When Connor doesn't pause to think, this happens

[BirdistheWord]

So he's a point forward? He brings the ball up the court a lot. And shouldn't.

I guess I should've said, it's easy to knock them down with nobody in your face.

I prefer him bringing up vs JoBo. I agree that he is not really a starting caliber point guard, but he is a pretty good ball handler, and he typically isnt matched up against other teams PG. He is a swiss army knife, but has to have the right mix of players around him. I have come to appreciate him...but he appears to have a relatively low ceiling vs other guys.

 

[HawkLogic]

He needs to look for his shot, it's often an afterthought and that hesitation destroys any rhythm you have.

Good seeing him in the gym, because he's going to need to start making his 3's again to make defenses pay for doubling off him. End of last year he was hitting a good clip and also hitting some big shots.

Sure it is good for Connor to work on his shot---I don't think he is a great natural shooter though. CMAC, PMAC, Nunge, and JoeT don't have go out and hunt for 3pt shots because opponents are all daring them to shoot the 3 until they prove they can make them in games. So low volume 0-1-2 a game until they start making them is appropriate. Even if these guys do make a few shots here or there, they are not as effective 3pt shooters as Garza, JBo, Fredrick, JoeW, so let those shooters shoot more.

The guy that needs to continue to look for 3's are JBO, because he is proven 3pt shooter and if he isn't shooting 3's then his value to team goes down.

The other guy that needs to hunt 3pt shots is Fredrick, because he's proven himself tot be the most consistent 3pt shooter the past 2 years but he doesn't take enough 3pt shots.

 

[garberhawkeye]

In these clips Connor is getting square and not fading away as he has a tendency to do.

This x 1000. He has a bad tendency to not square up in games. You can usually predict if he scores or not based on where his feet are set before shooting. When he squares up he's usually on target (side to side at least). He also needs to work on getting his feet set in a shooting position before he receives the ball.

I think he rushes his shot because he has a mechanical slow release. Honestly he would probably be better going with a psuedo set shot (like Larry Bird or Luka) just to knock down open looks (of which he gets a lot).

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

I prefer him bringing up vs JoBo. I agree that he is not really a starting caliber point guard, but he is a pretty good ball handler, and he typically isnt matched up against other teams PG. He is a swiss army knife, but has to have the right mix of players around him. I have come to appreciate him...but he appears to have a relatively low ceiling vs other guys.

Agree. I think JT should start at the point and CM should come off the bench to spell JT and CJ at the 2 when necessary. Quality, versatile guy coming off the bench.

 

[RocknRollface]

I prefer him bringing up vs JoBo. I agree that he is not really a starting caliber point guard, but he is a pretty good ball handler, and he typically isnt matched up against other teams PG. He is a swiss army knife, but has to have the right mix of players around him. I have come to appreciate him...but he appears to have a relatively low ceiling vs other guys.

This Gonzo character isn't the brightest.

Complaining about Connor bringing the ball up is about the stupidest thing you could worry about.

 

[24 so far]

Patrick Mac started the season 2-13 from 3 and like Nunge and Connor I saw many posters on this board screaming for him to “stop shooting the 3 pointer”! He has now hit on 4 of his last 7 and I don’t see this being said any more. I feel Nunge is very capable of going on a similar little streak and maybe quiet down some of his detractors.

Nunge himself gave up shooting them last night. Until he hits some and gains some confidence, that's the proper approach. We shall see moving forward if he's capable or not. No reason he couldn't be, IMO.

 

[WorldSeriesChamps2015]

You have to shoot shots at game speed to have it carry over to games. It is great that he is working on his shot but it is not at game speed.

I AM MAD THAT HE IS TRYING TO WORK ON HIS SHOOTING!!!!!!!!!

 

[iahawks10]

So both shooting well under 20% from 3. The problem against good transition teams, IE Gonzaga, Michigan State, you go 0-8 from 3 those lead to fastbreak opportunities and easy transition buckets. Gonzaga got run outs on so many of those. They might have a game where the 2 of them go 4-8 but at this point they are hurting the team shooting them. Drive the ball and kick. Or guess what, pass it to Garza. But stop shooting 3’s.

Just for the record (not saying you’re making this claim), Connor didn’t attempt a three pointer vs Gonzaga and Nunge had two. So I’m going to go out on a limb and claim that CMac and Nunge were not the reasons why Iowa lost to Gonzaga and MSU for that matter.

 

[BirdistheWord]

This Gonzo character isn't the brightest.

Complaining about Connor bringing the ball up is about the stupidest thing you could worry about.

I did not really understand the objection to Connor bringing the ball up. I think the real insight is that Gonzo wants Toussaint handling point duties vs. CMac.

Our player "mix" is one of the biggest challenges. But in general, Fran has to push for more minutes for Toussaint, Nunge and Keegan. Those are the guys that will push our value/potential to its highest point this year. I maybe an outlier, but I even think Ulis is our best pure point guard, better than Toussaint (or at least to be better with decent playing time heading into the tournament) and should get more minutes. But realize the position is extremely crowded.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Lol, I love all the negativity in this thread. So Connor has been broke shooting 3s so he stays after a game to work on his 3 and gets blasted for trying to get better.

 

[jonesy5960]

Just for the record (not saying you’re making this claim), Connor didn’t attempt a three pointer vs Gonzaga and Nunge had two. So I’m going to go out on a limb and claim that CMac and Nunge were not the reasons why Iowa lost to Gonzaga and MSU for that matter.

Isn't it weird that people were going off on Nunge for taking and missing "all" of those 3 pointers against Gonzaga? He took 2. Oh the humanity.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

As others have stated, that shot is radically different than most of his in game shots. In the video the ball has good rotation. In games he shoots sidewinders that look like a pool shot with some English on it. Connor doesn't have to be a primary or even secondary scorer but he has to be able to knock down a few shots to keep defenders honest or they will sag off him and clog the paint making it harder to make post feeds. I like his 15-feet and in game with his runner, turn around and floater. The toughest shot to make at times is the wide open one and I agree with others that if catches and shoots vs. catches and thinks, he will be more successful.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Isn't it weird that people were going off on Nunge for taking and missing "all" of those 3 pointers against Gonzaga? He took 2. Oh the humanity.

I don't recall exactly but believe both of Nunge's 3's against Gonzaga were very early in the shot clock and led to run outs for them. I get it that Fran wants him to shoot but I am confident Fran isn't in the huddle saying "Jack, as soon as you catch it jack up a 3 without getting Garza a touch". I love Nunge getting touches 15 feet and in because he has a great mid-range shot, a floater, a flip and his up and under. I don't believe he brings much value beyond the arc as it negates him on the boards.

 

[littlez]

Again, Nunge 21-31 from inside the 3 pt line this season. 68%. That is an unbelievable percentage. 3-19 from 3. That’s 16%. He’s shooting over 2 a game. I actually think he’s got a decent stroke but the odds say shoot the 2. There is basically no argument for him to be shooting those when he makes 7 out of 10 shots from inside the line.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

CMac knows he's being left open, and he knows he needs to shoot, and he knows he needs to make a few, and so he comes out after a gruelling game and gets after it. Shooting the open looks he gets is not that difficult. As a few folks have suggested, he needs to shoot in rhythm, so he needs to have it in his head from now on that when he's open, he's going to shoot. And it should be clear that he will put in the work so that a decent percentage of those shots will go in. Then the defense will either have to adjust or get burned.

CMac may not be flashy, but he's solid. He works hard. He plays with the hard-nosed attitude that Iowa has so often lacked. He led the entire USA in assists to TO ratio last year, which ain't bad for a player many people seem to enjoy criticizing and mocking which, in the last four years, has become a national pastime.

If Minnesota leaves CMac open Friday, the Gophers will rue that decision because this kid will do what he needs to do to improve and to help his team win--and that includes hitting open threes.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Sometimes the wide open three is tougher to hit than the one with a guy closing out on you. He’s in his own head right now and hesitating as a result. Luka’s worst miss last night (air ball aside) was on a wide open three. Like he couldn’t believe he was as open as he was. Just keep shooting!

 

[icwesthawk]

Well, if that practice is what it takes for him to avoid air balls when he's left alone, I'm all for it

 

[24 so far]

Well, if that practice is what it takes for him to avoid air balls when he's left alone, I'm all for it

True, but in fairness to him, ALL of our "good" 3 point shooters have had air balls at one time or another, even Luka last night.

 

[BBHawk]

I want to see Iowa work the pick and roll with Garza and CMac but with CMA driving to the bucket and flipping it back to Garza who, instead of rolling to the bucket, rolls back to the 3 pt line for the 3 pointer. If CMac is left open he can drive to the bucket for a layup.

 

[WeRIowa]

So he's a point forward? He brings the ball up the court a lot. And shouldn't.

I guess I should've said, it's easy to knock them down with nobody in your face.

He brings the ball up court because of his basketball IQ and ball handling ability. He does not turn it over. Why do you think he should not?

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

People seem to forget that making the shot is not the only good thing that can happen when Connor or Nunge shoot. We have very solid rebounders in Joe and Garza, so if either are in decent position and our guys are open... let it fly. We'll get 3 points 20% of the time, rebound the miss or get fouled (or both) another 10-15% of the time.

 

[walleye hunter16]

CMac is 3-16 and Nunge is 3-19 from the arc so far. Hopefully these guys can find their stroke. Don't need either one to be Steph Curry, but they should both be doing twice as good with the looks they're getting.

Annnnndddd they still have only lost to Gonzaga.

 

[walleye hunter16]

So just looked this up. Nunge is shooting 48% overall, so he’s 21-31 from 2. That’s 68%. I know most of his 3’s are wide open, but analytics would say when you are 6-10 and shooting 68% from 2 and 18% from 3 you should probably take more 2’s.

Depends, is he playing outside with Garza in the game or is he the C with Garza on the bench.
They are all capable and will likely get better and make the team even more dangerous.

 

[kceasthawk]

Again, Nunge 21-31 from inside the 3 pt line this season. 68%. That is an unbelievable percentage. 3-19 from 3. That’s 16%. He’s shooting over 2 a game. I actually think he’s got a decent stroke but the odds say shoot the 2. There is basically no argument for him to be shooting those when he makes 7 out of 10 shots from inside the line.

That might depend on if he's taking those shots when he's on the floor with Luka. If he's playing the four then him in the lane is problamatic unless luka is up top. Now if Jack is in at the five with Luka getting a breather then he should be on the block on both ends of the floor.

 

[kceasthawk]

True, but in fairness to him, ALL of our "good" 3 point shooters have had air balls at one time or another, even Luka last night.

And Unfortunately our best 3 point shooter ever has struggled so far this year as well, although I'll still bet on Jbo in the heat of the BIG race...

 

[Ronman]

So, let me see if I've got this right....Nunge should quit shooting threes until he gets his confidence back by making threes. That about it?

 

[littlez]

Get it when he’s on the floor w/Luka we have to give him room to operate. You can still space the floor and not have to shoot a 3. Why are we assuming he’s going to start making them ? We’ve played 1/3 of the season and he’s made 3. I’m not bashing as I think he’s going to be a really solid player the next few years. Stats just show he’s better(way better) than anyone on the team from 2 except Garza.

 

[RocknRollface]

I want to see Iowa work the pick and roll with Garza and CMac but with CMA driving to the bucket and flipping it back to Garza who, instead of rolling to the bucket, rolls back to the 3 pt line for the 3 pointer. If CMac is left open he can drive to the bucket for a layup.

When Garza set a high screen he almost always spots up for a three already.

They do this frequently already but its usually not Connor with the ball.

 

[AMAYS]

. Connor shoots across his body. He shoots the ball really well from about 18 feet and in.

. I like his 15-feet and in game with his runner, turn around and floater.

. Connor needs to keep his dribble and find Garza or other shooters. He's not a bad driver to the basket when he has an opening either and he has a decent mid-range turnaround.

Surprised by the positive views of Connor’s 2-point game. Love Connor’s floor game, and am ok with him shooting deliberate 3s, but in game speed, Connor is a horrific 2-point shooter (4th worst 2-point % in conference play last season among the 95 or so players who qualified for Bart Torvik’s stats ).

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

Surprised by the positive views of Connor’s 2-point game. Love Connor’s floor game, and am ok with him shooting deliberate 3s, but in game speed, Connor is a horrific 2-point shooter (4th worst 2-point % in conference play last season among the 95 or so players who qualified for Bart Torvik’s stats ).

Like I said earlier, I’d rather he shoot a low % 3 than a low % 2.

 

[retrodent]

This was after the game.

Watch;

In the games there is no arc to his shot

 

[LetsGoHawks83]

Sure it is good for Connor to work on his shot---I don't think he is a great natural shooter though. CMAC, PMAC, Nunge, and JoeT don't have go out and hunt for 3pt shots because opponents are all daring them to shoot the 3 until they prove they can make them in games. So low volume 0-1-2 a game until they start making them is appropriate. Even if these guys do make a few shots here or there, they are not as effective 3pt shooters as Garza, JBo, Fredrick, JoeW, so let those shooters shoot more.

The guy that needs to continue to look for 3's are JBO, because he is proven 3pt shooter and if he isn't shooting 3's then his value to team goes down.

The other guy that needs to hunt 3pt shots is Fredrick, because he's proven himself tot be the most consistent 3pt shooter the past 2 years but he doesn't take enough 3pt shots.

I agree with shooting 1 or 2 a game. AFTER the ball has been reversed a few times. They are going to be left open for 3, so pick your opportunities.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

He brings the ball up court because of his basketball IQ and ball handling ability. He does not turn it over. Why do you think he should not?

Because I think our O is at its best when our PG breaks the defense down with the dribble, penetrates the lane and then dishes to open guys on the perimeter or to bigs cutting to the basket. That's what JT does, and CM doesn't. At least not nearly as well.

 

[RocknRollface]

Com

Because I think our O is at its best when our PG breaks the defense down with the dribble, penetrates the lane and then dishes to open guys on the perimeter or to bigs cutting to the basket. That's what JT does, and CM doesn't. At least not nearly as well.

Do you understand that JT comes in for JBO, not Connor?

When JT is in the game he is always the pg.

Connor is almost never the Pg.

Connor only brings the ball up when JBO is in.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

Com

Do you understand that JT comes in for JBO, not Connor?

When JT is in the game he is always the pg.

Connor is almost never the Pg.

Connor only brings the ball up when JBO is in.

So CM brings the ball up from the opening tip for the first 8 or so minutes of the game. But he's almost never the PG. Makes sense.

My point isn't complicated. Neither JB nor CM are real PGs. Neither can break defenders down with the dribble, neither can penetrate the lane and dish. JT is the only true PG we have.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

So CM brings the ball up from the opening tip for the first 8 or so minutes of the game. But he's almost never the PG. Makes sense.

My point isn't complicated. Neither JB nor CM are real PGs. Neither can break defenders down with the dribble, neither can penetrate the lane and dish. JT is the only true PG we have.

I think you have to stop thinking that because a player brings the ball up that makes him the point guard. The argument about JB not being a point guard has been beat to death for years on this board. No, he can’t break his defender down (which yes would be ideal) but he is efficient in getting them into their offense.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

I think you have to stop thinking that because a player brings the ball up that makes him the point guard. The argument about JB not being a point guard has been beat to death for years on this board. No, he can’t break his defender down (which yes would be ideal) but he is efficient in getting them into their offense.

That's exactly what I'm saying. JT should be starting at the 1 so we have an actual PG leading the offense. When CM and JB starting, we have no PG.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

That's exactly what I'm saying. JT should be starting at the 1 so we have an actual PG leading the offense. When CM and JB starting, we have no PG.

Are you new on here? Because “JoBo is not a point guard” has been beat to death. He’s not the ideal pg but he can do some things other point guards can’t do. Keep in mind that if you have JT and JoBo in the game at the same time you are relegated to playing strictly zone on the defensive end. Because as bad defensively JoBo is defending the opposing pg you simply can not man him up against a 6’5”’ shooting guard. Personally I couldn’t care less who starts and I would like to see JT get more minutes. JoBo should be kept under 30 minutes per game in my opinion. But I do think that the current starting line up is the best “end of game with lead” line up.

 

[RocknRollface]

That's exactly what I'm saying. JT should be starting at the 1 so we have an actual PG leading the offense. When CM and JB starting, we have no PG.

What you've been arguing is just that Connor shouldn't bring the ball up.

Who should start at pg is a different argument. Connor doesn't play pg.

I agree JT is the only real pg of the 3.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

Are you new on here? Because “JoBo is not a point guard” has been beat to death. He’s not the ideal pg but he can do some things other point guards can’t do. Keep in mind that if you have JT and JoBo in the game at the same time you are relegated to playing strictly zone on the defensive end. Because as bad defensively JoBo is defending the opposing pg you simply can not man him up against a 6’5”’ shooting guard. Personally I couldn’t care less who starts and I would like to see JT get more minutes. JoBo should be kept under 30 minutes per game in my opinion. But I do think that the current starting line up is the best “end of game with lead” line up.

I think zone is our best bet on D regardless.

I agree that the current starting lineup is the best "end of game with the lead" lineup because JT does force things and can play out of control at times.