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Iowa vs Iowa State men’s basketball: Five players to watch

By Doug Winkey

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My fellow Cyclones, today is the day for one of the most exciting games Iowa State men’s basketball will play this season. Fred Hoiberg and company travel to Iowa City for their first true road game of the year.  Here are players on both sides that I’m watching on Friday.

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Iowa

Aaron White (#30, F, 6-foot-9, 228 lbs., Sr)

White is currently averaging 15.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg, both tops for Iowa.  He has assumed the mantel of leadership after the graduation of last year’s leading scorer, Roy Devyn Marble, and has done admirably so far.  Because of his size and skill, I imagine Georges Niang will be guarding him, but Dustin Hogue could be the primary defender as White does not do much damage on the perimeter.

Jared Uthoff (#20, F, 6-foot-9, 210 lbs., Jr)

Jared Uthoff is second on my list. He is the second-leading scorer at 11.3 ppg.  He also adds six rebounds per game and contributes decently in steals and blocks.  He is also one of the better 3-point shooters on Iowa at 39 percent so far this year.  If Hogue takes White, either Niang or Abdel Nader will handle Uthoff.

Dec 6, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Adam Woodbury (34) in action against MD Baltimore Cty Retrievers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa defeated MD Baltimore Cty 77-47. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Woodbury (#34, C, 7-foot-1, 245 lbs., Jr)

My last player to watch for the Hawkeyes is Woodbury.  He’s the the biggest target on an interior-focused team.  He will be something similar to the Maryland post players in that he will attempt to overshadow Iowa State’s post offense.  Dustin Hogue will likely start on him, but Daniel Edozie could also see big minutes.

Iowa State

Georges Niang (#31, F, 6-foot-8, 230 lbs., Jr)

For Iowa State, it’ll be up to Niang to lead the way.  He will be especially important as Dejean-Jones will miss the game thanks to a suspension resulting from being arrested on misdemeanor charges early Thursday morning.  Look for Niang to play all over the court, as Iowa doesn’t have a particularly good defender to stick on him.

Abdel Nader (#2, F, 6-foot-6, 230 lbs., Jr)

Finally, Nader is my other guy.  He likely won’t take the fifth starting spot, but he looked good against UMKC and the extra minutes he will receive as a result of Dejean-Jones’ suspension will give him the opportunity to show off why he was another hyped member of the Hoiberg transfer strategy.

The game will definitely be a contrast in styles as Iowa State will look to shoot early and often and Iowa will likely want to pound the rock inside. Check Clones Confidential for a more complete preview and prediction later today.  Go Cyclones!

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