This team is all grit

[CoKane]

Man. What on earth.

I came into this thinking I just wanted one non Portland W out of this. Instead we got both Villanova and North Carolina with a shot to win the whole damn thing on Sunday. There were multiple times it felt like they gave us the dagger in both games and we just fought back and found a way to win anyhow.

It feels so very nice to watch a basketball team who never gives up and just fights the entire way through. We'll hit lapses here and there, but then we just keep pounding. Nova and UNC had better talent than we did for sure, but we outplayed them and out coached them. Insane.

Lots of stuff to clean up still but most of it is fixable or comes with experience. I don't know what happens the rest of the season but I do know we'll fight hard.

Also, if this wasn't a good enough feeling, our 2 biggest weaknesses right now are ball handling and shooting. Both issues have guys coming in to help that next season and we haven't landed one single transfer yet either. It feels good to be a Clone.

 

[CycloneErik]

Like junkyard dogs with extra tenacity. These dudes just never, ever back down.

 

[Larzz]

I have been an ISU fan for my entire 34 years on this earth. I have watched a lot of ISU basketball and I think these last 2 years have been some of my favorite teams. I really respect and enjoy watching TJ's brand of basketball. It's fun to watch an entire team want to play gritty defense for the entire game as it's a rare thing to see at the college and pro level.

 

[jdoggivjc]

The CBB world has been put on notice that last year was not a fluke - and we might have a touch more offensive ability than we did last year, which makes us much more dangerous.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

I just love how TJ looks like he’s about to whip someone’s ass all the time court side. This team plays with his intensity. Love it.

 

[CYdTracked]

To me it felt like we damn near gave away a game we should have won easily last night then followed it up beating a team we had no chance to win against. I love the tenacity this team has and has no quit in them.

 

[Clone95]

I think we make the other team try to play our game but they can only do it for 12-15 minutes a half and we can do it 20.

 

[gocy444]

We’re not talking enough about how Bob Jones made some serious improvements in the offseason.

 

[Omaha Cy]

TJ looks like he should be coaching wrestling instead of basketball.

What I love is the fact that they brought in the transfers but the old guard is out there from last year doing the majority of the work. Hopefully that signals the depth the team will have when everyone gets acclimated to their roles.

 

[jdoggivjc]

I think we make the other team try to play our game but they can only do it for 12-15 minutes a half and we can do it 20.

It's like the old saying "never argue with an idiot - they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience", except it's not idiocy, but hard-nosed, defensive-oriented basketball.

 

[Williowa]

We’re not talking enough about how Bob Jones made some serious improvements in the offseason.

This is all I say on these forums

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

TJ looks like he should be coaching wrestling instead of basketball.

What I love is the fact that they brought in the transfers but the old guard is out there from last year doing the majority of the work. Hopefully that signals the depth the team will have when everyone gets acclimated to their roles.

My dad says this all the time lol. If TJs shirt is any tighter he’s going to bust right out of it like Hulk.

 

[NoCreativity]

This feels like another season where I know we can beat 95% of the other non- Big12 teams in college basketball, but yet it will be a struggle to get to .500 in the Big 12.

 

[madguy30]

We’re not talking enough about how Bob Jones made some serious improvements in the offseason.

He's the epitome of fan favorite.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

This feels like another season where I know we can beat 95% of the other non- Big12 teams in college basketball, but yet it will be a struggle to get to .500 in the Big 12.

I actually feel this team is overall better than last years team. I think we will be fine in the Big 12.

 

[Cyforce]

We’re not talking enough about how Bob Jones made some serious improvements in the offseason.

I've made it a point to point out how having a guy like Jones on the bench even if he didn't make the rotation would be valuable piece. Having him produce like he has shows you should never give up a guy with desire and a major college body.

 

[NWICY]

I actually feel this team is overall better than last years team. I think we will be fine in the Big 12.

Same defense with more offense. I mean what's not to like. I'm amazed at the buy in TJ has by his players on playing defense the entire game.

 

[gocy444]

I've made it a point to point out how having a guy like Jones on the bench even if he didn't make the rotation would be valuable piece. Having him produce like he has shows you should never give up a guy with desire and a major college body.

Last year I dreaded when he would touch the ball. This year he’s actually done some nice things on offense.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

Same defense with more offense. I mean what's not to like. I'm amazed at the buy in TJ has by his players on playing defense the entire game.

I think the players respect the hell out of him because he’s basically one of them. He relates to them. He has fun with them. Mutual respect 100%.

 

[CoKane]

This feels like another season where I know we can beat 95% of the other non- Big12 teams in college basketball, but yet it will be a struggle to get to .500 in the Big 12.

Given the pieces we didn't get and left us in the offseason I'll take it. Just get in the tournament again.