Post Wes - another concern I have...

[clone87]

I know the focus of our next recruiting efforts will be aimed at shoring up this area of concern, but we are really going to lack athleticism next year. WJ was really our only player capable of simply rising up over someone and knocking down a shot OR driving to the hoop to flush it. With the shot clock running down, the ball would have been in his hands. Now, you have to wonder who.

Also, our lack of athleticism will really show on defense. I know Haluska plays hard, but it's tough knowing he is our best option at the 2-guard spot until the younger players develop. I think we will look slow next year - the slowest team in the Big 12. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Wesley]

That is why we need a juco fill.

 

[isucyfan]

I know the focus of our next recruiting efforts will be aimed at shoring up this area of concern, but we are really going to lack athleticism next year. WJ was really our only player capable of simply rising up over someone and knocking down a shot OR driving to the hoop to flush it. With the shot clock running down, the ball would have been in his hands. Now, you have to wonder who.

Also, our lack of athleticism will really show on defense. I know Haluska plays hard, but it's tough knowing he is our best option at the 2-guard spot until the younger players develop. I think we will look slow next year - the slowest team in the Big 12. I hope I'm wrong.

You are right, but my main concern is who is going to rebound the ball. With Jiri gone, and now Wes (who didn't board much last year, but was going to be counted on this year to do more), AND Rahshon (a great offensive rebounder), we are left with AT, JVDB, and not much more in terms of rebounding.

My hope is that CB can get in there and mix it up more, but I am worried that he's just not that kind of player.

Back to your comment...my hope is that Mac's teams at UNI, although not as athletic, competed because they played hard and smart and could SHOOT. This is what we lacked last season. My feeling for next season is that we will shoot it much better, but struggle on the boards, resulting in about 15 wins, about like last season.

 

[clone87]

I agree that MAC has had past success at UNI with teams that were not so athletic, but that was against opponents that were not so athletic either in the Mo Valley. In the Big 12, every team has athletes that can break you down off the bounce and I think our inability to defend it or create offense in that same manner will really hurt us next year.

 

[Wesley]

Just add 10 pounds of muscle to Big 12 players.

 

[MontyBurns]

You are right, but my main concern is who is going to rebound the ball.

That's why we have Alex Thompson. :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

 

[tigershoops31]

Actually last year I felt pretty good at the end of the half or game when Diante had the ball in his hands...he had a pretty good % of finishing his shot when the clock was winding down. Obviously we're better off with Wes than without him, but I think we still have some decent options when the clock is winding down :yes:

 

[clone87]

That is why we need a juco fill.

I keep reading this from others, and I have two questions.

1. Is Reese the answer?
2. If not Reese, then who?

 

[cyclonenum1]

You are right, but my main concern is who is going to rebound the ball. With Jiri gone, and now Wes (who didn't board much last year, but was going to be counted on this year to do more), AND Rahshon (a great offensive rebounder), we are left with AT, JVDB, and not much more in terms of rebounding.

My hope is that CB can get in there and mix it up more, but I am worried that he's just not that kind of player.

Back to your comment...my hope is that Mac's teams at UNI, although not as athletic, competed because they played hard and smart and could SHOOT. This is what we lacked last season. My feeling for next season is that we will shoot it much better, but struggle on the boards, resulting in about 15 wins, about like last season.

Too bad we don't play in the MVC. The unathletic, hard playing, smart (not sure what is meant by that term here), shooting approach just doesn't work quite as well in a power conference like the Big 12.

 

[CyBobby]

Boys its real simple.... You Can't Play what you cant RECRUIT!!!!!

 

[isugcs]

I keep reading this from others, and I have two questions.

1. Is Reese the answer?
2. If not Reese, then who?

I believe this Reese fellow has decided against coming out of JUCO. He's going to stay at a lower level until next year.

 

[isucyfan]

Too bad we don't play in the MVC. The unathletic, hard playing, smart (not sure what is meant by that term here), shooting approach just doesn't work quite as well in a power conference like the Big 12.

Smart basketball=valuing the ball, making the right pass, blocking out, using the clock wisely, not making dumb fouls...should I go on?

Not sure why you always have to have an air of condescension and superiority to your posts.

 

[CycloneWanderer]

Too bad we don't play in the MVC. The unathletic, hard playing, smart (not sure what is meant by that term here), shooting approach just doesn't work quite as well in a power conference like the Big 12.

Are you saying that Big XII players are athletic, lazy, stupid, and can't shoot at all?

 

[isucy86]

Athleticism is Overrated

I'd rather have guys who can shoot, dribble & defend than athletes who can jump out of the gym but lack basketball skills. Athletes look great on ESPN- but games are won by kids who put the ball in the hole, play defense & rebound.

Sure we lost Wesley & Rahshon from last year's team- but I would consider Craig & Diante pretty athletic kids with length. I haven't seen the recruits play, but based on what I've read Buckley, Pomlee & Hamilton all seem to be pretty athletic kids.

I'd rather have shooters than athletes- Staiger, Eikmeier, Petersen & Haluska could give the Clones more 3 point options than we've have in years.

If guys like Vanderbeken, Mann, Thompson can do their share on the boards & defend- we'll be better off than the last few years. Jiri wasn't the greatest post defender & Wesley's defense was weak.

 

[twojman]

Too bad we don't play in the MVC. The unathletic, hard playing, smart (not sure what is meant by that term here), shooting approach just doesn't work quite as well in a power conference like the Big 12.

Yeah too bad since McD has not beat an MVC opponent as the coah of ISU. (0-6 if u r counting at home)

 

[LindenCy]

Floyd's teams were about smart basketball. The first season with Willoughby and Cato we played a bunch of close, low scoring non-conference games and I was worried about the Big 8 season, but those guys tore it up. Now, I am not comparing our current team with them, but just to say smart, grind it out basketball works.

 

[isucyfan]

Floyd's teams were about smart basketball. The first season with Willoughby and Cato we played a bunch of close, low scoring non-conference games and I was worried about the Big 8 season, but those guys tore it up. Now, I am not comparing our current team with them, but just to say smart, grind it out basketball works.

*In best cyclone-numb-one imitation*

Yes, but I don't know what you mean by smart basketball.

McDermott sucks.

 

[cyclonenum1]

Are you saying that Big XII players are athletic, lazy, stupid, and can't shoot at all?

Fantastic point you make here!

When I read so many of the posts on this board I get the impression that people automatically think that because a person is athletic that they are not hard working or if a team plays with a fast-paced tempo they are undisciplined (or do not play "smart" basketball).

Personally, I do not believe that to be the case.

 

[cyclonenum1]

Re: Athleticism is Overrated

I'd rather have guys who can shoot, dribble & defend than athletes who can jump out of the gym but lack basketball skills. Athletes look great on ESPN- but games are won by kids who put the ball in the hole, play defense & rebound.

Sure we lost Wesley & Rahshon from last year's team- but I would consider Craig & Diante pretty athletic kids with length. I haven't seen the recruits play, but based on what I've read Buckley, Pomlee & Hamilton all seem to be pretty athletic kids.

I'd rather have shooters than athletes- Staiger, Eikmeier, Petersen & Haluska could give the Clones more 3 point options than we've have in years.

If guys like Vanderbeken, Mann, Thompson can do their share on the boards & defend- we'll be better off than the last few years. Jiri wasn't the greatest post defender & Wesley's defense was weak.

Guys that can shoot are great...if they can shoot with a guy closing out on them at this level. You just don't get that many really clean looks at a three in a power conference unless you have a tremendous post player that commands double teams or you have a tremendous point guard that can really drive, draw, and dish. On other thing to remember is that the line being moved back on foot will have an impact.

 

[cyclonenum1]

Floyd's teams were about smart basketball. The first season with Willoughby and Cato we played a bunch of close, low scoring non-conference games and I was worried about the Big 8 season, but those guys tore it up. Now, I am not comparing our current team with them, but just to say smart, grind it out basketball works.

I think the Floyd teams with Cato were all about defense. With Cato (a tremendous shot blocker) tending the goal it allowed all of the perimeter defenders to play very tight face guarding straight-up man to man defense that really put pressure on the other team. Most of those perimeter defenders were quick enough to keep their guy in front of them with this tight approach but if they didn't, they had Cato on the back line to alter or block the shot.

I don't see that we have that shot altering / shot blocking presence on our team. I also don't see that we have the quickness on the perimeter to defend like they did either. I just don't see it.