Hawkeyes Searching for Steady PG Play

Iowa Basketball Juggling Floor Leaders Through 12 Games

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Friday's game against Northern Illinois marks the end of the non-conference portion of Iowa Basketball's season. It arrives with the Hawkeyes still trying to figure out who they are. 

Critics will say it's a lost campaign. They're rebuilding for the future and should focus on that. 

The guys in the locker room aren't thinking that way. They're using this eight-day holiday break leading up to Friday's matchup with the Huskies (6 p.m. CT, B1G+) as a chance to build chemistry and continuity. 

That might sound silly with them already playing 12 contests. However, it's not that unusual when considering every player on the roster is in a new role from a year ago. Half of the 10-man rotation is new to the program. 

Coach Fran McCaffery still is searching for the best combinations of players and rotations. Until then, it's probably wise for him to continue mixing and matching lineups based on who's hot on a given night. 

Inconsistency has been the constant so far when it comes to individual performances. Through 12 games, five different players have led Iowa in scoring, four different guys have paced the squad in rebounds and five different Hawkeyes have topped the team in assists. 

Balance can be good if the right buttons are pushed. Taking advantage of mismatches against certain opponents is key. That pursuit would be aided if Iowa can figure out the point guard position. 

McCaffery open games with sophomores Dasonte Bowen and Josh Dix running the one. He recently turned moved senior Tony Perkins from off the ball to the point. Brock Harding hasn't started, but played 30 minutes in the team's last contest. 

Harding is making his case to be on the floor for the opening tipoff. The freshman's 40 assists are tied for the team lead with Perkins despite him playing about half as many minutes. Harding's 14 steals are second to Perkins' 18. 

During last week's 103-81 victory against UMBC, Harding logged his most minutes and thrived. He handed out 12 assists with just one turnover and scored 10 points on 4 of 10 shooting from the floor (0-3 on three-pointers). 

The Moline product is at his best when he's playing under control. He still gets sped up too often and loses his way. It's a fine line for him in taking advantage of his quickness and creativity versus playing too fast and making mistakes. 

Bowen is fighting a similar battle in receiving his first significant college playing time. The sophomore has 39 assists against only eight turnovers this season. But gets sideways at times, too, and is shooting just 25.0 percent on three-pointers. 

Perkins is the safety net for McCaffery. He's the most proficient of the group in running half-court offense. It can get bogged down too often with the others. 

Bowen and Harding are at their best in the open floor. They must improve in running sets. It's vital for Iowa's success. 

When it struggles operating in the half-court, opponents catch the Hawkeyes in scramble situations on defense. They then allow too many easy baskets, which, in turn, limits their fast-break chances. It's a cycle they'd like to avoid as much as possible. 

Harding and Bowen certainly are capable. They're just inexperienced and need to grow up faster for this team to reach its ceiling. Their teammates can help that learning curve, but, ultimately, most of it falls on their shoulders.