IMO that bad long-term. Obviously, short-term (meaning this upcoming season) it hurts but let's be honest, good programs, or bad programs for that matter, don't typically rely on 26 y.o. JUCO recruits that have criminal records. And although we are all getting tired of throw-away years, for the most part Hawkeye fans were expecting an NIT, at best, type of season. This would be an improvement, but for all intents and purposes, it's still a throw-away year (NCAA or bust, right?). My larger point is there is a lot of talent in and around Iowa for '12 and this gives Fran another scholly to work with, if needed. Additionally, if Iowa needs to go the JUCO route again with the now open scholarship, there are usually players available of Hubbards caliber and without his age and past. I was excited as anyone over seeing a solid improvement from year one to year two in the Fran era and I still think it's going to happen.
With all this being said, I think the player development side might end up being a wash with Hubbard's departure. I think this hurts Marble's development as he will be the man to spot time for Cartright but it also opens up more valuable playing time to someone like Oglesby and possibly McCabe and White depending on what type of lineup Fran decides to play.
With all this being said, I think the player development side might end up being a wash with Hubbard's departure. I think this hurts Marble's development as he will be the man to spot time for Cartright but it also opens up more valuable playing time to someone like Oglesby and possibly McCabe and White depending on what type of lineup Fran decides to play.