ESPN Daily Word: Can Iowa State correct its issues?

[DeftOne]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...d160115/iowa-state-cyclones-climb-big-12-hole

Can't say I disagree with the analysis, although I think there are a few other issues that need corrected as well.

 

[Cynonymous]

I think the only one who is right is O'Neil. It is the defense by the starters as a group. The bench is progressing and could definitely be more consistent, but we were also winning with the bench in the same or worse condition. Getting to the line more would be ideal, but it's not as big of an issue as it's being made to be. Defense, and defensive rebounding are what's keeping us from wins right now.

 

[Prone2Clone]

Issues? What issues?

 

[cycloneted]

 

[CySoup]

I have stepped back from the ledge after the Texas loss. Obviously we need to beat K-State on Saturday. If we do that, I really think we can take OU at home. We just need to get some confidence back on Saturday, and that will help on Monday.

 

[Erik4Cy]

I have stepped back from the ledge after the Texas loss. Obviously we need to beat K-State on Saturday. If we do that, I really think we can take OU at home. We just need to get some confidence back on Saturday, and that will help on Monday.

There's much more than confidence wrong with this team. And if we lose to KSU, you'll be right back on that ledge or have jumped.

 

[dirtyninety]

Our problems are nothing a 7'-0 260 pound center getting 8 minutes a game would not solve. We saw this coming in cupcake season....Prohm could not/would not even play bench against DMACC. Whar Edozie.

(Full Disclosure...I think I have been proven right just like the Liberty Bowl....but if Fred would have subed and played Edozie 8 minutes a game last year...we do NOT lose to UAB and probably go to Final Four).

 

[Tre4ISU]

Our problems are nothing a 7'-0 260 pound center getting 8 minutes a game would not solve. We saw this coming in cupcake season....Prohm could not/would not even play bench against DMACC. Whar Edozie.

(Full Disclosure...I think I have been proven right just like the Liberty Bowl....but if Fred would have subed and played Edozie 8 minutes a game last year...we do NOT lose to UAB and probably go to Final Four).

Yeah, Iowa is good because of Woodbury. What a joke. Post players without skill are (mostly were) the most overused commodity in college basketball. That's why Self doesn't play them. You're last paragraph is ridiculous.

I don't think this team can fix all of it's issues in time to win the conference or get a high seed in the tournament, however, this team is still really good offensively and if they get hot for six games I still think they can win a championship. To me, this team isn't a lot different than the 2012 Michigan team. Really good offensively, not so great defensively. They had their rough patch later in the year. Hopefully all this is is a patch.

 

[dirtyninety]

Yeah, Iowa is good because of Woodbury. What a joke. Post players without skill are (mostly were) the most overused commodity in college basketball. That's why Self doesn't play them. You're last paragraph is ridiculous. I don't think this team can fix all of it's issues in time to win the conference or get a high seed in the tournament, however, this team is still really good offensively and if they get hot for six games I still think they can win a championship. To me, this team isn't a lot different than the 2012 Michigan team. Really good offensively, not so great defensively. They had their rough patch later in the year. Hopefully all this is is a patch.

You are mean. Where is the Love for Edozie? Haven't you ever seen "Coexist" bumper stickers or listened to "We are the World" We are the world. We are the Children. Let's work for a better day and start giving. Blah, blah blah....guitar solo.

 

[DeftOne]

Blah, blah blah....guitar solo.

 

[UraMallas]

Yeah, Iowa is good because of Woodbury. What a joke. Post players without skill are (mostly were) the most overused commodity in college basketball. That's why Self doesn't play them. You're last paragraph is ridiculous.

I don't think this team can fix all of it's issues in time to win the conference or get a high seed in the tournament, however, this team is still really good offensively and if they get hot for six games I still think they can win a championship. To me, this team isn't a lot different than the 2012 Michigan team. Really good offensively, not so great defensively. They had their rough patch later in the year. Hopefully all this is is a patch.

You are mean. Where is the Love for Edozie? Haven't you ever seen "Coexist" bumper stickers or listened to "We are the World" We are the world. We are the Children. Let's work for a better day and start giving. Blah, blah blah....guitar solo.

How does this post follow the first post. People be on the drink.

 

[CycloneErik]

How does this post follow the first post. People be on the drink.

Tre is making real points. I don't know what else is happening here.

 

[ISU42]

dirtyninety is a weird dude.

 

[jdoggivjc]

I agree the defense has been bad, but the question is how do you play more aggressive defense and rebound aggressively without running the risk of putting Niang and/or McKay on the bench because of foul trouble?

I think one of the biggest unmentioned issues this year is it seems like McKay cannot put anything through the hoop without it being a dunk. McKay has left so many points on the table.

 

[cyclones500]

I agree the defense has been bad, but the question is how do you play more aggressive defense and rebound aggressively without running the risk of putting Niang and/or McKay on the bench because of foul trouble?

I think one of the biggest unmentioned issues this year is it seems like McKay cannot put anything through the hoop without it being a dunk. McKay has left so many points on the table.

I'm beginning to feel bad for McKay. It's like he thinks he is going to miss every bunny. Like self-fulfilling.

 

[CySoup]

There's much more than confidence wrong with this team. And if we lose to KSU, you'll be right back on that ledge or have jumped.

You are right, and I won't be alone.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

Yeah, Iowa is good because of Woodbury. What a joke. Post players without skill are (mostly were) the most overused commodity in college basketball. That's why Self doesn't play them. You're last paragraph is ridiculous.

I don't think this team can fix all of it's issues in time to win the conference or get a high seed in the tournament, however, this team is still really good offensively and if they get hot for six games I still think they can win a championship. To me, this team isn't a lot different than the 2012 Michigan team. Really good offensively, not so great defensively. They had their rough patch later in the year. Hopefully all this is is a patch.

That is even more ridiculous. Do you follow sports outside of ISU?

Self does play them, and any season he doesn't is usually due to the fact he can play a guy that is sufficient all areas. There is a reason why KU, despite being able to pick their recruits, rarely has a post that is only skilled but will frequently have athletic, defensive-oriented posts with limited skill.

Edozie should have played more last year. Under Self (and most elite CBB coaches) he would have. Making guys think rebounding and defense is needed to stay on the court could have gone a long ways past Edozie's minutes.

 

[CycloneBBFan]

ISU is really just a short walk away from winning big games again. Prohm has to maximize our rotation considering our depth problems. I think coach made a key statement this week when he said "We are still defining our roles". With Naz out I suspect there's been a real ego push-pull regarding starters and who gets the most minutes at the right time relative to the current opponent and match ups. Lack of "defined roles" is costing us big time. Just check Ken.pom before and after Naz - and yeah I get the difference between pre conference - conference levels of competition.

 

[ZRF]

I don't see what good going to the line does when we can't make our FTs. Morris is abysmal and Niang forgets how to shoot them in late game 1-1 situations.

This team needs to learn how to make their FTs before they worry about getting to the line more.

 

[ISUTKD]

I don't see what good going to the line does when we can't make our FTs. Morris is abysmal and Niang forgets how to shoot them in late game 1-1 situations.

This team needs to learn how to make their FTs before they worry about getting to the line more.

Agreed, however you might note they went 10 for 10 down the stretch last night.