Fran McCaffery Appreciation thread

1hawkeye1

1hawkeye1

Well-Known Member
While watching and reading about the Iowa football program and it's cratering recruiting class, I began to think about how much I appreciate what Fran is doing. I mean his teams are fun to watch. I can tell by the players that he gets, that he is building something special.

Thank you Fran. I hope you are around for a long time.
 
1hawkeye1 said:
While watching and reading about the Iowa football program and it's cratering recruiting class, I began to think about how much I appreciate what Fran is doing. I mean his teams are fun to watch. I can tell by the players that he gets, that he is building something special.

Thank you Fran. I hope you are around for a long time.
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I appreciate Fran and the Iowa coaching staff, but Fran makes to much money for me to be to appreciative. I think he runs a class program.
 
The turnaround in recruiting that Fran has accomplished in amazing. Iowa was really in the doldrums recruiting wise under Lickliter. Fran has done everything right.

First, he has locked down top the in-state talent: Woodbury, Jok, Uthoff, Gessel (close enough), McCaffrey brothers (this one was easier, and Weiskemp.

Second, he has repeatedly been the first to offer elite level talent and built relationships that let us compete and win against blue blood programs. Prominent examples are Tyler Cook, Woodbury, and Luke Garza. Sure, he has failed sometimes, like when Kentucky offered Ulis after Fran spent years recruiting him, but what can you do.

Third, he has found diamonds in the rough. The best example being Aaron White. But also players like Anthony Clemmons, Gabe Oleseni, Nick Baer, Christian Williams (if he develops more).

Fourth, he doesn't waste scholarships. We've had some players not pan out, but they seem to get the message and move on to seek playing time at other schools.

Fifth, he plays an exciting brand of basketball that top recruits like. I think this has been crucial in Fran's recruiting success.
 
WinOneThisCentury said:
I'm concerned that Fran doesn't teach defense. Seton Hall scored 90.
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A D1 coach that doesn't teach defense? C'mon man, I know you're being facetious and I get your point that Iowa's defense has a ways to go. But look at Peter Jok. When he was a freshman, his defense was beyond bad. It was non existent. Now he's a solid defender.
Fran will get these guys where they need to be defensively. I have no doubt. Just be patient. It may not even be this season. There will be some rough games. Don't freak out. This is a special group. Stick with 'em. Go Hawks!
 
1hawkeye1 said:
A D1 coach that doesn't teach defense? C'mon man, I know you're being facetious and I get your point that Iowa's defense has a ways to go. But look at Peter Jok. When he was a freshman, his defense was beyond bad. It was non existent. Now he's a solid defender.
Fran will get these guys where they need to be defensively. I have no doubt. Just be patient. It may not even be this season. There will be some rough games. Don't freak out. This is a special group. Stick with 'em. Go Hawks!
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Jok is far from a solid defender
 
There are a lot of ways to win. If Fran spent more time on defense, it would probably be better but the offense would probably be worse. It would probably be a wash. We would have probably lost to Seton Hall 80-72 instead of 90-82. Or whatever it was.
 
Iowa's been in the top 30 as far as defensive efficiency in 3 of the last 4 seasons - so this notion that he can't coach defense is completely fabricated and now being reinforced with a team of players who've hardly played at the D1 level.
 
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I was only kidding that Fran doesn't coach defense. I would say he's a better offensive coach than defensive coach...and he allows his players to play to their strengths offensively. Jok has played terrible defense this year...he's regressed at the defensive end. He made huge improvements last year...but this year...he's been consistently torched. That's not saying he can't get it back...but his focus has been terrible at the defensive end and I'm not sure how you argue the opposite.
 
He got guts to come here and grab Iowa's balls and remake them into a team that doesnt resemble anything like a bottom feeder. I respect the whole staff.
 
I think they only reason he doesn't go nuclear is so he can be around to coach his kid. The dude has anger control issues.
 
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