So Where is the Bar for Iowa Basketball

[Fryowa]

This debate or variations of this debate have gone on for 25 years now and I can’t add anything new. The Iowa St. game was embarrassing, not the way Iowa played on the court, but the 2,000 empty seats and the way 3,000 ISU fans clowned us(pun intended) at the end of the game.

It does feel like we are coming to a crossroads with Fran. Many are using the marriage/relationship analogy of both sides deciding it is time to move on. As I have stated many times before, Goetz will have to make a men’s basketball hire, before she makes a football hire. Fran will not be forced out, but I could see a mutual parting of the ways, tho.

I wasn’t there but had some friends who were, they all said it looked to them like there were more ISU fans than Iowa fans there. That should never happen. For a game like that they should offer every single non season ticket holder seat to area youth sports teams for $10 a piece. Anything to keep clown fans out. That game was a total disgrace to the program, no fault to the team or staff

 

[InGoodCo]

If getting rid of a good coach is going to take us to the next level, bring fans back to our barn and result in more wins, please sign me up and show Fran the door tomorrow. I am just of personal belief that it has almost nothing to do with the coach, players, product or success and has more to do with how Iowa views Men's Basketball as a whole. They look at it as a loser with no potential and don't feel the need to invest towards it's success except the absolute bare minimum. Fan's have spoken, with their pocketbooks and with attendance. Once we get rid of Fran, that will solve everything and bam, right back to being the best program in the country.

 

[RobHowe]

There definitely were more Iowa fans than ISU fans at Thursday's game. However, there were more ISU fans than I've ever seen in CHA. That goes back a ways. Iowa student section also was full despite having some shitty seats at the top of the south end.

 

[MILHAWKEYE]

I was at the game and I also will say there were way more Iowa fans than Iowa State fans! I was surprised though how many State fans were sprinkled throughout the arena. The biggest pack of State fans were behind their bench which makes sense. They were very vocal at times when they had the opportunity. What ticked me off was when I got to my seats which are close to the floor about 1 minute before tip off there were Iowa State fans sitting in them!

 

[BigD]

I was at the game and I also will say there were way more Iowa fans than Iowa State fans! I was surprised though how many State fans were sprinkled throughout the arena. The biggest pack of State fans were behind their bench which makes sense. They were very vocal at times when they had the opportunity. What ticked me off was when I got to my seats which are close to the floor about 1 minute before tip off there were Iowa State fans sitting in them!

“Excuse me? These are my seats.”

Sorry sir……… psst guys it looks like some seats are still open right behind the Iowa bench. Let’s go grab them!

CLOWNS!!!

 

[Zstatman]

I find it hard to understand why Fran has never taken a Hawk team to the Sweet 16, that's sad.

When we aren't even making the Dance, that's bad.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I find it hard to understand why Fran has never taken a Hawk team to the Sweet 16, that's sad.

When we aren't even making the Dance, that's bad.

I don't have any expectations for them anymore. It just is what it is. Hope they win and see what happens. We are stuck with Fran till he follows Jack and his boys to Indy. I'm guessing it'll be after this season he does it. I don't think Beth has him on any kind of hot seat. He's always doing enough to not be on that. Yet not enough to get to sweet 16 and appease the fan base.

I would think if CHA is avging less then 7-9 k fans every game that's pretty bad and that would be enough of a reason to put him on the hot seat but when tv $ is what it is they can overlook it. That's what got Licklighter fired as much as anything I thought. Sure he was losing more too but he had that arena empty as could be. Fran if he starts losing a little more that 7k/game could shrink to 4k or less and how could that be ignored by Beth? So I dunno we'll see how the next 3 months go

 

[InGoodCo]

I don't have any expectations for them anymore. It just is what it is. Hope they win and see what happens. We are stuck with Fran till he follows Jack and his boys to Indy. I'm guessing it'll be after this season he does it. I don't think Beth has him on any kind of hot seat. He's always doing enough to not be on that. Yet not enough to get to sweet 16 and appease the fan base.

I would think if CHA is avging less then 7-9 k fans every game that's pretty bad and that would be enough of a reason to put him on the hot seat but when tv $ is what it is they can overlook it. That's what got Licklighter fired as much as anything I thought. Sure he was losing more too but he had that arena empty as could be. Fran if he starts losing a little more that 7k/game could shrink to 4k or less and how could that be ignored by Beth? So I dunno we'll see how the next 3 months go

Beth has already chosen to ignore men's basketball. Almost no changes made to the game day experience this season. They view it as a loser that isn't worth saving or you'd think they'd put some effort into it besides the absolute bare minimum. I am pretty hopeful Iowa's next coach is on it's bench because that's going to be a tough sell for the next guy. Come to Iowa, where even if you win and produce All American's, we won't support it.

Nebraska has a huge crowd at their place almost every game. They've never won an NCAA game. Iowa's basketball problem isn't winning.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Beth has already chosen to ignore men's basketball. Almost no changes made to the game day experience this season. They view it as a loser that isn't worth saving or you'd think they'd put some effort into it besides the absolute bare minimum. I am pretty hopeful Iowa's next coach is on it's bench because that's going to be a tough sell for the next guy. Come to Iowa, where even if you win and produce All American's, we won't support it.

Nebraska has a huge crowd at their place almost every game. They've never won an NCAA game. Iowa's basketball problem isn't winning.

It'll be a fascinating thing to see play out. Frans contract goes through 28 I believe and does anyone think he'll be here half that long? Over under on him leaving to me is after 25. But my money would be on him leaving after this yr before 25. Based on nothing but the feel of all the circumstances. Granted he sure doesn't have to. He can go through the motions keep having 19-22 win seasons that end on the bubble of sometimes getting in the dance and sometimes not and stay till 28 or if Beth wants to can him before that. I just don't think she will have to. He's one foot out the door to me on his own

 

[Zstatman]

The way these contracts seem to work these days if Fran leaves before 28 and contract expiration, he will still get paid thru 28. If Beth initiates it for sure he will get paid thru 28, maybe even if it's his choice.

Jess Settles mentioned in the broadcast last night that Fran seems calmer than ever as Iowa's coach. He said it's because Fran likes the players on this team, like to coach then and he trusts them to do what they need to do. I wonder if it's just that Fran knows he's at the end of the road and he's just not caught up in all the hoopla like he once was. I will say he does seem calmer on the bench.

I sense many think Matt Gatens is the heir apparent. He's really unproven and no guarantee he will take the program where most of us would like to see it go. But, maybe he's given a shot at it. I like Matt, loved his game as a players, knew his dad, was at the game his dad grabbed Woody's Haye's cap at the end of the game, even knew his mom a bit as a student. But that doesn't mean he'll take us where we want to go.

Sad to say but I think about Mr. Davis sometimes. He took us to Sweet 16s but we wanted more, we wanted Elite 8s and Final Fours on a regular basis. I supported him being shown the door. Little did I know that was good as it was going to get for a very long time.

 

[BigD]

Beth has already chosen to ignore men's basketball. Almost no changes made to the game day experience this season. They view it as a loser that isn't worth saving or you'd think they'd put some effort into it besides the absolute bare minimum. I am pretty hopeful Iowa's next coach is on it's bench because that's going to be a tough sell for the next guy. Come to Iowa, where even if you win and produce All American's, we won't support it.

Nebraska has a huge crowd at their place almost every game. They've never won an NCAA game. Iowa's basketball problem isn't winning.

I think your last couple of post have been pretty spot on including this one. What my two cents on the matter (and it's probably worth half of that) is that Fran has had moments where the team has looked awesome and promising. The fans start to get into it with hopes and expectations and then March comes and the team shits the bed. I believe that a lot of fans are just getting tired of dirty. soiled sheets in March.

I also think that Nebraska basketball fans have accepted that their program sucks and so there is very low expectations toward winning a conference title or even doing anything in March. So they just attend the games for the fun of being out enjoying the game for the game sake. Gents and Lady's looking for someone to have a good time with after the game maybe even all night.

Cub fans know what this is like as do Bears fans. Seriously the Bears???? 1985 is a long effing time, 15+ 25= 40 years. Those who are under 45 years of age won't likely remember the 1985 Bears team and may never get to experience it as a Bear's fan. That's ridiculous and BS as a sports fan. I had to wait from age 5 until age 25 to get to enjoy it. I thought it impossible as a Cub's fan also, but it did eventually happen thanks' to a billionaire that was hell bent to prove what money and good management could do. So he did that and done that and so much for caring any more. Screw the fans, let them enjoy a beautiful park, a hot dog, and beverage.

The point guard is the wheel that turns the team. Until we get a Ronnie Lester type of Big Ten point guard or at least a BJ Armstrong type of guard we are effed. Fran has shown his abilities at the forward, center, and even the off guard position. Come on Fran win the damn point guard lotto. Can you imagine this current team with a Ronnie Lester or BJ Armstrong??? We would at least be talking elite eight or even final four potential. It's a damn shame Fran is that close and yet so far.

I

 

[Bordone]

I stopped paying attention to the men's team awhile ago. J Bo and sandfort's inconsistant volume shooting and porus defense and being told these are the 'stars' of the team is why i checked out. Nothing to do with Fran. Was hard enough to recruit talented kids before the fan base became completely apathetic.

Why would any recruit want to come to play in an empty arena at 9 o clock on a thursday night in the middle of winter to get physically beaten up by michigan st for 40 minutes with no fouls called. Yippy.

Loving watching the women's team though.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I stopped paying attention to the men's team awhile ago. J Bo and sandfort's inconsistant volume shooting and porus defense and being told these are the 'stars' of the team is why i checked out. Nothing to do with Fran. Was hard enough to recruit talented kids before the fan base became completely apathetic.

Why would any recruit want to come to play in an empty arena at 9 o clock on a thursday night in the middle of winter to get physically beaten up by michigan st for 40 minutes with no fouls called. Yippy.

Loving watching the women's team though.

JBo was a dang good player. He wasn't a perfect player by anymeans but we won a lot of games with him. JBo could run the O and was an unselfish passer he's pretty high up Iowas assist rankings I would think besides just his shooting. Frans been looking for his 'perfect' pg pretty much since he's been here to no avail.

Sandforts game is tough to watch that's for sure. I'm not a huge fan of his game. It's like he tries to be something he's not. I don't deride his effort he plays as hard as he can. Problem is he's not athletic enough to run with most guys his size/position. He can't defend/box out for squat and that's not improved so when his jumper isn't falling he's a one trick pony without a trick.

 

[BigD]

I see comments on this thread about lack of defense. Well, you've heard of "Waynes World" well lack of defense is "Frans World" and it's cost him.

 

[thedukeofearl]

Hawk Defense has its moments

Harding, Threlwell, Sandfort, Dix and Sandfort have 78 steals between them

We are master thieves: Steals: Harding has 29, Thelwell has 25, Peyton has 14, and DIx has 10

We have a solid defensive front causing the opponents major problems getting the ball across halfcourt

They only have so much time to actually attack the basket

However, when they get the ball inside, we usually have difficulty stopping them from scoring in the
paint and basically because of our lack of size and a legitimate enforcer


Freeman is handcuffed because the opponents' strategy is immediately getting fouls on Owen and
putting him on the bench for half of the game

Dembele is becoming dependable on offense and defense

As far as assists are concerned: Harding has 76, Peyton has 44, Thelwell has 42
Dix has 34 and Freeman has 10

We have 262 assists to 132 TOs

We have missed 74 free throws and that will cost us games down the stretch

We are shooting 51% on field goals and 38.3 % on threes

Not too shabby overall

This is a fun team to watch especially when we are nailing threes and stealing the ball

Iowa Hawkeyes 2024-25 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN

Visit ESPN for Iowa Hawkeyes live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2024-25 season schedule.

www.espn.com

 

[PCHawk]

Hawk Defense has its moments

Harding, Threlwell, Sandfort, Dix and Sandfort have 78 steals between them

We are master thieves: Steals: Harding has 29, Thelwell has 25, Peyton has 14, and DIx has 10

We have a solid defensive front causing the opponents major problems getting the ball across halfcourt

They only have so much time to actually attack the basket

However, when they get the ball inside, we usually have difficulty stopping them from scoring in the
paint and basically because of our lack of size and a legitimate enforcer


Freeman is handcuffed because the opponents' strategy is immediately getting fouls on Owen and
putting him on the bench for half of the game

Dembele is becoming dependable on offense and defense

As far as assists are concerned: Harding has 76, Peyton has 44, Thelwell has 42
Dix has 34 and Freeman has 10

We have 262 assists to 132 TOs

We have missed 74 free throws and that will cost us games down the stretch

We are shooting 51% on field goals and 38.3 % on threes

Not too shabby overall

This is a fun team to watch especially when we are nailing threes and stealing the ball

Iowa Hawkeyes 2024-25 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN

Visit ESPN for Iowa Hawkeyes live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2024-25 season schedule.

www.espn.com

Traore gets a lot of steals too. Honestly other than rebounding and free throws we're a pretty darn good team.

 

[SCHawkeye2]

The Fieldhouse Rocked

Bobby Knight Hated the fieldhouse especially in the Winter

Mentioned it in his book

Johnny Orr hated it as well.
Saw some nice Iowa wins there.

 

[InGoodCo]

I definitely don't think or want Matt Gatens to be our next coach. I don't think he's ready and he probably doesn't think that either. So, no heir apparent wants or desires from me. I just think Iowa has a tough sell if they want to upgrade at HC when they do go to make a hire. Mostly because there's tons of evidence that Iowa doesn't give a shit about Men's basketball. No one wants to go into a job like that, even if it's the B1G. Sure, someone is going to see it as a stepping stone gig, but there are easier ones out there with a lot more fan support, funding and administration backing.

 

[#1DieHardHawk]

I definitely don't think or want Matt Gatens to be our next coach. I don't think he's ready and he probably doesn't think that either. So, no heir apparent wants or desires from me. I just think Iowa has a tough sell if they want to upgrade at HC when they do go to make a hire. Mostly because there's tons of evidence that Iowa doesn't give a shit about Men's basketball. No one wants to go into a job like that, even if it's the B1G. Sure, someone is going to see it as a stepping stone gig, but there are easier ones out there with a lot more fan support, funding and administration backing.

I'd like to see Gatens get more HC experience before he's even considered for a head coaching job at Iowa. His resume isn't there yet.

The next coach likely will end up being more of a transitional figure as Iowa struggles to figure out options to boost support and enthusiasm. Lots of difficult decisions and fundraising challenges ahead. Unfortunately, the program will probably have to take a couple of steps backward before going up.

 

[InGoodCo]

I'd like to see Gatens get more HC experience before he's even considered for a head coaching job at Iowa. His resume isn't there yet.

The next coach likely will end up being more of a transitional figure as Iowa struggles to figure out options to boost support and enthusiasm. Lots of difficult decisions and fundraising challenges ahead. Unfortunately, the program will probably have to take a couple of steps backward before going up.

I'd prefer to go ahead and miss that but it's likely the position we will be in. When Fran leaves, I expect a mass exodus, besides maybe Koch, they are all there because of Fran and I'd say none of them are there because of Iowa.... again, sans maybe Koch.