[81alum]

Crooks is a solid but not an elite quality rebounder.  She averages about 8 a game, 2-3 of them O-boards.  I think Brink and Iriafen are superior rebounders when they put their minds to it, and that could be a key point of emphasis for us.  Iowa State was shockingly bad at rebounding during the first half last night, though they turned it around in the second.

Crooks does not commit a lot of fouls, but I think that may be because she is not as active on defense as most centers are.  She has only 18 blocks on the year.  She is an offensive powerhouse, but not a commanding defensive presence the way Brink is.  Remember, Crooks is still a freshman.  Defense takes time and experience to improve.  She may become more formidable over the years ahead.

I worry less about Crooks and more about the Iowa State strength (three point shooting) against our weakness (perimeter defense.)  I think Tara will figure out how to control Crooks.  Whether we have four perimeter defenders who can each individually close out and shut down their four perimeter shooters is another matter.

We had better have a very good offensive game.

[81alum]

Crooks is a solid but not an elite quality rebounder.  She averages about 8 a game, 2-3 of them O-boards.  I think Brink and Iriafen are superior rebounders when they put their minds to it, and that could be a key point of emphasis for us.  Iowa State was shockingly bad at rebounding during the first half last night, though they turned it around in the second.

Crooks does not commit a lot of fouls, but I think that may be because she is not as active on defense as most centers are.  She has only 18 blocks on the year.  She is an offensive powerhouse, but not a commanding defensive presence the way Brink is.  Remember, Crooks is still a freshman.  Defense takes time and experience to improve.  She may become more formidable over the years ahead.

I worry less about Crooks and more about the Iowa State strength (three point shooting) against our weakness (perimeter defense.)  I think Tara will figure out how to control Crooks.  Whether we have four perimeter defenders who can each individually close out and shut down their four perimeter shooters is another matter.

We had better have a very good offensive game.