BSpringsteen
Well-Known Member
Interesting column in the PC about whose fault this is. Basically saying Alford was successful before and after Iowa and Lick was successful before Iowa...
Although I think that Hlas was right, this just wasn't the right fit. I do think that Lickliter is a great basketball tactician, just not a great CEO of the Iowa BBall Program.
So once this goes down, does Barta look at the situation and think about what Iowa needs to do to become successful, and realize it isn't JUST the coach?
Here is my list of what Iowa needs to do to be a successful program.
1. Kids grow up wanting to be Hawkeyes, don't let them become Tarheels. We MUST protect our borders.
2. Embrace the talent in surrounding states... Nebraska bball isn't competition. Kids in Minneapolis are pro sports fans, not necessarily Gopher fans. Same with Chicago... kids don't grow up wanting to play for the Illini, they grow up wanting to play for the Bulls. There is no reason that Omaha, Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis should not be Hawkeye country.
3. Home is where the heart is. You must present an environment that creates a huge home court advantage.
4. Facilities... enough has been said on the subject.
5. Style. We live in the sportscenter era. Have highlights, have alley-oops. The optics of the program are hugely important.
6. Branding. I remember Alford in his introductory press conference saying that the deal he had with Nike was going to put Iowa hats next to Michigan and North Carolina ones... problem is I never remember that happening.
Recruiting to Iowa should be very easy... Iowa City is one of the greatest college towns in the country, and I've been to most of them. New facilities are being created... bring in exciting basketball that competes and fans come back...
There is no reason that Iowa should not expect to compete for the Big Ten title every year... not win it every year, but they should always start the season being in the conversation.
Although I think that Hlas was right, this just wasn't the right fit. I do think that Lickliter is a great basketball tactician, just not a great CEO of the Iowa BBall Program.
So once this goes down, does Barta look at the situation and think about what Iowa needs to do to become successful, and realize it isn't JUST the coach?
Here is my list of what Iowa needs to do to be a successful program.
1. Kids grow up wanting to be Hawkeyes, don't let them become Tarheels. We MUST protect our borders.
2. Embrace the talent in surrounding states... Nebraska bball isn't competition. Kids in Minneapolis are pro sports fans, not necessarily Gopher fans. Same with Chicago... kids don't grow up wanting to play for the Illini, they grow up wanting to play for the Bulls. There is no reason that Omaha, Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis should not be Hawkeye country.
3. Home is where the heart is. You must present an environment that creates a huge home court advantage.
4. Facilities... enough has been said on the subject.
5. Style. We live in the sportscenter era. Have highlights, have alley-oops. The optics of the program are hugely important.
6. Branding. I remember Alford in his introductory press conference saying that the deal he had with Nike was going to put Iowa hats next to Michigan and North Carolina ones... problem is I never remember that happening.
Recruiting to Iowa should be very easy... Iowa City is one of the greatest college towns in the country, and I've been to most of them. New facilities are being created... bring in exciting basketball that competes and fans come back...
There is no reason that Iowa should not expect to compete for the Big Ten title every year... not win it every year, but they should always start the season being in the conversation.
