This is BS.
I keep reading from different journalists, posters, etc... that Iowa doesn't have the talent to compete. What horsecrap.
I heard the same damn thing this fall when people were talking about the Iowa football team. It's an ok team, but there aren't any great athletes on that team, blah blah blah.
This Iowa BB team DOES have talent.
Cully Payne is a very talented PG (makes frosh mistakes, but has the talent).
Eric May is one of the most athletic players in the Big Ten.
Matt Gatens would start on any other Big Ten team.
A healthy Fuller has proven what he can do in the Big Ten.
Cole, when given a chance, is effective as well on the boards and down low.
Even Cougill has shown flashes at the Big Ten level.
Call me out for standing up for the guys on this team, but some people think we are working with DIII talent here, and it's not the case.
The issue is the depth. Iowa has talented ball players. They just need a little more help. That Top 30 class is going to help out.
We've got talent on this team, it's too bad people can't see that sometimes.
Very cogent point, spank. And to expound further, Lick's guys do not have the recruiting stars or reputations that other teams enjoy. I called Eric May a "headscratcher" when we signed him and he might be the most talented player on the team. Yet how many offers did he have? A few, but from the majors?
I think Lick can spot talent. When he is a few more years down the road I doubt freshmen will see many minutes in his system. He wants guys he can mold and develop, not guys who can play right away. He is looking for a different kind of player than many coaches. I am starting to see this.
Fast forward 2 years. These guys are going to be really good. And their backups will come from a group who are where they are now. I am looking forward to that.