Iowa Wolves 2026-27

[Q-is-here]

I missed it, but Iowa played last night and Rocco and Isaiah Evans were sent down to play their first game for the 0-2 (now 0-3) junior Wolves team against the Noblesville Boom (Pacers affiliate) . Pullin didn't play, not sure why.

After getting out to a double digit lead in the first quarter, the Wolves lost the next three quarters and fell 117-98.

Rocco - 24 minutes, 9 points on 4-9 from the field, 7 rebs, 1 asst, 2 blocks, -19

Isaiah - 24 minutes, 23 points on 8-19 shooting incl. 5-12 from three, 8 rebs, 2 assts, 4 stls, -27

I didn't know this, but Enrique Freeman is back with the squad I guess as a regular G-league player. 9 points, 5 rebs, and a -22.

Rocco once again showed zero improvement from last season, which isn't surprising considering his underwhelming summer league and pre-season. There was a time last year when I was actually watching G-League games that he looked like someone that could grow into a competent backup. But that assumed additional progress!

As for Isaiah, it looks like he filled the box score so at least he produced in terms of counting stats. To me the ONLY path to NBA relevancy for him is as a bench shooter/scorer. The G-League is perfect for him because he can go down there and get comfortable with the NBA 3-point line and shoot the ball to his heart's content.

[Q-is-here]

They are actually playing Noblesville again tonight. I plan on tuning in so that the rest of you don't have to! You're welcome!

[kekgeek]

I missed it, but Iowa played last night and Rocco and Isaiah Evans were sent down to play their first game for the 0-2 (now 0-3) junior Wolves team against the Noblesville Boom (Pacers affiliate) . Pullin didn't play, not sure why.

After getting out to a double digit lead in the first quarter, the Wolves lost the next three quarters and fell 117-98.

Rocco - 24 minutes, 9 points on 4-9 from the field, 7 rebs, 1 asst, 2 blocks, -19

Isaiah - 24 minutes, 23 points on 8-19 shooting incl. 5-12 from three, 8 rebs, 2 assts, 4 stls, -27

I didn't know this, but Enrique Freeman is back with the squad I guess as a regular G-league player. 9 points, 5 rebs, and a -22.

Rocco once again showed zero improvement from last season, which isn't surprising considering his underwhelming summer league and pre-season. There was a time last year when I was actually watching G-League games that he looked like someone that could grow into a competent backup. But that assumed additional progress!

As for Isaiah, it looks like he filled the box score so at least he produced in terms of counting stats. To me the ONLY path to NBA relevancy for him is as a bench shooter/scorer. The G-League is perfect for him because he can go down there and get comfortable with the NBA 3-point line and shoot the ball to his heart's content.

Ya the Iowa wolves traded a 1st and I believe a 2nd to get Freeman back on Team. The organization obviously sees something in him

[60WinTim]

I tried to watch it last night, but ESPN+ was having "technical difficulties". I saw a clip of Evans hitting three of his 3s. For two of them, it was a Rudy-esque screen by Rocco that set Evans free for the uncontested shot. So, Rocco has learned something! Rudy does a great job of setting his screen and holding his position, making it difficult for the defender to get around. Joan has not learned this technique, yet -- he tends to roll to the basket prematurely which tends to not create an open shot for his teammate with the ball, IMO, anyway.

[Q-is-here]

I tried to watch it last night, but ESPN+ was having "technical difficulties". I saw a clip of Evans hitting three of his 3s. For two of them, it was a Rudy-esque screen by Rocco that set Evans free for the uncontested shot. So, Rocco has learned something! Rudy does a great job of setting his screen and holding his position, making it difficult for the defender to get around. Joan has not learned this technique, yet -- he tends to roll to the basket prematurely which tends to not create an open shot for his teammate with the ball, IMO, anyway.

Tim, it's on the regular NBA.com app tonight.

Screening and how to use screens is a lesson in patience. Ball handlers often pre-maturely try to use an unset screen and screeners, to your point, often don't hold it long enough. I'm convinced that Al Horford's screens are partially responsible for the Celtics' title. He put on a master-class in setting wide screens and holding them for just the right amount of time.

[Q-is-here]

Quick game report:

- Iowa wins 124-121, powered by G-League vets Nate Santos, Jules Bernard, and Enrique Freeman.

- Rocco notes: Had a nice game offensively with 18 points on only 8 shots. Defensively he had 5 blocks and altered a few others, but got eaten alive on the glass by his bulkier opponent, Keba Keita, who had 7 offensive rebounds. It doesn't look like he's gained any strength or small-area reaction speed since last year. He did hustle back in transition and his north/south straight-line speed looks good. As a screener, he's like Beringer and doesn't hold the screen long enough before rolling to the hoop. Just nothing much different from last year.

- Isaiah notes: Didn't make much of an impact in this game; was less aggressive than expected in looking for his shot, made a lot of the "right" passes to people including a couple of nifty pocket passes. And when he did shoot he was usually way off the mark. It reminded me of Summer League. His defense was atrocious, rarely gave a second effort. Got burned by some generic white guy G-Leaguer multiple times. He sat during the crunch time in what was a close game and deservedly so.

[60WinTim]

I caught the 2nd half. I think you are harder on Rocco than is needed. I think he has improved compared to this time last year. He made some defensive plays, but I agree with you that it seems he should be even more impactful on that end, especially in rebounding. He looks stronger to me, but his quickness is definitely lacking. He's just 20 years old. I don't see a reason to drop his 2-way, yet!

Freeman had a nice game. But I am anxious to see some Johni Broome minutes -- hopefully he can dominate on the boards!

[Q-is-here]

I caught the 2nd half. I think you are harder on Rocco than is needed. I think he has improved compared to this time last year. He made some defensive plays, but I agree with you that it seems he should be even more impactful on that end, especially in rebounding. He looks stronger to me, but his quickness is definitely lacking. He's just 20 years old. I don't see a reason to drop his 2-way, yet!

Freeman had a nice game. But I am anxious to see some Johni Broome minutes -- hopefully he can dominate on the boards!

I watched the whole game Tim and Rocco's first stint was absolutely awful. He was a -8 in like 5 or 6 minutes of action and played slow and weak. He "grew into the game" as they say and ended up having a better 2 thru 4th quarters.

I agree we need to be patient and give him a lot of rope given the fact players with his length don't grow on trees. I'm just disappointed in the lack of progress. I'm not seeing it.