2nd best defense since 2002...without 4 contributing players

[EarthIsMan]

Maybe not too much of surprise, but at this point in the season ISU has the 2nd best defense of all other ISU teams during the KenPom era (2002-present).

#1 was the Wayne Morgan-coached team from 2005 that ended year 9th nationally in adjusted defense efficiency at 0.901 points per possession. Currently, ISU is ranked #24 at 0.931 points per possession.

This is all without 4 players that I would consider "plus" defenders. The current lineup's ability to switch everything has been very effective. It will be interesting once we starting playing teams that have more capable offensive mismatches (especially proficient low post players, i.e. Azubuike).

Also, count me in as very fascinated to see how Wigginton, Lard, Young, and Talley get incorporated into existing lineups with how capable the current players have been. This will be a great coaching test and will probably provide a little ammo for the unfortunate Prohm doubters still out there.

p.s. FWIW, currently the 2019 ISU teams ranks 6 of 18 in adjusted offensive efficiency compared other ISU teams since 2002. In reality there is not too much difference in adjusted offensive efficiency between the 2019 team currently and ISU's better performing teams during Hoiberg's last 4 years coaching and Prohm's first 2 years at ISU.

 

[Cyclonepride]

The ability to switch all screens has been the key, with a close second in how effectively we help. It's great to see our guys shading to help, rather than fully committing and getting out of position. It's a thing of beauty to see us help and recover, help and recover, and force tough shots even when the other team is making the right passes.

 

[CyTwins]

THT's defense was game 1 to now is night and day

 

[3GenClone]

I've posted this once already, but according to this sports writer Iowa State handed San Diego State their worst defeat in 18 seasons.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...asketball-iowa-state-maui-20181121-story.html

Iowa State held them to fewer points than Duke did.

 

[madguy30]

THT's defense was game 1 to now is night and day

Hali seems to be getting better too. He got burned a few times early. His length is crucial too.

So far ISU is just simply a team coming out of the gates playing for each other with really good chemistry which is crazy since most haven't played together before this season.

 

[Bigman38]

Pretty incredible effort so far playing so many young guys. And they've done it without giving up anything on offense.

 

[knowlesjam]

The ability to switch all screens has been the key, with a close second in how effectively we help. It's great to see our guys shading to help, rather than fully committing and getting out of position. It's a thing of beauty to see us help and recover, help and recover, and force tough shots even when the other team is making the right passes.

Their ability to anticipate opponent actions was apparent last night when UNO attempted several cross court passes to the open player to shoot the three...on all the ISU defender was already moving to put pressure on the shooter. Last year's team would have been caught a step slow or even flat footed when this happened.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Their ability to anticipate opponent actions was apparent last night when UNO attempted several cross court passes to the open player to shoot the three...on all the ISU defender was already moving to put pressure on the shooter. Last year's team would have been caught a step slow or even flat footed when this happened.

Haliburton is especially good. Either he has fantastic instincts, or such a basketball IQ that he knows where the natural outlets are. Maybe both.