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Bench Eye

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  • #1

    Bench Eye

    I've got a few thoughts to throw out there, I don't post often but I do enjoy reading "insider" information that I don't have to pay for (ala ESPN)...

    My thoughts:

    1) This team is TIRED...They have been playing about 6 1/2 guys the whole year...We have no bench right now, and now is not the time to try and develop one, we have made this bed now we all must lie it...Unfortunately the past few years we have been able to get buy with a limited bench, we have always seemed to have guys that come off the bench that know what is going on, know the plays, know the scouting report, and can give that 5-10 min breather that the starting five so desperately need, last year we had a very experienced bench in Chris, Pete, and Godfread...Chris had been in a panther uniform forever, Pete had been around the block not a great scorer but knew the plays knew the system and could give big lifts when the time called for (MVC tourney when Chris was out with his knee), Jon wasn't a scorer he played solid defense, set great screens, moved the ball and didn't do more than he was able too...those three guys were Key to last years success, they were a veteran group, they had been around the program and besides the lack of offensive firepower were a dream for a coach, Mac had guys that could go in there and he knew what was gonna happen...He doesn't have that this year and is very tentative to go to the bench, the only solution would have been in the early part of the year give these guys mins and see what happens, and we might not win by as much or maybe even lose a game or two and everyone on here would have been saying what the hell was josten doing in there for soo long...but I think one more lose at the beginning of the season is better than losing late, but again hindsight is always 20/20...Mac hasn't been known for relying on his bench not sure if its because he has always had a great starting 5 or because he is afraid to see some mistakes...Either way we have honestly gotten a little lucky the last few years no major injuries out side of Chris and Erik but we have always been one injury away from the unknown...We don't have that 7th,8th or 9th guy who can go in there play well and bend but not break the momentum until the starter can come back in re-juiced, to me that's what we are really missing this year...cant say that's good or bad just want some other thoughts?? (John Little isn't included in my analysis of the Bench as he plays starters mins and in my eyes should be starting, and Travis Brown is the 1/2 man not because he isn't talented but because he doesn't get enough mins...but that's why I am on here and coach mac looks at the film)

    2)UNI always has a lull in the season usually it comes in January right before class starts again, where we lose two or three in a row, the team rallies the troops has a team meeting, and the ship gets righted, I just hope this year it didn't come too late, this is the time when UNI is usually playing their best ball, and the fact that we are slowing sliding down hill, leads me to hope and pray that these guys haven't lost the edge or their legs, I just hope this team hasn't peaked too soon and they head into St.Louis with new energy and passion because that hasn't been there the last few games, I know its inside them but to be honest I just don't know if they have the gas to give it...\

    3)Brooks is a two guard playing the point guard roll...this kid was a scorer in high school and now he came to UNI and is in a system where the point guard isn't a shooter he is a handler/passer/decision man...that's not brooks' best position, unfortunately for him he is behind benny who is the best two guard in the league/Midwest...Brooks shooting woes are simply because he isnt getting the shots he needs to be a good shooter, he is worried about where the ball should go next, what play is going to be called, and why in the hell wont this guy just let him back the ball down the floor...its a tough role for him to play as he isnt a true point gaurd, he doenst have good enough ball handleing skills to bring the ball up against pressure or take his man off the dribble when the time is needed, leaving benny to have to drive into 3 guys and hit one of those shots that leaves us all wondering how in the hell this kid does this every game...I swear he hits more tough shots than anyone I have ever seen, but everyone has their limit and our offense cant be pass, pass, pass, get it to benny who has the other teams best defender on him and say go get us a bucket, he does it often, but he needs help...

    Comments...
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  • #2
    Very good 'insight'ful post. I agree with most of what you have stated. This slump is one that all teams go through. UNI should be able to right the ship this week and be full steam ahead going into STL. I was really encouraged by the play on Saturday. SIU is a tough place to wi n, and I feel much better about this team after Saturday than I did one week ago.
    The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice, clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him, and consumes his foes on every side; His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles; the mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His righteousness and all peoples will see His glory.

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    • #3
      Every Brooks Basher needs to read this post!! Brooks will have a big year next year when he gets to play the 2 guard exclusively!!

      Comment

      • #4
        This week off will do wonders...and the Panthers have a favorable draw in St. Louis. We split with MSU and SIU and sitting on the other side of the bracket...eliminating each other are CU and BU...which swept the Panthers.

        Remember, no matter who you play...in the conference tournament...you always pack for 4 days.

        GO PANTHERS!!!
        "10% of life is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to what happens."

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        • #5
          I said the same thing in a more economical way in another thread on this board..........I'm still picking out the buck shot!
          Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.

          Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by bcrawf
            Every Brooks Basher needs to read this post!! Brooks will have a big year next year when he gets to play the 2 guard exclusively!!
            I wouldn't be surprised if he is has at least a 10 PPG average next season. He scored best as a freshman when he wasn't being asked to play PG, and I imagine people wouldn't disgaree he'll be better offenisvely.

            Brooks is being asked to play PG when he really doesn't have classic PG skills where he can penerate and dish, and create a lot of shots for his teammates. That's why his lack of offense is an issue if he can't create shots for his teammates.

            I know this will turn back to the argument about what did John Little score Saturday, when he took 2 shots, but Little is more of a scoring threat and has better shooting percentages. He shoots over 41% on 3 pointers and has UNI's 2nd best 3 point shooting % behind Downtown Travis Brown. He had 19 against Missouri State when the losing streak began, and he is capable of those kind of games this season.

            It's Little's offense that has declined since Erik Crawford's return, and he's not taking the number of shots he was when Crawford was out. Look at the box scores. UNI needs Little starting and taking shots.
            "Lot of people talked about Ohio State or Georgetown or Michigan State or whoever, [or] Maryland in our bracket. When the brackets came out, the first team I looked at was Northern Iowa," Kansas Coach Bill Self.

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            • #7
              I am all for Mac keeping the starting lineup as it was and bringing Crawford off the bench. I think this is the best solution.

              Also, Brooks will be the surprise player in the league next year. If he gets 1-12 shots a game he will make 8. I can see him getting 15-18 PPG next year!

              Comment

              • #8
                It's interesting. Brooks' freshman year, we had a veteran SG playing/starting at PG (Chris Foster). Then, Chris' junior year, Brooks takes over as starting PG. This enabled Foster to play both SG and PG. Next year, we have Kwadzo coming in. He probably has a good shot at playing alot of minutes at PG. Brooks will probably see minutes at both PG/SG. Josten will also be able to play minutes at both. Haak, depending on progress, will have a shot at playing minutes at the PG spot. Williams will have another year under his belt...he should improve and be able to increase his minutes at PG.
                The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice, clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him, and consumes his foes on every side; His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles; the mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His righteousness and all peoples will see His glory.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Haak probably is not going to make a big impact. He is a hardworker but not a great talent.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Excellent post from someone who actually has an understanding of the game. Thank you!

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      From what I have heard, Haak has been VERY solid in practice. Time will tell if that carries over to the hardcourt limelight, but Haak has been solid. I don't think we need an all-conference performer at PG in the future...just a solid, consistent, point guard. Brooks has done this in the past. He just needs to have fun and play like he has before!
                      The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice, clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him, and consumes his foes on every side; His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles; the mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His righteousness and all peoples will see His glory.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Its nice to see a new member bring a great post thats not negative.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Originally posted by bcrawf
                          Every Brooks Basher needs to read this post!! Brooks will have a big year next year when he gets to play the 2 guard exclusively!!

                          I don't think many of us would disagree with that, Brooks will be in a better situation next year.

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