There was an earlier comment about Thok being a player to develop. This seems to imply that Woodbury would be more of an early contributor. I disagree in the sense that they would both be development projects, yet would both contribute early in their careers. The fact is, Iowa is not a recruiting hotbed. But at the same time, imagine if we could get every player from the state. What might a roster look like: Gatens, May, Barnes, Cougill. Then later down the line: Paige, Oglesby, Uthoff, Jok, Woodbury, Thok. There is some serious talent around that the Hawks need to sign. As a program, Iowa Basketball cannot let Hoiberg win the immediate recruiting battles.
The fact is, recruits want to go to winning programs. If Iowa was a top 25 range team every year, I think we would have signed Jarrod Uthoff. My point is that while the progress I see with this Iowa team is noteworthy, we need to turn 'progress' into WINS. Iowa needs to win 17 games next year. How is that going to happen? I don't know- because we all know the Big10 will be stacked as always. We need to sign two more contributors for next year's squad to compete. I'm not the first to claim this, but if we could get a good Point and big man, we could compete.
My real point is that... I am scared of Iowa State and the possibility that 'The Mayor' will snatch up the big recruits... The reason i say this is because, what if Iowa struggles again next year? What if we have another 10 win season? I think Hoiberg has handcuffed together a pretty talented lineup. What if ISU makes the tourney? Where will Jok or Thok or whoever want to go? Iowa? and win 10 games a year? I don't think so.
We need to win with OUR recruits to win recruits. P.S. the new basketball facility shouldn't hurt.
Thok,Woodbury,Paige,Gesell,ect all will sign LOI's next November 15 before any games are played by Iowa or ISU next year. So calm your fears, this recruiting class will not be swayed by ISU's success on the court next year. Other teams success this year? Sure, but not ISU's. That is why the full court press is on for these recruits now,because often they make their decision by late spring or summer...and sign in November.