Let's Do This!

[jdoggivjc]

It is an absolute blow that we lost Niang. The silver lining, though, is the lineup got a ton more athletic and much better defensively when Niang went down.

I'm not saying it's easier without Niang, because it's a lot harder. But the difference between when we played without Niang for stretches this year with him in foul trouble (and looked horrible doing so) and with the rest of the Tournament is Hoiberg actually gets a chance to game plan for it now.

Until yesterday, it was dominate and advance. Now it's survive and advance.

 

[cyclones500]

Hoiberg now is forced to put together a new rotation. A new type of game that no other team seen from us yet. Maybe this new rotation/offensive sets makes us a little less predictable?

That came to mind for me today, too, after reaching the "acceptance" part of the Niang injury.

It'd be tough to re-invent the wheel in less than 48 hours, but NC won't be able to prepare exactly as expected for ISU offense, since there's bound to be a twist or two.

 

[fenton06]

SDW is going to prove he's a gamer, Monte will take over and facilitate for Kane playing at the 4, and Hogue slides over to the 5.

If anyone thinks that Fred doesn't have a plan you're delusional. UNC is going to get our best shot.

 

[TedFlintKansas]

*Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! LETS FREAKING DO THIS

 

[ISUPoker]

#WeGotThis

 

[cyclones500]

Harder but not impossible. Remember Niang fouled out in regulation and did not play a minute of the 15 minute triple overtime in Stillwater. We may not win, but I can promise there will be no quit in this team.

That has a little silver-lining aspect to it, true. But remember, you have to remove Niang's contribution in the pre-foul-out minutes. Can ISU do enough sans-Niang for a full 40 minutes?

 

[BCoffClone125]

Simply put, Niang is impossible to replace. He's one of the more unique players in the country, but never underestimate Hoiball. We can still beat UNC with the players we have.

Kane is definitely going to have to step up, but still play smart and not force the issue. He's now the only player we have that can consistently create his own shot. Ejim will continue to do his thing, and I love the way Morris and Houge have been playing down the stretch. Throw in some solid play from Long, Thomas and Edozie/Gibson down low and we are still a very dangerous team.

I believe.

 

[fenton06]

I still think everyone is leaving out SDW. I think I saw flashes of what he could be given some more playing time, just depends how well he handles the pressure.

 

[CTTB78]

The key player in the NC game will be Naz. Mel, Dustin, Big Daddy, and MM will have their game on like normal. It will be Naz that steps up and hits for 22 in a statement game regarding toughness for Fred and the boys. I can hear the Georges interview now--"I knew they could do it."

 

[State43]

I still think everyone is leaving out SDW. I think I saw flashes of what he could be given some more playing time, just depends how well he handles the pressure.

So it's crazy that people are overlooking a kid that doesn't play?
I would love to see him get a shot to do something but he has to get that chance first.

 

[fenton06]

So it's crazy that people are overlooking a kid that doesn't play?
I would love to see him get a shot to do something but he has to get that chance first.

The answer to the first part is no, but everyone seems to think Gibson will step in and provide minutes and completely passes over SDW, and SDW has more minutes on the year if I had to guess. The second half of your post confuses me.

 

[State43]

The answer to the first part is no, but everyone seems to think Gibson will step in and provide minutes and completely passes over SDW, and SDW has more minutes on the year if I had to guess. The second half of your post confuses me.

That I Agree. I think Fred plays a little of Edozie, Percy and SDW and sticks more with whoever is effective early.

 

[fenton06]

Dozer > SDW > Gibson, unless SDW goes all CCL on UNC. That would be fun.

 

[Cyguy94]

Obligatory: "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Lets cram Georges' foot up Roy's poop chute.

Obligatory: "Just so you know, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, not the Germans"

JR

 

[State43]

Obligatory: "Just so you know, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, not the Germans"

JR

Merica

 

[Wesley]

Yeah! Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor?!?!?!

Did the Civil War end at two Bull Runs?
Was Napolean really defeated at Waterloo?
Did the 300 lose or really win?
Was the sinking of the HMS Hood a defeat or just a beginning?
Was Pork Chop Hill the start of new?
Was the Battle of the Bulge a hiccup in the road?

Yes, we can do it. We just have to keep telling ourselves.

Bravado time.

On to the NATIONAL cHAMPIONSHIP.

 

[Omaha Cy]

I really feel like this is a big opportunity for Iowa State and Hoiberg to really gain some huge national attention if they win, considering the injury. I think that would be a big story taking down UNC. Also many people around the nation probably don't realize ISU has 2 more guys that were all Big 12 performers, and still have some firepower to win this.

Looking forward to the challenge. Also wondering if the Clones are in tune with shooting in that arena based off the high percentage last night. Really helped that NCC didn't have any bigs to stop the inside game, but you always hear about a "shooters arena" and how they back drop seems to invite more long distance scoring.

 

[LindenCy]

I really feel like this is a big opportunity for Iowa State and Hoiberg to really gain some huge national attention if they win, considering the injury. I think that would be a big story taking down UNC. Also many people around the nation probably don't realize ISU has 2 more guys that were all Big 12 performers, and still have some firepower to win this.

Looking forward to the challenge. Also wondering if the Clones are in tune with shooting in that arena based off the high percentage last night. Really helped that NCC didn't have any bigs to stop the inside game, but you always hear about a "shooters arena" and how they back drop seems to invite more long distance scoring.

And who were also All-Americans.

 

[cyrobb]

CyclONE nation Baby, the stars are in a row, we got this beat UNC then take down UCONN again

 

[iowastatefan1929]

Well one positive is we can use underdog mentality in our favor here; attitude will be key to everything tomorrow; if staff and players can play with confidence and truly believe they have the edge; not believe they can win but truly have the mismatch then they can win. I personally would start edozie and bring long; thomas; and Gibson off the bench. Bring Gibson in only for foul trouble issues with Melvin or Dustin. Play edozie till he fouls out. Here will be the indication if we have a chance; if we are passing the ball well early; if we are then everything is fine and our chances our good. We should see little drop off on defense with edozie. Kane has the game of his life tomorrow.