Defense means securing rebounds, and once again, the team did not secure enough defensive rebounds. If you play "good defense" for 25 seconds and force a bad shot, and do not get the rebound (yes even with crazy bounces), then you did not successfully finish the defensive possession. Until this program puts 'rebounding' as its #1 emphasis/priority and sets it as THE cornerstone of the entire culture of the program, they will not take the next step. I have no doubt Iowa State can keep winning 20 games a year and get into the dance year after year. I also have no doubt that it will not be a significant threat to win the regular season conference title nor make a legitimate deep run until rebounding focus takes center stage. That's my opinion based on nothing but being a diehard fan and observer of college basketball for 25 years.
I'll somewhat agree with this. However, sometimes it's not the x's and o's, it's the personnel. And sometimes, it's one role type player that makes a difference.
Just pure speculation, but imagine this team with a healthy Solo, a JR year Hogue, or even Shakir Juiston, who they were close to getting.
And it's possibly an issue in the near future. If Solo isn't 100%, or isn't the guy that can consistently get rebounds, then it may be more of the same next year. It is on Prohm to find that type of guy, if he's not going to have hard nosed guards that crash the boards constantly.