Idk man, that game yesterday was so painful to watch. I'd rather have mediocre offense and a great defense anyday. Not Rutgers level bad but top 40 Kenpom is enough.
Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa, Saturday, February 24th, 1:15pm CT, BTN
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This though feels especially appropriate with this opponent coming up, but is this how Iowa fans feel all the time with Fran as head coach? Incredible offense but just absolute dread that a porous defense will ruin any chance of a post season run?
Are they just used to it by now so they just kind of accept it as reality? Whereas we have seen some solid defensive play in recent seasons which makes this stretch that much more frustrating?
Are they just used to it by now so they just kind of accept it as reality? Whereas we have seen some solid defensive play in recent seasons which makes this stretch that much more frustrating?
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
That's the common narrative, but I haven't seen much evidence proving it. If anyone knows of some, I'd love to read it. Sans that, I have it categorized as "coach-speak that isn't necessarily true, but helps motivate teams on the less glamorous (and still important) side of the ball".
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
76? Bold!!
Iowa offense #16 Scoring and #23 Offensive Efficiency.
I tend to think that we can fix at least 50% of our defensive issues with effort......so maybe they really bring it Sat. at home?
But if Iowa is clicking....and our effort is anywhere near last night?
Iowa gettin' their 90+.
Gonna need a 40 piece from TSJ!!
I'm not going to watch. One game ban self imposed.
It’s not bold. We’re playing at home where we are significantly better. Iowa ain’t getting their 90+ unless it goes into to OT or double OT.
USAFILLINI
- Florida
Im pretty sure All the National Championship teams have been in the top 20 Defensive wise.
Looking for stuff more recent but saw this blurb:
From 2008 to 2017, the NCAA champions have averaged the third-best defense and the ninth-best offense. In other words, history says that the national champion will be a team with an elite defense and a potent offense.
Teams should be hitting their stride around this time, our team has progressively gotten worst each game on D (outside Michigan, but you could find rec ball teams who could run with them)
This is not only a big game for the team but Underwood. He will lose this fanbase for good if this gets off the tracks.
Iowa is probably the best overall offense we've played at home all season. What's interesting is that we seem to be better on defense at home and better on offense on the road.
But based on how poor the defense has been overall, I can't help but feel that opponents struggling more at State Farm is more of a symptom of playing in a loud, unfamiliar environment rather than great defense on our end.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
I admire your discipline, friend. If there are any weekend Iowa related posts from new user Sly_y_dub though, we'll know it's you.
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Can anyone offer some insight into why Guerrier has disappeared for the past month?
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
If we play defense Saturday like we did against psu the Freeman will have a career night even though he is a frosh.....the dude can ball down low.....He's done it against better defense's in the paint than what I saw the illini play last night..........
Let's hope our offense can maintain it's high level of production and hope our home court fan base will elevate them to get a win...
I'm not confident at all , but hope springs eternal.....It really really does...........................JMHO............
Let's hope our offense can maintain it's high level of production and hope our home court fan base will elevate them to get a win...
I'm not confident at all , but hope springs eternal.....It really really does...........................JMHO............
If the coach won't, then the players have to get in his grill. How often must they go 4 on 5 because he is sulking in the backcourt?
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
I absolutely agree and wrote the same in the game thread. The players have got to be tired of that cr*p.
I'm of the opinion that he is hurt and playing through something. Lack of sleep probably affects a lot of things but I feel like when you step between the lines of the court all the switches will turn on.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Yeah, I was just funnin'!
PizzaHutParkingLot
- McPherson, KS
Our current seniors need to channel this senior class on the defensive end
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
That and I wonder if he's still dealing with that hand injury.
USAFILLINI
- Florida
Thats what I get for snagging the first thing I saw. Below are the Kenpom Ratings for the National Championship winner. You are correct that Offense is more important (outside 2014 with Uconn/2013 with Louisville) but outside Baylor in 2021 no one has been outside of the top 20 in ADJD.
Illinois's current standings
KenPom ADJD Rank: 58
KenPom ADJO Rank: 5
Another interesting thing, BU outside of the 2021 season, hasnt had a top 25 ADJD standing with any team he has coached.
2023- Uconn KenPom ADJD Rank: 7
KenPom ADJO Rank: 3
2022- Kansas KenPom ADJD Rank: 17
KenPom ADJO Rank: 6
2021- Baylor KenPom ADJD Rank: 22
KenPom ADJO Rank: 2
2019- UVA KenPom ADJD Rank: 5
KenPom ADJO Rank: 2
2018- Nova KenPom ADJD Rank: 11
KenPom ADJO Rank:1
2017- UNC KenPom ADJD Rank: 11
KenPom ADJO Rank: 9
2016- Nova KenPom ADJD Rank: 5
KenPom ADJO Rank: 3
2015- Duke KenPom ADJD Rank: 11
KenPom ADJO Rank: 3
2014- Uconn KenPom ADJD Rank: 10
KenPom ADJO Rank: 39
2013- Louisville KenPom ADJD Rank: 1
KenPom ADJO Rank: 7
I'm guessing his wrist is bothering him more than BU is letting on
hope it's better by Sat
This would be an awesome draw - avoid Purdue, Maryland, Northwestern and Mich State til championship.
Pump the breaks. As frustrated as we are, we're still 19-7 and in 2nd in the conference. The fans want to win, but we're not insane either.
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