Matt Coss covers Northern Iowa (Saturday’s WSU opponent) for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. He survives the coldest place on earth by wearing grippy attachments to the soles of his shoes that give him traction on the ice that covers Cedar Falls from October to June.
Matt blogs here.
Q: Is Lucas O’Rear the best sixth man in the Valley?
A: He’s definitely got to be on the short list of candidates. His impact on the team has been immeasurable. While 7-footer Jordan Eglseder has been inconsistent in conference play, O’Rear has picked up the slack. He’s averaging 6.4 and 6.3 rebounds per game in Valley play — not earth-shattering — but his toughness, ability to dive for loose balls, create extra opportunities with his rebounding and to play heavy minutes has been big. He’s shooting over 70 percent from the floor in league play. Plain and simple, UNI isn’t in this position without O’Rear.
Q: Who is Northern Iowa’s biggest threat in St. Louis? Other than Indiana State.
A: UNI wants no part of Indiana State for a third time, even if the Trees are playing on short rest. Both games have been a struggle. For some reason, Harry Marshall has picked them apart.
Aside from that, Creighton is the obvious choice. UNI was fortunate to beat Creighton in Omaha — thanks to some uncharacteristic misses at the foul line from Woodfox and Witter. The Jays are always good in March under Altman, and they’re one of the few teams in the league who has as good, if not more, quality depth than UNI. Also, Justin Carter’s improved play for CU is big. He’s a tough matchup for the Panthers.
Bradley, a potential semifinal foe, has played UNI awfully well twice, too. The Braves’ athleticism on the perimeter was tough for the Panthers to handle at times.
Q: If the Panthers make the NCAA Tournament, will Kurt Warner come to a game?
A: Not unless the Panthers are placed in the West Regional and make a run to the Sweet 16 in his home area of Glendale, Ariz. — a longshot for many reasons. Warner didn’t attend UNI’s last three appearances in the Big Dance, so I don’t expect to run across him.
His relationship with the University is a bit dicey, to say the least. I still think he’s a bit upset that he was only the starter for one year here. In addition to that, the two-time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl MVP isn’t even in the UNI Hall of Fame yet.
Q: Who is UNI’s best player, and is he a legit candidate for MVC Player of the Year? You must pick one Panther. No waffling.
A: Adam Koch is the best all-around talent, but Kwadzo Ahelegbe should be the MVP if UNI wins the league. He’s provided scoring (nearly 12.5 ppg. in Valley play), been a great distributor for a balanced offense, the unquestioned leader and one of the league’s top defenders. His ability to penetrate and kick, or create for himself is a significant reason UNI’s offense has been so balanced and effective. During the run in which UNI held five teams’ top scorers under double figures, Ahelegbe was at the center of that. He drew the assignment of Josh Young (0-for-2, 3 points), Shy Ely (2-for-15, 7 points), Osiris Eldridge (2-for-8, 4 points) and Chris Cooks (3-for-13, 9 points).