Do you guys realize that this team is not very good? They haven't beat anyone and I'm not questioning Ben's coaching because they got the right guy but the talent deficiency is obvious and I'm confident it will get better in due time.
*****Illinois vs Iowa Game Thread*****
- Thread starter QChawks
- Start date
Not even close to drawing a foul in my estimation.
At least we won't be ranked anymore.. No more court storming on the road LOL
I'm not pressing the panic button on Ben, but yeah this is where I'm at. Every year it's something.
IDK, the wide open three to tie in Minneapolis was a little too much as well. Maybe the three pointer just isn’t is shot altogether?
I want our star PG to not force low percentage 3s late and miss layups..
Game was for the taking and pissed down their legs.
2 games in a row
Well ... watching some of those wide open drives for layups and corner 3s that Illinois cashed in on, its not like the rest of the team was lights out on that end either.
We looked short, too.
I was worried our lack of size would hurt us in the B1G.
Jirak is 7'0 or 7'1; I guess he's not ready for this type of game?
And Hausen would have been taking better looks at 3s than what we saw from Stirtz....
Nah, it's just fate/basketball gods/karma/magic not letting Iowa truly succeed in sports.
All it is. Been that way for decades.
Just like last game i think they play more free when Stirtz is out
A couple uncontested straight line drives too. SMH.
So fire the players and buy new ones mid-season. That's a rule now with today's NIL/transfer portal isn't it?........
I still want Sage to get more shots up. Was as though he was deferring too much.
Last time I looked Drake Is D1,
Seems like it. Been watching since the 1980s. Whether it's Chris Street, Luke Recker's knee, Northwestern State, the entire team going ice freaking cold the entire game against Richmond, or what have you.. Just to name a few.
I am starting to think you might have to wait another year to win a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
The defense is set on stopping Stirtz and Iowa is set on Stirtz beating you. So far it hasn’t worked in Iowa’s favor recently.
Like a abused red headed step child
has been cutoff for us.
Looked pretty good when he was out.
Ben's about to earn his pay with how to shake things up with what we run.
I know we are undermanned.... But so was MN...
I love the Hawks, love the fight to not fold today, but I've worried since day one that Ben just brought a bunch on mid level guys with him from a mid level program and now we're right back where we were.
Hope I'm wrong and they at least make the tournament this year, but next year without Stirtz will be a big tell on where the program is really heading.
As with anything time will tell. Hopefully just a bad game from Stirtz and, like I said, they can win enough to make the tourney.
Hope I'm wrong and they at least make the tournament this year, but next year without Stirtz will be a big tell on where the program is really heading.
As with anything time will tell. Hopefully just a bad game from Stirtz and, like I said, they can win enough to make the tourney.
Happens about 33% of the time for Iowa bball and fball
What gives me hope, as others have pointed out, is that the last two games, Iowa has looked pretty good with Stirtz out of the lineup. He really hurt the team down the stretch today IMO with poor shot selection.
I don't disagree with the talent level, though. There are some good pieces but Ben does need to bring in some personnel upgrades.
I agree sometimes we're running too much two man game trying repeatedly to free Stirtz up. Also Stirtz is getting attacked a lot defensively and defense is noticeably improved when he's out. He's still no doubt Iowas best and most important player but I think we can afford to play him 30 minutes instead of 35-40.
I'd also like us to adjust starting lineup. I think cam, Combs, and Banks together doesn't give enough spacing which also hurts the 2 man game I mentioned above. Personally I'd start Sage for Combs and bring Combs and folgueiras in together as co 6-men. You can adjust it other ways too though
Minutes played:
0: Brendan Hausen (38% 3 point shooter)
0: 7'0" Trevin Jirak (to counter the Illini size)
Interesting playing time decisions, imo.
0: Brendan Hausen (38% 3 point shooter)
0: 7'0" Trevin Jirak (to counter the Illini size)
Interesting playing time decisions, imo.
I would have to agree to some extent. I think BS is feeling the pressure and the team is playing tight. Also, I am not sure AF is not a bit of a team chemistry problem. He can be a bit too flamboyant and "give a **** attitude" at times. JMO
Just year 1, don’t think even John Wooden could have righted the ship at this point. Wisconsin was very competitive, made deep tourney runs, won BT championships by playing tough defense without a roster full of 5 start players. Different era now, but same formula still is applicable. I’d give Ben a very long leash and he will pay dividends for our program. (See also Indiana football coach)
I think Sage has earned himself more time and there is no shortage of guys who he could take it from.
Stirtz will be fine, but he has to play within his capabilities. It’s like he gets a free pass when no one else does. Anyone else on the team tried to do what Stirtz did today, they’d have been sitting next to coach on the bench.
Then Stirtz wonders why there’s so much negativity when they get down?
Maybe he's another guy who's ill. Otherwise, I have no explanation. And Folguerias has been awful. I think Stirtz is still sick too.
Jirak is not 7'. He is 6'9 at best and plays more like he is 6'6. Hausen must be a bad defender because Ben really demands that to play. It showed up in the Minnesota game the fist time he was in the game. The little curl cut at the elbow and layup. I will say I thought he played fairly well after that play.
Much like football season, I'm afraid. And not to make excuses, but these last two games make it pretty clear the bug running through the team has really taken its toll. Not playing with anything near the energy and intensity as before. But the stomach flu will do that. My wife and I have had it this week, and it's been miserable. It's a shame Iowa is going through it at this point in the schedule. It wouldn't be great at any time, but now is just brutal.
It's a long season. Get healthy, finish strong, win a couple games in the NCAA, and get ready for a big push next season.
Just wait until we play Michigan…it will be men vs boys…We looked short, too.
I was worried our lack of size would hurt us in the B1G.
Jirak is 7'0 or 7'1; I guess he's not ready for this type of game?
And Hausen would have been taking better looks at 3s than what we saw from Stirtz....
Illinois’ size are three point shooters as well, so Jirak wouldn’t make a lot of sense. More Cam for rebounding, but you’re still in the same boat for defense.
Hausen for zero minutes after being +10 in Minneapolis in only, what 7 minutes, is baffling to say the least.
Completely agree. If we look at our neighbors in iowa State which unfolded in today's climate. Otz's worst team was his first year. People only remember how they finished but that team struggled offensively and was his least talented team of his tenure. They were 1 of last 4 byes of the tournament. He upgraded the talent slowly and they've reached another level. I think Ben will do that too.
In his defense, I do think he's one of the guys who's sick. But yah, Bennett has been bad, and I have no idea what those off-balance threes are all about. Maybe Ben should have left Bennett on the bench.
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