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Men's Hoops Eyes Continued Improvement By Matthew Weitzel T he University of Iowa men's basketball team has jumped out to one of its best starts in recent memory. The Hawkeyes have improved in the win column and also in a number of statistical areas this year compared to last. Iowa's improved play is thanks in large part to stellar performances by its underclassmen: Anthony Clemmons, Mike Gesell, Aaron White and Aaron Woodbury. The quartet have accounted for 45 percent of the Hawkeyes' scoring, 51 percent of assists, 44 percent of steals, and 41 percent of rebounding. Iowa has defended its home court, winning its first seven games, averaging 78 points per game, while allowing just 57.3. This time last year, Iowa had two home losses and allowed its opposition 70.6 points per game on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes have a deeper bench this season. Iowa has a normal rotation of playing 10 athletes, playing 10 in all but one game so far. Iowa's bench is averaging 22 points per game, an improvement from last year. Iowa's RPI this time last year was 174… a year later, it currently sits at 73. Two Hawkeyes have increased their scoring output this season by 5.6 points per game. Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White are averaging 15.1 points and 13.5 points, respectively. This time last year, Marble averaged 9.5 points, while White was at 7.6 points per contest. Iowa is sharing the basketball and converting this year. Last year, Iowa assisted on 55.6 percent of its field goals through 11 games… this season, the Hawkeyes have assisted on nearly 64 percent of their field goals. Iowa is attacking the basket at a higher rate this year compared to last. The Hawkeyes have attempted 20 or more free throws in eight of their first 11 games. White leads the Big Ten in free throw makes (59) and attempts (76). As a team, Iowa averaged 21.8 free throw attempts a year ago, so far this season the Hawkeyes are attempting 25.9 foul shots. Iowa's backcourt is led by a pair of rookies, Clemmons and Gesell. The freshmen play like veterans and have put up solid numbers in the early stages of the season. Gesell averages 9.8 points and 3.2 assists, while Clemmons averages 4.1 points and 3.1 assists. Iowa will open conference play against nationally Last year, Iowa's defense allowed 72.5 points afranked Indiana on New Year's Eve Day. Tipoff is ter 11 contests. This year, Iowa has picked up its set for 3 p.m. (CT), and will be nationally televised defensive intensity and is yielding 63.5 points per on ESPN2. game. A big reason for the better scoring defense numbers is in large part to lower field goal percentages by the opposition. UI opponents are shooting at a 39 percent clip this year, compared to 46 percent a year ago. 61