Jeff Howard

[theriverpilot 5,607]

Glad to have found this site!  I know this has been a controversial topic with some fans, so I was wanting to poll everyone on their thoughts on Jeff Howard.  I think he's brought a lot of positive play when he's in the game.  Sure, he's not the most gifted athlete on the floor, but he hustles, understands the game situations, and seems to know his place on the floor.  I like him as a viable sub for Noah

[All_Hoosiers 873]

He doesn't do much, but he doesn't mess up. I prefer him on the court over Hanner or Devin Davis.


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[djsalway 4,161]

I like the effort he brings and some of the intangibles he possesses, but he's definitely not a "viable" replacement for Noah. The problem is the fact that we have Hanner on the bench as the other option. I think Hanner could play a little more, instead of always bringing in Jeff because Hanner provides more of a "rim protector" type of build (Yes, I know he isn't a rim protector, but he has the size. In other words, you all know what I mean by that.)

 

I still think Noah needs to play more each game, when he isn't in foul trouble. There's no reason he should sit as much as he does, and there's also no reason to ever have him and Jeff on the floor at the same time.

 

I think it's an interesting debate and one that will go on for the rest of the year, but in the end, Coach Crean's substitution patterns are weird anyway.

[theriverpilot 5,607]

He doesn't do much, but he doesn't mess up. I prefer him on the court over Hanner or Devin Davis.


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"he doesn't mess up" or necessarily mess things up when he's out there is the important part.  I'd really like to see Devin or Hanner develop more because I think both could be scary good, but in the meantime, I don't cringe when I see Howard coming in.  I'm sure it's all in the eye of the spectator.

 

I also agree with djsalway in that I would like to see Noah on the floor more if he's not in foul trouble.  

[The Ola Depot 1,213]

At some points I think he plays the best defense out of all of the players on the floor. Doesn't offer much offensively but he hustles and doesn't make many mistakes.


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[Stuhoo 81,437]

Jeff Howard is the poor man's Jared Odle.

 

So there.

[Naturalhoosier 15,434]

Welcome to the boards!!!! Looking forward to your future input/participation.


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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

[quote name="theriverpilot" post="32968" timestamp="1390922836"]"he doesn't mess up" or necessarily mess things up when he's out there is the important part. I'd really like to see Devin or Hanner develop more because I think both could be scary good, but in the meantime, I don't cringe when I see Howard coming in. I'm sure it's all in the eye of the spectator.

I also agree with djsalway in that I would like to see Noah on the floor more if he's not in foul trouble. [/quote]

I think the biggest disappointment I have is that Jeff Howard gets minutes. That is NOT to spite Howard in any way, I just expected Perea & Davis to earn those minutes. Since they have not done anything to earn the minutes, I have no problem seeing Howard in the game. My only issue with keeping Howard in the game is when it gets tight down the stretch and we need a rebound or stop. I'd rather have an athlete that can make a play 20% of the time as opposed to Howard who won't screw up 80% of the time. Hope that makes sense... Been up since 3:30am lol

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

I think there might be more to the Hollowell situation than we've been privy too. He's my number 1 candidate for transfer at this point. (Not basing this off any inside info)

Howard has been in the program for four years and he "knows" how to fit in. Crean feels comfortable that he won't make that brain fart mistake. Nothing flashy and he isn't the athlete others are but we aren't going to get really hurt by him there. Seems to have his feet where they are supposed to be. Smart kid i'm sure.

Last year Holowell spent time in the low post for Cody if you remember. I wonder why we don't go that direction again this year. He did fine as a freshman and bought Cody time to rest.

[JSHoosier 20,317]

I like the effort he brings and some of the intangibles he possesses, but he's definitely not a "viable" replacement for Noah. The problem is the fact that we have Hanner on the bench as the other option. I think Hanner could play a little more, instead of always bringing in Jeff because Hanner provides more of a "rim protector" type of build (Yes, I know he isn't a rim protector, but he has the size. In other words, you all know what I mean by that.)

 

I still think Noah needs to play more each game, when he isn't in foul trouble. There's no reason he should sit as much as he does, and there's also no reason to ever have him and Jeff on the floor at the same time.

 

I think it's an interesting debate and one that will go on for the rest of the year, but in the end, Coach Crean's substitution patterns are weird anyway.

Hanner could be a rim protector with his length/athleticism, if he knew what he was doing on the court.  He doesn't, and that's why he doesn't play.  He's more of a detriment than an asset right now.

 

Howard isn't much, his value is tied to being less awful than the alternatives.  

[hoosha61 386]

He is gaining my trust with each game. He defends, rebounds and makes the most of his minutes. He seems so much more comfortable on the floor than Hanner or Devin.


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[getoutgokayak 6]

I don't think it's a bad idea to play him some. However, if the season gets where we can't end up in the tourney or a real shot at the title, then it is a waste IMO. We need to give these guys playing time to help for next yr. but as an earlier poster mentioned, are they possibly not earning their playing time? That's worrisome if that's the case.


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[luke 1]

Jeff Howard earns every minute of playing time that he gets. He, along with Etherington ( aka "The Bench Mamba"), have an uncanny ability to spark some energy throughout the entire team. It seems as if the whole team plays harder when either of the two are in. And not only that, but the defensive ability of Jeff is very underrated. If you look at the Northwestern and Illinois game, Jeff practically shut down Crawford and Rice when he was matched up with them. So I love the minutes Howard is getting, in fact I wouldn't mind seeing more.


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[FortWayneHoosier 6,200]

i like him like him over hanner any day idc if he has amazing dunks, hanner has no fundamentals whatsoever.

[Golfman25 5,531]

I think Howard is the type of player IU needs more of.  Role players who work hard, understand the game, and stick around.  Everyone can't have the ball at once.  Heck, he was setting multiple screens last game -- not even looking for the ball, but getting his teammates open.  

 

If we want a competitive team year over year we need stability and contributions from Jrs./Srs. that have been around.  If we are going to recruit one (or two/three) and done types, or the multi star recruits are going to transfer, without more Howards, we'll see the up and down, roller coaster seasons, like now.  He's a great story and certainly is benefiting from Luke's transfer.