Grateful to Miller but I'm Searching for Answers

[JonDMiller]

Thank you Jon Miller for your post. You have courage and conviction - there is no doubt about that.

The only logical conclusion after reading your post is that an Iowa coaching change is inevitable.

If that is truly the case, my original question remains unanswered: Where does Iowa basketball go from here?

Is Iowa basketball becoming a coaching graveyard, a place where the best coaches do not want to be?

Courage is fighting in a war, or defending your family, or many other things. I dont know that there are many examples of courage in giving an opinion on a basketball team.

I know that my opinions won't make me popular in some offices, but God willing, I am going to be around here a while and my relationship with the Iowa fans is more important to me than if I get invited out for pizza by some folks in Iowa City.

Now, having said that, fairness and respect are two things I take seriously, as in treating people that way. And I hope that people that read this site will hold me accountable on those fronts.

I will continue to try to express my opinions in a respectful fashion, and trying to always be fair.

I would not say Iowa is a coaching graveyard. The success they had the 21 years before Alford (16 NCAA tourneys in 21 years) is not ancient history. I do think Iowa has obstacles to overcome that many of its Big Ten bretheren do not. Minnesota's struggles under Dan Monson didn't make it a coaching graveyard. The fallout of the Clem Haskins cheating scandals didn't make it a coaching graveyard.

The Iowa fan base is among the best in the country, and those fans can be brought back if they see something they believe in and want to invest in emotionally and financially. Coaches know that.

The new practice facility will be finished next summer. That's a good thing. This is still one of just 11 jobs in the Big Ten conference.

I am not saying its time for a change. It's just that I don't see a lot of signs of hope right now...but that is just my opinion, and others may see some things that I don't see right now.

 

[HawkeyeRyno]

Thank you Jon Miller for your post. You have courage and conviction - there is no doubt about that.

The only logical conclusion after reading your post is that an Iowa coaching change is inevitable.

If that is truly the case, my original question remains unanswered: Where does Iowa basketball go from here?

Is Iowa basketball becoming a coaching graveyard, a place where the best coaches do not want to be?

Yes, at this point Iowa has become the new Northwestern of basketball! We sell less tickets them actually. We are also on the same level as Penn State as well. Things aren't going to improve anytime soon either.

Relax about the video. If Iowa wasn't such an embarrassment to the sport then this video never gets made. If Iowa was having the story that UNI is having there wouldn't be a problem. If this video was created for the same purpose in times of success there wouldn't be any arguments. It is stupid for people to get upset about but at least you must be passionate because you are embarrassed with the state of the program.

Don't take it so damn serious!

 

[DDThompson]

If that is truly the case, my original question remains unanswered: Where does Iowa basketball go from here?

Is Iowa basketball becoming a coaching graveyard, a place where the best coaches do not want to be?

The fact that you answered the first question for the second time followed up by the graveyard question leads me to believe that you have a pretty good idea that Lickliter isn't the solution but you just don't want to say it yet. In other words, your brain is taking you to a place your heart doesn't want to go.

 

[JHHawk]

Iowa has had a winning season in 7 of the last 9 years. It is not a graveyard, it is a slumbering giant. 2.5 years of losing does not change the fact that when iowa bb is winning, it is the biggest winter show in Iowa. Just need to get a spark..probably with a different face on the program...and ignite this depressed fan base back into an inferno of hawk fever again. Hell, that Drake coach has an exciting class coming into Des Moines next year for heavens sake...and Iowa cannot attract players?

 

[HeneryHawk]

Jon, well stated sentiments, I agree with much of what you have said. I believe that IOWA can be a winner, the tools are there (especially with the practice facility completed), and its a matter of getting the right guy to lead it, have a vision and be able to sell it (to players and to fans),and then coach it. I hope Lickliter was the guy when they hired him, but nothing fortifies that original hope, and now I believe that he isnt the guy and this should be the last season for him. I would rather see IOWA start over now, than ride out longer with a guy who seems so obviously not up to the task of building this. I hate that IOWA is at this point.

 

[LG210]

The day Gary Barta (or any athletic director) uses the opinion of a message board owner and radio personality as the basis for any decision on whether or not to keep a coach is the day that athletic director needs to resign.

Agreed, but you missed my point. My point was that Jon's opinion will affect a lot of fans' opinions, and if you don't think fans' opinions (including contributors to the program) affect an athletic director's decisionmaking, I believe you are mistaken.

 

[LG210]

Yes, at this point Iowa has become the new Northwestern of basketball! We sell less tickets them actually. We are also on the same level as Penn State as well. Things aren't going to improve anytime soon either.

Things are bleak right now, but I'm not sure this is an accurate comparison.

Iowa's fan base is still far better than Northwestern's, despite the fact that the fans aren't showing up to Carver at this point.

Northwestern is Northwestern because there is no light at the end of the tunnel regardless of how successful their programs are--Northwestern is a black hole where fan loyalty and excitement go to die, even if their team has success, goes to a decent bowl game, etc. The same is not true for Iowa. If Iowa was to start winning, the fans would come back to Carver.

 

[clicheusername3]

Things are bleak right now, but I'm not sure this is an accurate comparison.

Iowa's fan base is still far better than Northwestern's, despite the fact that the fans aren't showing up to Carver at this point.

Northwestern is Northwestern because there is no light at the end of the tunnel regardless of how successful their programs are--Northwestern is a black hole where fan loyalty and excitement go to die, even if their team has success, goes to a decent bowl game, etc. The same is not true for Iowa. If Iowa was to start winning, the fans would come back to Carver.

I think you're confusing "far better" with "far bigger". 2 totally different things...

 

[jparmley3]

Iowa has had a winning season in 7 of the last 9 years. It is not a graveyard, it is a slumbering giant. 2.5 years of losing does not change the fact that when iowa bb is winning, it is the biggest winter show in Iowa. Just need to get a spark..probably with a different face on the program...and ignite this depressed fan base back into an inferno of hawk fever again. Hell, that Drake coach has an exciting class coming into Des Moines next year for heavens sake...and Iowa cannot attract players?

You must be a Spin Doctors fan.

Iowa has had a winning season in 7 of the last 9 years.

That is like saying, "Iowa State has won a bowl game in 1 of the last 3 years."

Lickliter is the other two of the 9. Well, 3 of 10. And, in those three seasons, he has collected the worst winning percentage in the history of the Iowa basketball coaching fraternity.

But, at least you recognize the failure later in your post.

Well done.

 

[ShadasRevenge]

Agreed, but you missed my point. My point was that Jon's opinion will affect a lot of fans' opinions, and if you don't think fans' opinions (including contributors to the program) affect an athletic director's decisionmaking, I believe you are mistaken.

Of course it will. Jon has a pretty powerful voice among the fan base. My point is that the day any AD starts to listen to the fans (no matter how big the checkbook) is the day that AD needs to get out of the business.

They're two different things, and Iowa isn't in the SEC.

 

[LG210]

Of course it will. Jon has a pretty powerful voice among the fan base. My point is that the day any AD starts to listen to the fans (no matter how big the checkbook) is the day that AD needs to get out of the business.

They're two different things, and Iowa isn't in the SEC.

Agreed to the extent that fan opinion should not be the overwhelming factor in any decision made by an athletic director. Disagree to the extent you are saying that fan opinion should not be a factor at all (if that is what you are saying). Part of an athletic director's job is to induce fans of the program to give money to the program, plain and simple. As a result, fan opinion is relevant and should be a factor in many athletic director decisions.

 

[JonDMiller]

Of course it will. Jon has a pretty powerful voice among the fan base. My point is that the day any AD starts to listen to the fans (no matter how big the checkbook) is the day that AD needs to get out of the business.

They're two different things, and Iowa isn't in the SEC.

AD's listen to the fans all of the time...to think that their decisions don't have some of that in mind is unrealistic IMO.

In this instance, he sees and hears from the fans every time he walks into CHA for a home game..the voices and faces of those that are not there, not buying tickets, paying for parking and concessions, those people are speaking to him at all times.

 

[Hooper]

It is extremely depressing to read Jon's take on Iowa basketball because I know he loves it like I do. I guess I want to hold on to the belief that things will get better a little longer than he does. I don't think Jon attends games anymore but I could be wrong. When you see these kids bust their tales in person and see the expressions on their faces, it is hard not to like this team.

It is really hard to be a good fan right now. All we really can do is give as much support as we can and hope for better days. If there are major defections after this season I don't know what I will do.

Alot of the folks I talk to at the games are not nearly so negative as the board posters. That offers some encouragement I guess. We really need to eke out a few more wins.

 

[LG210]

I think you're confusing "far better" with "far bigger". 2 totally different things...

Not confusing the two, but your point is well taken. I guess I could have listed all the factors which constitute the meaning of "better" that I was intending to convey, one of which was number of fans. However, I do not think that the Iowa fan base and Northwestern fan base are distinguishable only by number of fans.

 

[hawkinaclownhouse]

It is extremely depressing to read Jon's take on Iowa basketball because I know he loves it like I do. I guess I want to hold on to the belief that things will get better a little longer than he does. I don't think Jon attends games anymore but I could be wrong. When you see these kids bust their tales in person and see the expressions on their faces, it is hard not to like this team.

It is really hard to be a good fan right now. All we really can do is give as much support as we can and hope for better days. If there are major defections after this season I don't know what I will do.

Alot of the folks I talk to at the games are not nearly so negative as the board posters. That offers some encouragement I guess. We really need to eke out a few more wins.

I have been for giving Lick one more year, until Saturday and the news conference this week. The main reason I am now thinking a change at the end of this year is needed is precisely for the players. I too see the effort and desire, I just don't see the leadership from the bench. Without a change I think we could see a few key defections again this spring.

The frustration of the players can also be seen at times. Watch the huddles during the 30 second timeouts. The body language of the players is often that of someone not really listening or paying attention. Watch how players come to the bench when taken out of the game.

If lil Lick keeps getting significant/meaningful minutes I think the other players may check out.

 

[djwoody98]

We're looking at a 9-23 season. Good luck selling tickets in 2010-2011 if the same staff comes back next year. I wouldn't want to be in Gary Barta's shoes right now. Thank God for Kirk Ferentz.

 

[loesshillshawk]

Well, that's the main reason I would be tempted to give him next year, because the next recruiting class sounds good from everything I'm hearing. Otherwise, where would the hope be? If Lickliter can't get it done next year, then I say it's time to move on. Yes, that means I am basically in favor of giving Lick a year 4, unless there is another mass exodus, or the team pretty much loses out.

This so called "savior class" is rated 7th in the B10 boys....7th. There are top 20 in the nation classes in the B10 for next year...we are young and so are the majority of teams in the B10. The class has no back to the basket big man....has no difference maker at the PG position. Without a difference maker this team will continue to struggle.

 

[loesshillshawk]

I not only drank the kool aide during the first six and a half years of the Alford era, I made more than my share of batches. When I realized Steve was being dishonest about his interest in the Missouri job, on top of the mediocrity of his era, I was done supporting him as iowa's head coach. In the end, I think we all saw what he thought of the Iowa job and we all saw what became if the program under his watch.

I don't want to see Iowa go through another coaching change because that means the Lickliter era was a failure. Which in turn hurts Iowa basketball. I don't know any Iowa fan right now that could reasonably argue that what we have seen the past two and a half seasons has resembled progress. I guess those that think something has to be torn down to it's foundation before you can rebuild a solid program might speak up now an jump in here.

But I have seen little to nothing the past two and a half years that gives me confidence in that, that things are going in a good direction. This is the nuclear winter of Iowa basketball. The signs of life and hope have all too often been followed by transfers, hints o communication issues and more. When they have taken one step forward it's followed by two steps back.

I am not calling for a coaching change. I am not sure I ever will. I don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.

But I am running out of faith. And having done this for going on 11 years and having spoken my mind for much of that time, I am not going to change now.

I love the Hawks and I love Iowa basketball. These bad times remind me of that. The brief glimmers of hope we see at Michigan State, at Indiana and home against Ohio State rekindle that. The way these kids play for the name on the front of the jersey remind me of that. The positive thoughts I had in March of last year, honestly seeing a road map top light at the end of the tunnel, that reminded me of that. But Kelly and Peterson leaving blew that up in a hurry.

Going to Michigan an seeing John play 24 minutes and then hearing Todd say that he should have been playing John earlier in the season?

There probably isn't one team in all of division one that he could start for. It's not his fault, this just isn't where he was gifted.

I do not accept what Todd said on this matter. He can't possibly be serious with that

but I think that he is because I cannot see any purpose served by throwing that out there

So, my confidence in this program right now, under it's direction, has been severely shaken. I have not given up yet, but this situation is not inspiring any hope, at least from my vantage point

I think Todd is a good guy. A good husband, a good dad.

I have my doubts right now as to whether or not he is a good fit as the coach of this program.

We'll see what happens the rest of this season

Fantastic post Jon....really. He just isn't a good fit here at Iowa. His cardinal sin in my opinion is bringing in a staff that can't recruit. If he would just upgrade the staff and figure it out....but he is Barry Collier re-incarnated...and he is loyal to a fault.

 

[JHHawk]

You must be a Spin Doctors fan.

Iowa has had a winning season in 7 of the last 9 years.

That is like saying, "Iowa State has won a bowl game in 1 of the last 3 years."

Lickliter is the other two of the 9. Well, 3 of 10. And, in those three seasons, he has collected the worst winning percentage in the history of the Iowa basketball coaching fraternity.

But, at least you recognize the failure later in your post.

Well done.

I am spinning for the Iowa bb program,not Lick. I think with the new practice facility,and with strong fan support for other sports that is evident, Iowa bb is primed to jump back in the fray,with the right man at the helm. Calling Iowa a graveyard for coaches is wrong. We have a history of long runs for bb coaches...SA-8 years,Mr. Davis- 13 yrs...a graveyard would be a better description for NW or PSU.

 

[tubahawk]

I think Todd is a good guy. A good husband, a good dad.

This is what is making the whole situation so difficult. If he had the same personality as Alford I'd be advocating for his departure without any regret.

I can see so many similarities to what Lickiliter is trying to do with this program compared to what Ferentz has done with the football program. I actually like the concept of taking "average" talent and making the sum greater than the parts. But unfortunately it's not working out for our Bball program.