Not doom and gloom now. I think they are vastly improved over last year regardless of whether they win more B1G games than last year. I'm just not ready to by the hype. Too many glaring weaknesses.
Basically to move up, Iowa has to beat Wisky and MSU. Regardless of how one feels about either program, they have proven over and over again their ability to develop teams and gel. Fran hasn't proven that yet at this level.
I do have a bit of a gripe over throwing chairs. Maybe I missed something, but that is something you've never seen those programs do.y
That said, it appears Fran is a good coach and fundamentals are improving. Man defense still stinks and that is a fundamental. Our guards are decent, but still young and they aren't extra special (yet) for the B1G. White is a very solid player. After that I think we have a hard time matching up with many of the teams, especially the better one's. NW will always be a pain. PSU will always be a hard place to play. Iowa's big play has a long way to go and I'm thinking the personnel isn't there yet.
Even with 2 wins over N and PSU, still think it was a long shot for the dance when you mess up that much early. If they beat those teams AND had a quality win in the B1G then, yes they could have made it.
Hey analysis where have you been?
A lot you have said here is correct, but I think the chair incident was far overblown and honestly the more I have seen it, there was no issue there. It was during a timeout and if it hadn't folded and fallen, nobody would have said a word.
I guess Izzo grabbing officials is okay, just so he can get a few calls. Bo Ryan is one of the worst acting coaches on the sidelines, go to a game and watch him, especially during TV timeouts.
Yes MSU/Wisconsin are proven entities, but Iowa has in the past had success against these programs. I think Iowa really plays inspired ball against MSU given the two games last season and unless MSU puts a lot together in the next couple weeks, Iowa has more than a legit chance to knock them off at home.
I don't expect Iowa to sweep Wisconsin, but winning at home is something that I can almost expect, given the event of the day. Iowa is going to be ready for Wisconsin and eager to prove last season was no fluke.
Iowa has had a long way to go with big play since Fran has gotten there, but the difference is Woodbury is a legit big man, yeah he has things to work on, but I think he will surprise in BIG play. McCabe/Basabe have plenty of experience and Olaseni is beginning to look like a viable player.
In order for Iowa to make the leap they have to win 6-7 games against NE, NW, PSU and Purdue, which now, looks more possible than originally predicted.
This Iowa team is different and I think you will see that, Marble has the potential to lead Iowa in more ways than scoring, something Gatens did, think at Wisconsin.
The youth of the guards is concerning, but here is where the schedule pays off, you make mention that UNI could get to the lane, but settled for 3's. Believe it or not, mid-major guards in a lot of cases are far quicker than major conference guards, but they don't have the mental makeup, hence settling for 3's.
What Iowa does have going for them is that they have shown the ability to improve in conference play, if they can avoid some early losses to NW and Wisconsin, that improvement during conference could just get them in the NCAA.