LawVHawk
Well-Known Member
In my book, if they agreed to come to Iowa City to wear the black and gold, my answer is all of them.
But if I had to pick the one I most appreciate, it's Mel. Talented New York kid attending prep school in Massachusetts, committed to playing college hoops a little more than two hours up I-90 at a 3,200-student Catholic college for a passionate, energetic coach; takes a huge risk to follow that coach when he accepts a new job half way across fly-over country at a Big Ten program he, Mel, likely hadn't even heard of, let alone considered playing in, one that had hit rock bottom. Started all 31 games as a freshman, usually out of necessity at the 5 where he typically gave up several inches to taller, more physical B1G centers.
Despite getting pounded down low, Mel finished that first season ranked first in team rebounding (6.8), blocks (41) and free throws made (80) and attempted (112), and second in scoring (11.0). He played well enough to be voted to the B1G Freshman Team and to receive honorable mention for the all-conference team.
IMHO, Mel has been THE key player in helping Fran revive Iowa hoops and set a new direction in his very first year in Iowa City. As other talented players have arrived in Iowa City, Mel's role has changed and he doesn't get the recognition he did as a freshman. Still, as a senior, he is a very critical member of this team, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, disrupting the opponent's flow, making timely baskets. His goaltended tip-in should have been the game-winner against MSU.
He will be missed when this season ends, which I hope will not happen until some time in April in Arlington, Texas.
Thanks for taking a chance, Mel! Hope you're enjoying the ride.
(Note: No "least favorites," please. Thanks in advance.)
But if I had to pick the one I most appreciate, it's Mel. Talented New York kid attending prep school in Massachusetts, committed to playing college hoops a little more than two hours up I-90 at a 3,200-student Catholic college for a passionate, energetic coach; takes a huge risk to follow that coach when he accepts a new job half way across fly-over country at a Big Ten program he, Mel, likely hadn't even heard of, let alone considered playing in, one that had hit rock bottom. Started all 31 games as a freshman, usually out of necessity at the 5 where he typically gave up several inches to taller, more physical B1G centers.
Despite getting pounded down low, Mel finished that first season ranked first in team rebounding (6.8), blocks (41) and free throws made (80) and attempted (112), and second in scoring (11.0). He played well enough to be voted to the B1G Freshman Team and to receive honorable mention for the all-conference team.
IMHO, Mel has been THE key player in helping Fran revive Iowa hoops and set a new direction in his very first year in Iowa City. As other talented players have arrived in Iowa City, Mel's role has changed and he doesn't get the recognition he did as a freshman. Still, as a senior, he is a very critical member of this team, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, disrupting the opponent's flow, making timely baskets. His goaltended tip-in should have been the game-winner against MSU.
He will be missed when this season ends, which I hope will not happen until some time in April in Arlington, Texas.
Thanks for taking a chance, Mel! Hope you're enjoying the ride.
(Note: No "least favorites," please. Thanks in advance.)
