Thomas

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mitten1975

Well-Known Member
Oct 27, 2012
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I just want to mention that I was extremely impressed with Thomas tonight. He had 6 huge rebounds, and had a nose for the ball all night. He broke down on defense a few times, but this team really has some great young talent, including Morris. Thomas though really impressed me with his nose for the ball tonight.
 

berther48

Active Member
Jul 10, 2009
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Sioux City, Iowa
I also thought it was his best effort so far.
I expected Naz to start instead of Matt.
Guess coach Fred knows what he's doing and why he is doing it.
Great experience for all the freshmen, will help us play better in the league.
 

acgclone

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2007
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Ya MT definitely played like a FR at times but hit a couple of big shots and had some crucial boards down the stretch.

Considering we were missing 3 of our starters in the final 90 seconds I'm really proud of our squad.

As MT's confidence grows he'll become very good.
 

cycfan1

Well-Known Member
Nov 27, 2006
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Ames
Scared to shoot a few times tonight. Needs to get the confidence to step up and jack up threes in this offense. There are times the team we have out is not a very deep three point shooting team. Will come with time though.
 

jabalke

Member
Nov 22, 2012
107
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You can tell the lack of experience is currently holding him back. However, the talent is obvious, and playing an important role in a very tough road win is a great early game for a freshman.
 

Rhoadhoused

Well-Known Member
Apr 27, 2010
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Ames, IA
He is a guy you can tell immediately that he will improve with experience.

I think he is still out there getting comfortable playing with and against D1 athletes.

Even more important than his D IMO is he needs to work on getting himself open and getting shots.
 

cowmaster1

Active Member
Dec 16, 2012
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St. Paul
He's played extremely well considering the games he's played in this year. He'll be more than ready for conference season.
 

Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
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DSM
Scared to shoot a few times tonight. Needs to get the confidence to step up and jack up threes in this offense. There are times the team we have out is not a very deep three point shooting team. Will come with time though.

I don't think he's scared to shoot, he's just patient. We're all used to the sight of someone jacking up a three at the slightest opening, it might be a different plan this year.
 

mitten1975

Well-Known Member
Oct 27, 2012
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I was happy to see how Thomas found other ways to contribute. He was known as a shooter, but I am certain that Hoiberg didn't recruit him only for his shooting ability.
 

acgclone

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2007
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Baby steps. He just wrapped up a very tough two game stretch for a FR, one if which being in a very hostile arena.

He will continually get better throughout the year (MM too).

By the mid conference, commentators will be commenting about what a great fit he is for Hoiberg's system and how he'll make opposing B12 fans mad for years to come.
 

TurbulentEddie

Active Member
Nov 16, 2012
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Madison, WI
The threes he made today were from NBA+ range. Showing his mid-range game (that floater was pretty) from time to time will only help get more open looks from 3 later.
 

cykocy

Member
Dec 22, 2007
105
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Ankeny, IA
He's going to be a big time player. I was frustrated with him in the first half(and he does need to work on his d) but he hit a few huge 3's in the 2nd from way out there and hit the boards. He's shown he can hit the running floater too.
 

CloneZone13

Active Member
Feb 7, 2013
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He started to look a little more aggressive and confident last night. He needs to trust his shooting and shoot more. Great rebounding and ball security.
 

Cyclone1985

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2008
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Grimes
His mid-range pull up jumper from the wing is unstoppable. That is an extremely tough shot to defend and just as difficult to kiss off the glass with a soft touch… and he has it perfected.
 

ISUonthemove

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2007
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Altoona
I like the fact that his two deep 3's came with a lot of time left on the shot clock. Shows me he has the confidence to knock em down.

And he has a nice floater, which will come in handy all season because defenders will be sprinting out to him to defend the 3.