It’s certainly no secret that basketball is often a game of matchups. Thursday’s contest between No. 4 Iowa State and Iowa could very well revolve around two. One familiar, one unseen.
All-Big Ten performer Jarrod Uthoff vs. All-American Georges Niang. Seven-footer Adam Woodbury vs. athletic big Jameel McKay.
“This is something that a lot of us,” Niang said, “have been looking forward to.”
The Uthoff/Niang pairing might be the most intriguing matchup on the floor given they’re both likely the best player on their respective teams. There’s also a bit of contrasting styles.
Neither is overly athletic, but Uthoff, at 6-foot-9, 221 pounds, is certainly a more perimeter-oriented player than the 6-foot-8, 220-pound Niang.