Do we need to look in the mirror?

[LarryMullenJr.]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

 

[Underscore2]

With U of I adding a cut to men's bball, added to hopefully increased fan/supporter/donor interest, that NIL situation could vastly improve.

 

[dekhawk]

Did donors hold back due to Fran? They want a return, Fran was not providing that.

 

[Slim45]

Idk, but im sure glad we’re getting to find out! Pretty well documented Fran was no fan of NIL, especially in its current state

 

[MikeyHawk]

Nah, 15 years is a long time for a coach, win wins decline and there is no adjustments, fans tend to check out. Most fans had seen the same game and season many times over

 

[Rustys Dad]

I’ve been a diehard since I could walk… we are not ahead of ourselves nor do we have false expectations… what we know and believe is we SHOULD be better than we have been. I know Iowa isn’t bound for the Final 4 … I don’t expect conference titles … I want us to be competitive … to make some noise in the tourney.

Not every team who advances has huge budgets or NIL. Anything is possible in the portal … Texas Tech made its way to top with a transfer roster…

You can’t rebuild Iowa basketball without first addressing the main “issue.” And that’s the man at the top… When fans stop watching, attending, or investing - you can’t rebuild Iowa basketball…

Sadly- the most excitement I’ve had about Iowa men’s bb is that we finally parted ways with Fran.

The university of Iowa is bigger than any one coach. Fran had his time and a 15-year run (more than other school would have given him). .510 conference record and zero Sweet 16s… As a fan of Iowa - I’m ready to invest back in a sport I loved more than Iowa football or wrestling … I’m excited to talk about the program again (in a good way) … to see what energy a new coach brings … to hire a coach who “connects” with the fan base …

This decision was long over due … Kudos to Beth Goetz … Iowa fans are passionate. We are not unrealistic (outside wrestling) … we know what we are and what we aren’t … Under Fran … we knew we should be more … and we can and will be.

 

[hawkeye54545]

 

[paladinhawk]

Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

I've read that ISU's NIL budget is similar to Iowa's. Maybe they hit the 'coaching lottery', but I think we should expect a level of success similar to them over 10 or 15 years. Fran's trajectory wasn't going to be anywhere close. Teams need to in the top 50 defensively to have post season success, and Fran refused to change his philosophy.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

The school two hours west doesn’t seem to have a problem.

 

[BubsFinn]

I thought firing a coach meant you didn't have to look in the mirror. I think we kicked that can down the road for at least another 7-8 years.

 

[RocknRollface]

I’ve been a diehard since I could walk… we are not ahead of ourselves nor do we have false expectations… what we know and believe is we SHOULD be better than we have been. I know Iowa isn’t bound for the Final 4 … I don’t expect conference titles … I want us to be competitive … to make some noise in the tourney.

Not every team who advances has huge budgets or NIL. Anything is possible in the portal … Texas Tech made its way to top with a transfer roster…

You can’t rebuild Iowa basketball without first addressing the main “issue.” And that’s the man at the top… When fans stop watching, attending, or investing - you can’t rebuild Iowa basketball…

Sadly- the most excitement I’ve had about Iowa men’s bb is that we finally parted ways with Fran.

The university of Iowa is bigger than any one coach. Fran had his time and a 15-year run (more than other school would have given him). .510 conference record and zero Sweet 16s… As a fan of Iowa - I’m ready to invest back in a sport I loved more than Iowa football or wrestling … I’m excited to talk about the program again (in a good way) … to see what energy a new coach brings … to hire a coach who “connects” with the fan base …

This decision was long over due … Kudos to Beth Goetz … Iowa fans are passionate. We are not unrealistic (outside wrestling) … we know what we are and what we aren’t … Under Fran … we knew we should be more … and we can and will be.

Exactly. I mean, for **** sake this is a big ten school somewhere around top 20 overall in athletic department revenue. Of course they can ****ing do better.

The basketball program has been neglected by the people in charge, namely Barta who saw his job as being the personal fluffer for Kirk Ferentz.

With competent people in charge Iowa basketball can be competitive.

This is a step in the right direction from BG but now the important part is she needs to nail this hire and things will start rolling in the right direction.

 

[Rustys Dad]

Exactly. I mean, for **** sake this is a big ten school somewhere around top 20 overall in athletic department revenue. Of course they can ****ing do better.

The basketball program has been neglected by the people in charge, namely Barta who saw his job as being the personal fluffer for Kirk Ferentz.

With competent people in charge Iowa basketball can be competitive.

This is a step in the right direction from BG but now the important part is she needs to nail this hire and things will start rolling in the right direction.

Amen

 

[Ladell-hawk]

Idk, but im sure glad we’re getting to find out! Pretty well documented Fran was no fan of NIL, especially in its current state

Nobody is a fan of nil in it’s current state except the agents and the athletes who get the big bucks.

 

[RocknRollface]

I've read that ISU's NIL budget is similar to Iowa's. Maybe they hit the 'coaching lottery', but I think we should expect a level of success similar to them over 10 or 15 years. Fran's trajectory wasn't going to be anywhere close. Teams need to in the top 50 defensively to have post season success, and Fran refused to change his philosophy.

This is all important for Iowa fans to grasp.

Iowa will still have plenty of money to put together a competitive roster without being able to buy the top players. You don't need the "top" players. You need the right players.

Look at Wisconsin, they lose Storr to KU and replaced him with some one better for less money.

Ben McCollum had guys playing for free at D2 who were better than guys Fran McCaffery was paying to be at Iowa.

Otzlbuger doing what he's done with roughly the same budget as Fran in the same state is really all we need to know.

Iowa has disadvantages so we need a coaching advantage. That's what it will hinge on.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

This is all important for Iowa fans to grasp.

Iowa will still have plenty of money to put together a competitive roster without being able to buy the top players. You don't need the "top" players. You need the right players.

Look at Wisconsin, they lose Storr to KU and replaced him with some one better for less money.

Ben McCollum had guys playing for free at D2 who were better than guys Fran McCaffery was paying to be at Iowa.

Otzlbuger doing what he's done with roughly the same budget as Fran in the same state is really all we need to know.

Iowa has disadvantages so we need a coaching advantage. That's what it will hinge on.

I think you are wrong about ISU’s nil budget, by a lot.

 

[iahawks10]

Idk, but im sure glad we’re getting to find out! Pretty well documented Fran was no fan of NIL, especially in its current state

Well documented, but you somehow still got it wrong. Amazing

Fran was a fan of players earning their share. Fran was not a fan of the tampering. The tampering before NIL and most certainly the tampering that increased after NIL.

 

[RocknRollface]

I think you are wrong about ISU’s nil budget, by a lot.

Per Brent Blum its under 2mil.

Why would you think that's incorrect? It's not as if they are signing big names, it's mostly guys you've never heard of before from mid majors.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

The last 50 years of Iowa basketball will tell you two things -

1. Iowa is not really a serious threat to add 5 star players or make several deep runs in the tourney.

2. Iowa can do better than the last 3 years of Fran

Before you can have a great BB program, you have to have a good one. Iowa doesn't right now.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

Fans weren’t wiling to give $ anymore with Fran. It showed this year big time with attendance. If so few are going even less donating. With new coach increases optimism among fan base with change and along with that better chance for more butts in the seats & donations. Can’t tell me if NIL started few years earlier during Garza period we wouldn’t be in a better place. Not saying we’d be substantially better but wouldn’t be as bad as we are now.

 

[SI_NYC]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

Without fans showing up at Carver, Fran is as good as it will get. Hopefully, whomever is the new coach, they can drum up some excitement to get fans to show up. I have my doubts however.

 

[HawkBall23]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

I refuse to think that Iowa can't compete monetarily, at least enough to be competitive at the power conference level they currently are.

Because if they can't, better just exit the B1G and join the MVC, MAC or some other midwestern/adjacent mid-major conference.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Did donors hold back due to Fran? They want a return, Fran was not providing that.

I've been asking if everyone will be back now that he's gone. Only got remarks about my commitment.

I think we need to look in the mirror as fans. Are WE going to show up for the new coach in this new world? I think the NIL stuff isn't for every fan but butts in seats should.

 

[the24fan]

I’ve been a diehard since I could walk… we are not ahead of ourselves nor do we have false expectations… what we know and believe is we SHOULD be better than we have been. I know Iowa isn’t bound for the Final 4 … I don’t expect conference titles … I want us to be competitive … to make some noise in the tourney.

Not every team who advances has huge budgets or NIL. Anything is possible in the portal … Texas Tech made its way to top with a transfer roster…

You can’t rebuild Iowa basketball without first addressing the main “issue.” And that’s the man at the top… When fans stop watching, attending, or investing - you can’t rebuild Iowa basketball…

Sadly- the most excitement I’ve had about Iowa men’s bb is that we finally parted ways with Fran.

The university of Iowa is bigger than any one coach. Fran had his time and a 15-year run (more than other school would have given him). .510 conference record and zero Sweet 16s… As a fan of Iowa - I’m ready to invest back in a sport I loved more than Iowa football or wrestling … I’m excited to talk about the program again (in a good way) … to see what energy a new coach brings … to hire a coach who “connects” with the fan base …

This decision was long over due … Kudos to Beth Goetz … Iowa fans are passionate. We are not unrealistic (outside wrestling) … we know what we are and what we aren’t … Under Fran … we knew we should be more … and we can and will be.

 

[doughuddl2]

I refuse to think that Iowa can't compete monetarily, at least enough to be competitive at the power conference level they currently are.

Because if they can't, better just exit the B1G and join the MVC, MAC or some other midwestern/adjacent mid-major conference.

Iowa lost Tony Perkins. The Columbia Dispatch said Iowa couldn't pay the $500K he was asking.

 

[Hendy hawk]

Couldn't or wouldn't pay.

 

[doughuddl2]

"Iowa wasn’t going to be able to pay him that."

 

[Bloody Run Hawk]

Iowa lost Tony Perkins. The Columbia Dispatch said Iowa couldn't pay the $500K he was asking.

Tony wasn't worth 500,000.

 

[WaterTower]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

Hard for me to believe ISU can be successful and Iowa can't.

 

[doughuddl2]

Tony wasn't worth 500,000.

Too bad but that's the NIL rate for a starter avg 14+ ppg.

The reality pill for some on here is hard to swallow.

 

[MikeyHawk]

Too bad but that's the NIL rate for a starter avg 14+ ppg.

The reality pill for some on here is hard to swallow.

Perkins is averaging 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season. Has been better late. Under 30% from 3.

Iowa was bad this season, but, where would Perkins have played this season? who would have not played as much, Dix or Sandfort. Perkins would have been the PG?
Good for him getting the money, Iowa wold have been the same team with him based on the roster Fran put together

 

[kceasthawk]

Exactly. I mean, for **** sake this is a big ten school somewhere around top 20 overall in athletic department revenue. Of course they can ****ing do better.

The basketball program has been neglected by the people in charge, namely Barta who saw his job as being the personal fluffer for Kirk Ferentz.

With competent people in charge Iowa basketball can be competitive.

This is a step in the right direction from BG but now the important part is she needs to nail this hire and things will start rolling in the right direction.

This. Which is why someone posting that Gatens should get the shot is off base. That would be career suicide for Beth. this needs to be a winning hire, and a never been head coach, (Hawk or not) is simply off the table.

 

[kceasthawk]

Iowa lost Tony Perkins. The Columbia Dispatch said Iowa couldn't pay the $500K he was asking.

Nor should they. He's a good player, but he's not a difference maker, and we had three years to watch his inconsistent play.

 

[littlez]

Iowa lost Tony Perkins. The Columbia Dispatch said Iowa couldn't pay the $500K he was asking.

We could have paid it we chose not to.

 

[littlez]

Tony wasn't worth 500,000.

Then we shouldn’t complain when kids leave.

 

[BrewHawk]

We have had a coaching issue for 5-10 years now. Fran did a nice job the first five bringing us back to respectability, but then the philosphical deficiencies in defense and rebounding showed their face in a big way.

Then you have a team chock full of talent that gets absolutely humiliated in the NCAA Tourney and fans' hopes go down the crapper.

I like the rosters we've had. I think had they been held/taught to a higher standard on the defense and rebounding aspects, they would have been significantly more successful.

Edit: There were also timeout and substitution deficiencies as well.

 

[MikeyHawk]

We could have paid it we chose not to.

Not saying it is easy to do, but, this was part of the problem with Fran's roster construction. Lot 2-4's, similar type of player.
Thelwell was a good addition at PG, but, the lack of depth at guard and center led to small lineups. Fran liked the interchangeable nature of the players he signed, but, it lead to issues on the defense/rebounding aspect of the game.
That leads to players like Perkins, decent player, but, Iowa had many others at his position.

With revenue sharing coming, a complimentary roster is important to determine the use of NIL. The next coach needs to be signing as many quality guards as possible. Watching basketball this week, it is pretty clear that strong solid guard play is needed

 

[Franisdaman]

Are we honest with ourselves about what/who we are? Now that it’s all a money game, are we that much of a factor? Can we expect much? We don’t have a ton of money to pay kids. Yes, our interest can be full CHA, but will we donate enough? We’re a chain restaurant state—nothing flashy. Are we trying to get too far over our skis?

Just curious what others think.

Note that while Iowa Men's Basketball was at $1.5M in NIL payments this season, other schools were at $7.5M to $9.0M.

Some excerpts from the linked story:

Swarm Collective CEO Brad Heinrichs spoke to WHBF TV (Hawkeye Headquarters) about his reaction to the news (of Fran's firing) and how his group can help in the future.

“In this new era of college athletics with NIL, I’m going to need to find a way to do a better job of supporting men’s basketball. Swarm wasn’t able to provide Fran the support he needed this year and I will take the blame for that. When other teams have payrolls that are 5-6 times ours, it makes it difficult to compete at the highest level. I think revenue sharing will help level the playing field, but Swarm needs to do our part to make sure that we support men’s basketball better next year and into the future.”

“Do I think the Iowa fans have the capability of making us competitive in NIL, yeah of course I do. Do I think that we were this year? No.”

“As we enter a new era, the Swarm remains fully committed to supporting the men’s basketball program in any way possible. The continued generosity and engagement of our fan base will be critical in helping elevate the program to the level we all aspire to see.”

Swarm CEO Brad Heinrichs reacts to Fran McCaffery firing

Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery was dismissed Friday after 15 years at the Hawkeye helm. Swarm Collective CEO Brad Heinrichs spoke to Hawkeye Headquarters about his reaction to the…

www.ourquadcities.com

 

[RocknRollface]

Too bad but that's the NIL rate for a starter avg 14+ ppg.

The reality pill for some on here is hard to swallow.

The reality pill is that Iowa upgraded to Thelwell without paying Perkins.

 

[herkhatescy2]

Did donors hold back due to Fran? They want a return, Fran was not providing that.

Is the Moon family just a football donor? You would think that they would help out with the basketball NIL too.

 

[ozzie8]

No we don’t need to look in the mirror. We’re tired of seeing a brand of basketball that has zero chance of having consistent success. Sure, you’ll get hot and win some games, but you’re never doing anything when it counts. Sick of watching Iowa not block out, have their hands down defensively, not close out under control, not seeing the floor, seniors making the same mistakes they made as freshman. Can’t wait to get a coach in here who demands being fundamentally sound and holds kids accountable on the defensive end. It’s beyond overdue. Iowa gets good enough kids, where if you play the game the right way, will have success. Fran’s style was a glorified pick up game and it’s beyond old to watch.