Yep, Blake filled his role really really well this season and was a great fit with Jefferson. But without him last night, he struggled being the only big guy rebounding
**** Official 2026 MBB Spring Transfer Portal Thread ****
- Thread starter LLCoolCY
- Start date
I think we’re in really solid shape if we return all of the major contributors.
Toure, Batemon, Milan, Buchanan, Pleta plus Williams. A lot to to like in the incoming freshman class with the two guards, the French big man, and Kiss (6’8” - he’s in this class, right?)
As others have said, need a strong wing/SF/PF that can rebound and defend. We’re probably not finding another guy with Jefferson’s all around ability but one can dream
He is a 5-9 backup in the B12 whose size gets exploited in the B12 and his PT will be limited. And his lack of length is a liability in the ISU trap D. RevShare/NIL resources are better spent on other players. UNI could better use him, in fact, UNI taller guards got the best of him at Arch Madness.
Last edited:
And it is a VERY deep draft this year. I think there is a good chance he returns
The Frenchman could be a project however he’s an absolute freak athlete so who knows. Can we hope for some freshman production like Toure? Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Jackson Kiss is someone I could see seeing some minutes at the four because he’s big, strong and has a tremendous IQ. He’s a great passer for his size.
I would guess we’re going to focus on a starting stretch 4. A starting guard, and then we’ll figure out that third spot. I’d love another athletic 4/5 (mostly because of last night’s mismatch) but I’m sure the staff knows.
I looked at that rebounding stat this morning and absolutely couldn't believe it. It's beyond concerning and needs to be addressed.
I think Buchanan and Pleta hold down the center position very well, but with Jefferson out, our lack of depth at the 4 was glaring. Momcilovich just isn't physical enough to do it. We need 4 serviceable players who can play the post.
Given history, one of the transfers will have a last name that matches one of these guys. Suggest people start looking there for candidates
I get it. It's frustrating but we were playing the best offensive rebounding team (by a pretty clear margin) in the country without our best defensive rebounder. People need to have a little nuance here - I have seen these comments a lot. Tennessee had at least 5 more dominant offensive rebounding games this season than vs us last night. We are simply not going to go out and get a couple of Okpara's in the portal. With our style of play we are always going to give up some offensive rebounds. For context, Houston who plays very similarly to us ranks 100 spots behind us in DRB%.
I thought Buchanan was really good overall this year but he got eaten alive by TN’s bigs.
The big difference from last night was Tennessee’s bulk. Those guys weren’t just tall, they were brick shithouses. No way Buchanan or Pleta can match up with that.
The big difference from last night was Tennessee’s bulk. Those guys weren’t just tall, they were brick shithouses. No way Buchanan or Pleta can match up with that.
I love how good Coach Nate is at recruiting Europe.
But the inbound fades from under your own basket and seemingly being unaware how to create a halfcourt offense that can draw up plays for individuals is a concern.
Curious if JR's replacement can take more of a role on the offensive scheming.
Yeah I don’t love the constant standing around waiting for someone to do something. We don’t have good enough players that can just take over a game and get any shot they want
The addition of Blount's replacement may end up being the biggest off season signing.
I laughed way harder than I should have at this. Thanks for that
you're welcome
I am leaning Hoover, cuz he was Iowa born, though the country crashed under his watch, so maybe not a good choice ha ha ha
I don't know. After last night, real hesitant about getting any smaller
I agree with the first part, Milan has specialized being a spot up shooter and struggles to score off the dribble or in traffic.
But to say Nate doesn't run offense for Milan is crazy. Good defenses can limit spot-up shooters. And last night Tennessee had the length, physicality and desire to shut down Milan.
Last night specifically, I thought at times TJ put Milan in a JJ type role and then flipped in 2nd half to run off screens to get shots.
