The importance of adding a second ballhandler like Jalen Hood-Schifino to this lineup. Most detractors and pessimistic fans couldn't possibly wonder how IU could fare better this year than last year returning the same nucleus minus their best shooter. It's small sample size thus far and against inferior competition, but you can already tell how much better the offense looks. Ball isn't going to stick this year like it did last year with Stewart and Kopp who weren't able to drive and generate offense.
Can't overstate...
- Thread starter Coach Geez
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no offense to Phin, always liked the kid (and agreed, small sample size thus far) but last night proved that Rob running the PG spot wasn't doing guys like Kopp any favors. Kopp contributes when the ball moves and people can't cheat/help and then get back and cover. Kopp is very good on the fast break when he can flare to his spot on the wing while a PG is pushing it up and the defense has to make a decision to stop the ball. Rob's constant dribbling the ball until it's out of air basically neutered Kopp's offensive contributions.
And adding a second ball handler really allows for IU to transition on missed shots and turnovers. Kopp as a trailer and filling space is the role he needs to take on and a role I feel comfortable with him playing. No reason to think he can't contribute 2-3 made 3's a game at an efficient clip.
Don't like to bag on someone who donned the Cream and Crimson, but I wonder if PS wasn't the best locker room guy (I thought someone said he got kicked out of his first game?)? But, I definitely agree, anything we lost in shooting % and ability is being made up for with better ball movement and pressure on the defensive end. If we as a team can get our transition game rolling and get some easier buckets that way, and make FTs, I think the ceiling for this team is very high.
Woody has said it really helps the transition game to have bigs who can bring the ball uo the middle running after grabbing the rebound. My words...it puts others in position of more effective setup. I love our running game. Now, I must say Duncomb did scare me some there at the end, but by golly, he was the one who got us over the century hump and for that I will be forever grateful.
I take back what I said about Banks during the exhibition season. I thought he was the weak link, not yet ready for the big stage but he has subsequently shown some athleticism and with his solid body...his early career showing favors IU's transition game. I think he has a bright future here. Woodson seems to have a knack for recruiting the precocious bodies neccessary for instant reward.
Both he and Gunn will be centerpieces in the coming years. Very impressed with both of them, unfortunately they are shadowed but the two other stud freshman. Both Banks and Gunn would contributors on just about every other B10 team.
The fact that Gunn and Banks are roughly 9 and 10 in the pecking order speaks to this team’s talent and depth. And Duncomb is pretty serviceable.
Not having PS out there is best thing so far to me. He just never seemed to play hard and have a good attitude in my opinion. I never really saw any great shooting ability either .
I'd disagree on the last part. For the first third of the season I think he was leading the entire B10 in 3 pt %. Even tailing off to end the year he was still our best % shooter.
Let's hope they see fit to stick around until JHS and Reneau take flight to higher elevation. Kids can be so impatient these days thanks to transfer portal.
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