History is far more on the side of a pessimist that would think that Iowa will indeed take a step back next year with only 2 starters and 1 quality reserve returning.
Sure, I could have included Bowen and Dix as returning players but in the scheme of things they both played very few minutes except to think they both could become quality players going forward.
So what does an Iowa fan that only sees the positives about the upcoming season have to hold on to.
For one thing, I see maybe the best freshman class that Fran has ever recruited to Iowa, Sandford as a shooter Iowa's Mr. Basketball, Dembele 6-9, 250lbs built like a brick house and very impressive in all areas of the game, Harding and Freeman, even though they weren't given 4 star ratings, they should have been awards the extra star. You don't win the 4A championship in Illinois without being elite talent and Brock and Owen certainly proved that they play at an elite level and add to those 4 freshmen Amarion Nimmers who could be the most athletic and skilled guard Iowa has on it's roster and someone from that group if not more then 1, is going to be worthy of starter minutes or lots of minutes off the bench.
I know lot's of posters on here have given up on Riley Mulvey, and sure he didn't see much floor time even though there were certainly lots of opportunities for him to see action if Fran had done so, but Riley still has the enthusiasm and I believe the talent to shine in his last 2 years at Iowa. In the one game that meant something, the Michigan game, he played extremely good and held his own against Hunter Dickinson in that game and that's what I'm hanging my hat on. We'll see.
Dix, Bowen, and Payton Sandford should all be stronger and hopefully more improved.
The only question I have is whether Patrick is going to get stronger or is he going to come back as the same player he was last year. Not crazy about is defense, played too far off his opposition, and struggled with his consistency all season long. Will he start, come off the bench, or even play next year?
Love me some Tony Perkins, it's hard to imagine him being better then he was last year but consistency in his game is something I'm looking to see him improve on and becoming the team leader. He's got the talent!
That leaves the newcomer in Ben Krikke, don't know much about him but at 6-9 220/230 he averaged near 20 points a game, he has the experience and the game to help Iowa next year after losing Kris, Conner, and Pilip.
Iowa has the pieces to improve on any finish that is predicted before the season begins and I believe it all depends on how Fran puts those pieces together.
It will be interesting how Iowa plays those exhibition games in Spain this summer and hopefully we'll be pleasantly surprised at how good this team will become by the start of the new season in November.
