Does Fran not believe in transfers

[hooper56]

I mentioned him above but you must have missed that. Your thoughts on Anthony Hubbard?

A mistake. He was brought in under a zero tolerance policy and as soon as there was a slight infraction he was gone. Never played for the hawks or wore the uniform. At some other schools he would have been given a good talking to and allowed to play on the team. I think he lasted about 3 weeks at Iowa. We don't put up with that crap.

 

[anon_bb9wlf9kj42py]

This, we should have been in the tournament Jok’s senior year. The Minnesota game, when the refs refused to grant Ellingson a timeout, is the only reason we didn’t make it in. Cheating mother ****ers. That play still pisses me off. The refs were the only ones in the building who “couldn’t hear” Ellingson screaming for a timeout. Bull shit, they heard him, and just decided not to grant the timeout. Never mind the fact that when they called the jump ball the Minnesota player was standing with both feet out of bounds.

Team was 19-14, #71 in KenPom, and #83 in the RPI. That Minnesota game didn't make a difference.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

A mistake. He was brought in under a zero tolerance policy and as soon as there was a slight infraction he was gone. Never played for the hawks or wore the uniform. At some other schools he would have been given a good talking to and allowed to play on the team. I think he lasted about 3 weeks at Iowa. We don't put up with that crap.

So back to your original comment... He will take a low character guy, just like most schools.

Gotcha, thanks.

 

[MarkRules]

We haven't needed grad transfers? So what exactly did we get out of Connor this year other being better than Ellingson or nobody? Kid was put in a tough spot and Fran should have brought a grad transfer 1 or 2 in knowing that Dailey is very limited, Moss is wildly inconsistent and Connor would be a freshman with limited / no offense. The whole "lesson learned" last year allegedly was that Bohannon needed to get off the ball. While Connor did contribute in areas he did nothing to free up Bohannon and is like playing 5 on 4 on offense.

The "dead weight" you refer to are all big misses by Fran that I would think a coach of his tenure wouldn't make or at least not have them represent 2.5 recruiting classes. Dailey is another who occupied a scholarship for 3 years, showed 0 improvement and is now leaving. I get that not every recruit is going to pan out but Fran is working on his PhD in Bad Offerology. Ellingson, Fleming, Williams, Dailey.= 4 misses at the most critical position of need. Give me a couple grad transfers capable of helping the team in some capacity over these 4.

This is a good post and the part I bolded is an excellent question. If you think about Connor in terms of "wins above replacement" I can't imagine he adds a thing.

Isn’t that true with a lot of redshirt freshmen?
Is he judged differently because of his last name?

 

[hooper56]

So back to your original comment... He will take a low character guy, just like most schools.

Gotcha, thanks.

He did, once. didn't work out and the guy was gone before he started. Quit trying to twist what happened. If that is the only guy you can come up with then I don't need to tell you how week your argument is. You seem like a smart guy so I bet you can figure it out.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Ahhhh I totally forgot about that guy ... He served a prison sentence if I remember correctly?

yes the assumption is Iowa doesn't seek transfers. There was a story just this week that Iowa is checking in with the guy from Akron who is transferring. He has interest from many other schools. There is a difference between recruiting guys and actually getting them to come to your school. Iowa was "in on" numerous guys in the current class that ended up being Patrick McC and Toussaint. I applaud Fran for going after the big fish, but I never though the Top 50-ish talent from places like Indiana, Ohio or Minnesota would ever end up at Iowa. Carton I thought they had a shot at, but only because he was from an hour down the road.

I do think Iowa is "active" in the transfer market in that they explore interest and options. But the good grad transfers are in high demand, and as others mentioned they want near guarantee or a clear opportunity for immediate playing time. The Iowa roster currently doesn't have that.

 

[Pepperman]

Isn’t that true with a lot of redshirt freshmen?
Is he judged differently because of his last name?

His incoming hype went beyond that of most kids, so that's certainly part of it. There are many freshman that contribute something. Look at JoeW, look at Garza last year. Look at what Bohannon did as a freshman too.

Connor's not a difference-maker. He never will be. If he's getting significant minutes, Iowa basketball is leaving something on the table.

 

[owenhawk]

Firing a coach who was one possession away from the sweet 16 in order to hire a coach we hope can make the sweet 16 seems like a lopsided wager.

Agreed. For all the people in the fire Fran crowd, the question that no one answers is “who is Iowa going to get that they definitively know is going to do better”? It’s not like Iowa hasn’t tried for years to bring in a coach to take them to that “next level”. If someone has a viable and realistic answer, let’s hear it?

I’m not a diehard Fran supporter. I wouldn’t be devastated if he was replaced. I do question some of his in-game decisions, stubbornness, etc. However, I’m not at all convinced Iowa can get better or that they are willing to take a risk on a coach that people know is great but that has a questionable past and methods to achieve that success (nor am I sure as a fan that I want that). I do know I like the direction that Iowa seems to be heading with the current team and what is (and might be) coming in. So unless someone can give me a reason to believe Iowa can get better, I’m going to hope Fran has what it takes to get these Wieskamp-led teams over the hump.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

He did, once. didn't work out and the guy was gone before he started. Quit trying to twist what happened. If that is the only guy you can come up with then I don't need to tell you how week your argument is. You seem like a smart guy so I bet you can figure it out.

LOL, I'm not the one twisting anything here. You stated that Fran doesn't take low character guys. I gave you an example of a low character guy who Fran brought in, one that the criminal justice system has listed as a felon. You then tried to make some qualifier about doing it once is ok so your original statement of "not taking in low character guys" still applies.

 

[hooper56]

LOL, I'm not the one twisting anything here. You stated that Fran doesn't take low character guys. I gave you an example of a low character guy who Fran brought in, one that the criminal justice system has listed as a felon. You then tried to make some qualifier about doing it once is ok so your original statement of "not taking in low character guys" still applies.

Geez are you that dense? The guy NEVER PLAYED FOR IOWA. There is no controversy here. Fran does not take low character guys.

 

[TCOOL]

Team was 19-14, #71 in KenPom, and #83 in the RPI. That Minnesota game didn't make a difference.

That Minnesota team was a 5 seed in the tourney and finished #37 in KenPom. Adding that win to the resume of one of the first four teams out certainly could have made a difference. Also, winning that game would have moved Iowa to 11-7 in conference and dropped Minnesota to 10-8 which would have catapulted Iowa to a #4 finish, by themselves, in the conference and a double bye in the B1G tournament.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

Geez are you that dense? The guy NEVER PLAYED FOR IOWA. There is no controversy here. Fran does not take low character guys.

This was preceded by:

So back to your original comment... He will take a low character guy, just like most schools.

Gotcha, thanks.

He did, once.

I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry about the mental gymnastics you're going through to justify your false comment. It doesn't matter if Hubbard came here and played a year, sat on the bench, or transferred after three weeks. Fran brought Hubbard here, and Hubbard is (hopefully now just was) an extremely low character person. Trying to spin it any other way is laughable. I can link numerous articles about Hubbard being brought to Iowa to by Fran, which flies in the face of your original and subsequent comments.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

His incoming hype went beyond that of most kids, so that's certainly part of it. There are many freshman that contribute something. Look at JoeW, look at Garza last year. Look at what Bohannon did as a freshman too.

Connor's not a difference-maker. He never will be. If he's getting significant minutes, Iowa basketball is leaving something on the table.

This attitude is completely stupid and absolutely reeks of butthurt or an agenda. You are doing nothing but tearing down the program.

We have had numerous players who looked lost as freshman only to become major contributors or even all conference players. Connor is well liked by his teammates, his attitude is infectious, and there is no reason to believe he will not be a good player down the road.

In other words, GFY

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Agreed. For all the people in the fire Fran crowd, the question that no one answers is “who is Iowa going to get that they definitively know is going to do better”? It’s not like Iowa hasn’t tried for years to bring in a coach to take them to that “next level”. If someone has a viable and realistic answer, let’s hear it?

I’m not a diehard Fran supporter. I wouldn’t be devastated if he was replaced. I do question some of his in-game decisions, stubbornness, etc. However, I’m not at all convinced Iowa can get better or that they are willing to take a risk on a coach that people know is great but that has a questionable past and methods to achieve that success (nor am I sure as a fan that I want that). I do know I like the direction that Iowa seems to be heading with the current team and what is (and might be) coming in. So unless someone can give me a reason to believe Iowa can get better, I’m going to hope Fran has what it takes to get these Wieskamp-led teams over the hump.

This describes me pretty well. And I am accused of being a Fran shill.

It’s called pragmatism.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

His incoming hype went beyond that of most kids, so that's certainly part of it. There are many freshman that contribute something. Look at JoeW, look at Garza last year. Look at what Bohannon did as a freshman too.

Connor's not a difference-maker. He never will be. If he's getting significant minutes, Iowa basketball is leaving something on the table.

Well said.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

This describes me pretty well. And I am accused of being a Fran shill.

It’s called pragmatism.

Clueless is closer to being accurate. I don’t blame you for anything, you just don’t have any idea about what you are talking about in regards to basketball.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

Agreed. For all the people in the fire Fran crowd, the question that no one answers is “who is Iowa going to get that they definitively know is going to do better”?

Personally, I'd take a coach that would put us in the same spot we are now, as long as he isn't an embarrassment. No "next step" needed for me, just someone who isn't a psycho and pulls Bobby Knight **** without the on court success.

 

[Pepperman]

This attitude is completely stupid and absolutely reeks of butthurt or an agenda. You are doing nothing but tearing down the program.

We have had numerous players who looked lost as freshman only to become major contributors or even all conference players. Connor is well liked by his teammates, his attitude is infectious, and there is no reason to believe he will not be a good player down the road.

In other words, GFY

There's no butthurt, nor is there an "agenda" (other than I want the team to be successful). I simply disagree with you and you don't seem to handle it very well with your insults and abbreviated profanity. Based upon talking with my fellow Iowa friends, and yes, we have degrees from the University, the view that I've shared is actually pretty common. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Clueless is closer to being accurate. I don’t blame you for anything, you just don’t have any idea about what you are talking about in regards to basketball.

Other than me being correct about most everything all the time, you nailed it.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Isn’t that true with a lot of redshirt freshmen?
Is he judged differently because of his last name?

I said he was put in a tough spot that he shouldn't have been in. I could care less what his last name is. What P5 coach coming off a season that clearly signaled a major need for PG help to get an elite shooter good looks rolls the dice with a red-shirt freshman? This player happens to be Fran's kid so I would think he would know what he is and isn't capable of doing better than anyone else.

If Iowa had more weapons then the need for a dynamic PG would not be as acute but they don't. Once conference play started the only looks Bohannon got were deep contested 3's. To his credit he knocked some clutch shots down in some games but in others he was completely smothered because we don't have that guy to create looks for him. Did you happen to catch the Purdue game? Multiple ball handlers makes it difficult for the defense to solely focus on one guy.

 

[seer_hawk]

Uthoff is the only true transfer. Cartwright and Dickerson were both JUCO's.

The only other transfer I remember Fran pursuing at Iowa prior to this year was Cole Huff who ended up at Creighton.

JUCO's aren't true transfers? They aren't part of 700ish players that transfer from 4 year schools, but they are transfers that start at 1 school and end up at another. Some of them end up having a major impact after their JUCO experience. Early on Fran tried to land Pierre Jackson (Baylor) and he would have been a huge JUCO addition.

 

[Mitch122]

Team was 19-14, #71 in KenPom, and #83 in the RPI. That Minnesota game didn't make a difference.

Minnesota was good that year. Would have been a great road win. That game absolutely made a difference.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

This attitude is completely stupid and absolutely reeks of butthurt or an agenda. You are doing nothing but tearing down the program.

We have had numerous players who looked lost as freshman only to become major contributors or even all conference players. Connor is well liked by his teammates, his attitude is infectious, and there is no reason to believe he will not be a good player down the road.

In other words, GFY

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Other than me being correct about most everything all the time, you nailed it.

It would be like me talking out of turn in a room full of rocket scientists. I just wouldn’t do it. Carry on and tell us all about this mythical good team Fran will have some day. Even Chicago Loyola got to the Final Four. But Fran had a decade, not even close. It is because of recruiting. Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting. If you disagree I dont care. Fran makes terrible decisions on guards. Always has. It’s not going to change. Fire Barta, fire McCaffery and start over.

 

[hooper56]

This was preceded by:




I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry about the mental gymnastics you're going through to justify your false comment. It doesn't matter if Hubbard came here and played a year, sat on the bench, or transferred after three weeks. Fran brought Hubbard here, and Hubbard is (hopefully now just was) an extremely low character person. Trying to spin it any other way is laughable. I can link numerous articles about Hubbard being brought to Iowa to by Fran, which flies in the face of your original and subsequent comments.

You are picking an outlier and not a very good one. Guy never played for Iowa. Give up before you embarrass yourself further. It is not that difficult to understand.

 

[TCOOL]

JUCO's aren't true transfers? They aren't part of 700ish players that transfer from 4 year schools, but they are transfers that start at 1 school and end up at another. Some of them end up having a major impact after their JUCO experience. Early on Fran tried to land Pierre Jackson (Baylor) and he would have been a huge JUCO addition.

I dont consider them transfers but go ahead if you want to.

 

[hooper56]

Clueless is closer to being accurate. I don’t blame you for anything, you just don’t have any idea about what you are talking about in regards to basketball.

Dude you are out of your league.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Dude you are out of your league.

 

[owenhawk]

It must be the lack of offense. He's fine handling the ball and I have seen a lot of his fans posting assist to turnover ratios that are fine. But he simply doesn't look to score enough. When he does drive to the hoop it is somewhat unexpected and usually turns out well. He seems afraid to shoot from the outside though. Truly, when he's on the court, teams sag and count on him not doing anything. It was even worse when Fran would put Dailey out there with him.

Connor fulfilled an important role on this team. His role was NOT to be a scorer as we had other better options for that. Did a fantastic job of staying within the system. Players like that can be very valuable. Kid is a winner.

Hooper is exactly right. I’m not sure why people keep dwelling on Connor like he’s a major issue? He’s a Freshman Back-up PG who handles that job OVERALL pretty well. He was essential in big wins over Oregon, UConn, and Iowa St. He was one of the only reliable ball handlers on the team. He is one of the only guys who understands how to feed the post.

Yes, he needs to improve his shooting but his job is not to be a big scorer and realistically, scoring is the least of Iowa’s worries. And it’s possible he is not fully confident and got worn down a little since he a Freshman.

He is a minor issue. You can argue he played more minutes then he should but that is because the other Guards Moss and Dailey specifically) couldn’t produce and forced Connor to play more then he should so that they could try and get offense out of Bohannon that the true SG’s could not do. And that is on Fran somwhat.

Connor had more FT attempts then the STARTING SG! People want to talk about his lack of offense and make him the whipping boy yet he still was more aggressive offensively the Moss, who plays the position that the team needs a dynamic, consistent offensive weapon. And Moss was in his 4th year but I see a lot of people give him a pass because once in a blue moon he throws out a nice scoring game (never mind his many other below-average skills).

I can only assume people take it out on Connor because they are mad at Fran.

 

[owenhawk]

Dude you are out of your league.

He never answers anything with substance because he is clueless. But he’s got some funny emojis and he’s mad and holding a grudge that one of the Ferentz boys gave him a back breaker in front of the whole school years ago.

 

[hooper56]

Bakari Evelyn looks to be a solid transfer and a high character guy. You guys will love him.

 

[Suterman]

Bakari Evelyn looks to be a solid transfer and a high character guy. You guys will love him.

I haven't heard a peep about Evelyn since he got here. Anybody hear anything at all about him?

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

That Minnesota game was a Larry Scriotto special. Clearly had Minnesota and was giving points. That guy is an obvious gambler. Larry's about the most dishonest official working B!G games.

Every game makes a difference. Higher seed in the BTT, better team morale, a little more media love, and of course all those performance metrics rise with a B!G road win. Defending what was obviously dishonest officiating by minimizing the effect of a loss that was created by outcome determinative officiating is about as fallacious as an argument gets.

Anthony Hubbard is the perfect example of the big difference between Iowa's administration, that is overtly hostile to men's athletics-especially basketball and most other schools. McC has much less discretion in gambling on guys that might be better players than they are citizens. That factor alone keeps Iowa out of the market for a significant number of JUCOs and transfers.

My guys down there say Bakari talks quite a bit to CJ and Joey T in the scrimmages they've seen (I didn't think to ask but I don't think the coaches are there). Having a 23 year old graduate student on the squad when the other guards are teenage freshmen sounds like a good use of a one year scholly.

Haven't heard boo about C Mc'C, any fall semester updates on him?