Fran is terrified of his bench. He has to have 4 of his starters on the floor at all times. The problem is his starters aren't great either, but solid and experienced. I can't wait to see Monte abuse Gessell on both ends of the court. Mikey might be in tears by the end of this one.
PG Morris vs. Gessell (obvious advantage to ISU)
SG Long vs. Clemmons (Despite Clemmons' superior pass-first mentality, advantage ISU)
SF Nader vs. Jok (Jok is one dimensional,. but he can get hot. Nader is way more versatile, advantage ISU)
PF Niang vs. Uthoff (Uthoff is a good player, but Niang is an All-American and thrives in these environments, advantage ISU)
C McKay vs. Woodbury LOL
These are weird matchups as I don't really like Niang guarding Uthoff on the perimeter. If you put Nader on Uthoff, then Niang is guarding a SG playing the 3 in Jok. Not ideal. Do you put Niang on Woodbury and McKay on Uthoff? Could this be a game similar to Illinois with the small ball lineup? McKay has an individual advantage over Woodbury, but it might be better for us as a team to have Niang play the 5. Iowa is not a good rebounding team.