BLOOMINGTON — All season long, Indiana men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson has had Mackenzie Mgbako’s back.
When he struggled with his shot early in the season, Woodson implored everyone to cool their jets.
Mgbako has come to life during Indiana’s Big Ten slate. His shot began falling consistently after Christmas. His defense, poor at the start of the season, has gradually improved.
On Saturday at Illinois, Mgbako added another wrinkle. Playing with more of a focus near the basket with Kel’El Ware out, Mgbako had 12 rebounds in the 70-62 loss to the Fighting Illini. That’s four boards better than his previous season high.
“You saw a guy who was relentless on the boards. He rebounded for us when we needed it, and he made tough shots inside. I’m happy with Mack. I think he’s going to continue to grow and get better,” Woodson said.
As Indiana has a short turnaround before it hosts Iowa at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mgbako’s continued improvement allowed Woodson to wax poetic.
“He’s been solid. You think back to when we started, he struggled. A lot of young players come into this league from high school and it’s not as easy as they think. The Big Ten is surely not that easy,” Woodson said. “He’s just trying to do the right things on the floor, and he’s still learning. He’s in that learning stage from a defensive standpoint. He’s got a ways to go, but he’s getting better.”
Defense has been a prime focus for the freshman. Heralded as an elite offensive player coming into college, it’s been a rude awakening in trying to play the other side of the floor effectively.
“I’m a lot more comfortable. A lot of it is just preparation, knowing where I need to be at on defense and being in my spots. That’s most definitely the biggest improvement I’ve tried to make,” Mgbako said.
Woodson was frank about where Mgbako was defensively when he began his collegiate journey, but he’s equally excited about his future.
“He didn’t know any defensive rotations, and he’s still struggling to guard his man when he’s in a one-on-one position off the bounce, and that will come,” Woodson said. “Sometimes you have to fail to be successful, and I like his work ethic when he’s in practice. He gives you what he’s got.”
IOWA COMES TO ASSEMBLY HALL
Iowa and Indiana share identical overall and Big Ten records at 12-8 and 4-5, but the Hawkeyes and Hoosiers have charted different paths to get there.
While Indiana started 2-0 in Big Ten play, Iowa started 0-2 in December. The Hoosiers defeated Michigan on the road while the Hawkeyes managed to lose to the Wolverines at home.
This seemed to indicate it would be a long year for Iowa, but the Hawkeyes have since righted their ship to a point.
Iowa has won four of its last six, though it has also lost two of its last three. Strangely, Iowa has been solid on the road and shaky at home.
Witness Iowa’s 88-78 win at Michigan on Saturday preceded by home losses to Maryland and (understandably) Purdue.
While Iowa’s offensive prowess is rarely in doubt — the Hawkeyes rank sixth nationally in made field goals at 31.3 per game and 11th in points at 85.3 — defense is another story.
Iowa gives up 77.4 points per game overall and 80.1 in Big Ten games, second worst in the conference.
While Valparaiso transfer Ben Krikke (16.7 points per game) leads the Hawkeyes in scoring overall, Indiana native Tony Perkins has been more productive in Big Ten games at 18.1 points to go with 4.4 assists.
An emerging talent is center Owen Freeman, who has averaged 12.1 points in Big Ten games.
Woodson said he doubts Ware will be available for Tuesday’s game. Ware is out of the boot he had been wearing on his left foot, a positive sign.
