What is up with Isaac Haas?

[boilersinthehood]

Certainly not a schooled basketball critic, but am I the only fan that his play has, I dunno, plateaued?
What did he play , six minutes against NW? And the last few games he couldn't throw the brick in the ocean if he were standing on the beach. Too much female attention?

 

[BoiledSteel]

He's in a slump and frustrated I would guess and probably nothing more than that. Your last question is just ridiculous.

 

[BoilerFan#35]

Seems like crowds have been getting into his head recently

 

[Professor Emeritus]

Too much female attention?

That's not a very PC way to describe Northwestern's post defenders.

 

[mathboy]

One thing I noticed. When teams are allowed to be physical with Haas in the paint, it can throw him off his game. If the game is called tight, I think he does better. Just my two cents.

 

[Indy_Rider]

One thing I noticed. When teams are allowed to be physical with Haas in the paint, it can throw him off his game. If the game is called tight, I think he does better. Just my two cents.

I don't think teams getting physical with him in the paint bothers him. I think it's that he isn't allowed to be physical back that is the issue. He has had some good games against teams that actually have a physical big that he can actually bang against with out them flopping and pulling him to the ground with them every time down the floor.

I can't imagine how frustrating it might be for him to play when you basically just touch the defender and they go flying trying to draw an offensive foul, and the refs keep falling for it.

 

[BoiledSteel]

I don't think teams getting physical with him in the paint bothers him. I think it's that he isn't allowed to be physical back that is the issue. He has had some good games against teams that actually have a physical big that he can actually bang against with out them flopping and pulling him to the ground with them every time down the floor.

I can't imagine how frustrating it might be for him to play when you basically just touch the defender and they go flying trying to draw an offensive foul, and the refs keep falling for it.

I think you nailed it. Look at just recently when he went up against I think Rutgers who has a big man down low too. He had a rather good game if I remember right.

It has to be immensely frustrating to not be able to play because officials have called you for a foul before it even happens just because you're big. If I were CMP, I would turn in video to whomever the head officiating person is and have him fix it. CMP could yell at the refs all he wants, but since he is liable to get different officials each game, the change needs to come from the top official.

 

[cinboiler]

One thing I noticed. When teams are allowed to be physical with Haas in the paint, it can throw him off his game. If the game is called tight, I think he does better. Just my two cents.

You are right. They foul the crap out of him, refs do not call anything. He gets pissy.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

I think you nailed it. Look at just recently when he went up against I think Rutgers who has a big man down low too. He had a rather good game if I remember right.

It has to be immensely frustrating to not be able to play because officials have called you for a foul before it even happens just because you're big. If I were CMP, I would turn in video to whomever the head officiating person is and have him fix it. CMP could yell at the refs all he wants, but since he is liable to get different officials each game, the change needs to come from the top official.

CMP already does this. Every week.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

IMO, some of this "boiled over" when IH got the technical (even though that was for a specific reaction).....he's a smart kid and great teammate....I think he'll figure it out. Still plenty to play for this year, but I expect him to improve even more for next year. As a senior, he has to get some more even-handed calls, no?

 

[tjreese]

One thing I noticed. When teams are allowed to be physical with Haas in the paint, it can throw him off his game. If the game is called tight, I think he does better. Just my two cents.

As odd as it seems on the surface....I have thought that for some time...because he cannot be physical back...

 

[cprh9u]

Gives me more concern about next year in the post. The good news is that 2017-2018 should be our best year in a long time for 1-3 positions with a sophomore Edwards, VE, Mathias and Eastern. Pretty different team from what we've had the past few years but certainly potential.

 

[lbodel]

I think you nailed it. Look at just recently when he went up against I think Rutgers who has a big man down low too. He had a rather good game if I remember right.

It has to be immensely frustrating to not be able to play because officials have called you for a foul before it even happens just because you're big. If I were CMP, I would turn in video to whomever the head officiating person is and have him fix it. CMP could yell at the refs all he wants, but since he is liable to get different officials each game, the change needs to come from the top official.

It's all about match ups with Isaac. When he doesn't have a someone with size to go up against, he can struggle on both ends and I think he gets frustrated trying to get a feel for what he can and can't do.

That being said, the fact of the matter is he's often significantly larger than other players he's up against. So his sheer size and strength can basically manhandle people, which gives the appearance of a foul. Not saying it's right or wrong, but I don't think in every instance the refs are doing a bad job.

NW doubled him and Swanigan when they got the ball - Swanigan got his points, but wasn't overly efficient in doing so. They both need to do a better job of being more decisive (some of Swanigan's plays remind me of Hammons - way too slow to develop and it basically telegraphs what you're going to do). NW was also pretty effective against Haas in the first game as well.

There's a good chance in both tournaments we'll play against a team that doesn't match-up with a traditional center. Having the size of Haas can be a great thing, but it can also put you in a bad spot if not utilized effectively (which isn't necessarily the fault of player or coach - sometimes others teams are just good at preventing it, like NW was for 2 games).

I think you're also going to see Swanigan doubled in almost every game from here on out. Swanigan has struggled in those situations, so we just need to be smart with the ball and keep turnovers low, and continue doing a great job of finding open teammates who have shown to be effective with the ball.

 

[PaBoiler78]

It's all about match ups with Isaac. When he doesn't have a someone with size to go up against, he can struggle on both ends and I think he gets frustrated trying to get a feel for what he can and can't do.

That being said, the fact of the matter is he's often significantly larger than other players he's up against. So his sheer size and strength can basically manhandle people, which gives the appearance of a foul. Not saying it's right or wrong, but I don't think in every instance the refs are doing a bad job.

NW doubled him and Swanigan when they got the ball - Swanigan got his points, but wasn't overly efficient in doing so. They both need to do a better job of being more decisive (some of Swanigan's plays remind me of Hammons - way too slow to develop and it basically telegraphs what you're going to do). NW was also pretty effective against Haas in the first game as well.

There's a good chance in both tournaments we'll play against a team that doesn't match-up with a traditional center. Having the size of Haas can be a great thing, but it can also put you in a bad spot if not utilized effectively (which isn't necessarily the fault of player or coach - sometimes others teams are just good at preventing it, like NW was for 2 games).

I think you're also going to see Swanigan doubled in almost every game from here on out. Swanigan has struggled in those situations, so we just need to be smart with the ball and keep turnovers low, and continue doing a great job of finding open teammates who have shown to be effective with the ball.

in regards to Haas, Im more concerned about his issues like not being able to hold onto the ball, missing dunks or bunnies, and not making a move quick enough. Just go up and do a nice turn around jumper instead of sticky out the elbow , tripping thru a double team, or 3 second call.

 

[SDBoiler1]

It's all about match ups with Isaac. When he doesn't have a someone with size to go up against, he can struggle on both ends and I think he gets frustrated trying to get a feel for what he can and can't do.

That being said, the fact of the matter is he's often significantly larger than other players he's up against. So his sheer size and strength can basically manhandle people, which gives the appearance of a foul. Not saying it's right or wrong, but I don't think in every instance the refs are doing a bad job.

NW doubled him and Swanigan when they got the ball - Swanigan got his points, but wasn't overly efficient in doing so. They both need to do a better job of being more decisive (some of Swanigan's plays remind me of Hammons - way too slow to develop and it basically telegraphs what you're going to do). NW was also pretty effective against Haas in the first game as well.

There's a good chance in both tournaments we'll play against a team that doesn't match-up with a traditional center. Having the size of Haas can be a great thing, but it can also put you in a bad spot if not utilized effectively (which isn't necessarily the fault of player or coach - sometimes others teams are just good at preventing it, like NW was for 2 games).

I think you're also going to see Swanigan doubled in almost every game from here on out. Swanigan has struggled in those situations, so we just need to be smart with the ball and keep turnovers low, and continue doing a great job of finding open teammates who have shown to be effective with the ball.

Swanigan had some sweet feeds to VE and Haas yesterday out of the double team. Not sure what you were watching.

 

[IndySouthsider]

Can you imagine how they would have ruined Shaquille O'Neal with these tight Defense.

 

[FirstDownB]

It's all about match ups with Isaac. When he doesn't have a someone with size to go up against, he can struggle on both ends and I think he gets frustrated trying to get a feel for what he can and can't do.

That being said, the fact of the matter is he's often significantly larger than other players he's up against. So his sheer size and strength can basically manhandle people, which gives the appearance of a foul. Not saying it's right or wrong, but I don't think in every instance the refs are doing a bad job.

NW doubled him and Swanigan when they got the ball - Swanigan got his points, but wasn't overly efficient in doing so. They both need to do a better job of being more decisive (some of Swanigan's plays remind me of Hammons - way too slow to develop and it basically telegraphs what you're going to do). NW was also pretty effective against Haas in the first game as well.

There's a good chance in both tournaments we'll play against a team that doesn't match-up with a traditional center. Having the size of Haas can be a great thing, but it can also put you in a bad spot if not utilized effectively (which isn't necessarily the fault of player or coach - sometimes others teams are just good at preventing it, like NW was for 2 games).

I think you're also going to see Swanigan doubled in almost every game from here on out. Swanigan has struggled in those situations, so we just need to be smart with the ball and keep turnovers low, and continue doing a great job of finding open teammates who have shown to be effective with the ball.

Disagree with the assessment of Biggie's game yesterday. Shot over 50% on the road. 14 boards, 3 assists, and... wait for it... ZERO turnovers. I thought he handled the doubles very well, backing out when necessary, finding open shooters. Agree that has been a struggle, but not yesterday.

IH on the other hand. If he struggles to get going early whether due to defensive scheme or physicality or whatever, he lacks the versatility to adjust and may lose focus.

 

[SIBoiler2]

Can you imagine how they would have ruined Shaquille O'Neal with these tight Defense.

If you go back and look at his college career Shaq and his coach were continually complaining about the way he was called by the refs in college. Once again a guy so big they didn't have a reference point to compare to so they let him get hacked to death which was even more effective since he couldn't find the rim on free throws and called a lot of ticky-tack stuff on him.

 

[PU52Chevy]

He is fine and will dominate come NCAA Tourney time....team game.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

honestly he just needs to go back to trying to dunk it every play. He will get fouled every time. When he shoots the turnaround or the hook or the fadeaway, it's less than 50/50 on whether or not he will have a good game and he won't get fouled. He needs to pass or go straight at the rim. Sometimes he plays like he's haqeem, and that's ok once in a while, but really just keep the ball high and go at the rim. Be what you are.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Disagree with the assessment of Biggie's game yesterday. Shot over 50% on the road. 14 boards, 3 assists, and... wait for it... ZERO turnovers. I thought he handled the doubles very well, backing out when necessary, finding open shooters. Agree that has been a struggle, but not yesterday.

IH on the other hand. If he struggles to get going early whether due to defensive scheme or physicality or whatever, he lacks the versatility to adjust and may lose focus.

Agree on CS yesterday, FDB. Another very solid and productive effort, and I like that he was much quicker and decisive on passing out of the double team. Only trouble spots were the foul trouble (especially the one right at the end of the half) and a couple of early NW offensive boards.

 

[lbodel]

Disagree with the assessment of Biggie's game yesterday. Shot over 50% on the road. 14 boards, 3 assists, and... wait for it... ZERO turnovers. I thought he handled the doubles very well, backing out when necessary, finding open shooters. Agree that has been a struggle, but not yesterday.

IH on the other hand. If he struggles to get going early whether due to defensive scheme or physicality or whatever, he lacks the versatility to adjust and may lose focus.

Let me be crystal clear - the standards I have of Swanigan is higher than others. Yes, he was 8-15. But he scored 17 points on 15 shot attempts. That's not super efficient for a guy who's taking mostly shots under the basket. And it's not solely just the percentage - some of his shots were just bad shot attempts that shouldn't have been attempted (which again, he has a bit more of a leash - but shooting 3 three pointers is probably not the greatest. He has a good % on the season, but it is because he usually very much limits them to 1-2 per game - he's 2-7 over the last four games). The rest of his stat line was great - especially the turnovers.

But while this game he wasn't bad, he's had some inefficient games recently.

Against IU, Swanigan was 5-14 (10 points off 14 FG attempts).

Against Michigan, he had a very efficient game shooting, but had 5 turnovers.

Against Penn State, he was 2-5.

So at least 2 of the last 4 games he hasn't put together good offensive performances. That's not this massive criticism of him - against IU he was fouled a ton and made his free throws. But going 5-14 is a lot of empty possessions. Against good teams playing for their seasons (i.e. tournament games), those types of stat lines could get us in trouble.

 

[Boiler Wolf]

NW doubled him and Swanigan when they got the ball - Swanigan got his points, but wasn't overly efficient in doing so. They both need to do a better job of being more decisive (some of Swanigan's plays remind me of Hammons - way too slow to develop and it basically telegraphs what you're going to do). NW was also pretty effective against Haas in the first game as well.

In another thread someone said Swanigan wasn't efficient, maybe it was you, don't know. I was surprised at that as I found myself yelling his name a lot less than in the IU game. I thought yesterday was the best I've seen Biggie at handling the double team. To wit, no turnovers in 31 minutes of play. And 8-15 shooting with 3 assists is pretty darn good and efficient. With 14 boards, damn!

For Haas, the game where he got whistled for all the fouls (was the PSU?) for basically just standing and breathing took him off his game. BIG teams have scouted and played against him enough that they know how to frustrate him and he has been stymied. Frankly, I thought NW got away with a ton of grabbing and clawing and over the back crap from my view on the couch. That doesn't help IH either. I see more of the same in the BIG tourney, but I think in the NCAA he could have a breakout game or two against teams that have never faced him before.

 

[lbodel]

In another thread someone said Swanigan wasn't efficient, maybe it was you, don't know. I was surprised at that as I found myself yelling his name a lot less than in the IU game. I thought yesterday was the best I've seen Biggie at handling the double team. To wit, no turnovers in 31 minutes of play. And 8-15 shooting with 3 assists is pretty darn good and efficient. With 14 boards, damn!

For Haas, the game where he got whistled for all the fouls (was the PSU?) for basically just standing and breathing took him off his game. BIG teams have scouted and played against him enough that they know how to frustrate him and he has been stymied. Frankly, I thought NW got away with a ton of grabbing and clawing and over the back crap from my view on the couch. That doesn't help IH either. I see more of the same in the BIG tourney, but I think in the NCAA he could have a breakout game or two against teams that have never faced him before.

Let me be clear - the threshold for Swanigan is not the threshold for other players. 8-15 is fine - not great - but you also have to consider he's playing mostly under the basket, where shooting 50% is pretty normal (to give you an idea, Haas shoots 58% on the season). It was great to see him play controlled basketball with no turnovers - but for a guy hyped as the best player in college basketball, several of those missed FG attempts were ugly.

I'm not saying he played badly though.

 

[TC4THREE]

Off the top of my head I can only think of one shot that Swanigan took yesterday that I wanted back when he took it. It was a long jumper inside the 3-point arc that he took early in the possession and it looked rushed as well. I wanted that one back as soon as he took. Aside from that I had little issue with his shot selection and combine that with the fact he had no turnovers, I think we're really nitpicking.

 

[lbodel]

Off the top of my head I can only think of one shot that Swanigan took yesterday that I wanted back when he took it. It was a long jumper inside the 3-point arc that he took early in the possession and it looked rushed as well. I wanted that one back as soon as he took. Aside from that I had little issue with his shot selection and combine that with the fact he had no turnovers, I think we're really nitpicking.

As I stated above, I think it's more about over the last several games, we've seen 2 inefficient games - not against the greatest competition either (Penn State and IU).

And let me add....I think it speaks to more so the match-ups, similar to Haas. Penn State threw a couple pretty athletic guys who handled Swanigan pretty well. IU also has some big, athletic guys. I think that can be part of our 'kryptonite' - similar to what we saw with Wagner.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

As I stated above, I think it's more about over the last several games, we've seen 2 inefficient games - not against the greatest competition either (Penn State and IU).

And let me add....I think it speaks to more so the match-ups, similar to Haas. Penn State threw a couple pretty athletic guys who handled Swanigan pretty well. IU also has some big, athletic guys. I think that can be part of our 'kryptonite' - similar to what we saw with Wagner.

Ibodel,

I agree that CS hadn't been very efficient in the last couple of games, but I don't think that was the case yesterday.....especially when you factor in no turnovers and three assists. He had some dunks, but he also made some nice shots in and around the paint that IMO weren't under the basket.

Also, even though one could argue Indiana has underperformed this year, they (and Penn State) have some active athletic bigs....that's going to give CS problems going forward, potentially, yes. Purdue just has to make the defense pay in other ways. I think CS was also noticeably frustrated and has worked some of that out......that's my Gold & Black glasses view.

I see your general points; however, we'll just have to agree to disagree on some of the observations and impressions. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

Haas just needs to "Be nice until its time not to be nice" and rip the rim down on close in shots , grab the rebound with 2 other guys hanging on, and play within his limits.

 

[lbodel]

Haas just needs to "Be nice until its time not to be nice" and rip the rim down on close in shots , grab the rebound with 2 other guys hanging on, and play within his limits.

His teammates also need to feed him the ball to set up him up for success. Some of the entry passes he was given over the last few games were not good situations for him.

 

[lbodel]

Ibodel,

I agree that CS hadn't been very efficient in the last couple of games, but I don't think that was the case yesterday.....especially when you factor in no turnovers and three assists. He had some dunks, but he also made some nice shots in and around the paint that IMO weren't under the basket.

Also, even though one could argue Indiana has underperformed this year, they (and Penn State) have some active athletic bigs....that's going to give CS problems going forward, potentially, yes. Purdue just has to make the defense pay in other ways. I think CS was also noticeably frustrated and has worked some of that out......that's my Gold & Black glasses view.

I see your general points; however, we'll just have to agree to disagree on some of the observations and impressions. Nothing wrong with that.

Fair enough, like I said I'm being tough on him - I think he has the potential to be ridiculously efficient, especially given how he is fouled a lot. When he starts getting a bit 3 happy, he shoots fadeaway or long jumpers early in shot clocks - it's frustrating because you know how good and efficient he can be.

 

[C-Paranoia]

I would like to see Haas dunk more. Seems like he has the opportunity at times but settles for the short lower percentage shot. Going back a few years, Brad Miller as I recall struggled with this a bit, too.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

His teammates also need to feed him the ball to set up him up for success. Some of the entry passes he was given over the last few games were not good situations for him.

yeah I agree on that, I am not sure whether Haas doesn't get good position, his team mates throw him the ball at the wrong time or what, it does look like he has a set area where he does pretty well with the ball

 

[FirstDownB]

Agree on CS yesterday, FDB. Another very solid and productive effort, and I like that he was much quicker and decisive on passing out of the double team. Only trouble spots were the foul trouble (especially the one right at the end of the half) and a couple of early NW offensive boards.

I actually didn't mind that foul. It was sort of a high leverage play.. NW player was driving with a chance to take the lead and momentum into half time. IIR he had Mathias beat. Biggie fouled him on the floor before he could get the shot up. NW was not in the bonus, so they had to take the ball out of bounds with 4 seconds left and then missed the shot. 2 fouls at the half isn't ideal, but its not foul trouble.

To me, his first foul going for the ball after the defender had secured the rebound was much worse. Low leverage play. They are going to call that more times than not, especially on the road.

 

[SqueakyClean]

While Biggie certainly had a good game yesterday, I think I need to call into question the stat of Zero turnovers. I can think of at least two cases (I'd have to review the tape to give you times) where Biggie may not have been credited with the turnover, but it was definitely his fault the turnover occurred.

 

[Professor Emeritus]

Haas just needs to "Be nice until its time not to be nice"

Works every time!

 

[Dakota Girl]

I don't think teams getting physical with him in the paint bothers him. I think it's that he isn't allowed to be physical back that is the issue. He has had some good games against teams that actually have a physical big that he can actually bang against with out them flopping and pulling him to the ground with them every time down the floor.

I can't imagine how frustrating it might be for him to play when you basically just touch the defender and they go flying trying to draw an offensive foul, and the refs keep falling for it.

Isaac will have to learn how to post up with his feet and hips instead of his hands and elbows. He does it right at first then as a defender begins to move over the high side he puts his hand down and they flop or come up under his arm like he is holding them down. The ref sees what looks like a hold or push off and Isaac he s headed to the bench. That can't happen next year without Caleb.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Works every time!

Mind your own business, Dad!

 

[Dakota Girl]

Works every time!

How does he know when it's time...?

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I actually didn't mind that foul. It was sort of a high leverage play.. NW player was driving with a chance to take the lead and momentum into half time. IIR he had Mathias beat. Biggie fouled him on the floor before he could get the shot up. NW was not in the bonus, so they had to take the ball out of bounds with 4 seconds left and then missed the shot. 2 fouls at the half isn't ideal, but its not foul trouble.

To me, his first foul going for the ball after the defender had secured the rebound was much worse. Low leverage play. They are going to call that more times than not, especially on the road.

I hear you...I think there was a little more pressure on the foul situation because IH was struggling. CS ended up with 31 minutes still, but CMP had him out with a slim lead in the second half with three. It seemed more of an issue than maybe it was.

 

[BoilerBiker]

If I were CMP, I would turn in video to whomever the head officiating person is and have him fix it.

they did last offseason,
but the calls are almost worse than before