Thoughts from Friday's game

[Ihawkhoops]

Some random thoughts from Friday's game.

i thought Rebraca looked good. Moves his feet on D and is active on the glass. Plays under control on offense and has a good feel for when he can go up with his left shoulder jump hook or kick it out. I like that he doesn't lower his shoulder and drive into trouble. TBD how he fares against bigger bodies.

Joe T and Ulis--Good games by both. I can't recall the last time I saw PG's take and make pull-up jumpers off the bounce. Both were disruptive on D and kept UMKC's guards in front of them. There was a broken play where UMKC got the ball on their end after a scramble and their PG drove it hard down the court. Ulis was able to backpedal almost the length of the court keeping the guy in front of him. Really impressive to see his athleticism on display.

Keegan & Kris-Iowa doesn't have a great non-conference schedule, but I highly recommend attending a game just to see Keegan in person. TV does not do his game justice. He takes guys apart with measured efficiency on one trip and then explodes in the lane for a dunk the next. He is definitely in 3-D chess mode on the court and sees stuff happening before it does. Kris is just as impressive as his brother. Smaller sample size, but like Keegan, he is multi-faceted and can shoot, drive, rebound, block shots and defend multiple positions. I hope to see more of them on the court together.

Sandfort & Perkins--I will probably get some shade thrown at me for saying this, but I think Sandfort is a more complete player as a freshman than JW was. He does not shy away from contact in the lane, is strong with both hands and has a thick frame that will be tough for smaller guards to deal with. I was a little skeptical about his D, but he moved his feet well. Perkins is a junkyard dog on defense and hits the boards, but is out of synch offensively. He wants to drive the ball, but he forced it a few times and got frustrated he didn't get a call. The game seems to be moving a little too fast for him right now, but he will improve as the season progresses.

 

[Slim45]

Some random thoughts from Friday's game.

i thought Rebraca looked good. Moves his feet on D and is active on the glass. Plays under control on offense and has a good feel for when he can go up with his left shoulder jump hook or kick it out. I like that he doesn't lower his shoulder and drive into trouble. TBD how he fares against bigger bodies.

Joe T and Ulis--Good games by both. I can't recall the last time I saw PG's take and make pull-up jumpers off the bounce. Both were disruptive on D and kept UMKC's guards in front of them. There was a broken play where UMKC got the ball on their end after a scramble and their PG drove it hard down the court. Ulis was able to backpedal almost the length of the court keeping the guy in front of him. Really impressive to see his athleticism on display.

Kegan & Kris-Iowa doesn't have a great non-conference schedule, but I highly recommend attending a game just to see Kegan in person. TV does not do his game justice. He takes guys apart with measured efficiency on one trip and then explodes in the lane for a dunk the next. He is definitely in 3-D chess mode on the court and sees stuff happening before it does. Kris is just as impressive as his brother. Smaller sample size, but like Kegan, he is multi-faceted and can shoot, drive, rebound, block shots and defend multiple positions. I hope to see more of them on the court together.

Sandfort & Perkins--I will probably get some shade thrown at me for saying this, but I think Sandfort is a more complete player as a freshman than JW was. He does not shy away from contact in the lane, is strong with both hands and has a thick frame that will be tough for smaller guards to deal with. I was a little skeptical about his D, but he moved his feet well. Perkins is a junkyard dog on defense and hits the boards, but is out of synch offensively. He wants to drive the ball, but he forced it a few times and got frustrated he didn't get a call. The game seems to be moving a little too fast for him right now, but he will improve as the season progresses.

If one thing is apparent early, it’s that the ball is going through keegan. He makes everything look so effortless. It’s like he’s floating around the court. And actually i do agree with you on sandfort, he’s got a good all around game. The one area he lacks in comparison to joew is athleticism. But I think he has learned to adapt to that with pump fakes and pull up jumpers. His stroke is beautiful and I think he’s got a quicker release than joe had.

 

[BrewHawk]

The question for this team will be what happens when the other team takes Keegan away. We're going to have to have others be able to step up and score. Joe T in particular.

Really wish we still had Frederick. Would keep the lane more open.

 

[kceasthawk]

The question for this team will be what happens when the other team takes Keegan away. We're going to have to have others be able to step up and score. Joe T in particular.

Really wish we still had Frederick. Would keep the lane more open.

Put Kris on the other side! Maybe they'll get confused.......

 

[BBHawk]

Some random thoughts from Friday's game.

i thought Rebraca looked good. Moves his feet on D and is active on the glass. Plays under control on offense and has a good feel for when he can go up with his left shoulder jump hook or kick it out. I like that he doesn't lower his shoulder and drive into trouble. TBD how he fares against bigger bodies.

Joe T and Ulis--Good games by both. I can't recall the last time I saw PG's take and make pull-up jumpers off the bounce. Both were disruptive on D and kept UMKC's guards in front of them. There was a broken play where UMKC got the ball on their end after a scramble and their PG drove it hard down the court. Ulis was able to backpedal almost the length of the court keeping the guy in front of him. Really impressive to see his athleticism on display.

Kegan & Kris-Iowa doesn't have a great non-conference schedule, but I highly recommend attending a game just to see Kegan in person. TV does not do his game justice. He takes guys apart with measured efficiency on one trip and then explodes in the lane for a dunk the next. He is definitely in 3-D chess mode on the court and sees stuff happening before it does. Kris is just as impressive as his brother. Smaller sample size, but like Kegan, he is multi-faceted and can shoot, drive, rebound, block shots and defend multiple positions. I hope to see more of them on the court together.

Sandfort & Perkins--I will probably get some shade thrown at me for saying this, but I think Sandfort is a more complete player as a freshman than JW was. He does not shy away from contact in the lane, is strong with both hands and has a thick frame that will be tough for smaller guards to deal with. I was a little skeptical about his D, but he moved his feet well. Perkins is a junkyard dog on defense and hits the boards, but is out of synch offensively. He wants to drive the ball, but he forced it a few times and got frustrated he didn't get a call. The game seems to be moving a little too fast for him right now, but he will improve as the season progresses.

Keegan. Otherwise great points!

 

[BBHawk]

The question for this team will be what happens when the other team takes Keegan away. We're going to have to have others be able to step up and score. Joe T in particular.

Really wish we still had Frederick. Would keep the lane more open.

Keegan sat in the first half and, after a few moments of indecision, the team built on the lead. I think they'll be ok.

 

[owenhawk]

Keegan sat in the first half and, after a few moments of indecision, the team built on the lead. I think they'll be ok.

I get whet you are saying but that might be harder to do against better teams. I do think JBO looks a lot better this year and even more in sync with this team, this is by far the hardest I’ve seen him play defense and he seems way more comfortable playing off the ball.

 

[BBHawk]

I get whet you are saying but that might be harder to do against better teams. I do think JBO looks a lot better this year and even more in sync with this team, this is by far the hardest I’ve seen him play defense and he seems way more comfortable playing off the ball.

Agreed. Keegan is super important. I guess we'll find out because I am pretty sure he'll get in foul trouble again. It's inevitable with the way games are officiated in the B1G.

 

[kcgolfer]

I agree with the OP on Joe T and Ulis. Ronnie Lester was a master at that dribble drive pull up jumper. Nice to see it again.

 

[StarHawk]

I have a vision of the both Murray's starting...seems to me that Kris mirrors his brothers play (ha!)

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Put Kris on the other side! Maybe they'll get confused.......

They should wear numbers that look similar at a glance. 2 defenders guard Kris while Keegan wide open under basket or vice versa.

 

[jonesy5960]

My thoughts? Final Four baby!!

 

[HawkLogic]

Sandfort + JBO back means we are actually better off with injury prone Fredrick gone.

I think Fran's roster moves/recruiting moves in past few years have been good. Now if he just
moves away from relying on zone defense and coaches up a better man defense (strive to play defense like Purdue or Michigan) then Iowa can maybe get to Sweet 16 someday under Fran.

This is by far the most athletic team Fran has put together at Iowa. I am expecting a middle of the pack finish in B1G but They have a high ceiling if they can play good man defense + they should improve as the season goes along.

 

[jonesy5960]

Sandfort + JBO back means we are actually better off with injury prone Fredrick gone.

I think Fran's roster moves/recruiting moves in past few years have been good. Now if he just
moves away from relying on zone defense and coaches up a better man defense (strive to play defense like Purdue or Michigan) then Iowa can maybe get to Sweet 16 someday under Fran.

This is by far the most athletic team Fran has put together at Iowa. I am expecting a middle of the pack finish in B1G but They have a high ceiling if they can play good man defense + they should improve as the season goes along.

JoeT + 2021 JBo + Patrick + Keegan > CJ + 2020 JBo + CMac + JoeW AINEC.

 

[icwesthawk]

JoeT + 2021 JBo + Patrick + Keegan > CJ + 2020 JBo + CMac + JoeW AINEC.

CMac skews all the data, should have played very little last year and even less this one

 

[Ronman]

Connor is the best passer on the team. His importance didn't diminish with Garza's departure. During the KC game, the announcers were discussing this, and while they were, Connor made 2-3 great passes that they didn't even comment on. He also brings a "don't mess with us" attitude that I've always appreciated.

 

[owenhawk]

Connor is the best passer on the team. His importance didn't diminish with Garza's departure. During the KC game, the announcers were discussing this, and while they were, Connor made 2-3 great passes that they didn't even comment on. He also brings a "don't mess with us" attitude that I've always appreciated.

Some fans just don’t have the BBall knowledge to understand that Connor brings other things to the table other than shooting/scoring. It’s like the did with Woodbury. He did so many other things besides scoring and his presence being missed was obvious when he was gone. There is a place for Connor in the rotation in a limited capacity.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Put Kris on the other side! Maybe they'll get confused.......

There is some truth in this. Which is why I would have made their numbers 23/24 or 14/24. Would have made for a few screw ups defensively for the other team per game

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Some fans just don’t have the BBall knowledge to understand that Connor brings other things to the table other than shooting/scoring. It’s like the did with Woodbury. He did so many other things besides scoring and his presence being missed was obvious when he was gone. There is a place for Connor in the rotation in a limited capacity.

I’m. No. His minutes should go to sanfort

 

[owenhawk]

I’m. No. His minutes should go to sanfort

Sandfort should definitely get minutes but I don’t think it is dependent on if Connor gets 10-15. I think either JBo or Sandfort should always be on the floor. One of them is needed to space the floor.

 

[T. Kimball]

The question for this team will be what happens when the other team takes Keegan away. We're going to have to have others be able to step up and score. Joe T in particular.

Really wish we still had Frederick. Would keep the lane more open.

Maybe it's been mentioned, but Frederick is out for the year for Kentucky, so we would've been sitting with a smaller roster. Granted, Ash probably got that scholly and won't play much.

 

[goodbyebobby]

Patrick's drive in the baseline, first points of the game?, was a legitimate Dr. J move and his tomahawk dunk was straight ABA. Go back and rewatch his first reverse if possible, pretty sweet.


Patrick keeps getting stronger and improving his ball handling will give him a shot in the league.

 

[jthawk]

I’m. No. His minutes should go to sanfort

Case in point

 

[Rifler]

There is some truth in this. Which is why I would have made their numbers 23/24 or 14/24. Would have made for a few screw ups defensively for the other team per game

25/26 would be the perfect ploy....

 

[hooper56]

They should wear numbers that look similar at a glance. 2 defenders guard Kris while Keegan wide open under basket or vice versa.

A lot of people don't realize they change jerseys at halftime.

 

[Longgrover1]

I get whet you are saying but that might be harder to do against better teams. I do think JBO looks a lot better this year and even more in sync with this team, this is by far the hardest I’ve seen him play defense and he seems way more comfortable playing off the ball.

I agree. I think JBO is working harder on defense and looks like he is moving better and a little quicker. It helps to be healthy.

 

[jonesy5960]

Connor is the best passer on the team. His importance didn't diminish with Garza's departure. During the KC game, the announcers were discussing this, and while they were, Connor made 2-3 great passes that they didn't even comment on. He also brings a "don't mess with us" attitude that I've always appreciated.

I think you have to look at everything in context. It's not just about what a particular player can do. CMac is an excellent passer but when it comes to minutes, it's about what a particular player brings relative to others that are available and what the team needs. I think the starting rotation looks perfect as is. I wouldn't change a thing. In my opinion CMac should probably be number 8 in the rotation. Right now I think both Kris and Ulis bring more than CMac on defense and scoring ability. Ulis is a better ball handler running the point and looks to be an excellent assist man as well. Like CMac, he is an excellent passer but can also break down a defense creating assist opportunities. Kris looks a lot like Keegan early 2020. He just needs minutes but he already brings more offensively, is an excellent rebounder, and he might be the 3rd best defender on the team behind Keegan and Joe.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

I didn't see the KC game. Keegan and the PGs have been great so far, and Patrick and Kris are both going to be big contributors. Encouraging that Rebracca stepped up, because center is the position where we might not match up with the top B1G teams. I think Sandfort will be a very valuable player, especially the next few years, but I think he might struggle a little more as the competition gets better. We will see. I agree with those who believe Connor is underappreciated. I think his minutes should maybe be in the 10-15/game range, but I believe he should especially get some minutes when some toughness and leadership are needed. He really is another coach on the floor. Fran has so much depth, that the rotation after the first couple of substitutions is still a work in progress. Perkins need to get it together on the offensive end, or his minutes might be limited.

 

[Jumpshot00]

The Keegan and Patrick combo is one I like a lot. Their length, aggressiveness and scoring is a key to success and will give opponents fits. Having Kris come off the bench to provide a similar style is also good.

I realize I am taking sort of a pollyanna view here, but other things I like about this team in addition to Keegan being an absolute stud:

-JBo seems in shape and healthy and ready to contribute with as many shots as he can get off. I sorta worried his desire to be in top shape or take on a different role after being in college for 6 years. His shot making ability and FT ability late in games are a big benefit to this team.
-I like Joe T and Ulis at pg. That combo has the pg skills to handle that position all year.
-Rebraka is a good pick up. Hopefully can figure out what this team needs...rebounding.. and provide that. He's experienced which will help during the Big 10 season and much better than relying on Josh O or Riley M too much.
-Peyton Sandfort seems to have a really nice shot and a shooter's attitude. This should be beneficial. I won't go as far to say as he seems better than Wieskamp as a freshman, but in an off the bench shooter type role I like that he doesn't seem passive.
-Connor coming off the bench and taking that role his huge. If things get out of control his experience can calm things down. Fran trusts him and his decision making on the court and coming off the bench will keep the critiques from being too loud...maybe.
-Tony Perkins has the ability to step in and guard multiple spots as well as giving energy off the bench.
-I like the age of this team. I mean, these guys are old with most contributors being in their 3rd-6th years after high school.

I am self aware enough that all this positivity could go out the window as soon as a couple losses happen and not having Luka to throw the ball to in the post to stop a scoring drought will make us realize how good he was (even though I think fans realize what a force he was the last 2 years)

 

[HawkLogic]

Some fans just don’t have the BBall knowledge to understand that Connor brings other things to the table other than shooting/scoring. It’s like the did with Woodbury. He did so many other things besides scoring and his presence being missed was obvious when he was gone. There is a place for Connor in the rotation in a limited capacity.

So you have annointed yourself a high knowledge b-ball guy?

How many of these high IQ B-ball fans are also the same fans that were on this board a few years ago posting CMAC was a major league baseball prospect?

I get Fran...he loves his son and CMAC is his mini-me. If CMAC can shoot mid 30's from 3pt line for first time in his career and actually play well enough that the other team has to guard him, then it isn't a crime that he is going to play 15-20 mnutes per game. The probem last year was that was supposed to be a great team and they flopped in NCAA tourney. Oregon pretty much dibble drove and rained in 3pt shots despite the true grit/high basketball IQ CMAC provided. We had two NBA players on that squad, so the problem with that team must have
resided with the other 3 guys that were starting.

 

[jonesy5960]

So you have annointed yourself a high knowledge b-ball guy?

How many of these high IQ B-ball fans are also the same fans that were on this board a few years ago posting CMAC was a major league baseball prospect?

I get Fran...he loves his son and CMAC is his mini-me. If CMAC can shoot mid 30's from 3pt line for first time in his career and actually play well enough that the other team has to guard him, then it isn't a crime that he is going to play 15-20 mnutes per game. The probem last year was that was supposed to be a great team and they flopped in NCAA tourney. Oregon pretty much dibble drove and rained in 3pt shots despite the true grit/high basketball IQ CMAC provided. We had two NBA players on that squad, so the problem with that team must have
resided with the other 3 guys that were starting.

Barring injuries, I really don't see a scenario where CMac should be getting 20 minutes this year. Fifteen should be his ceiling. Now, with that said I said "should". If he's getting 20 that means other more talented reserves (i.e. Kris and Ulis) are getting less. Not a slam on Cmac. Just the reality.

 

[Suterman]

JoeT + 2021 JBo + Patrick + Keegan > CJ + 2020 JBo + CMac + JoeW AINEC.

This is probably true but you took Luka out of the mix and he scored 25 a game. Add Rebraca to the team w/Joe T. and Luka to the CMac team and it's not even close the other way.

 

[jthawk]

So you have annointed yourself a high knowledge b-ball guy?

How many of these high IQ B-ball fans are also the same fans that were on this board a few years ago posting CMAC was a major league baseball prospect?

I get Fran...he loves his son and CMAC is his mini-me. If CMAC can shoot mid 30's from 3pt line for first time in his career and actually play well enough that the other team has to guard him, then it isn't a crime that he is going to play 15-20 mnutes per game. The probem last year was that was supposed to be a great team and they flopped in NCAA tourney. Oregon pretty much dibble drove and rained in 3pt shots despite the true grit/high basketball IQ CMAC provided. We had two NBA players on that squad, so the problem with that team must have
resided with the other 3 guys that were starting.

No he anointed some others low IQ basketball fans, and he is correct. Now let me get this straight from reading your post. You are questioning the basketball IQ of some posters here because they allegedly made some comments regarding Connor’s potential on the diamond? Uhhhh….OK

 

[retrodent]

They should wear numbers that look similar at a glance. 2 defenders guard Kris while Keegan wide open under basket or vice versa.

Switch numbers at half!!😊

 

[EduNeerHawk]

So you have annointed yourself a high knowledge b-ball guy?

How many of these high IQ B-ball fans are also the same fans that were on this board a few years ago posting CMAC was a major league baseball prospect?

I get Fran...he loves his son and CMAC is his mini-me. If CMAC can shoot mid 30's from 3pt line for first time in his career and actually play well enough that the other team has to guard him, then it isn't a crime that he is going to play 15-20 mnutes per game. The probem last year was that was supposed to be a great team and they flopped in NCAA tourney. Oregon pretty much dibble drove and rained in 3pt shots despite the true grit/high basketball IQ CMAC provided. We had two NBA players on that squad, so the problem with that team must have
resided with the other 3 guys that were starting.

Jesus logic....give up the whining about the Oregon game. That's just weak. Last year was a great team and one loss in a tourny does not define the season...an NCAA tourny loss...really? It happens like all the time, to a heck a lot more great teams far more talented than Iowa was..(illinois) and playing far less talented teams than Oregon (Loyola Chicago). The Illini were the first No. 1 seed to bow out of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. yea...great team too and they were.

Or better yet - 1987 when the 11th ranked Illini lost to Austin Peay 68-67 in the opening round of the tourny. I could on and on and on and on and on and on but hopefully ya get the point. I doubt it though. We also found out how many players were playing injured too and a former starting player with eligibility left we knew as CJ. Turn the page and enjoy the OP's post and this team....I do.

 

[perryhawk]

Barring injuries, I really don't see a scenario where CMac should be getting 20 minutes this year. Fifteen should be his ceiling. Now, with that said I said "should". If he's getting 20 that means other more talented reserves (i.e. Kris and Ulis) are getting less. Not a slam on Cmac. Just the reality.

I think in the early season, against the cupcakes, Connor could be on the floor more than 20 minutes WITH Kris, Ulis, PS, etc. Then he can act as a coach on the floor….. and help with the development of the young guys.

 

[jonesy5960]

This is probably true but you took Luka out of the mix and he scored 25 a game. Add Rebraca to the team w/Joe T. and Luka to the CMac team and it's not even close the other way.

That's the one fly in the ointment for sure. Losing that player of the year guy.

 

[GT Hawkaholic]

Some random thoughts from Friday's game.

i thought Rebraca looked good. Moves his feet on D and is active on the glass. Plays under control on offense and has a good feel for when he can go up with his left shoulder jump hook or kick it out. I like that he doesn't lower his shoulder and drive into trouble. TBD how he fares against bigger bodies.

Joe T and Ulis--Good games by both. I can't recall the last time I saw PG's take and make pull-up jumpers off the bounce. Both were disruptive on D and kept UMKC's guards in front of them. There was a broken play where UMKC got the ball on their end after a scramble and their PG drove it hard down the court. Ulis was able to backpedal almost the length of the court keeping the guy in front of him. Really impressive to see his athleticism on display.

Keegan & Kris-Iowa doesn't have a great non-conference schedule, but I highly recommend attending a game just to see Keegan in person. TV does not do his game justice. He takes guys apart with measured efficiency on one trip and then explodes in the lane for a dunk the next. He is definitely in 3-D chess mode on the court and sees stuff happening before it does. Kris is just as impressive as his brother. Smaller sample size, but like Keegan, he is multi-faceted and can shoot, drive, rebound, block shots and defend multiple positions. I hope to see more of them on the court together.

Sandfort & Perkins--I will probably get some shade thrown at me for saying this, but I think Sandfort is a more complete player as a freshman than JW was. He does not shy away from contact in the lane, is strong with both hands and has a thick frame that will be tough for smaller guards to deal with. I was a little skeptical about his D, but he moved his feet well. Perkins is a junkyard dog on defense and hits the boards, but is out of synch offensively. He wants to drive the ball, but he forced it a few times and got frustrated he didn't get a call. The game seems to be moving a little too fast for him right now, but he will improve as the season progresses.

For the love of God people need to stop comparing Sandfort to Wieskamp. I will repeat this over and over. Joe had a 7.4 box plus minus his FRESHMEN year. Sandfort is at -7.5, yes negative, through 2 cupcakes. It's a small sample size but people disrespect just how damn good Joe was.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

For the love of God people need to stop comparing Sandfort to Wieskamp. I will repeat this over and over. Joe had a 7.4 box plus minus his FRESHMEN year. Sandfort is at -7.5, yes negative, through 2 cupcakes. It's a small sample size but people disrespect just how damn good Joe was.

I will compare JW to Alf if I want to. Alf is short and hairy, but has a nice dribble-drive game with a killer cross-over. He is easily distracted by stray cats, but when focused, he is tough to stop 1:1.

I am comparing them because both were recruited as shooters and many think the team is doomed without JW and CJ. Did I say Sandfort is going to be a better player? Nope. I said that IMO, Sandfort is a more complete player as a freshman. JW lived on the perimeter almost exclusively until last season and was always a reluctant driver. Sandfort doesn't have JW's athleticism, but has a bigger frame, a left hand and isn't afraid of contact.

Run this through your abacus and let me know what you come up with.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

The question for this team will be what happens when the other team takes Keegan away. We're going to have to have others be able to step up and score. Joe T in particular.

Really wish we still had Frederick. Would keep the lane more open.

Well, as of now, even KY doesn't have Glass-Foot...