Only problem with the perfect scenario, when you play at Iowa two things dont happen, National Championships(hell even sweet 16s are rare now days) and getting drafted.
I don't disagree with that, but it only takes the right coach to get Iowa back to where they were when they were going to Sweet 16's, Elite 8's and the Final Four. The problem is, Alford was not that coach and neither was Lickliter. Davis got handed a ton of talent and trickled it down his leg, but Mr. Davis did a lot of good things in his tenure at Iowa and maintained a good talent level for a long time. Iowa has brought in quality talent before and it appears that Coach Fran is capable of this by looking at his incoming recruits and walk-ons, he is capable going to be capable of bringing in guys that stick around and find players that may not be rated as high as others. The only thing that I fear is that Coach Fran is 51 and just how long he will he be around? The plan that is in place right now is one that Iowa fans should see results in the short and long term. Again, how long will he be around, I hope for 15 years. If he is around that long, Iowa fans should expect great things in about 4 years. Melsahn Basabe, Roy Marble, Jr., and Zach McCabe will a class to be remembered.
I don't believe Marcus Paige is gone, I don't believe any of the quality players for the 2012 class are out of the picture. Even if Paige isn't playing big AAU tournaments, he would get noticed, he is that good. Coach Fran will have another class in place before Paige has to decide on his choice. With this first class and then who is signed for 2011 will have a lot to do with what Paige does.
The Ultimate question is this: Does Paige want to be part of a program that will have a ton of experience and depth and a chance to be really good from Day 1 when he signs.
Payne and May will be seniors who will have started for 3 years. McCabe, Marble, Basabe will have a ton of experience and some possible starts and the 2011 class, hopefully with no Cougill, will have played one full season.
I expect Iowa's roster to be very seasoned and be primed to make a jump to the top half of the Big Ten with the additions of the 2012 class, just depends on who wants to join.