Reasons for Optimism (or, Don't Burn Your Tickets Yet)

[CascadeClone]

At this moment, the UWM game is still undecided. ISU down 10, and deep in the We all recognize that this looks like hot wet garbage. But I think there are some reasons to be optimistic.

1. Chemistry. We saw this last year early, when CSP was experimenting with rotations early, and it got better. This is worse, because all but 3 of these guys never played together at all. It will get better here too, especially as he settles on 4-5 guys in the backcourt.

2. Wigg. He will have more minutes by Christmas than Monte did by March his freshman year. The game will slow down for him, and he will start making some shots. This should in turn open up DJax, which is critical, because he can't really get his own shot consistently. He is more Matt than Monte.

3. Lard/Brase. I have no idea what either of these 2 will bring on offense or defense, but it HAS to be more than Beverly. He's a great hustle guy, but he can't be starting at the 4.

Now, when I say optimistic, I don't mean top half of the Big12 or making the NCAA. I mean respectable and looking like a decent basketball team. Unlike what we've seen so far. Not sure these guys would win an ISU intramural league the way they are playing right now.

Meanwhile, Clones down 11 with 7:30 to go. To UWM. At Hilton. We are definitely getting a tour of the Pit of Misery.

 

[Bret44]

We gonna get more dogs for halftime shows? That seems like a reason to attend.

 

[Cyched]

Clone Cones & walking tacos

 

[KnappShack]

Football school

 

[cyfan21]

The good news is, this team can only get better moving forward.

 

[Malone]

Really cool dribble moves by Jackson that don’t go anywhere or create space

 

[Clonehomer]

The Big12 looks pretty down this year. So maybe we won't get blown out that bad.

 

[cyclone101]

I've been pretty vocal about these guys surprising people. I'll go ahead and retract those statements. Lard/Brase or no Lard/Brase. Chemistry or not. Experience or Inexperience. Losing in Hilton to Milwaukee is inexcusable. I just hope we can look respectable by mid February.

 

[CycloneErik]

There's no reason to polish a turd. This game is clearly that.
Don't spin positives on a performance like this. Just accept that it's terrible and move on from there.

 

[Cyclone1985]

Niang and Monte hid Prohm's lack of offensive execution. It is now obvious given this team currently has no playmaker.

 

[cstrunk]

It would be a better time than a night out with your mother-in-law?

 

[Cyched]

There's no reason to polish a turd. This game is clearly that.
Don't spin positives on a performance like this. Just accept that it's terrible and move on from there.

Are you using a lighter this year, or going old school and buying some matches?

 

[cyclonedave25]

I honestly don't think I can find 1 reason for optimism. This team just looks downright BAD. The lack of fundamentals is embarrassing.

 

[NorthCyd]

There isn't enough talent on this team to be good, and the players we do have haven't played together enough to even be competitive at this point. Hopefully by the end of the year we have seen noticeable progress. .500 would be a miracle at this point.

 

[Spam]

Optimism? Sorry. I have nothing.

 

[IcSyU]

Niang and Monte hid Prohm's lack of offensive execution. It is now obvious given this team currently has no playmaker.

What offense works when you have no shooters and no inside scoring presence? Just pack it in.

And offensive execution? We've had one of the best offenses in the country the last 6 years.

 

[CycloneErik]

Are you using a lighter this year, or going old school and buying some matches?

I understand that there are companies marketing flamethrowers right now. I think that's the correct approach.

 

[volclone]

Prohm needs go back to KY or AL or wherever he came from. This is a total embarrassment. Getting blown out on your home floor by Milwaukee??? Really??? What a s@@t show.

 

[Nelcyn]

I predict we win less than 5 games the entire year.

 

[Cyclone1985]

What offense works when you have no shooters and no inside scoring presence? Just pack it in.

And offensive execution? We've had one of the best offenses in the country the last 6 years.

Yes, thanks to guys like Niang, Monte, Naz, Thomas.

Show me one set play we've run this year that resulted in a lay-up or easy bucket. Heck, we are struggling to even get the ball inbounded this year. Remember Fred's inbound plays? We used to get layups every other time!