DodgerHawki
Well-Known Member
much has been said about the up-tempo style of play. Looking at McCaffery's history and pace, it will definitely be a change from what Iowa has been used to the last 3 years.
This year, Siena averaged 70.5 possessions per game, good for 39th in the country. Iowa by contrast averaged 62 possessions per game, 321st in terms of pace.
In 2009, Siena averaged nearly 72 possessions per game, or 16th in the country. In 2008, that was 69 possessions a game (98th in the country), and in 2007 69.6 possessions per game (66th in the nation). Looks like his teams at Siena played faster as he got more talent into his roster.
At UNC-Greensboro, in 2005 McCaffrey's team averaged 70.8 possessions per game, or 46th in the country. In 2004, they were at 68.7 possessions a game, or 120th in the country.
All told, in all of those years I mentioned his teams were in the upper half of college basketball in terms of pace. Compared that to Lickliter's teams, who were all 320th or below in terms of pace. Pace alone does not equal success, but it will likely be a noticeable difference.
My guess is that Iowa plays faster next year, but that the changes might not be as dramatic as in future years as the current roster (in my mind) does not lend itself to a high-octane game. You need to go 9-10 deep to be able to run, and not sure that Iowa has 9-10 quality Big 10 players on the roster at this time.
This year, Siena averaged 70.5 possessions per game, good for 39th in the country. Iowa by contrast averaged 62 possessions per game, 321st in terms of pace.
In 2009, Siena averaged nearly 72 possessions per game, or 16th in the country. In 2008, that was 69 possessions a game (98th in the country), and in 2007 69.6 possessions per game (66th in the nation). Looks like his teams at Siena played faster as he got more talent into his roster.
At UNC-Greensboro, in 2005 McCaffrey's team averaged 70.8 possessions per game, or 46th in the country. In 2004, they were at 68.7 possessions a game, or 120th in the country.
All told, in all of those years I mentioned his teams were in the upper half of college basketball in terms of pace. Compared that to Lickliter's teams, who were all 320th or below in terms of pace. Pace alone does not equal success, but it will likely be a noticeable difference.
My guess is that Iowa plays faster next year, but that the changes might not be as dramatic as in future years as the current roster (in my mind) does not lend itself to a high-octane game. You need to go 9-10 deep to be able to run, and not sure that Iowa has 9-10 quality Big 10 players on the roster at this time.
