Iowa's Melsahn Basabe disappointed with exhibition performance

IOWA CITY - Melsahn Basabe doesn't hide his emotion and never spares a chance to critique himself.

Sunday, the Iowa sophomore spoke softly and offered harsh analysis of his effort. He sank just one basket, scored six points, grabbed three rebounds but had a pair of turnovers in 21 minutes. It was unacceptable for him, and he let everyone know after the game.

"I am disappointed because I expected a lot out of myself," Basabe said. "I can't say that it was my best effort, but I can't get down on myself. I don't want to say it was just an exhibition and say that it wasn't important, but this is the beginning of the season. So if anything, I'd rather learn this stuff now early and be ready to come out when it counts.

"I'm not going to harp on this. I bet you nobody will remember that I had six points, three rebounds (Sunday). Once the season starts, once the Big Ten gets going, they probably won't remember it Friday."

Basabe was a member of the Big Ten's all-freshman team last year after averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds a game. He was the first Big Ten freshman in 15 years to score at least 20 points, grab 10 rebounds and swat five shots in a game (22-13-6, respectively against Ohio State).

Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said effort wasn't Basabe's issue against Northwest Missouri State, a 79-59 Hawkeye win.

"A lot of times, if he makes a couple of mistakes early - like he did, he got in foul trouble, he got two fouls - and he had a couple that didn't go in for him, and he missed two free throws and he got a little bit sideways," McCaffery said. "What he's got to do is, once it starts going sideways for him, to be able to correct the ship. When I put him in there in the end, he showed great energy level and got some big-time traffic rebounds for us and got the break going. He'll be fine."

Basabe was the last player to meet with the media postgame after needing stitches for a cut on his chin. Basabe caught an elbow when freshman Aaron White drove to the basket.

Basabe took the chance to point out he earned his cut on an area of constant reminder.

"I actually played some help defense, believe it or not, and I paid for it," he said. "It's all good. It's healed."

Basabe has been sick much of the fall, and said he's just now getting into decent condition. He also admits he needs to bring desire every night because he's a marked man for every opponent.

"Anything I did last year doesn't mean anything this year," Basabe said. "It's going to be harder. People are going to play harder.

"Everything I did last year doesn't just magically happen. I have to think back about how hard I have to do that stuff. As you rise in status and get older and expectations get higher, it takes more effort and energy."