Convince me:

[Tim Dodge Rules]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Chill out. About 100 teams have more talented players than we do (minus Jok). I plan to enjoy the games and watch the kids improve as the year goes on, and maybe we can make the NIT or eke into the NCAAs.

 

[icwesthawk]

It's never as bad as it looks or as good as it looks. Jok and Uhl as upper classmen leaders had the potential to be a problem, we'll have to see how it plays out. Look at the bright side, we finally have a pretty good inside presence on offense and Jok can shoot the lights out of the basketball. We're young, we will get better on defense and Seton Hall is a better team than we gave them credit for going in.

 

[ThamesHawk]

They may not happen. They may also. But man is this team fun to watch so I'll just enjoy the season for what it's worth and hope for a good postseason whatever that means.

 

[StormHawk42]

What happened to White? He pretty much carried the team the last 8 games 2 years ago. Outside of last year and three years ago, Fran's teams have improved late in the season, dating back to Siena. The collapses in the indicated years I think say more about last year's seniors than anything. If it hadn't been for White, they would have collapsed 3 years in a row. Loved those guys, but they also had their limitations and it usually burned them on the second time through the conference.

It's a new team. Relax.

 

[DenverTurtle]

The fate of RDM, White and Uthoff is that all 3 were 1st team all B1G as seniors and are all 3 playing basketball professionally right now.

Gee what a fate that would be for Jok.

 

[championhawk]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

Why try to convince you when it would be more productive to shove you off the cliff?

 

[Scott559]

I have no idea how the season will play out, I am excited that we finally have some bulk down low. This team has the potential to grow into a very good rebounding team once they start figuring things out. We all know defense needs a lot of work, seems we have enough depth that Fran can use it to send messages about defensive lapses when he chooses to do so. So much youth and lack of experience that I believe the team will progress through the season, how much, who really knows. Like many others I think it will be a fun season to watch.

 

[hawkfan1963]

The team is not going to get worse, they can only get better.

 

[DanL53]

Lickliter 15-39 Big Ten record. Fran's last five years, after a one year rebuild? 50-40. Not every guy on the planet can coach B1G Basketball.

Forget the stats and observations. The direction the program is taking should convince you. And, the last three years? 33-21 in the B1G, Three NCAA invites, 2-3 while there.

If that doesn't convince you that we've got a coach that knows what he's doing, I don't know what to tell you.

 

[SSG T]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

I thought about trying, but that last sentence tells me that you either haven't been paying attention the last 4 years and nothing I can tell you would convince you, or you're just trolling.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

I thought about trying, but that last sentence tells me that you either haven't been paying attention the last 4 years and nothing I can tell you would convince you, or you're just trolling.

Plz enlighten me, wise one!

 

[HawkAssassin]

It always amazes me how much contempt people hold for collegiate athletes.

"All they did is revive our program so I could enjoy basketball again, why should I appreciate them?" - this guy

Here's the thing. I don't know the answers to any of your questions and guess what, neither do you. It's been one game. Be patient dude.

 

[skydog0784]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

You're missing a lot.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

Even with the bad defense with 35 seconds left in the game we had a chance to pull this out, and we aren't seasoned enough yet to play with that sense of calm urgency you need to win in a close game. This was the first game they have been at all tested. They naturally came up short against a more seasoned experienced team. Mistakes were made, even by Jok at that point in the game. He knew he forced his last one. Good learning experience from this game. I think I'll go see what they learned and cleaned up tomorrow . It should be a team ready to prove they learned a lesson on Thursday. We'll see

 

[PhantomFlyer]

I have no idea how the season will play out, I am excited that we finally have some bulk down low. This team has the potential to grow into a very good rebounding team once they start figuring things out. We all know defense needs a lot of work, seems we have enough depth that Fran can use it to send messages about defensive lapses when he chooses to do so. So much youth and lack of experience that I believe the team will progress through the season, how much, who really knows. Like many others I think it will be a fun season to watch.

Should be a fun team to watch. I love that Iowa should be able to score some points in the paint this year.

During the Fran years the two biggest flaws have been PG play and an inability to close out games. PG looks to still be a huge question mark but since they are so young we need to wait and see. Closing games, or winning close games has been a huge problem for Fran, but I'm not sure it was the guards he had (and roster in general) or he's a terrible game coach. Again, too early to tell but since we have a new set of players we should be able to find out if the problem was/is Fran's in-game coaching or poor recruiting of guards who could finish games.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

Happiness in your life and common sense.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

Fun to watch?

Having zero expectations this year helps.
But you all know the Same Ole Same Ole is going to rear it's ugly head at some point:
opponents having career nights behind the arc,
going 2-6 from the foul line to finish games,
those 7 minute stretches we score 0 points.

Oh, but Tyler Cook might get some cool dunks.

Fun.

 

[BirdistheWord]

This is the deepest team we have had and its not even close (under Fran, Dr Tom's first year was sick).

 

[luvmyhawks]

Fun to watch?

Having zero expectations this year helps.
But you all know the Same Ole Same Ole is going to rear it's ugly head at some point:
opponents having career nights behind the arc,
going 2-6 from the foul line to finish games,
those 7 minute stretches we score 0 points.

Oh, but Tyler Cook might get some cool dunks.

Fun.

What team are you really a fan of? You have this same attitude on the football board. You are either not really an Iowa fan, or the most negative person in the world. Either way, you are no friend of mine.

 

[AZmess]

Fun to watch?

Having zero expectations this year helps.
But you all know the Same Ole Same Ole is going to rear it's ugly head at some point:
opponents having career nights behind the arc,
going 2-6 from the foul line to finish games,
those 7 minute stretches we score 0 points.

Oh, but Tyler Cook might get some cool dunks.

Fun.

Jesus Christ, dude.

 

[AZmess]

1. This teams D will improve
2. Jok will not suffer same fate as RDM, White, and Uthoff.
3. Leadership issues will not develop.
4. FTs will improve.

I mean it's fun to hope, but the last 4 seasons have shown us the above will not happen.

What am I missing?

1. Yes the team D will improve. It's a fairly young team and the veterans are used to having Woodbury as a presence on the board and in the post. They'll get better as they get experience.

2. What fate are we talking about?

3. I think there's leadership. Baer is the vocal leader, Jok is the go to player. Fran's guys love playing for him so I don't think you'll see any "chemistry/leadership" issue that you seem to be alluding to.

4. LOL don't they have to? They've been bad so far so why not? Can't get worse.

 

[StormHawk42]

Fun to watch?

Having zero expectations this year helps.
But you all know the Same Ole Same Ole is going to rear it's ugly head at some point:
opponents having career nights behind the arc,
going 2-6 from the foul line to finish games,
those 7 minute stretches we score 0 points.

Oh, but Tyler Cook might get some cool dunks.

Fun.

I recommend just sitting this season out.

Although I strongly suspect you're just trollin

 

[Pepperman]

Phantom, I agree with the two weaknesses you cite, but I'd add a 3rd. I don't feel like Fran has had a post presence to rely on. I think Cook and Pemsl both bring that. Not sure if I think Wagner will get there a this stage.

 

[AZmess]

Phantom, I agree with the two weaknesses you cite, but I'd add a 3rd. I don't feel like Fran has had a post presence to rely on. I think Cook and Pemsl both bring that. Not sure if I think Wagner will get there a this stage.

Cook will be a force if he can get a reliable jump hook. He's already someone the other team has to pay attention to in the post because he commands the ball and our guards can finally get it to him.

I like Pemsl because he's a wide body that I get the sense is going to learn how to score around the basket. Has good hands and a high bball IQ.

Wagner is going to be a high energy guy but I don't see him being a guy they'll ever run the offense through in the post. I see him being a solid 4 year contributor though.

 

[24 so far]

Should be a fun team to watch. I love that Iowa should be able to score some points in the paint this year.

During the Fran years the two biggest flaws have been PG play and an inability to close out games. PG looks to still be a huge question mark but since they are so young we need to wait and see. Closing games, or winning close games has been a huge problem for Fran, but I'm not sure it was the guards he had (and roster in general) or he's a terrible game coach. Again, too early to tell but since we have a new set of players we should be able to find out if the problem was/is Fran's in-game coaching or poor recruiting of guards who could finish games.

I don't know what St. Johns has as a team this year (probably far less than Seton Hall), but just a one game scenario that the Mighty Gophers won, their Freshman Point Guard Coffey had 30 points (11 of 12 from the line), and their "new" Center Lynch had 11 rebounds and 9 blocks.................... 9 blocks. Iowa had 2 as a team, both from Baer. As a team they had 6 turnovers, Iowa had 17. Both they and Iowa played at home. They didn't exactly give a Defensive clinic either, they gave up 86.

Wagner and Cook played a total of 52 minutes and had 4 rebounds and 0 blocks. If they're designated as our rebounders and rim protectors, we're in some deep doo-doo. Cook finished the game with 1 foul, go ahead and contest some shots. Wagner 3 fouls.

The good thing for me is I have low expectations of this team, so it won't be very disparaging when they lose, which will happen often. We hung around in this game, which was good. Ton of improvement needed Defensively to be semi-relevant. Not an earth shattering revelation, figured that would be the case, but to see it in reality is troubling.

 

[DanL53]

I don't know what St. Johns has as a team this year (probably far less than Seton Hall), but just a one game scenario that the Mighty Gophers won, their Freshman Point Guard Coffey had 30 points (11 of 12 from the line), and their "new" Center Lynch had 11 rebounds and 9 blocks.................... 9 blocks. Iowa had 2 as a team, both from Baer. As a team they had 6 turnovers, Iowa had 17. Both they and Iowa played at home. They didn't exactly give a Defensive clinic either, they gave up 86.

Wagner and Cook played a total of 52 minutes and had 4 rebounds and 0 blocks. If they're designated as our rebounders and rim protectors, we're in some deep doo-doo. Cook finished the game with 1 foul, go ahead and contest some shots. Wagner 3 fouls.

The good thing for me is I have low expectations of this team, so it won't be very disparaging when they lose, which will happen often. We hung around in this game, which was good. Ton of improvement needed Defensively to be semi-relevant. Not an earth shattering revelation, figured that would be the case, but to see it in reality is troubling.

I'd say that means Minnesota is passing us! No way around it. Pitino Lite has been playing possum right up until now!

 

[DavenportHawk8]

We are young and we played a veteran ball club. Look at IA vs Marquette last year. Same thing, but Iowa blew out Marquette. Seton Hall is loaded and mind you they won the Big East last year and were a NCAA tourney team with everyone returning.

The defense will improve, it has to improve otherwise I have a feeling Fran will go nuts. It took a Career night from a kid from Seton Hall to beat us. Iowa also shot horrible at the FT line, but its ONE game.

I think this team will be fun/frustrating to watch. But they will get better and by March who knows. I am going to watch them and enjoy it. Fran will get the guy coached up and they will be competitive in the Big Ten.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

It took a Career night from a kid from Seton Hall to beat us.

It sure did.
Deja Vu all over again.

And if stating observations of Fran Ball is trolling, I guess I'm guilty.

 

[relishingwinning18]

What team are you really a fan of? You have this same attitude on the football board. You are either not really an Iowa fan, or the most negative person in the world. Either way, you are no friend of mine.

He does. Even worse, the same moron does this on Hawkeye nation too. Can't escape stupid.

 

[24 so far]

We are young and we played a veteran ball club. Look at IA vs Marquette last year. Same thing, but Iowa blew out Marquette. Seton Hall is loaded and mind you they won the Big East last year and were a NCAA tourney team with everyone returning.

The defense will improve, it has to improve otherwise I have a feeling Fran will go nuts. It took a Career night from a kid from Seton Hall to beat us. Iowa also shot horrible at the FT line, but its ONE game.

I think this team will be fun/frustrating to watch. But they will get better and by March who knows. I am going to watch them and enjoy it. Fran will get the guy coached up and they will be competitive in the Big Ten.

I was surprised Fran seemed so calm. I would think any Coach watching his team get repeatedly torched with layups would go berserk, but not so much (that I saw anyway). Guess he's toned it down a bit. I like fiesty Fran better.

I think Seton Hall missed 14 free throws, so really a push on the piss-poor free throw shooting. And that career night, was that from the Freshman Powell or one of the other 20 point scorers?

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I was surprised Fran seemed so calm. I would think any Coach watching his team get repeatedly torched with layups would go berserk, but not so much (that I saw anyway). Guess he's toned it down a bit. I like fiesty Fran better.

I think Seton Hall missed 14 free throws, so really a push on the piss-poor free throw shooting. And that career night, was that from the Freshman Powell or one of the other 20 point scorers?

Powell had a career night.

 

[oakhawk]

Guilty.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

He does. Even worse, the same moron does this on Hawkeye nation too. Can't escape stupid.

Feel free to enlighten me, wise one.

 

[Curt Furence]

What fate are you talking about? Marble, White and Uthoff all had their best seasons as seniors, went to the NCAA Tournament, were 1st team All B1G and 2 were drafted/ (all three could have been if Uthoff was ok with being stashed) and all three playing professionally.
Rough senior year.

There are 10 Freshman or Sophomores averaging 10 minutes a game or more. That obviously will change as the non conference winds down, but settle down buddy. There are going to be some nights where they look awful, Jok has an off night and no one else steps up. It is going to happen

They will probably beat someone they shouldn't and will lose to a bad team along the way. It happens, especially with young teams. Look at Indiana last night.

If you can't understand that, well...

 

[Suterman]

Free Throw shooting will improve and our defense will improve. Don't know about the other 2.

 

[relishingwinning18]

Feel free to enlighten me, wise one.

You sit on the football board and rip on lack of big time recruits, then you sit on the bball board and rip on our big time recruits only dunking. Clearly you're trying to hard. You do the same sh** on hawkeyenation. Go kick your dog.

 

[Tim Dodge Rules]

You sit on the football board and rip on lack of big time recruits, then you sit on the bball board and rip on our big time recruits only dunking. Clearly you're trying to hard. You do the same sh** on hawkeyenation. Go kick your dog.

That's great.
Still haven't given a reason to be optimistic with this team, considering Fran teams have all crumbled, played poor D, and have tremendous scoring droughts.

Listen shmucks, I root for Iowa as much as you, and will watch em all. That doesn't mean I have to live in fantasyland with unicorns and rainbows.

I'm trying to find something that says maybe Fran will somehow have different results this year.

 

[relishingwinning18]

That's great.
Still haven't given a reason to be optimistic with this team, considering Fran teams have all crumbled, played poor D, and have tremendous scoring droughts.

Listen shmucks, I root for Iowa as much as you, and will watch em all. That doesn't mean I have to live in fantasyland with unicorns and rainbows.

I'm trying to find something that says maybe Fran will somehow have different results this year.

There's a difference between living in fantasyland and just trying to be positive about Iowa spots in general. There's also a difference between being negative about Iowa sports in general, and being a d**khead in every post. If you're going to embrace that personality, at least accept it. It's weird to think you aren't at least happy about our best basketball recruit in 10 years, and how he's performing on the court.

 

[Curt Furence]

That's great.
Still haven't given a reason to be optimistic with this team, considering Fran teams have all crumbled, played poor D, and have tremendous scoring droughts.

Listen shmucks, I root for Iowa as much as you, and will watch em all. That doesn't mean I have to live in fantasyland with unicorns and rainbows.

I'm trying to find something that says maybe Fran will somehow have different results this year.

You are choosing the wrong year to do that. Bi***ing and moaning about this team not being great is your problem. Again, they have 10 Fr/So playing significant minutes! There is one senior (Jones is 2 I know), one junior and a bunch of very young players.

Yes, you get some fans in black and gold blinders but for the most part expectations have been pretty tempered and haven't really seen a lot of people calling for a banner year.