Not saying it's easy, but it's always a problem. Big problem.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

You are 100% correct. However, there are plenty of times the effort is sorely lacking (namely JBo and occasionally Connor).

Still, it is painstakingly obvious the lack of athleticism in Iowa's current rotation. I don't think you need a wealth of coaching experience or a high IQ to reach that conclusion. With that said, it seems like there could be solutions to that buried on the bench. We will never know, though, because JBo and Connor will continue to get thirty minutes a game.

 

[TJHawkeye]

It looked like Frazier and Dosunmu were two versions of the Flash running through a herd of turtles. Astounding difference in speed. Wow.

 

[IllQChawk]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.

 

[HawkLogic]

I think Luka generally plays decent defense for a guy who can't jump, and who knows he needs to be on the floor. He plays smart most of the time in that regard. You can't contest everything and expect to be in at the end.

It's pretty clear the 3 point Defense is abysmal, again. Not saying it's easy, but it's always a problem. Big problem.

The zone is always going to give up more open 3pt shots than man.

At least Nunge made a huge difference protecting the rim vs Garza. That is not Garza's fault--- Garza can't pick up cheap fouls so he has to be choosey on what he contests and he is not as long/quick as Nunge. JBO is a good offensive player, but he wasn't blessed with the quickness to guard opposing PGs in man defense.

I agree with the OP that Iowa's starters are not a good defensive unit and it doesn't matter whether it is zone or man, it is not good. Fran tends to recruit longer guys that are slower and go Big or players with offensive skills that lack athleticism...and try to hide them in the zone defense. Probably 90% of the defense played in college B-ball is man defense...there are very good reasons why zone defense is not the primary defense in college or NBA b.ball--the 3ball kills the zone.

Fran has usually boxed himself in with non-athletic guys and is all in on the zone...he finally has recruited some pretty athletic guys that could defend well in man defense, but they don't have the high level of offensive skills.
JoeT, Perkins, Nunge(at the 5) , Ulis, Pmac (at the 4), Murray....all those guys are capable of being good defenders.

 

[HawkLogic]

It looked like Frazier and Dosunmu were two versions of the Flash running through a herd of turtles. Astounding difference in speed. Wow.

Yeah, in 1st half it was really bad...as soon as Ayo got out on a runout, he was blowing by Iowa guys and they didn't bother to try to contest in the paint.. I think Fran probably tells guys not to bother trying to block shots or take a charge and avoid fouls, because there was no one in Ayo's grill.

Even Keegan has to dial back his defense..he's been picked on by B1G refs...he normally contests everything, but
He didn't vs Illinois and I think that probably was by design to keep him on the court.

Curbelo killed Iowa...8 assists and 1 TO and 3/4 from field. Curbello is Freshman but has gotten big PT from day 1. Maybe Ulis or Perkins would be further ahead in their development if they had played more.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.

I wouldn't give up on JT just yet. He played very well toward the end of last season. My hunch is he is pressing too much, trying to get more playing time.

 

[markfromj]

Every one of our players is an athlete.

 

[TRHawkeye145]

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.

Unfortunately that backfired as jbo and cmac had huge mistakes late in game....With limited athleticism (understatement) you just can't have those mistakes from experienced guys and expect to win. Sucks

 

[markfromj]

So do Rutgers and Maryland and North Carolina gave even less athleticism than Iowa?

 

[HawkeyeInCentralIowa]

Im not going to give up on Joe T. Everyone should remember, BJ Armstrong was very out of control his first couple years on the court. He just needs to wait and understand what he needs to do.

 

[SotaHawk87]

Doesn’t get done overnight. Fran is doing it on the recruiting trail with guys like Perkins Uhlis and Murray.

 

[Steve Waite]

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.
[/QUOTE
I’ll take that bet, how much?

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

That begins and ends with the Head Coach.

He either either cannot identify athleticism or does not value it. The teams he trots out and the players he promotes confirm this to be true.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Every one of our players is an athlete.

You mean like golfers are athletes?

 

[Buffalo43]

I agree with OP but i have also seen lazy defense as well

 

[tippet1]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

Is Wisconsin more athletic? Even in their slow down offense, they still have to defend and defend very well. UNI is typically a better defensive team than Iowa, are they more athletic? Defense is an attitude and Iowa doesn't have the mentality to be an above average defensive team. In Iowa's zone, when the weak side wing has both feet inside the lane above the free throw line and close to the the rim line, I don't care how athletic a person is, he is not making it to the corner to cover the 3. When the weak side post defender is helping guard the post and has both feet in the lane, along the rim line, he is not making it there either. This is a teaching and anticipation problem.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

The starting lineup that Iowa has with Jbo, Fredrick, Connor, Wieskamp, and Garza don't have the quickness, pure speed, lateral movement and leaping ability to be in the top 25 defensively. Even if they focused on it, it'd never happen playing against the better athletes they go up against most games. HOWEVER, they could certainly be better than they are now. Communication, positioning, understanding who to stick to and who to hedge from can all be taught. Iowa is across the board bad at all of these things.
They'd never get to kenpom d efficiency 25. But they could have gotten to 60.

 

[Raptorpeeps]

So do Rutgers and Maryland and North Carolina gave even less athleticism than Iowa?

Behold. A person completely unclear on the concepts being discussed.

Tip: take the emotion out of it. Nobody is trying to insult our players. Of course they are all athletes. Legit high major athletes. Garza is going to win best college basketball player of the year for gosh sakes.

Now... did you watch the game last night? Did you count layups in transition? Did you count wide open looks from 3 that Minnesota, Gonzaga, Illinois had? Did you notice that IU and Illinois were able to limit our good looks from 3? Did you notice what Gonzaga was able to do to us in transition?

There’s a reason for that and it isn’t because Fran can’t/won’t teach defense.

 

[Raptorpeeps]

Is Wisconsin more athletic?

Yes. They also play a pace that matches their ability to defend. I’ll bet Wisconsin beats Illinois at least once and it won’t be because they got in a track meet with them.

 

[TRHawkeye145]

Behold. A person completely unclear on the concepts being discussed.

Tip: take the emotion out of it. Nobody is trying to insult our players. Of course they are all athletes. Legit high major athletes. Garza is going to win best college basketball player of the year for gosh sakes.

Now... did you watch the game last night? Did you count layups in transition? Did you count wide open looks from 3 that Minnesota, Gonzaga, Illinois had? Did you notice that IU and Illinois were able to limit our good looks from 3? Did you notice what Gonzaga was able to do to us in transition?

There’s a reason for that and it isn’t because Fran can’t/won’t teach defense.

Great post. These comments are not meant as insults but I can't believe some posters don't see it after last nights game

 

[HawkLogic]

Behold. A person completely unclear on the concepts being discussed.

Tip: take the emotion out of it. Nobody is trying to insult our players. Of course they are all athletes. Legit high major athletes. Garza is going to win best college basketball player of the year for gosh sakes.

Now... did you watch the game last night? Did you count layups in transition? Did you count wide open looks from 3 that Minnesota, Gonzaga, Illinois had? Did you notice that IU and Illinois were able to limit our good looks from 3? Did you notice what Gonzaga was able to do to us in transition?

There’s a reason for that and it isn’t because Fran can’t/won’t teach defense.

MarkfromJ does not believe in the science of fast twitch muscles. Vertical jump, 1st step quickness, short distance quickness, top end speed are illusions.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.

I thought Joe T played very well last night. He made good things happen when he was out there. His defense was excellent and we need his ability to drive the lane.

 

[the24fan]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

spot on... love our guys but it’s obvious that speed is our kryptonite. I do think Ulis, Perkins, the Murray’s will be better but right now it is what It is

 

[HIWB]

Wisconsin fans watching this thread like...

 

[Stormn Norman]

Toussaint is not the answer, he's a turnover in waiting...Perkins and Ulis should have played more and Connor and JBO less, but we all know Fran is partial to Juniors and Seniors and relies on their experience over athleticism. It's going to be that way until the end of the season unfortunately.
I saw with my eyes, Perkins belongs on the court as much as Keegan Murray does and Ulis plays much more under control then the herky/jerky Toussaint and it's not even close. Iowa will play out the season, get Luka his scoring record and close out the season with another early loss in the NCAA tournament.

I mostly agree with this but I think with Joe T’s turnover issue is more of a rhythm thing than anything. He does a lot of things well, namely be quick and guard and on most teams that is not an issue but on Iowa team being quick and defending should get you minutes.. I think
Joe T will be fine when he gets the playing time and gets in a rhythm.. it’s almost like Iowa fans are so used to seeing slow when we see speed it’s odd and think a player need to slow down get under control or he’s a turnover waiting to happen.. Indiana & Illinois guys were faster dribbling the ball full speed than Iowa’s guys just running.. that’s not going work trying to win tournament games and against quicker teams..

 

[24 so far]

I thought Joe T played very well last night. He made good things happen when he was out there. His defense was excellent and we need his ability to drive the lane.

Oh, he can drive the lane alright. Doesn't know what he's going to do when he gets there, but he can get there. He had a wide open lane to the basket from about 8 feet away and turned around and went the other way.

His basketball IQ doesn't come close to his physical attributes, and if doesn't close that gap he'll just be another guy who shows flashes but not much else.

I definitely don't see what some others do. So here's hoping he improves a lot in the next couple of years.

 

[markfromj]

You mean like golfers are athletes?

Yes.

 

[HawkRose]

I think Fran not committing to touisant and working through his mistakes is going to cost us this season. When we go up against good teams we need more minutes for touisant.

with CJ out it’s a perfect time to experiment with touisant and ulis at point. Jbo and Perkins at 2. If Jbo is not hitting shots youhave to reduce his minutes. I doubt we will see that happen.

 

[markfromj]

Behold. A person completely unclear on the concepts being discussed.

Correct. I do not understand how
“we need more athletes (or play the ones we have)” when we have the same number as Illinois and Indiana and North Carolina and etc: 12.

 

[markfromj]

MarkfromJ does not believe in the science of fast twitch muscles. Vertical jump, 1st step quickness, short distance quickness, top end speed are illusions.

Wrong.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

Good post. I would say that to some extent it has been addressed on the recruiting trail but what's between Fran's ears hasn't been addressed. He continues to bring knives to gun fights expecting to win. The backcourt duo of Jbo and Connor would struggle to get separation and defend in the Summit League. Jbo is an elite 3 point shooter. Connor is a gritty defender and sound facilitator. They both play their asses off and get the most out of their abilities, but as we saw again last night, that isn't enough at this level. Iowa's offense is Garza and grinding out the possession to get a contested 3.

Fran has options this year but chooses not to use them. Ulis, Perkins and Joe T. are athletic upgrades to all the starters. I have no issue with Jbo and Connor getting the minutes they get, but give Jbo a freaking chance to get some clean looks by having a penetrating guard on the floor with him. Connor is a coach on the floor and has a crafty mid-range game. Let him play a point forward spot so he can post up, survey the floor, find cutters, etc. instead living outside the arc trying to feed Garza.

Fran is on the verge of wasting a NPOY senior's season because he is too stubborn to address the elephant in the room --Iowa needs more athleticism at the guard spots. No chance this team gets past the 2nd round in the NCAA tournament (may not get past the 1st round) unless Fran gets Ulis, Perkins and Joe T. more involved.

 

[iowa surfer]

I agree we need more athletes (or play the ones we have) and that makes solid defense a lot easier but its absolutely a teaching problem which goes hand in hand with our toughness problem. Our defensive spacing, anticipation, rebounding technique and effort getting back in transition and going for loose balls are all horrible at times and generally sub par.

That's coaching.....you can coach up a team on defense much easier than offense. Has Wisconsin been loaded with unreal athleticism the last 2 decades? No. But their coaches know how to coach defense and recruit players who are willing to put in the work on D. Ours dont. That could change with young guys but with our starters it's a problem

Coach has DNA problem. Defense? When Michigan needed upgrading 'D' John B. bought in Specialist huh? It is What it is, I utter... I know... Luka has Frank and relatives. How about Kenyon M? He was good+ All in Family? In-house. DNA is a Tough Nut to crack. Still desire+effort a Quality Opening. Go Hawks..

 

[RocknRollface]

The blue print to beat Iowa has been out there for a while now.

Yep, have incredibly talented guards.

Besides the Indian game iowas other 3 losses have come to teams with all American level talent at guard.

Illinois has the second or third most talented backcourt in the country.

 

[Rifler]

I tend to agree with OP's comments, but I think the immediate short term solution was already on the bench,.. When playing a quick guard laden team like Illinois we have to be willing to roll the dice and close with the fastest rotation we can put on the floor,.. Final four minutes should have seen Garza, Wieskamp, Toussaint, Perkins & Ulis,..

 

[silasstarr]

A few people here understand it. Iowa’s problem really has nothing to do with scheme and very little to do with execution. The problem is more fundamental than that and it was glaring last night— athleticism/speed.

We made Illinois look like an NBA team in transition last night. It was brutal. Why? Because they are significantly faster at every single position on the floor when Toussaint is sitting.

Iowa is the worst team in the league in 3 pt D because they are slow on rotations. It would be even worse if we played more man.

This isn’t a “teaching” problem; it’s not a executing fundamentals problem; it’s not an effort problem or a scheme problem; it’s a speed problem and that is something that can’t be fixed between now and tourney time.

It has to be fixed on the recruiting trail.

Illinois barely beat Iowa at home and had some favorable calls go their way. It happens.