Otzelberger comes to defense of players after blowout Big 12 Tournament loss to Texas Tech

[JStanz51]

T.J. didn't hold back when asked about his level of concern with this team moving towards next week.

Otzelberger comes to defense of players after Big 12 beatdown to Texas Tech - Cyclone Fanatic

Mar 10, 2022; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach TJ Otzelberger yells from the sideline in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports KANSAS CITY, Mo. — T.J. Otzelberger passionately defended his players...

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[mynameisjonas]

That’s good to hear since he usually throws them under the bus.

 

[ISUChippewa]

Good for him. He didn't say a single thing that is wrong.

 

[Acylum]

Can’t play that card forever. I hope.

 

[twincyties]

Even TJ playing the “two wins” card. Laughable.

 

[heitclone]

Like to see but tonight, our guys just didn't show up. The effort and energy just wasn't there. It's been a great year but tonight was brutal all around. Hopefully TJ can get their heads back in the right place.

 

[Blandboy]

Even TJ playing the “two wins” card. Laughable.

what would you have said?

 

[Cyclones1969]

Can’t play that card forever. I hope.

Can he at least be there head coach at Iowa State for more than one season, first?

I mean if this is happening in year 3 and 4 then by all means be upset.

But Jesus this roster had no business winning 20 games in the top conference in college basketball

 

[twincyties]

what would you have said?

He could have started by taking some responsibility for the performance. We’ve all seen a lot of coaches do this. Just not TJ yet.

 

[HoustonClone]

Even TJ playing the “two wins” card. Laughable.

So take a look our record last year. How many wins do you see? Two. One of the biggest program turnarounds from one year to the next, EVER. It's not a "card", it's reality.

 

[twincyties]

So take a look our record last year. How many wins do you see? Two. One of the biggest program turnarounds from one year to the next, EVER. It's not a "card", it's reality.

I get it. I can count. How many years are going to play that card?

I’m sorry, but it’s not a fluke we handled Xavier, Iowa, Memphis, Creighton, and won 7 games in the Big 12. Damn near win at Baylor and got robbed at KU.

You know nothing about basketball if you can watch those games and not think coaching has something to do with getting blown out by 30 points at “Hilton South”. Same with scoring 36 at home on senior night for god’s sake.

 

[twincyties]

To be perfectly clear. This has nothing to do with losing to Tech. They are a super good team snd I would not be surprised to see them in the Final Four. I promise you know one wants to see them in their bracket and doubt anyone here disagrees with that.

My problem is losing by 30. And making absolutely zero adjustments whatsoever. None. Just keeps running the f**king weave further and further from the basket.

 

[Cyclones1969]

To be perfectly clear. This has nothing to do with losing to Tech. They are a super good team snd I would not be surprised to see them in the Final Four. I promise you know one wants to see them in their bracket and doubt anyone here disagrees with that.

My problem is losing by 30. And making absolutely zero adjustments whatsoever. None. Just keeps running the f**king weave further and further from the basket.

Tech had more than just a little bit to do with that.

 

[twincyties]

Tech had more than just a little bit to do with that.

Fair. They are an elite defensive team. But again - we were down by 33 at one point. And TJ did literally NOTHING to adjust.

 

[cytor]

Everything went right for Tech tonight. Nobody was going to beat them, let alone ISU.

 

[Jayshellberg]

I get it. I can count. How many years are going to play that card?

I’m sorry, but it’s not a fluke we handled Xavier, Iowa, Memphis, Creighton, and won 7 games in the Big 12. Damn near win at Baylor and got robbed at KU.

You know nothing about basketball if you can watch those games and not think coaching has something to do with getting blown out by 30 points at “Hilton South”. Same with scoring 36 at home on senior night for god’s sake.

If you think coaching was the reason ISU got pummeled tonight, I don’t know what to tell you. The team was physically outmatched at virtually every position. That is not on TJ.

 

[Cyclones1969]

Fair. They are an elite defensive team. But again - we were down by 33 at one point. And TJ did literally NOTHING to adjust.

I guess my question is what adjustments could be have really made?

Watching the bigs dive to the basket after setting screens, and guards not even looking at them has driven me nuts this year. They got back in the game at Baylor actually feeding the dive

But tech is a different animal all together.

 

[Cyclones1969]

If you think coaching was the reason ISU got pummeled tonight, I don’t know what to tell you. The team was physically outmatched at virtually every position. That is not on TJ.

Especially in year one with a pieced together roster full of second and third tier transfers

 

[HoustonClone]

I get it. I can count. How many years are going to play that card?

I’m sorry, but it’s not a fluke we handled Xavier, Iowa, Memphis, Creighton, and won 7 games in the Big 12. Damn near win at Baylor and got robbed at KU.

You know nothing about basketball if you can watch those games and not think coaching has something to do with getting blown out by 30 points at “Hilton South”. Same with scoring 36 at home on senior night for god’s sake.

Since you asked "How many years are going to play that card?"....try at least ONE, because our coach hasn't even been here that long. You are rushing to some sort of doomsday scenario, and I'm not going there.

Regarding your assertion of "knowing nothing about basketball".....I watched them all, friend, and they didn't make me happy. Some of our basketball sucked, to be honest. It was a roller coaster year. And I never said coaching didn't have something to do with it. TJ has some things to learn, but to go scorched earth with the staff and the program at this stage is not the answer. Give them some credit.

 

[cytor]

Tech starts 4 super seniors. I'm shocked they didn't win the conference.