After last night I think the defense will be much better than it has been.
How can I say that given the defensive prowess of last year's team? Those efforts came at the expense of a LOT of fouls as we had to play overly physical due to the natural lack of athleticism. This year we are both longer and more athletic and I saw no drop off in the intensity that's defined this team over the last few years.
There was talk Momcilovic could be a defensive liability but he performed much better than I expected on that side of the ball. With better effort and athleticism down low (more King, Ward and Bilieuw) and more length and athleticism on the wing (Gilbert, C Jones, Momc) we don't need to be as physical to play good defense. We have a greater ability to move with the opposition, disrupt passing lanes with our hands, and rotate/recover when beaten.
One of my biggest criticisms of Otz last year was his overuse of BRE at the expense of minutes that could/should have went to King and Ward. King in particular is a better offensive player, rebounder, and transition force while Jones was a better one on one defender on the block (largely due to his denial efforts). It was clear early last season King was a better player and deserving of more minutes. Additionally nobody on the team has a greater impact without the stats than Ward. The dude is all over the place defensively, blocking shots, altering shots, altering passes etc. Looking at the box score his stats look weak but when you watch him play you see how much he disrupts. I think he has a lot of potential on pick and rolls/lobs to the basket, something we saw at the end of last season.
Probably my favorite part of last night's game, outside of Momc's shot, was Otz demonstrating he intends to use zone as a weapon this year. We came out in a zone variation and it put potential of length and athleticism on full display. I thought Otz underutilized it last year, often with the wrong personal, and usually chose to deploy it only when we were in foul trouble. To be honest it often looked sloppy and poorly coached, which was disappointing as I felt Watson, Lipsey, Ward and Kal could have played some lights out zone. It looks like he recognized the potential of this lineup to play it and it should be both effective AND help keep us out if foul trouble. Something that was a massive issue last year.
Simply put, I think this team will give up more points but will maintain or possibly improve on its efficiency numbers. More points will mostly come from more possessions due to a massive increase in offensive efficiency. Combine that with less foul trouble, better transition play, and a deadly zone and I think this team will be better defensively.
This team has the potential to be the best Iowa State team since Fizer and Tinsley. Gilbert has a chance to be a star, on both end of the floor. Super pumped for the season.
