Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
What do you get someone who already has everything? Apparently, Santa Claus felt that the No. 25 Iowa Hawkeyes could use a little extra depth just in case their modern gadgets need system updates or — heaven forbid — their vast assortment of offensive weapons physically malfunction at any point during the Big Ten Conference season.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery decides to integrate Josh Oglesby into the rotation. Iowa waltzed its way to a 10-2 start while the junior nursed a broken foot, so there’s no question that the Hawkeyes can win without his contributions. However, if his outside shooting is anything like it was today — he made his first four three-point shots in Iowa’s 85-61 shellacking of Arkansas-Pine Bluff — the Hawkeyes will be able to stretch defenses past the point of elasticity.
What happens when a rubber band is stretched too far? It snaps. When it snaps, you just have to recoil and hope that the whiplash doesn’t hit you where it hurts. Once the Hawkeyes sense a defense recoiling, they will strike early and often. You can bet they will hit you where it hurts, too.
It’s a predictable scenario: after a couple of long-range baskets, defenses will overextend and Mike Gesell will be able to slice-and-dice his way into the interior, where Adam Woodbury, Aaron White and Jarrod Uthoff will be waiting to wreak havoc around the basket. This team is a real threat to break defenses, backboards and scoreboards on any given night.
Iowa can beat any team in the conference. The Hawkeyes will finish in the top four of the Big Ten because they have too many offensive weapons to be held down over the course of an entire game. Even without Oglesby, Iowa averaged 88.9 points per game, which was good for fifth in the nation. The Hawkeyes also rank in the top five in rebounds per game (46.3) and assists per game (18.1), so adding Oglesby to the equation is a complete luxury right now.
Take note, people. When you shop for someone that has everything, you get them more of what they already have. Santa clearly approves. So does Iowa.
