So are you already calling for Fran to be fired?
Do you actually watch basketball or do you just look at the box score and form you opinion from there?
Did you really expect The Hawks to come out and go .500 or better in the B10 this year?
There is no question that the cupboard was bare when Lick left, but Fran has shown twice that he can rebuild a basketball program. And if you actually watch a game you'll see that this team is so much better than last year's on nearly every level.
The Hawks have two major things going against them this year and that's a VERY strong B10 and lack of athleticism. Time will shift both of these back to more of a balance in the coming seasons. They are doing the best with what they have and being competitive nearly every game. At this point what more do you want? It takes time to turn any program around. How about we give them some?
They will upset someone this season!
a) You are right, Iowa WILL upset someone this season:
Me. with our play.
b) Dude, quit making excuses for Iowa Basketball. Ex:
The Hawks have two major things going against them this year and that's a VERY strong B10 and lack of athleticism.
Let's get something straight: it is not going to get any easier, or much better, for Iowa in the next 2-4 years. Who in their right mind would want to play for Iowa right now? that is sad to say, but it is very true.
c) Did I expect the Hawks to be .500 this year? Heaven's no. I expected 11-12 wins at best. I expect about the same next season because we have, basically, the same team returning. Oglesby does nothing for me. He is a poor man's Tim Jarmusz (sp), and that kid is a weakened definition of role player. I've never seen Aaron White play. But, looking at his list of schools does not wow me much.
d) I have watched almost every game, either live or on TV, in 2010-11. It is frustrating to watch.
- No perimeter defense. But, at Iowa, what is new?
- Guards cannot compete with their counterpart
- No real post presence. Basabe has been a pleasant surprise, but gets eaten up by the better teams. Cole has been, well. He hasn't been much.
- we get beat up and down the court in transition
Our style of play, or lack thereof, has bothered me for the last four seasons. It will continue for at least two more years, IMHO. Fran had better get the team to .500 or he will be gone.
He has rebuilt two previous programs. Yes. But, fella, this is the Big 10 and it is the 2010's. Athletes win championships. Athletes win games. The best Iowa HS players do not play college ball in Iowa anymore. They go where the best play, where top 20 teams play. They go to North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
it is the sad reality that surrounds the 115 year old Iowa basketball program.
