Silver Lining

[Cyclonepride]

I completely agree, but the post I responded to said "...once they all return". I'm just saying we don't know if they will all return, or if they will be 100% when they do, that's all.

I'm going to say yes, they all return. The injured guys may take longer than we'd like to get back to 100%, but Lard and Talley seem to be doing what we need them to do (and Coach has indicated as much). Both seemed to be into the two games this week, and I think they've accepted their punishments and decided that this thing is worth being a part of.

 

[RedDog]

But a lot of things always need to come together.

Certain things should never happen. One of them being clonedude posting in a thread titled "silver lining."

 

[kilroy]

I was in love with Jacobson tonight he was awesome, so much hustle So Much Junk Yard Dog and pretty mid-range jumper, Bab's Old Man game, reminds me of how George played only he's at the point so crafty so good with the ball. Talented fresh when we have behind them wow, hoping we don't crush back to Earth too bad as good as they look

 

[TomTreebow]

One thing the Maui tournament helps with this year is getting to 13 non-conference games. I've never quite understood why the schedule for the last few years has only included 12 non-conference games. Granted, it probably doesn't provide for an additional big RPI/BPI/whatever boosting win but playing in the Big 12 those aren't as crucial to pick up in non-conference. This gives ISU the chance to fight through injuries and suspensions and if they come out of the schedule with 10 or 11 wins and a healthy, full roster for Big 12 play then it's gravy.

That said, there is a little less excitement for Maui given everything that's happened. But last night's win boosted that back a bit. Beat Texas Southern and I think all the maniacs running around with their heads chopped off will quiet down again (at least until the first loss and then will come back out calling for changes but with no actual intelligent thought put forth).

My expectations for non-con are a bit dampened with everything but what is exciting is the fact that ISU does not need to come out of this with no losses - just get the 10 wins and head to Big 12 play where a 9-9 record puts them right on the spot for the tournament. And after last night's performance, I think that is this team's floor if they get healthy and continue to play defense.

 

[madguy30]

Yesterday somebody asked if the injuries were the last straw for Prohm here at Iowa State. Amazing.

Saw where someone also blamed him for not playing enough guys on what at times was a 7 man roster last year.

I don't always agree with some of his techniques but some things are always a coach's decision.

 

[LindenCy]

I agree with your negatives about Prohm. Luckily, however, that was Jeff Prohm.
Now we've got Steve again so no worries, we're going to have a great season.

It was a rough year when even the coach was out with injury.

 

[FinalFourCy]

We’ve seen that blending players in is sometimes more of a challenge. But I like our chances after seeing these guys play. BB IQ is high with the young ones.

I don’t think Talley, Lard, or Young will be a challenge as they’re all low usage guys, or in Lard’s case, very efficient. I’d love to see them use Talley as a mismatch more.

Wigginton’s high usage will be harder. He’s a great scorer, but he’ll need to learn how and when to get his volume with guys like Shayok and THT. Babb also is more effective when looking to score. It’s not necessarily addition by subtraction, but the Wigginton of last year was a high volume, low efficiency guy (so was DJ). That kills your team.

 

[Ben4Cy]

Not much talk about NWB. He stuffs the stat sheet every game when healthy and IMO is the glue guy on our team. If he is scoring we are winning.

That 1-3-1 press with our length should be something we do early and often. We may give up some easy buckets but for sure will force a good amount of TO's.

 

[LindenCy]

Not much talk about NWB. He stuffs the stat sheet every game when healthy and IMO is the glue guy on our team. If he is scoring we are winning.

That 1-3-1 press with our length should be something we do early and often. We may give up some easy buckets but for sure will force a good amount of TO's.

Last year he was 12.5/7.7/7.5 . Those are incredible numbers. He was always a threat for a triple double.

 

[ForeverIowan]

Not only is this the deepest team in recent memory but our top 4-5 is pretty elite (Wigginton, Lard, Shayok, Babb).

Not only can we play big but we also have the flexibility to play small if needed.

If everyone is healthy by conference play I'd be surprised if we aren't in the conference title picture until the very end.