Thanks for proving me wrong Big Rob

I often get a lot of flak about my previous issues with Robert Jones' play, more specifically with his over-utilization and playing time. I was often accused of having a personal vendetta against him, something that simply wasn't accurate. Statistically he was the WORST player during Big 12 play who received significant minutes. He was an offensive blackhole, a player who didn't possess the footspeed to rotate, and the stats bore that out. Moreso I was frustrated at Otz for (often) unnecessarily playing him a large number of minutes when we had a player (for most of the season) in Osun who was wildly effective when he played. While I do think Osun had (for whatever reasons) conditioning/durability limitations I still feel he was prematurely removed from games and could have (often) logged more minutes. As the stats show he was one of the best players in the league when he was on he floor.

Quite frankly I thought Robert was tapped out. Everyone knows he's not the most athletically gifted player and after being here a few years, being an upper classman, I thought he simply was who he was. But with a LOT of hard work and a headier on court presence (quicker moves and less forcing down low) he has proved me wrong. He has went from a -3.8 conference BPM, far and away the worst in the league in 2023, to a 4.4 BPM in 2024. While he's certainly not one of the better players in the league, that number makes him extremely valuable, when utilized correctly.

Thanks for proving me wrong Bob. Not wrong about your play last year, but wrong that I didn't think this sort of improvement was even possible. If there was ever a testament to what hard work can do THIS is it. Without spending the time to look I'm guessing this sort of BPM improvement, arguably in an even tougher conference, would be tough to find.



TLDR. Less is more plus you're on my idiots list.
 
I think we are underestimating how much we are going to miss ROB next year. Going to be a huge hole to fill on the defensive end. He just covers up so much and is always in the right position. Between him, Ward and Tre we have a lot of toughness and grown man energy to replace in the frontcourt next year.
 
I think we are underestimating how much we are going to miss ROB next year. Going to be a huge hole to fill on the defensive end. He just covers up so much and is always in the right position. Between him, Ward and Tre we have a lot of toughness and grown man energy to replace in the frontcourt next year.
And even doing things like calming Milan down in the 1st half. Leader on both sides of the court.
 
I think we are underestimating how much we are going to miss ROB next year. Going to be a huge hole to fill on the defensive end. He just covers up so much and is always in the right position. Between him, Ward and Tre we have a lot of toughness and grown man energy to replace in the frontcourt next year.
Yep. 10000000%
His effort and toughness supercede his natural skills. He plays so hard.
 
Big Rob has worked his a$$ of to become a legit Big12 player on a top 10 team. He was a winner and a difference maker again tonight.
Was thinking the same thing....he has asked TJ what he needs to do each year and does it.

I know a year and a half ago the hands seemed to be a liability, but now much fewer errors there, but the defense and that 8 ft shot in front of the hoop are both great (among leadership, QBing the defense, etc)
 
I need the gif of him going for a high 5 on the bench and getting left hanging towards end of game.

Another solid night for him. So proud of his growth and desire to stick in there.
 
I think we are underestimating how much we are going to miss ROB next year. Going to be a huge hole to fill on the defensive end. He just covers up so much and is always in the right position. Between him, Ward and Tre we have a lot of toughness and grown man energy to replace in the frontcourt next year.
Heck I think it was after the Iowa game? Took over the mic for Keshon when he didn't know what to say. Just an overall great teammate to have!
 
I need the gif of him going for a high 5 on the bench and getting left hanging towards end of game.

Another solid night for him. So proud of his growth and desire to stick in there.

I missed that LOL.
 
From the Washington Post:

“Coach talked about starting the game and the half fast,” Cyclones forward Robert Jones said. “We were just relying on our teammates. That’s the biggest thing. We played together and had each other’s backs.”

Robert Jones scored 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting as the Cyclones outscored Cincinnati 36-14 in the paint.
“That was a huge point of emphasis to get in there any way possible,” Otzelberger said.
Jones, who averaged 14.2 points off the bench in his previous six games, hit a 3-pointer during an 11-2 run to close the first half. Iowa State led 34-26 at halftime.
 
From the Washington Post:

“Coach talked about starting the game and the half fast,” Cyclones forward Robert Jones said. “We were just relying on our teammates. That’s the biggest thing. We played together and had each other’s backs.”

Robert Jones scored 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting as the Cyclones outscored Cincinnati 36-14 in the paint.
“That was a huge point of emphasis to get in there any way possible,” Otzelberger said.
Jones, who averaged 14.2 points off the bench in his previous six games, hit a 3-pointer during an 11-2 run to close the first half. Iowa State led 34-26 at halftime.

Don‘t remember Rob hitting a 3, but I’ll let the details slide
 
Hard not to notice Rob's leadership out there. There were a few instances when you could tell Milan was frustrated and BRE was the first one there to pick him up and get him going. He means a ton to TJ and this teams success. So impressed with him and how he has turned himself into a quality B12 player. The work he has put in is really paying off. One of my all time favorite Cyclones.
 

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