I think we have a chance to be an NCAA bubble team next year. Right now, depending on who commits, 8-10 in the Big Ten seems possible. If that's possible, so is being a bubble team.
With the way Iowa is playing down the stretch, it seems likely this team will keep improving under Fran going into next season. When I look at mid-tier Big Ten teams for next season, I don't see much difference in talent.
Part of this is based on our back court. You go as your guards go in college basketball, and next year we'll have Cartwright, Marble, Gatens and Payne (and possibly a young stud like Cezar). Regardless, that's solid depth and experience. You have to realize we are playing without a back-up PG right now.
I would love to see our plus/minus rating with Cartwright.
And to me, we've only scratched the surface with Basabe. He seems committed to getting better. He is still growing into his frame. Give him a year to add a little muscle and watch some tape in order to better recognize the double team and pass out of it. Oh, and think of he adds even a 10-12 foot jumper to his game.
I also think Marble could be helped exponentially by playing exclusively shooting guard next year. Add another ball-handler to the mix (White), and it opens things up for Gatens as a spot-up shooter, too.
Iowa has at least three games left, all against NCAA tourney or bubble teams. My prediction is that if they win at all, they'll win two of them. They are playing with an increasing confidence and are so close to getting over that hump.