HaydenHawk56
Well-Known Member
Got thinking about this tonight. Last year's team had a super-star (Garza and another in JoeW), had JBo, won less games (22), but finished 3rd in the conference, 2 seed in NCAAs, and won their first round NCAA game against 15 seed Grand Canyon. Their season ends in a blow out against an arguably under-seated PAC-10 Champion in Oregon (7 seed) and they got a bye and extra rest and prep time for Iowa.
This year Iowa wins 26 games, finishes 5th in conference, wins the Big Ten Tournament, gets a 5 seed in the NCAAs, but loses in the first round to 12 seed Richmond. They have another super-star in Keegan Murray with JBo in his last year.
Beginning of this year I thought 21-22 could be good, middle of the year, I thought NITish. Going into the NCAAs, I thought this team was playing better than last year. I thought they were better than last year. Although, I think the BTT Title is the lesser between the Regular Season Title...I still think it is a significant accomplishment and it is good to be playing your best ball at this time of year. But, winning Big Ten Titles can't win the National Title. They can help you get there, but you won't win the National Title by winning your conference. Iowa loses it's first NCAA round game.
Last year's team falls in the BTT to Illinois, but wins the first game in the NCAAs. They were technically one spot farther to a title than this year. But they got more time to rest and prepare for Grand Canyon. 21-22 Iowa destroyed Northwestern and then beat 3 NCAA tournament teams in a row (including 3 seed Purdue) having less rest and prep time for Richmond.
Personally, I picked it is a PUSH. Because although although last year's team went further, I think this year's team did more things under the hood (more wins, BTT title). They were also not expected to make the NCAAs let alone with the BTT. But, I think you also have to value NCAA tournament wins over Big Ten Tournament wins. Even winning one of them over the winning the BTT.
What do you all think?
I really wanted to vote for the 21-22 team, but I just can't pull the trigger on a first round exit in the Big Dance.
This year Iowa wins 26 games, finishes 5th in conference, wins the Big Ten Tournament, gets a 5 seed in the NCAAs, but loses in the first round to 12 seed Richmond. They have another super-star in Keegan Murray with JBo in his last year.
Beginning of this year I thought 21-22 could be good, middle of the year, I thought NITish. Going into the NCAAs, I thought this team was playing better than last year. I thought they were better than last year. Although, I think the BTT Title is the lesser between the Regular Season Title...I still think it is a significant accomplishment and it is good to be playing your best ball at this time of year. But, winning Big Ten Titles can't win the National Title. They can help you get there, but you won't win the National Title by winning your conference. Iowa loses it's first NCAA round game.
Last year's team falls in the BTT to Illinois, but wins the first game in the NCAAs. They were technically one spot farther to a title than this year. But they got more time to rest and prepare for Grand Canyon. 21-22 Iowa destroyed Northwestern and then beat 3 NCAA tournament teams in a row (including 3 seed Purdue) having less rest and prep time for Richmond.
Personally, I picked it is a PUSH. Because although although last year's team went further, I think this year's team did more things under the hood (more wins, BTT title). They were also not expected to make the NCAAs let alone with the BTT. But, I think you also have to value NCAA tournament wins over Big Ten Tournament wins. Even winning one of them over the winning the BTT.
What do you all think?
I really wanted to vote for the 21-22 team, but I just can't pull the trigger on a first round exit in the Big Dance.
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