Mid Season Checkpoint

[iona05]

Some thoughts at the midseason mark now that we're halfway through conference play. Curious to hear everyone else's midseason marks, including GuyF, who has been pretty spot-on in his predictions so far:

POSITIVES:

1. Team is in first place and a game ahead of the pre-season paper champs Manhattan. Anyone of us would've signed up for that in a heartbeat before the season started.
2. We seem to be managing big leads much better than in past seasons, and while all of us continue to get a knot in our stomachs when we have a lead late in the game, there's a much greater confidence level in our ability to hold those leads than there used to be.
3. With IW back on the team we have more offensive weapons than we've had in a while. Between him, Sean, AJ, Tre and DL3, we have 5 deadly options on the floor at all times.
4. Poole seems to be peaking and gaining confidence at the right time, and gives us our best X factor in years.
5. AJ solidifying himself as a star in the MAAC.
6. Team is healthy for the most part with no significant injuries to key players.
7. Mental toughness and make up of this team seems to be far improved from last season, and bounceback wins over QU and road wins over Siena, SPU and FU are proof of this.
8. Despite reduced PT as of late Hines has been a nice surprise and gives us reason to feel good about the future.
9. Student section far more active and crowded than in past years.
10. Ball movement on offense much better than it's been in a while, and team's national rankings in assists, pts scored and offensive efficiency are proof of this.

NEGATIVES:

1. OOC performance was subpar with wins over mediocre teams (GMU, FGCU) and no quality wins. Will probably cost us 1-2 seeds if we're fortunate enough to dance again.
2. Haven't proven ourselves to be able to pull out a nailbiter win, and are 0-2 in games decided by 6 points or less.
3. Rebounding and defense, while improved over the past few games, continues to be a concern.
4. DL3 playing like a 3rd team All-MAAC player and not like the 1st team player that we all know he's capable of.
5. Sledge not producing as most had expected coming into the season.
6. Team's depth not as good as we expected with only 2 reliable options off the bench and none at the PF/C positions.
7. No proven go-to guy in late game situations on this team.
8. Canisius with slight edge over us at this point in season given their victory in our house.
9. Season ticket side a ghost town at most home games.
10. Free throw percentage lower than expected and too many front end misses in late game spots.

[ic59]

I'll speak to a few of the negatives, because I think I agree with ALL of the positives. My take:
#5-Sledge, imo, isn't producing because he's not being given the opportunity to produce. Not enough PT.
#9-I think that cost holds down the sale of season tickets. $125 a ticket (chair backs) is very reasonable. The $1000 contribution, not so much.
#10-I think our FT percentage is except able, with the exception of DL. Still feel he should be bending his knees on the foul line.
#7-We've had opportunities to give Tavon, Ryden, DaShawn and Grant PT, and TC has chosen not to. I know you can't argue with his success, but to paraphrase the King, in,"The King and I', it is a puzzlement.

[Super]

Some thoughts on IW at this point

--We are 5-1 since his return; 10-4 overall when he plays
--We were 1-4 during his absence--granted the level of competition was higher-- still believe we would have won one or two of those had he played
--As Jerryiona and I mentioned last year, he brings a level of enthusiasm and a nose for the ball to the game; he was an unselfish, prolific scorer in JC.
--Very surprised at the infrequency of attacking the rim (May be the result of our offense)
--9.1 ppg
--4.4 reb pg
--Asst/Turnover ratio: 2.3
--25.4 minutes pg
--Only 6-8 fts on the year (kind of shocking)

I had him as a 28-30 minute player, averaging 10ppg, 6+ rebounds per game, with the ability to take over some games--not too far off--saw flashes of what he brings against Wofford, Marist, Canisius, and Siena. With the recent level of play by Poole, IW's potential contributions should really make the Gaels a difficult team to plan for down the stretch.

[husker76]

Hopefully as Isaiah's confidence grows he will take more opportunities off the dribble to draw the fouls and free throws. As the season progresses the free throws become more important in late game situations. We need to get to the bonus to have the ability to crawl back into games or bury teams. Last year's team as a whole were very good from the free throw line shooting 78%. Momo was clutch at almost 89%. Wish we could find some of that magic, in particular David Laury. Do not be surprised if Masiello late in the game chooses to put Laury on the line repeatedly. I would. AJ, Sean and Tre are shooting about 80% from the free throw line and David is shooting about 48% from the free throw line. As a team we are shooting just under 70%. We need to be better down the stretch run as I expect opponents will look to take advantage of our foul shooting.

[ic59]

husker, don't be surprised if late in the game TC sits DL on offense and plays him on defense. Or, depending on the foul situation, doesn't play him at all. However, if his FT shooting is pretty good then he'll stay in. JMO.

[java]

I'm most impressed with the minimal turnovers. This team has been cherishing the rock and making good decisions on offense. I must say the passing looks crisp and AJ has done a terrific job handling the point. Yes, we will need Gomez and Sledge to help with ball handling duties but I personally prefer Aj to handle the majority of those duties due to his length and athleticism.

[chelseadal]

Jan 28, 2014 14:29:51 GMT -5 java said:

I'm most impressed with the minimal turnovers. This team has been cherishing the rock and making good decisions on offense. I must say the passing looks crisp and AJ has done a terrific job handling the point. Yes, we will need Gomez and Sledge to help with ball handling duties but I personally prefer Aj to handle the majority of those duties due to his length and athleticism.

I agree with you about AJ. He has had a very good year. The key I think will be to get at least 3 of our 6 big minutes guys playing well. That has been the case for the last few wins.

[husker76]

ic59, I agree that Coach Cluess will do a lot of situational substitutions as needed and based upon recent game performances. I feel good about Cluess' preparations for the stretch run, especially with Williams back in the rotation. Now we need good health and to be injury free. Hopefully we have put the injury bug behind us. Still think that Sledge, Hines and Armand are dinged and not nearly 100% yet. We have been able to rest Sledge and Hines, but we cannot afford to rest Sean, nor do I think he would allow it to happen given this is his senior year. The big mystery is Ellis. We can only speculate as to what is going on. Hopefully he will find his way back into the rotations. I hope the guys are starting to feel like they can do this as a group and all are valuable contributors. Let's keep it going with a win against Manhattan!

[oldtimer]

Iona's recent rise from a decent team with some potential to a team to be reckoned with...Right now we are a dangerous team that will give most mid-majors, and quite a few majors that roam the top 100 concern........

IMO the recent play of Poole, and Williams plus the settling in at point guard of English has led to this resurrection. The experiment plan appears to have been decided and has led to continuity and understanding of roles each must play...

We have broken away somewhat from the logjam...Lets hand ride the team to the finish line......