MONDAY MUSINGS: What we learned in Orlando

[Cynonymous]

I don't think the team has worked on much offense. I think the priority was getting 9 interchangeable guys to play and communicate defense. Now that they can practice again, the offense will begin to stabilize and emerge more consistently. It may take a few more weeks however. That said, if the rotation doesn't get back to 9 or so, we'll have more offensive lulls trying to maintain the defensive intensity with a shortened bench.

 

[AuH2O]

Hmmmmm.... Like I had to repeat over and over and over and over again all season last year when the whining about defense was incessant, there's a reason for everything.

Everyone wants to play in your face defense and crash glass all game? Get used to the standing around on offense.

To some extent yes, and increased depth in the front court helps a great deal, not only in keeping guys fresh but not having to be so worried about foul trouble. I think more of the occasional stagnant offense came from lineup combos that haven't played a lot together. Besides, running some iso with Burton or Pick and roll with Monte can be pretty good offense. Plus you can move the ball on offense without expending a ton of energy. It's not like we have anyone running around picks like Reggie Miller. The only problem with the offense I ever had this weekend was vs isu there were some possessions with no movement for 20 seconds followed by a contested 18 ft jumper.

 

[VeloClone]

The offense will come. These are new roles for a lot of the guys and even Seniors like Long and Thomas haven't played a ton together. Long's shot selection hasn't been great to start the year but I expect it to get better. I would bet you see a lot of offensive improvement by the time conference season hits. Also think Gonzaga's zone caused problems for ISU. They didn't attack it well the last few minutes of that game.

True. However, I don't think ISU is likely to see many other zones with that much length this season...nevermind, Baylor is still in the Big 12.

 

[madguy30]

True. However, I don't think ISU is likely to see many other zones with that much length this season...nevermind, Baylor is still in the Big 12.

I see Baylor as two conference losses. Size, athletic, and Motley was having big games on ISU before everyone started noticing, it seems.

 

[awd4cy]

I see Baylor as two conference losses. Size, athletic, and Motley was having big games on ISU before everyone started noticing, it seems.

Yea I agree. I just hope we finally can get them in Hilton this year,

 

[carvers4math]

Yea I agree. I just hope we finally can get them in Hilton this year,

If we don't, I'm sure CF will blame the crowd again.

 

[allfourcy]

This will probably seem stupid, but I didn't think the defense was that bad in the first half. I think that the plan was to double on the post and give up some 3's. That plan obviously backfired in a big way. But I don't think it was lack of effort or just giving up wide open shots.

I agree. Gonzaga made us pay as they couldn't miss. And even tho I watched the whole game, I'm not sure how we kept pressure on the shooters more without giving up more points to the big guys inside then. I don't think the zone was always the key. Those more knowledgeable in X&O's, do explain.....

 

[allfourcy]

What I loved about this weekend was that the team went toe-to-toe with a great team that had a huge size advantage. Wasn't sure they could do that before yesterday. This is going to be a damn good team come March, IMO.

I think we'll have the same challenge on our hands a few more times, with Baylor especially.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Once the three's start falling again, and we finish better at the basket we will all stop worrying. I think we see only the tiniest slice of potential this team actually has. There are so many talented players, we can only go up. Can't wait to watch Babb evolve into a slashing dunk happy guard. Rahshon Clark eat your heart out.

 

[ProhmanEmpire]

I'm sure this has been posted before but this is great! Also why I think dickie hates us! Lol

 

[Cyclonepride]

I see Baylor as two conference losses. Size, athletic, and Motley was having big games on ISU before everyone started noticing, it seems.

I don't see any sure losses, as we've got a very talented team of shooters that can beat anyone when they are on (especially if we play defense).

 

[cycloneworld]

The final game against Gonzaga was epic for three primary reasons. First and foremost I feel we graduated from "me ball" to "we ball" aka team ball. We learned patience, the extra pass, and to share. For seconds we learned what we can do on defense. We can run with the best of teams no matter how big and fast or what they may throw at as. Last but not least we learned how to adjust and never, never, give up. Great show. I'm really proud of these Cyclones.

I agree with you about everything except "we ball". We had 13 assists for the entire game on 29 makes and Monte had 9 of them. So the entire team combined for 4 assists outside of Monte with too much hero ball in the last 3 minutes.

But that's definitely something that's easily correctable. I was more impressed that we shot 43% for the game and 63% from the FT line and lost by 2 to a Top 11 team after they shot almost 70% in the first half.

 

[NickTheGreat]

I know we're told that height is overrated and all that, but I worry about what a big, strong team will do against us.

I'm just old school, but I'd really like to have a big dominating Center on the court at certain times.

 

[Gunnerclone]

I don't see any sure losses, as we've got a very talented team of shooters that can beat anyone when they are on (especially if we play defense).

KU at Phog Allen. Book it. We aren't getting out of there with a W without Mason and Graham both being injured at the same time.

 

[CycloneErik]

I don't see any sure losses, as we've got a very talented team of shooters that can beat anyone when they are on (especially if we play defense).

I'm starting to shift and say that we have a talented and athletic team of defenders laced with guys who can shoot, and their defense can beat anyone.

 

[CycloneErik]

KU at Phog Allen. Book it. We aren't getting out of there with a W without Mason and Graham both being injured at the same time.

Sweep the leg, Johnny.

 

[Gunnerclone]

I know we're told that height is overrated and all that, but I worry about what a big, strong team will do against us.

I'm just old school, but I'd really like to have a big dominating Center on the court at certain times.

Most of the blue bloods don't even have this. It's just not basketball anymore.

 

[allfourcy]

KU at Phog Allen. Book it. We aren't getting out of there with a W without Mason and Graham both being injured at the same time.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with this. Or maybe if Big12 refs don't show up. lol

 

[I-stateTheTruth]

I was at the Indy St and Miami games and watched the Gonzaga game. We certainly have moments of better defense in the past - we managed to create some turnovers - but we still got beat on the dribble a lot. That guy from Indiana St Page that torched ISU for 20 points got around Naz, Monte and Matt a lot and it breaks down your whole defense. There were some encouraging signs of people rotating to help but ISU's not quite there yet. This is going to be a fun team to watch.

 

[Cycsk]

I know we're told that height is overrated and all that, but I worry about what a big, strong team will do against us.

I'm just old school, but I'd really like to have a big dominating Center on the court at certain times.

It is good interior passing that concern me. Exhibit A: Virginia at the United Center last year.