They need this type of player.....

[WrestlerJJE]

A guy like Kane. If I know one thing, that man was hard-nosed, battling machine. He would drive into the opponent every single time the opportunity arises. He was a real contender and gave a lot of the players energy. "Energy" we have been missing. Something was not right when Iowa State got into the middle of their season. Something was not clicking and that's where I started to see their offense go down hill. Having someone like Kane would have kept on pushing, even through his tough times and we need another player to step up and take charge.

 

[Wesley]

Not many 25 year old Kanes out there

 

[CyJack13]

It really comes down to the fact that Kane was great at getting to the rim. It wasn't so much mental toughness or anything as it was physical strength, that when we needed a basket, he could put his shoulder down and get to the hoop. No one on the team this year replaced that.

 

[bos]

Kane brought more than strength though. He was definitely the team leader and was mature. He willed some wins last year.

 

[WrestlerJJE]

It really comes down to the fact that Kane was great at getting to the rim. It wasn't so much mental toughness or anything as it was physical strength, that when we needed a basket, he could put his shoulder down and get to the hoop. No one on the team this year replaced that.

That's true but he also brought energy. Him and Ejim were energy to the team, they kept on going when things got tough and this game showed me this years team did not have the energy, the fight to keep on going and not know what the "Never lose mentality" is. granted, they did have big deficits and fought back hard but a true bonded team would not let 15 points be scored on them constantly.

 

[CyBobby]

Well now.............this season wasn't a total loss............We meaning clone b-ball beat KU 2 out of 3, and we won 4 conference games in a row......

The NCAA tourney is overrated anyway....lol Just like the Jayhawks...lol

 

[WrestlerJJE]

Maybe it comes with maturity but the way I see it, they need to mature in this next year before they can truly be called a "contender".

 

[Wesley]

Well now.............this season wasn't a total loss............We meaning clone b-ball beat KU 2 out of 3, and we won 4 conference games in a row......

The NCAA tourney is overrated anyway....lol Just like the Jayhawks...lol

Looks like tomorrow is a golf day.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

It really comes down to the fact that Kane was great at getting to the rim. It wasn't so much mental toughness or anything as it was physical strength, that when we needed a basket, he could put his shoulder down and get to the hoop. No one on the team this year replaced that.

Same with White.
The NCAA tournament can often just come down to being a brawl. Not in the WVU sense, but beating your man athletically. We are damn good at using smart play to create mismatches, but in a one game situation when it comes down to it, who is going to physically beat their man? White could. Kane could.
McKay can in certain types of games, but not in half-court ones. Sometimes Georges is, and no one is better at hitting tough shots than Georges, but you can't count on those always falling.

 

[Luth4Cy]

I've been told Burton can get to the rim. Personally I thought this team had plenty of guys who could get to the rim, just struggled some with decision making and assertiveness.

I would like to see some improved leadership and toughness though. I think Morris can and has filled some of that role, but the wealth needs to be spread more.

 

[ThurgoodMarshal]

Maybe it comes with maturity but the way I see it, they need to mature in this next year before they can truly be called a "contender".

Kane had crazy leadership. I feel like that's what they really need. Georges is the best man for the job.

 

[WrestlerJJE]

Next years team needs to step up on physically. Simple as that.

 

[Mtowncyclone13]

Kane and BDJ had the same stories about bad attitudes before coming here. not sure why he thrives when BDJ didn't.

It seemed like half our shots rimmed out and they made the crazy shots. The last 2 baskets they made were crazy - we couldn't sniff those shots.

 

[Baseline23]

We need a 6'9" power forward who complements McKay, and who would consistently roll to the basket every time Niang gets double or triple teamed. Instead of the only options being him dishing back out for a 3 (that we miss), or relying on low % jump hooks and other goofy junk.

I would take a Kenny Pratt, the more I think about it.

But I would even more like to see two more genuine 3-point Shooters, capital S, and I hope that Thomas continues to improve and be one of those. I don't know what happened to Naz this year; maybe too much expectation.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Not many 25 year old Kanes out there

I can guarantee you that there are no 25 yo, 6'4" 200 lbs'ers with 3 years of major CBB experience that can be a primary ball-handler coming down the pipe probably ever, anywhere.

 

[Knownothing]

We need a guy like Homan or Rico Gathers.

 

[Cy$]

the team needs someone that will get into their face and yell at them if they mess up. A less hostile version of Kobe's mentality guy would really help the team especially in games like today where the effort was bad. We know Fred isn't that type of person. I don't see anyone on the team for next year that would fill that void. I think Kane had that type of presence on last years team a little.

 

[CycloneErik]

We need Lew Alcindor and Michael Jordan.

 

[Gunnerclone]

the team needs someone that will get into their face and yell at them if they mess up. A less hostile version of Kobe's mentality guy would really help the team especially in games like today where the effort was bad. We know Fred isn't that type of person. I don't see anyone on the team for next year that would fill that void. I think Kane had that type of presence on last years team a little.

Maybe, or everyone hates that guy and it destroys team morale and that guy yells at the wrong time or ruins another guys confidence and the entire season blows up. I'd take a guy guaranteed to make 40% on over 100 3 attempts that never says a word over that guy any day.

 

[Rural]

Slowing down the deification of last years team would do wonders for everyone.