Drake

HeneryHawk · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject: Drake

First, this Hawkeye team is young, very young, so a road game is a tough one to get, especially against a more experienced backcourt.

That said, if I was going to play Iowa, I would press and trap the whole time, they dont have the PG with a mentality to beat it regularly. A Dean Oliver/Andre Woolridge/Stephen Curry type of PG would immensely help this team, not only against a press, but in setting up the O, directing others, and getting penetration. The perimeter game will only be optimized when penetration is achieved and a consistent inside threat exists. Kelly was using the dribble drive and pull up nicely, but a PG is needed to do that, as well as the other wing players, as the settling for deep jumpers just isnt an answer in itself.

All day against this zone, no one regularly flashed into the middle of the zone, and when they did and the ball went there, the open shot was passed up, either to a guy further in and it was a turnover. That is a easy shot to make, and must be made/taken as it will open the low post more, and it will open the perimeter too.

Defensively, they looked slow afoot, Drake took advantage of mismatches, but Iowa didnt bear down either, especially in the first half. In the second, they did much better, but not enough to dig out.

I count this as a good time for the coaches to teach, and the team to grow from this. This staff seems to do well teaching these guys.

It was nice to see Cole play well, he looked better, and he looks to be gradually getting better as he heals.
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DonnyDonovan · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:25 am Post subject:

I didn't see the game, but, from everything I've read, any positives have to be reached for. That was a step backwards, and it's a shame after such a good week last week.

Iowa is 0-3 in their last 3 against Drake. More remarkably, Drake is 10-0 in their last 10 games against in state opponents.

HeneryHawk · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:29 am Post subject:

Step backwards? Not really for a team this young, as young teams pinball and yo yo along in development. They need to learn to win, to overcome the challenges they face, and force the action. Nice thing, is that Lick and his staff are teachers, very good ones. A top point guard is key to this in my opinion. Peterson may be the guy, as he develops this year, the team progresses, or, if Davis or Tucker can fill the role, perhaps the same. But most of all, a true PG is the key to success ( and really is for all good teams, and great ones ) and Pete is the only true one on the team. Tonight, if he breaks the press, sets up the O, and/or can penetrate(be aggressive) and set up others, then its a whole different game.
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Uberhawk · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject:

I understand what Donny means about a "step back." We are not talking about going on the road against Duke or UCLA. We are talking about Drake. They aren't bad, but no world bashers.

I didn't see the game either and kind of glad I didn't. Sure, Hawks will bounce up and down. But to lose by 17 and score just 43 points against Drake? That is a real down, in my opinion.

I still have hopes for good things from this team. I agree, HH, the future looks good and they are teachable. But they will be playing in much more hostile environments and against better teams in Big 10 play than what they saw at Drake.

DonnyDonovan · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject:

Any Iowa loss this season will be rationalized by Henery as being the product of youth and learning. This has been his M.O. for, oh, however long he's been on this site. Wink

HeneryHawk · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

Hmm, seven newcomers and a fair amount of sophs as the main group of players, it is relevant, and will be a factor this season. Talent level is better yet, they are short a top notch PG and next year comes a big. The BT is much better this year, it will be a tough year for the young Hawkeyes. I would expect next year to be a better, more seasoned product on the floor.

Dont you think its pretty nice that Lick doesnt make excuses, he simply says there is a game to play, lets play it to win, expectations/limitations be damned. He expects them to play hard and to win each time. That should pay dividends over time.

After last night, they looked to be slow afoot, I wonder how much is the inexperience/adjusting to the next level, and thinking the game vs reacting in a system you know, vs just being outquicked. For a couple of vets, is was simply outquicked and out of position.
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Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

St Louis Cardinals 2011 AND 2006 World Series Champions