The Wisconsin Basketball season is right around the corner, so I’m taking a look at every scholarship player on the roster. Here are the links for the first five.
Now, it’s time for the worst nightmare of rims everywhere, Khalil Iverson.
Last Season Recap
Yup, Khalil Iverson can jump. Actually, fly may be a better choice of words. He is easily the most athletic player Wisconsin has had since Alando Tucker graduated. However, he is more than just a dunker. He’s a high motor, high energy, do-it-all, playmaker.
Last season, Iverson was a spark plug off the bench. He was a great defender, and always seemed to be the first to every loose ball. He made a lot of big, momentum changing plays over the course of the season, such as a huge forced turnover in the closing seconds of a win against Michigan State.
Offensively, Iverson struggled. Unless he got a lob or was finishing off a fast break, he didn’t score much. He shot only 17% from 3-point range and 53% from the line. His defense, rebounding, and motor warranted him being on the court much more than the 13 minutes he received, but his shooting made him too much of a liability.
Burning Questions
1. Will his shooting improve?
In Wisconsin’s scrimmage against UW-Platteville, Iverson drained a 3-pointer and looked good doing it. He doesn’t need to be Stephen Curry, but 17% from 3 isn’t cutting it. Wisconsin’s offense is predicated on floor spacing, and having someone that can’t shoot on the floor really hurts. In addition, if he can improve his shooting, it will open up the rest of his offensive game.
2. Will he get more minutes?
Iverson needs more than 14 minutes per game. He’s just too good of a playmaker to waste away on the bench. Obviously his ability to shoot the ball will play a large role in that, but it was a good sign that he was the first player off the bench in Wisconsin’s scrimmage.
2016-17 Season Outlook
This is going to be Iverson’s breakout season. His shooting won’t be great, but it will be good enough to keep him on the floor and open up his driving. His athletic ability will allow him to get to the rim at will, and he has the intelligence and court vision to rack up the assists.
His defense, rebounding, and energy will continue to be phenomenal. If he gets more playing time, he will be a true stat sheet stuffer. Steals, blocks, rebounds, assists… You name it, he does it.
Most importantly, Iverson will continue to punish rims. He is really good at getting open for dunks whenever a teammate drives. I can’t wait to see what sort of monster throw down he’s got in store for us next.
Stat Prediction
22 minutes, 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1 block, 30% 3, 48% FG.
Award Prediction
Big Ten All-Defensive Team
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