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"I didn't know my game could make such a big jump in one summer, " Year "The college game is a lot different, more physical and a faster pace, so getting to practice with the guys with that new rule helped me make the jump. " said Gesell, the 2011 and 2012 Nebraska Player of the Gesell, the 75th ranked player by ESPN.com, No. 89 by Scout. com and No. 100 by Rivals.com, is looking to build on a prep senior season where he averaged 25.1 points, 7.4 assists, six rebounds and 2.9 steals The "new rule" has allowed the UI coaching staff to instruct their team for two hours per week during summer school session Prior to the rule change, coaches weren't allowed any summer team instruction. The rule change paid dividends for the entire roster, specifically the freshmen. "Even though it was only two hours, it was huge because I feel like I am that much further ahead for when we start practice, said Gesell "We already put in some of our offense and defense, so I am familiar with it, and it will make the transition that much easier. " " "It was a necessity," said Meyer, a 6-foot-9 forward "I came in thinking I was going to and do exactly what I did in high school and AAU, but that is not the case "Being able to work with the coaches and seeing the little things that can help me improve really helped me I now knit pick everything I do to be perfect in the way they (the coaches) are trying to shape me. " The team workout sessions and PTL competition also gave the incoming freshmen a chance to build relationships on and off the court with the returning players Strong team chemistry is an all-important factor when going through the grind of a 30-plus game season. "Those guys (returnees) have been really inviting on and off the court," said Gesell "Off the court, we're all like best friends, and on the court, we get aſter and push each other That's what you need. " "The chemistry is perfect, it's almost like we've been together for a long time, progress and how quick we're going to be able to play with each other." " said Clemmons "The key is going to be how we With the depth returning on the roster, minutes will be at a premium, but Meyer says that is a good problem to have. "People will complain outside of the team, but our guys are so unselfish, we want what is best for the team," he said "There are so many spots, and we are so deep that we can come in and contribute and not have any down time with our play It's not a core group of guys; it is a one through 12 that we have on our roster. " With the hype accompanying their arrival, the group knows expectations will go hand-in-hand when the season begins in November Woodbury says there will be pressure to contribute early, but he's focusing on the big picture. "Regardless of where we were ranked, there is always going to be pressure to come in and perform," said Woodbury "The guys the last couple of years have made strides in the program, and we're going to step in and fill in where we're needed to help move this program along and create something special. "If we don't do anything with it, then all the hype and recognition will be pointless." Ingram doesn't buy into the notion of pressure. "We know we have to go out there and play, and we're not going to do anything we can't do, to the hype, we're trying to win games and compete in the NCAA tournament." " he said "We're not trying to live up Gesell is taking the recognition in stride and knows the next four years will be the barometer for rating the class. "We're all looking at it as we have to keep working hard," said Gesell "It's nice that we got a little bit of recognition, but at the end of the day that doesn't mean anything It only matters what you do in college. We all know we have to stay humble with everything and keep working hard because nothing is guaranteed. " The 2012-13 Hawkeyes will make their first public appearance at the Black & Gold Blowout , Oct. 19, on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.