*** Official Tennessee State vs #6 IOWA STATE Game(Day) Thread ***

[RezClone]

Did seem like the ball movement was better without JJ on the court.

Respectfully, there is simply no way to replace 6'8 point foward All-Americans. No amount of bad JJ turnovers would have changed that.

Not to mention the psychological impact tends to catch up with a team real quick. Short term you can rally, but it has a quick shelf life. This team needs Joshua Jefferson. At least the hope of getting him back next week should we get by Kentucky.

 

[Drew0311]

Did seem like the ball movement was better without JJ on the court.

It's for sure a different style right now. Almost way faster than we are used to. Not sure if that is of who we are playing or because Jeff is out. We definetly need him going forward but I feel like we are playing at a way faster pace.

 

[awd4cy]

It's not, really. Losing JJ is obviously a huge loss. But it's well known his weakness is keeping control of his dribble drives and not kicking the ball out when there is no shot for him, which directly affects ball movement.

Well, it’s one thing to work against Tennessee State, and another against Kentucky on Sunday. Whole different animal.

 

[Texbudman]

Toure finally emerged from the offensive cocoon he's been hiding in.

We are a completely different team when he has his confidence on offense. His defense is always there

 

[ScottyP]

Good news is we are forced to play a bit different and teams don't have much of a scout on how we will play.

 

[awd4cy]

Tell h

Tell Us more

Watched his injury. Ankle injuries are a *****. Had them myself. It can be really surprising how long they take to heal.

 

[CloneFan65]

I don’t know what the future holds regarding JJ, but I have to admit I laughed out loud when the announcer stated that Jefferson is “doubtful” to return today.

 

[clonehenge]

Hopefully the rumor about no break is true…

…but even then no way he plays Sunday. We’ll see who steps up.

A high ankle sprain would be just as bad as a break. He'd still be done for at least a month.

 

[cyclone1209]

Either way, there's zero chance JJ plays before next week.

Toure, Pleta look awesome this game. Haven't missed a beat.

 

[ClonerJams]

Best chance on Sunday is to go small. Likely will start Heise in Jeffersons place, but will see more of Batemon.

 

[mj4cy]

Good news is we are forced to play a bit different and teams don't have much of a scout on how we will play.

And there's room for other guys to step it up and go get theirs.

 

[Tpups21]

Respectfully, there is simply no way to replace 6'8 point foward All-Americans. No amount of bad JJ turnovers would have changed that.

Not to mention the psychological impact tends to catch up with a team real quick. Short term you can rally, but it has a quick shelf life. This team needs Joshua Jefferson. At least the hope of getting him back next week should we get by Kentucky.

They aren't better without him. Just think they can still find other ways to win.

 

[Cyhig]

Man I thought I was the most negative dude on here, but reading some of the comments on here, I would hate if some of you people were my teammates. Some of you are already defeated. JJ will be fine and we will match on to te final 4. Just watch.

Hope you're right. It's just depressing to see Jefferson leave in the first round and being on crutches. But the team isn't reliant on him. I just like our odds of a deep run better with a healthy Jefferson

There are other teams with injury issues (Duke, Carolina, Tech, BYU, Michigan off the top of my head). But it is still depressing when it happens to your team

 

[GoSTATE71]

Best chance on Sunday is to go small. Likely will start Heise in Jeffersons place, but will see more of Batemon.

Small ball against Kentucky big yikes

 

[clonedude]

We have no replacement for 6'9' 240 lb big that is a triple double ready to happen. We will have to suck it up and become heavily guard oriented on offense.

Agree.... which can work... but rebounding can become a big issue.

 

[Jeffreyisu]

Well, it’s one thing to work against Tennessee State, and another against Kentucky on Sunday. Whole different animal.

Fair point.

 

[NENick]

I'm really proud of the guys.
I'm also really depressed.

 

[danvillecyclone]

Gutted

 

[ClonerJams]

Small ball against Kentucky big yikes

Only other option is to play Buchanan and Pleta at the same time. That's probably not a great recipe for success.

 

[awd4cy]

Small ball against Kentucky big yikes

Small ball or playing Buchanan and pleta together the whole game. I think we don’t have a choice.