Anyone hear Hawk Talk tonight?

[HawkeyeMike23]

That's what I've been saying for several months now. They really aren't that far away. Just one or two players could make all the difference in the world right now.

Yes but there's a difference between a team being really close and just needing another spot up shooter off the bench or another good rebounding big man, and saying all Iowa needs is one or two other players, but those players need to be athletic play makers who can create for their teammates, and shut down their opponents top athletes. Those players are what separate the teams at the top of the conference from the teams at the bottom, they're not readily available and just waiting for Iowa to call and offer them a full ride.

 

[CalvaryHawk]

The next obvious question/hurdle is this: can Iowa find a coach who will be able to create a desire in a complete player (not a role player) to come to Iowa. If they can't find a good candidate with a system and a personality to entice these types of athletes, we are probably better off riding Lick as long as possible. The nice thing about hitting rock bottom is that you don't have to be terribly concerned about getting any lower. Maybe by next year we will have a roster big enough that we'll always have five people on the court who are at least D1 role players. With a bit of luck, maybe one or two diamonds can be found in this rough. (Speaking of which, why do people keep referring to "Burst." Is his name really that difficult to spell? Is it a spellcheck problem?)
-Greg

 

[pmchawk]

The "style of play" argument is so tired and old. The bottom line is if you win people will be excited to watch it.

personally I'm not sold on the "if you win people will be excited" comment. If you win a lot yes, but a boring style of basketball wont get people excited if they only win a little.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

I agree.

1. Wisconsin has their system which is a bit unique,but this year they will go to the NCAA tourny for the 12th straight year!! So,yes,their fans are fine with it. Ryan has gone to the tourny every single year...so you think if Lick had gone to the tourny the first 3 years Iowa fans would *****? No way.

2. Even with his swinging gate system, he has always had superior talent running it...like Devin harris,Alando Tucker,Trevon Hughes, and other guards that were athletic studs. Lick has not shown any ability to attract or discover guys like that...NBA players in waiting.

As the gazette article today indicated, Lick came from a mid-major without a clue as to how to recruit at a BCS school level. Ryan came from a Div II school and he knew exactly how the recruiting game is played...
No excuses for lick's inept approach to the single biggest challenge to Iowa bb....as the Martin Bros AAU coach said, lick came in aloof,arrogant and did not bother to even touch base with local AAU programs,let alone out of state programs....he was doomed to fail from day one.

Spot on. This is not Wisconsin's system for one thing.
I have also been following the Gazette series. It is always frustrating to read these anonymous quotes because you never know the motivation of the source and you are relying on the journalist to use good judgement. So it was refreshing to see the AAU coach go on record with his comments. TL does appear aloof and possibly arrogant at times, but according to the AAU coach their relationship has gotten better in his view. So that is a good sign. Maybe TL is adjusting to this environment and recognizing a few of his flaws. But still concerning if the "nitpicking" of recruits accusation is fair and accurate. And his system is so heavily predicated on outside shooting. If they aren't hitting the outside shot it will always be a struggle due to the lack of creating turnovers, lack of tempo, lack of athleticism, etc. You wonder if he would ever tweak his system or philosophy of basketball or alter his approach toward his players if Barta mandated it for instance. How flexible is he really? Two knocks against Mr. Davis were lack of recruiting and his refusal to alter his philosophy. Calling off the full-court press for instance. Is that what we have here? I don't believe Mr. Davis was ever criticized for lack of communication though. I realize different times and different AD's but interesting comparisons? For the record I was a Dr.Tom supporter and felt he was treated poorly. Gazette article mentioned he still lives in IC. If this is true I have even more respect for him.
The Gazette reminded us that TL has had a few defections that were out of his hands. If he were let go in a year or two how many would feel he was treated unfairly?