BigD
Well-Known Member
Reflecting back on my fifty plus years of following University of Iowa sports It seems like Iowa may be entering a familiar pathway in college basketball.
I remember the Todd Lickliter hire. He seemed to be doing well at Butler? Butler???? Well then, that's Butler a very school. We are Iowa and if he can be successful there what is he going to do at Iowa a BIG TEN SCHOOL.
Think of the advantages Lickliter will have at a major university. A lot more money to recruit with and a massive fan base to work with. Iowa fans generally can go toe to toe with any fan base when it comes to supporting the two major sports of football and basketball. Not to put wrestling in the backseat of the bus as wrestling in fact have won several NATIONAL TITLES. As of late the women's basketball program has gained nation attention, much due to the Caitlin Clark phenomena.
Most were hopeful with Lickliter coming in with what appeared to be a coach who had his stuff together. Many we optimistic that he would match and exceed his success at Butler, especially with the money and fan base behind him. It didn't take long to find out that not all that glitters is gold. In this case we would come to find out that all that was glittering was fool's gold.
So here we are once again. A new coach coming in with a lot of success, but at a lower-level division. Will this coach be able to recruit "pay for play" and coach at a level that he has only had glimpses of in a game here or there. It's one thing to upset a team here and there but it's another thing to play night after night against the B!G BOY's.
We all have seen this rodeo before as Iowa fans. Not just in Lickliter but also in Steve Alford. Alford did well at a smaller school and had success in March madness. We all found out that the real madness was watching his repeated failures during March madness. Also, it soon became apparent that Alford's personality seemed to rub roughshod with the Iowa fans. He seemed somewhat flamboyant and arrogant.
So here we are once again. A new coach, from a small school, but bringing in repeated success at that school and at the level of divisional play. He also has a totally different demeanor from Lickliter and Alford. He is open, friendly, and has an error of humility and appreciation that will be appreciated by most Iowa fans.
Soon late fall we be upon us and basketball season will begin. With eager eyes and anticipation hopes will be cautiously optimistic as a new reign of Iowa basketball will begin. Let's all hope that this small school coach brings back the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm that used to fill the old Iowa field house.
I remember the Todd Lickliter hire. He seemed to be doing well at Butler? Butler???? Well then, that's Butler a very school. We are Iowa and if he can be successful there what is he going to do at Iowa a BIG TEN SCHOOL.
Think of the advantages Lickliter will have at a major university. A lot more money to recruit with and a massive fan base to work with. Iowa fans generally can go toe to toe with any fan base when it comes to supporting the two major sports of football and basketball. Not to put wrestling in the backseat of the bus as wrestling in fact have won several NATIONAL TITLES. As of late the women's basketball program has gained nation attention, much due to the Caitlin Clark phenomena.
Most were hopeful with Lickliter coming in with what appeared to be a coach who had his stuff together. Many we optimistic that he would match and exceed his success at Butler, especially with the money and fan base behind him. It didn't take long to find out that not all that glitters is gold. In this case we would come to find out that all that was glittering was fool's gold.
So here we are once again. A new coach coming in with a lot of success, but at a lower-level division. Will this coach be able to recruit "pay for play" and coach at a level that he has only had glimpses of in a game here or there. It's one thing to upset a team here and there but it's another thing to play night after night against the B!G BOY's.
We all have seen this rodeo before as Iowa fans. Not just in Lickliter but also in Steve Alford. Alford did well at a smaller school and had success in March madness. We all found out that the real madness was watching his repeated failures during March madness. Also, it soon became apparent that Alford's personality seemed to rub roughshod with the Iowa fans. He seemed somewhat flamboyant and arrogant.
So here we are once again. A new coach, from a small school, but bringing in repeated success at that school and at the level of divisional play. He also has a totally different demeanor from Lickliter and Alford. He is open, friendly, and has an error of humility and appreciation that will be appreciated by most Iowa fans.
Soon late fall we be upon us and basketball season will begin. With eager eyes and anticipation hopes will be cautiously optimistic as a new reign of Iowa basketball will begin. Let's all hope that this small school coach brings back the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm that used to fill the old Iowa field house.
