The only contest I was able to watch was the exhibition v. Rocky Mtn College...so I preface my comments based on what I've read so far, and what I've heard in conversation who have watched them play.
A couple of items are already surfacing that I alluded to in one of my previous posts (I don't remember the actual thread...I'll include the link here if/when I find it), namely the concerns such as:
1. ISU big men have to play like BIG MEN - It is still early in the season, but it seems like the LS et al. are not presenting much of a low post threat on a consistent basis. DM has been a pleasant surprise, but the others need to step up and control the paint.
2. Chemistry (pocatato mentioned this) and mixing in the newbies with the returners - hopefully by the end of the OOC schedule, the team should be better at this.
3. Leadership - AM seems like he's assumed that role, particularly in late game situations. Whether it's by design or by default, at least he's taking the initiative of "team, get on my back." Hopefully others (i.e. MS, DC) can step up and pick up the slack when other teams force the ball out of AM's hands
4. Playing tentative - because Coach OB dips into the bench a lot, are players "afraid" to make an aggressive move or an error on a position.
5. Offense sets - this has been hashed to death, but it will be interesting to see what, if any, adjustments a) the players make to the schemes and/or b)the coaches make to match the players' skill sets. As for the poor FG% (39.3%) - is it a function of a "dysfunctional" offense or good looks not going down? The assist to TO ratio is awful...again is it a by-product of the offense sets ISU runs?
6. Defense, defense - I'd have to look at the stats, but I think ISU DEF FG% is hovering the 40% mark. Hopefully this will continue.
It is still early and ISU has lost two OT games on the road where they had leads at the half and late into the 2nd half. As disappointing those losses are, better it be OOC than in BSC play.
The Long Beach St. game will be a good contest to see what ISU is made of. After Long Beach, ISU's schedule is brutal until the home game v. Idaho on 12/29. Unless ISU shows improvement and people other than AM and DM step up their level of play, I wouldn't be surprised if ISU puts up an "0-fer" between the Long Beach and Idaho games.
From the baseline, this is John Clayton, BengalDen.com
