Post by sharkey on Dec 5, 2019 15:59:20 GMT -5
With a 2 week gap until the next game, figured I would start this thread for thoughts after the first five games, and expectations for the rest of the season. This is what happens when your'e bored!!
Starting with the obvious, not having Cluess on the bench has had a huge impact. Wasn't expecting him back soon after it was reported Iona elevated the DOBO to temporary assistant coach, when the next game is 2 weeks away. It was a pleasant surprise to hear coach Arnold's "will be back soon" comments.
PG play has been mentioned. I agree Iona has always played with multiple guards handling the ball, it's a little different this year with IW and Gist from past seasons. Last season Gist played well as PG and it was easy to move McGill off the ball at times since McGill is a much better shooter and offensive player than IW. The one "concern" I have is having Gist run the point and moving IW off the ball. That's just not IW'S game. His game is running the offense and driving to the hoop and passing out to the perimeter for open looks. IW has a A/TO ratio of 15/10, which is not great or close to the numbers he posted in the BIG10. I will say if Iona was making their threes at their past level his A/TO ratio would be much better, so I expect his A/TO ratio to really improve and not a concern. I would prefer to just see IW run the point rather than moved off the ball at times. Like I said just not his game (13-41/4-17).
Three point shooting:
Crawford-25%
Gist-29%
Ross-23%
Perez-25%
Those numbers say it all, but again i'm not concerned. All 4 of those guys have proven to be 36%+ 3pt shooters. They will come around.
Thiam/Van Eyck/Risto:
Van Eyck had a rough game last night, but I really like his game and believe he will play a big role this year. Thiam has been up and down. While he's shooting 3-8 from three, I really would prefer to see him playing in the paint, where he's shooting 7-11. Thiam is long and athletic. Playing on the perimeter takes away a strength of his, especially in MAAC games, where he can be a big force on the offensive boards. Was glad to see Risto back last night. I still believe he has a huge upside and hope he gets enough PT to continue developing.
Agee has been playing like a potential MAAC POY. Watching on TV you could see how badly he twisted his ankle, and limping on the court, but continued to play hard. Really gained a lot of respect last night.
Iona is 2-3 with losses to LaSalle (161), Ohio (179) and UCONN (50). Two very tough losses to LaSalle in overtime and Ohio (2 point game in last 5 minutes) and battled UCONN on the road. The 2 wins were against 2 of the weaker D1 teams, so I don't really take much from them. This takes us to the Princeton game which is currently 1-6 (215). Despite the history of this series, this is a game I am looking at to see where the team stands, and would be a red flag if they lose on a neutral court. Really no excuse to lose this game.
While I now consider Rider the favorite (regular season) I am still on the encouraged side as far as Iona having a solid season.
Starting with the obvious, not having Cluess on the bench has had a huge impact. Wasn't expecting him back soon after it was reported Iona elevated the DOBO to temporary assistant coach, when the next game is 2 weeks away. It was a pleasant surprise to hear coach Arnold's "will be back soon" comments.
PG play has been mentioned. I agree Iona has always played with multiple guards handling the ball, it's a little different this year with IW and Gist from past seasons. Last season Gist played well as PG and it was easy to move McGill off the ball at times since McGill is a much better shooter and offensive player than IW. The one "concern" I have is having Gist run the point and moving IW off the ball. That's just not IW'S game. His game is running the offense and driving to the hoop and passing out to the perimeter for open looks. IW has a A/TO ratio of 15/10, which is not great or close to the numbers he posted in the BIG10. I will say if Iona was making their threes at their past level his A/TO ratio would be much better, so I expect his A/TO ratio to really improve and not a concern. I would prefer to just see IW run the point rather than moved off the ball at times. Like I said just not his game (13-41/4-17).
Three point shooting:
Crawford-25%
Gist-29%
Ross-23%
Perez-25%
Those numbers say it all, but again i'm not concerned. All 4 of those guys have proven to be 36%+ 3pt shooters. They will come around.
Thiam/Van Eyck/Risto:
Van Eyck had a rough game last night, but I really like his game and believe he will play a big role this year. Thiam has been up and down. While he's shooting 3-8 from three, I really would prefer to see him playing in the paint, where he's shooting 7-11. Thiam is long and athletic. Playing on the perimeter takes away a strength of his, especially in MAAC games, where he can be a big force on the offensive boards. Was glad to see Risto back last night. I still believe he has a huge upside and hope he gets enough PT to continue developing.
Agee has been playing like a potential MAAC POY. Watching on TV you could see how badly he twisted his ankle, and limping on the court, but continued to play hard. Really gained a lot of respect last night.
Iona is 2-3 with losses to LaSalle (161), Ohio (179) and UCONN (50). Two very tough losses to LaSalle in overtime and Ohio (2 point game in last 5 minutes) and battled UCONN on the road. The 2 wins were against 2 of the weaker D1 teams, so I don't really take much from them. This takes us to the Princeton game which is currently 1-6 (215). Despite the history of this series, this is a game I am looking at to see where the team stands, and would be a red flag if they lose on a neutral court. Really no excuse to lose this game.
While I now consider Rider the favorite (regular season) I am still on the encouraged side as far as Iona having a solid season.
? guarantees 15 is our ceiling, 16 would be extremely likely.