BREAKING: Prohm notches first commitment

[cyclone1975]

It seems like WV, Oklahoma, Texas Tech always roll out a similar type guy for 5-10 minutes every game just to play some defense, get some fouls, box out, and grab a board or two. So there is definitely a role for him. If that is all he ever amounts to, so be it. We will probably need someone to come in and foul and fill some space in the paint a few times this year. If he eventually develops into a Homan-type player, then we got lucky and stole one. Welcome aboard!

 

[Rural]

I do understand recruiting……..
I do understand recruiting……..
I do understand recruiting……..

 

[swarthmoreCY]

Just remember people thought Niang was a bad recruit and Matt Thomas was the second coming.

Few, if any, thought Georges was a bad recruit, particularly 1 month before he was to arrive on campus.

Ernst's biggest value is in what he provides next year, and it is valid to have extreme doubt in whether he is talented enough to do so.

The damage was done the past 1.5 years by the previous staff. Taking Ernst will not makeup for or change that, but we might as well try and buy a winning lotto ticket.

 

[ForeverIowan]

Few, if any, thought Georges was a bad recruit, particularly 1 month before he was to arrive on campus.

Ernst's biggest value is in what he provides next year, and it is valid to have extreme doubt in whether he is talented enough to do so.

The damage was done the past 1.5 years by the previous staff. Taking Ernst will not makeup for or change that, but we might as well try and buy a winning lotto ticket.

Not sure why you would say the damage was done by the previous staff. They put us in a position to potentially have our best year ever. Can't blame Fred one bit for leaving for the Bulls or Matt A leaving for his home NYC. If we had Darien Williams and/or Max B. We are a legit top 5 team. Had both Fred and Matt stayed and we landed Diallo as well? Top 3 team in the country preseason. The previous staffs work here was nothing short of incredible. Not their fault they moved onto greener pastures and we lost 2-3 post recruits because of it. We'll still have an incredible 8-9 man rotation regardless. Will just have to play small ball more often than not until Burton is eligible. Still a top 5 preseason team despite all of the recruiting turmoil. Top 10 at worst. That is incredible! Going to be a great year!

 

[swarthmoreCY]

Not sure why you would say the damage was done by the previous staff. They put us in a position to potentially have our best year ever. Can't blame Fred one bit for leaving for the Bulls or Matt A leaving for his home NYC. If we had Darien Williams and/or Max B. We are a legit top 5 team. Had both Fred and Matt stayed and we landed Diallo as well? Top 3 team in the country preseason. The previous staffs work here was nothing short of incredible. Not their fault they moved onto greener pastures and we lost 2-3 post recruits because of it. We'll still have an incredible 8-9 man rotation regardless. Will just have to play small ball more often than not until Burton is eligible.

Prohm has not been here a month. The fact that Ernst is our best option in filling a significant need going into the peak year is not on Prohm. I am just as grateful Fred did not come back as I am for the success he had in 5 years. Ideally he would have gotten the Golden State job last year.

 

[ForeverIowan]

Prohm has not been here a month. The fact that Ernst is our best option in filling a significant need going into the peak year is not on Prohm. I am just as grateful Fred did not come back as I am for the success he had in 5 years. Ideally he would have gotten the Golden State job last year.

I guess I just don't understand why so many people think another big is such a "significant need" Edozie was a serviceable role player last year and didn't touch the court in conference play. Why would this year be any different? We are going to play an 8-9 man rotation. Same as last year.

Morris
Long
Thomas
Cooke
Noskowiak

Niang
Mckay
Nader
Burton

Fred knew this team could compete at the highest level. If he knew he wanted to coach in the NBA so thankful he left when he did. Would be screwed if he left the same time the following year. Another big (similar to Edozie) would have been great for insurance and depth but it wasn't a significant need by any stretch.

 

[Cydkar]

I guess I just don't understand why so many people think another big is such a "significant need" Edozie was a serviceable role player last year and didn't touch the court in conference play. Why would this year be any different? We are going to play an 8-9 man rotation. Same as last year.

Morris
Long
Thomas
Cooke
Noskowiak

Niang
Mckay
Nader
Burton

Fred knew this team could compete at the highest level. If he knew he wanted to coach in the NBA so thankful he left when he did. Would be screwed if he left the same time the following year. Another big (similar to Edozie) would have been great for insurance and depth but it wasn't a significant need by any stretch.

And we got ***** slapped by UAB on the boards. This team has no room for injury, foul trouble, or poor play from our front court. It will keep us from being elite, IMHO.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

I guess I just don't understand why so many people think another big is such a "significant need" Edozie was a serviceable role player last year and didn't touch the court in conference play. Why would this year be any different? We are going to play an 8-9 man rotation. Same as last year.

Morris
Long
Thomas
Cooke
Noskowiak

Niang
Mckay
Nader
Burton

Fred knew this team could compete at the highest level. If he knew he wanted to coach in the NBA so thankful he left when he did. Would be screwed if he left the same time the following year. Another big (similar to Edozie) would have been great for insurance and depth but it wasn't a significant need by any stretch.

All relative. If the goal is the top-25, sure, maybe we are lucky again to get by having only Georges and McKay and hoping Nader can fill in for Hogue.

You are right though, we may very soon have a new perspective on what it is like to have significant needs. Here is to Prohm and TJ getting lucky in the next year.

 

[ForeverIowan]

And we got ***** slapped by UAB on the boards. This team has no room for injury, foul trouble, or poor play from our front court. It will keep us from being elite, IMHO.

One horrid nightmarish game and we are suddenly way too small and can't play small ball. We cant rebound. We did it under Freds entire tenure it's incredible how one horrid game changes people's perceptions. We rebounded pretty well against Notre Dames two 7 footers the year before. Held our own against UNCs monsters. Beat Texas three times last year their frontcourt was second to none in size. The UAB game had nothing to do with size and everything to do with effort and desire. They wanted it more. Period! It also helped that offensive rebounds were falling square in their lap all game. We will be just fine.

Oh and what team does have room for injury to a star player and still be elite? I can name maybe 2-3. Tired and played out.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

One horrid nightmarish game and we are suddenly way too small and can't play small ball. We cant rebound. We did it under Freds entire tenure it's incredible how one horrid game changes people's perceptions. We rebounded pretty well against Notre Dames two 7 footers the year before. Held our own against UNCs monsters. Beat Texas three times last year their frontcourt was second to none in size. The UAB game had nothing to do with size and everything to do with effort and desire. They wanted it more. Period! It also helped that offensive rebounds were falling square in their lap all game. We will be just fine.

Oh and what team does have room for injury to a star player and still be elite? I can name maybe 2-3. Tired and played out.

You are right, the previous staff did an amazing job getting the past two teams to overachieve. That doesn't mean we were not hindered by our size and lack of depth. The season is a physical grind. If the context is making the tournament, sure, we should be fine. If the context is about being a legitimate FF favorite or contender, we likely are not.

 

[Dryburn]

One horrid nightmarish game and we are suddenly way too small and can't play small ball. We cant rebound. We did it under Freds entire tenure it's incredible how one horrid game changes people's perceptions. We rebounded pretty well against Notre Dames two 7 footers the year before. Held our own against UNCs monsters. Beat Texas three times last year their frontcourt was second to none in size. The UAB game had nothing to do with size and everything to do with effort and desire. They wanted it more. Period! It also helped that offensive rebounds were falling square in their lap all game. We will be just fine.

Oh and what team does have room for injury to a star player and still be elite? I can name maybe 2-3. Tired and played out.

It was more than just one game though. In 5 of the 9 losses, ISU got out-rebounded, and they tied in another one (Texas Tech). The other 3 losses, they managed to win the rebound battle, but barely (1 or 2 boards).

I hope that Prohm and staff can make this a better rebounding and defensive team. Offense is not a problem, but the defense is needed too if you want to do something in March.

In the past, we had Ejim and Hogue. Plus, both BDJ and Kane were good rebounders for guards. I hope Nader can step it up, and it looks like Burton may do a decent job from the guard position, but it is a concern. McKay is a decent, but not outstanding rebounder.........Georges is not strong there at all, considering his size.

I would like to see ISU still pick up another big, for some depth. I think Ernst was a good addition for this late in the year, plus I'm hopeful that having 2 assistants (Small and Robinson) who coach bigs will be able to help him develop more quickly.

 

[RustShack]

I wish our fanbase wasn't so stupid. It's possible to be a good player after you get better over time, you aren't maxed out when you step on campus.

 

[isucy86]

IMO there is way too much the SKY IS FALLING mentality or MY OPINION IS RIGHT on this board lately.

ISU was able to make the NCAA tournament in 2013 & 2014 with Niang and Ejim in the post. We were able to compliment that with Clyburn and Hogue at the SF position. We should be stronger next year with McKay, Niang, Nader and Burton at the PF/SF positions. I also think Matt Thomas is a good enough rebounder to play some SF also. An issue we faced last year, was inconsistent 3 point shooting. I feel we should be more consistent next year with Morris, Long, Nader,Thomas being a year older and adding Cooke and Noskowiak.

We might have recruited Ernst to help next year, but with Feb knee surgury, I would be surprised if he's 100% next year. IMO Prohm's recruitment of Ernst reflects a different approach by Prohm vs. Hoiberg. Prohm may be more comfortable taking the long view, willing to develop Ernst over 2-3 years. With 6-7 scholarships available in next years class, he has plenty of scholarships to after immediate PT guys.

 

[Cydkar]

One horrid nightmarish game and we are suddenly way too small and can't play small ball. We cant rebound. We did it under Freds entire tenure it's incredible how one horrid game changes people's perceptions. We rebounded pretty well against Notre Dames two 7 footers the year before. Held our own against UNCs monsters. Beat Texas three times last year their frontcourt was second to none in size. The UAB game had nothing to do with size and everything to do with effort and desire. They wanted it more. Period! It also helped that offensive rebounds were falling square in their lap all game. We will be just fine.

Oh and what team does have room for injury to a star player and still be elite? I can name maybe 2-3. Tired and played out.

I'm talking about the difference between a really good team and an elite team. We can play at elite levels but I think we are one good big from being elite. Would Max B. or Williams have been that guy? I wish we could find out.

This team will be a blast but it has the one "hole". Obviously, 99% of the rest of the nation's teams have holes as well. I'm talking Final 4 stuff level...picking nits, if you will.

Ernst isn't the answer but I'm 100% on board with signing him (back to the subject).

 

[Twilight]

Ernst is a lot like a scratch-off lottery ticket, and probably has about the same odds associated with his skill-set. Could be a throw-away but with the off-chance of bringing us a lot of utility. May as well extend him the offer.

 

[Rural]

You are right, the previous staff did an amazing job getting the past two teams to overachieve. That doesn't mean we were not hindered by our size and lack of depth. The season is a physical grind. If the context is making the tournament, sure, we should be fine. If the context is about being a legitimate FF favorite or contender, we likely are not.

Wait, we overachieved?
Why wasn't I told about this.

 

[ForeverIowan]

It was more than just one game though. In 5 of the 9 losses, ISU got out-rebounded, and they tied in another one (Texas Tech). The other 3 losses, they managed to win the rebound battle, but barely (1 or 2 boards).

I hope that Prohm and staff can make this a better rebounding and defensive team. Offense is not a problem, but the defense is needed too if you want to do something in March.

In the past, we had Ejim and Hogue. Plus, both BDJ and Kane were good rebounders for guards. I hope Nader can step it up, and it looks like Burton may do a decent job from the guard position, but it is a concern. McKay is a decent, but not outstanding rebounder.........Georges is not strong there at all, considering his size.

I would like to see ISU still pick up another big, for some depth. I think Ernst was a good addition for this late in the year, plus I'm hopeful that having 2 assistants (Small and Robinson) who coach bigs will be able to help him develop more quickly.

I guess the point I am trying to get across is that Hoiberg built this team predicated on an uptempo offense. If you can't run, dribble, pass and shoot you aren't going to touch the floor in meaningful games (Edozie). Hoiberg wanted hybrid "big men" who are nightmares to guard.

 

[ForeverIowan]

I'm talking about the difference between a really good team and an elite team. We can play at elite levels but I think we are one good big from being elite. Would Max B. or Williams have been that guy? I wish we could find out.

This team will be a blast but it has the one "hole". Obviously, 99% of the rest of the nation's teams have holes as well. I'm talking Final 4 stuff level...picking nits, if you will.

Ernst isn't the answer but I'm 100% on board with signing him (back to the subject).

Yes the addition of another great big man would be welcomed by every single team in America with open arms. That would improve every single team significantly. ISU is a preason top 5 team by every single preseason meaningful publisher and Vegas has them as top 5 odds as national champs. I guess I'm not sure what your definition of elite is. Would Cheick Diallo had made us that much better? Absolutely I agree. Are we not an elite team because we missed out on him? I'd disagree.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

Yes the addition of another great big man would be welcomed by every single team in America with open arms. That would improve every single team significantly. ISU is a preason top 5 team by every single preseason meaningful publisher and Vegas has them as top 5 odds as national champs. I guess I'm not sure what your definition of elite is. Would Cheick Diallo had made us that much better? Absolutely I agree. Are we not an elite team because we missed out on him? I'd disagree.

It should be a fun year, but we are not a top-5 team. We should be a good team, but we are not elite. Hopefully we will continue to overachieve by outplaying teams almost every night in which case we could approach a near elite record.

With Fred plus a few talented spring additions we would have been elite. Instead there is a good chance we are not as good as last year. Our talent worked at a near elite level for Hoiball, but will Prohm be equally as adept at winning with a team that is dependent on space and pace, and lacking some size, rebounding, defense, driving ability, and depth? That is not a slight at Prohm, just a risk of inheriting another coach's roster no matter how much "fit" was considered in the hiring.

 

[ForeverIowan]

It should be a fun year, but we are not a top-5 team. We should be a good team, but we are not elite. Hopefully we will continue to overachieve by outplaying teams almost every night in which case we could approach a near elite record.

With Fred plus a few talented spring additions we would have been elite. Instead there is a good chance we are not as good as last year. Our talent worked at a near elite level for Hoiball, but will Prohm be equally as adept at winning with a team that is dependent on space and pace, and lacking some size, rebounding, defense, driving ability, and depth? That is not a slight at Prohm, just a risk of inheriting another coach's roster no matter how much "fit" was considered in the hiring.

I respect your opinion. I disagree but respect your opinion. You keep on saying we aren't a top 5 team. Yeah it is EXTREMELY hard to finish in the top 5. Lots of incredible teams have not earned a number 1 seed. The ball has to bounce your way throughout the season. Let me ask you this though. Take away UNC, Kansas, Kentucky and Maryland. I'll give you the field of the rest of the teams in America. The entire field. Who do you feel has a better team than Iowa State. Who are you extremely confident will get a higher seed in the tournament. If you have a hard time finding even 2-3 teams I don't understand why you would say ISU isn't a top 5 ish team. Interested to hear your answer. Are we no doubt a top 5 team? Maybe not. Are we a top 5,6,7 team? I would say absolutely!