If all the current players stay and

[urohawk]

we can land another PG which McCaffery stated he wanted to...we will have 13 players on scholarship (not just handed to walkons for a year) for the first time in a really long time. I don't think it happend the last couple years of Alford and didn't happen in Lick's tenure.

This will make up for a lot of problems with talent and would be a refreshing change. I like the approach that McCaffery wants to improve now where Lick seemed more satisfied with banking scholarships to help down the road. Maybe this won't happen and some players will leave (which is natural in a coaching change) but there does seem to be a different mind set.

 

[JHHawk]

I agree that Fran must put his foot on the accelerator immediately. He is in a different situation than Lick,in that he has a lot of veteran starters who actually scored returning. With Tyler and Adam doing the bulk of the scoring in 07, the returners for Lick first year only averaged 27 pts a game...Fran inherits 55 pts/game.
So, our expectations should be for improvement this year, as they would have been if Lick was still here.
Fran needs to find that quick guard to add to the mix,and find a way to have a winning season...I think he can do it. If everyone returns,my early take is 17-15(7-11) for next year going into the BTT....and slipping into the CBI tourny...to finish with a 20-17 final record....glass half full.

 

[DuffMan]

Your math doesnt add up. How would we loose 2 games in the CBI?

 

[HawkeyeNTexas]

I think this team will improve by leaps and bounds with great coaching. I think most of the problems associated with this team had to do with TL's coaching style. Being involved in basketball and playing since a young age, has given me a good prospective on what it takes to be a good coach. Unfortunately, I believe TL was lacking in that department. It showed in the games. I'm not saying he's not a good man and I'm not saying he wasn't a good coach at Butler, because he was. He just didn't get it done at Iowa and I don't think he was getting through to his players. If Fran practices what he preaches, this team could be pretty good this year. I think the talent is there, it's just a matter of execution, fundamentals, and having some fun.

 

[hawkeye2188]

I think he includes we lose in the big ten tourny.

 

[HawkeyeNTexas]

forget the CBI. Iowa should make the tourney next year with it moving to 96 teams.

 

[urohawk]

forget the CBI. Iowa should make the tourney next year with it moving to 96 teams.

I don't think the tournament will expand next year, it would be the year after but I could be wrong.

 

[ColumbusHawk]

Please read Jon's post of earlier today! It is excellent and right on point.

http://www.hawkeyenation.com/forum/...laying-field-frans-challenge-2010-2011-a.html

 

[JHHawk]

Your math doesnt add up. How would we loose 2 games in the CBI?

I figured 1-1 in the BTT and then 2-1 in the CBI taking us from 17-15 to a final record of 20-17.

But if we play loose, we will lose more.

 

[woodyk1]

Your math doesnt add up. How would we loose 2 games in the CBI?

The final in the CBI is best 2 out of 3.

 

[jo12208]

Good one, JHHawk. It is better to be loose, than lose

 

[HawkeyesWin]

I'm not so sure having everyone stay is the perfect situation. I am concerned with the lack of schollies available for McCaffery will have for his first class. One schollie is a tough one to take, especially when your team has some distinct holes to fill.

 

[DFaceHawkeye]

I don't think the tournament will expand next year, it would be the year after but I could be wrong.

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany: NCAA tournament expansion 'probable' - ESPN

 

[storminspank]

forget the CBI. Iowa should make the tourney next year with it moving to 96 teams.

96 teams is absolutely absurd, I hope that does not happen.

 

[HawkeyeNTexas]

96 teams is absolutely absurd, I hope that does not happen.

I agree. It's going to happen though. They will be getting rid of the NIT and those teams essentially would be in the tournament.