Three things I'm hanging my hopes on with McCaffery

[1977Hawkeye]

I've had some time to cool off a bit and (hopefully) think a little more rationally. I still am not optimistic, but am prepared to at least give the new coach a shot. I will be there in November rooting for the Hawks, same as the rest of you.

What I am hoping will go much better with this hire than last time:

1. McCaffery brings in good assistants that have a clue, and understand what it takes to recruit talent necessary to compete in a conference like the Big Ten. I think we probably all agree on this.

2. The faster and more exciting style of play will appeal to more athletes than were brought in with Lickliter. If nothing else, we'll be more interesting to watch, even if we're losing.

3. That the recent success at Siena compared to the 49-40 and 90-87 at his previous mid-major schools are signs that McCaffery is starting to "get it" as a coach and that we really CAN dismiss the records from his previous stops in favor of his more-recent success. After all, his time at Lehigh was in the 1980's. Coaches can improve and change philosophy. Let's hope that's true.

That's not a prediction. Just the things I will be watching and hoping for. Thoughts?

 

[SWIHawk]

Ever consider his record at those schools could be a little deceiving if he had to go in and rebuild? He has taken all three schools to the NCAA tournament. He is a proven successful coach.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

Ever consider his record at those schools could be a little deceiving if he had to go in and rebuild? He has taken all three schools to the NCAA tournament. He is a proven successful coach.

Or yes, that the record at those schools is deceptive.. If Siena's record is more indicative - great.

 

[DimeHawk]

I think you make good points about the up-tempo style. I think that will bring in some athletes that are fun to watch and in turn bring back some of the fan support. I think that's the key. It comes down to athletes. Watching UT today and noticed they don't have a lot of real good b-ball players ... they just have athletes. I think the uptempo style can attract that type of athletic player to Iowa. Maybe not on the same level as UT but same principle. Long, fast, and can jump ... that's what I'm looking for.