Monday Musings: Assessing Iowa State's 8-0 start
- Thread starter ChrisMWilliams
- Start date
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Ignoring the access vs. assess debate, here are a couple of thoughts after watching the tape last night...
Long's release on this 3 point shot is super quick. I hadn't realized just how quickly he shoots. Impressive.
Ejim doesn't look as explosive as last year. I wonder if it's the knee. There was the missed dunk and also a couple of lay-ins that he often dunks. His offense is more polished, though.
Hogue is a beast, but we all knew that before this game.
Long's release on this 3 point shot is super quick. I hadn't realized just how quickly he shoots. Impressive.
Ejim doesn't look as explosive as last year. I wonder if it's the knee. There was the missed dunk and also a couple of lay-ins that he often dunks. His offense is more polished, though.
Hogue is a beast, but we all knew that before this game.
"Is Hogue, who only averaged 12.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore in junior college, really an unsung hero though? In my opinion, yes, he is. I still don’t think he has gotten enough credit for Iowa State’s start."
http://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/mens-basketball/180959-official-love-dustin-hogue-thread.html
http://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/mens-basketball/180959-official-love-dustin-hogue-thread.html
37% is not bad from 3, though obviously not as good as we think he can be. Just saw that Melvin is ranked 8th in the Big 12 at 38.5%, so being 1.5% from being top ten or so in the conference isn't terrible.
Would be a nice Christmas present if he got hot in Hawaii and went into conference play with a healthy dose of confidence. It should be scary to the rest of the Big 12 that we still have that potential weapon waiting to be unleashed.
No, it isn't bad. But he can do better. I think it is pretty obvious to anyone watching that he is a little bit gun-shy right now. He'll get better.
Maybe we can get up big on N. Illinois and just dedicate the 2nd half to setting up shots for Thomas and forcing him to shoot.
Agreed. He passes up a lot of decent looks and pretty much only shoots it when he's wide open. I think shooters are best served by "getting into a rhythm" which usually means making a couple of tough shots. Then they get greedy, which means more shots and more makes.
I really believe in what I wrote in regards to comparing him to Christopherson. I had a former great (big time shooter) give me that example after the game on Friday night. Makes a lot of sense if you think about it.
Thomas may be off to a slow start, but he is a true freshman and I know CW stated that. ISU has also played 2 Top 25 teams in their first 8 games of the season and went to BYU. That's not the kind of games ISU has played in the past nor has most of college basketball for that matter. He isn't comfortable yet because he has played against some major competition, not vs directional state slate. He will get comfortable out there and will grow into the position. He has good size and has shown not to be a liability on the floor. Can't wait for him to hit his stride!
Is it just me, or does ball movement need to improve at times? It isn't that they are lost but sometimes the ball seems to stay in one spot too long.
Last year's team excelled at ball movement, especially later in the year.
Last year's team excelled at ball movement, especially later in the year.
Against the lesser competition to begin the year Matt seemed much more willing to put the ball on the deck and try to drive towards the hoop. Hopefully he picks that tendency back up because it will allow him to get into the flow of the offense while he works through his shot from long range
It's gonna be SCARY when everything clicks for this team in a few more games. IMO, we've played like garbage the last two games and won :yes:
Great article!
Definately love our toughness and our grit. That is what counts at tourney time. Plenty a talented rich team have failed to produce post-season because in the end, they were too soft. I don't see that with this bunch which gives me a lot of hope.
Definately love our toughness and our grit. That is what counts at tourney time. Plenty a talented rich team have failed to produce post-season because in the end, they were too soft. I don't see that with this bunch which gives me a lot of hope.
