RECRUITING: Jeremiah Williams and Hason Ward to visit this weekend

[JStanz51]

A couple transfers coming to town this weekend.

RECRUITING: Iowa State to host pair of transfers this weekend

Nov 25, 2021; Nassau, BHS; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Hason Ward (20) dunks against the Baylor Bears during the first half in the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Iowa State is set to host a pair of transfers for official visits thi

cyclonefanatic.com

 

[Tpups21]

Ward doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade over Conditt.

 

[cyfan92]

Ward doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade over Conditt.

Does he have a 5 star brother, cousin, former teammate or friend? I also don't see how Ward is a net benefit for the 2022/23 roster. Likely get the same from him that we got out of Conditt as far as production. Less scoring. Better rim protection and similar career rebounding.

Jared referenced 3 open scholarships... Can we assume Gabe is not returning? Or do I need to pay for the premium board for that kind of content, now?

 

[Messi]

Ward doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade over Conditt.

 

[WhoISthis]

Ward doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade over Conditt.

I don’t know about how much of an upgrade, but he is a better athlete. He likely is better away from the paint and in defending/rebounding out of area. Should help us be able help us maintain the defense.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Ward doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade over Conditt.

I would have taken GC back next year in a heartbeat.

 

[BACyclone]

Does he have a 5 star brother, cousin, former teammate or friend? I also don't see how Ward is a net benefit for the 2022/23 roster

Jared referenced 3 open scholarships... Can we assume Gabe is not returning? Or do I need to pay for the premium board for that kind of content, now?

You won't regret paying for premium content.

 

[CYCLNST8]

TJ seems to have a type. He's earned my trust.

 

[PabloDiablo]

Honestly, if he can provide any positive offensive production and a similar defensive intensity I say sign him up. We were so limited in interior production last season at times.

 

[cyclonehomer]

IMO he probably fills Conditt's shoes if he comes. Probably better defensively, maybe not as good of a finisher or passer on offense. Solid add if he commits, but doesn't really solve any of the offensive issues this team had last year and is now down Brockington.

 

[allfourcy]

IMO he probably fills Conditt's shoes if he comes. Probably better defensively, maybe not as good of a finisher or passer on offense. Solid add if he commits, but doesn't really solve any of the offensive issues this team had last year and is now down Brockington.

Well if he is truly is an 'elite' shot blocker as the tweet above indicates, our aggressive pressure defense will have a more athletic rim protector, is what I take from this. Plus apparently can guard on the perimeter too which helps with the pick & roll.

 

[cyfan92]

Unless you play a zone or against teams with 5's who don't leave the paint. A traditionally shot blocker can be easily voided in modern basketball.

I do like 7'3" wingspans

 

[BACyclone]

Highlight tape from Ward as a HS recruit (2020)

 

[cyclonepower]

Unless you play a zone or against teams with 5's who don't leave the paint. A traditionally shot blocker can be easily voided in modern basketball.

I do like 7'3" wingspans

correct but some do, he is also quick enough to guard bigger wings as well...not my first choice but I understand it

 

[isucy86]

Unless you play a zone or against teams with 5's who don't leave the paint. A traditionally shot blocker can be easily voided in modern basketball.

I do like 7'3" wingspans

A couple comments:

1. A shot blocker doesn't just block shots of the opposing team's 5. The analytics mantra pushes the efficiency of 3 point shots and points at the basket. So a guy like Ward has a huge value in defending shots at the basket. Just think back at this past season and the number of shots ISU players missed at the basket. Shot blockers impact more than just shots they block.
2. IMO there is a trend among elite teams of having a traditional post offensive threat. What better way of freeing up 3 point shooters than forcing defenses to double down on a low post offensive threat.

Ward might not fit the role of low post offensive threat, but his athleticism would fit in well if we decide to run more this season and in running the PNR.

 

[Pat]

In addition to the wingspan, it’s worth noting that Ward averaged just over 20min/game, so scoring and rebounding could scale up if he’s playing more minutes. Also averaged 2.5 fouls, so there’s that, too.

 

[cyfan92]

In addition to the wingspan, it’s worth noting that Ward averaged just over 20min/game, so scoring and rebounding could scale up if he’s playing more minutes. Also averaged 2.5 fouls, so there’s that, too.

Ward:


Conditt:

 

[Jkclone15]

IMO he probably fills Conditt's shoes if he comes. Probably better defensively, maybe not as good of a finisher or passer on offense. Solid add if he commits, but doesn't really solve any of the offensive issues this team had last year and is now down Brockington.

I agree in that I it seems like Ward is a good shot blocker, and Conditt finished I think 4th in career blocks at ISU. Big difference is I think he would be brought in as the backup to a more offensive minded big, while George was relied on as the starter.

 

[cyclonehomer]

I agree in that I it seems like Ward is a good shot blocker, and Conditt finished I think 4th in career blocks at ISU. Big difference is I think he would be brought in as the backup to a more offensive minded big, while George was relied on as the starter.

Yeahhhh but you have to actually get one of the offensive minded bigs. I hope they do and generally expect it to happen, but it will continue to be a concern for me until I see it. I know people really don't appreciate George's contributions on offense, but Ward is mostly a strict downgrade from Conditt on that end with his numbers at VCU. He's maybe a better athlete for getting out and pushing the pace and could maybe see improvement if that's the plan, though. Obviously I like what Ward brings on the defensive end regardless.

 

[WhoISthis]

A couple comments:

1. A shot blocker doesn't just block shots of the opposing team's 5. The analytics mantra pushes the efficiency of 3 point shots and points at the basket. So a guy like Ward has a huge value in defending shots at the basket. Just think back at this past season and the number of shots ISU players missed at the basket. Shot blockers impact more than just shots they block.
2. IMO there is a trend among elite teams of having a traditional post offensive threat. What better way of freeing up 3 point shooters than forcing defenses to double down on a low post offensive threat.

Ward might not fit the role of low post offensive threat, but his athleticism would fit in well if we decide to run more this season and in running the PNR.

1.) We do need shot blocking, he's not saying that. He's implying a singular shot-blocker isn't what it used to be in this regard. Cato used to be able to live in the paint.
2.) Ward isn't handling a traditional post offensive threat without a double. Stockard did a lot of that for VCU. He's more a 4 that has limited offense, so he plays 5.

I really like his defense, but more for guarding ball-screens, the numerous two-4 lineups we see, and for help defense (challenging at the rim the opposing guards and wings). On offense, Conditt and Jones were not really finishers either, so he could help there. I doubt he can distribute at the high post like Conditt, but I think that could be a good thing, if it means we change the offense