For the 110% supporters of Fran.....

[Suterman]

Sute-

I wonder if Fran developed Mike or Woody enough during their time here?

Mike's ceiling but probably a bit lower, but he was HIGHLY rated. Woody was a top 10 center in his class. EVERY high major program wanted Woody.

How did Fran do with him and his talent?

Somedays, I think ok, a lot of days, I think Woody could have been much, much better.

I think Woody is what he is. He is not a very good offensive player, certainly not a good scorer. Woody is a good rebounder, a great passer, a great defender, and a great defensive quarterback. I believe Adam developed nicely throughout his career. The people who are most disappointed are the ones that were hoping for a Cody Zeller type center and Woody will never be that.

 

[hawkifann]

Gesell and Woodbury had limited development, but Whitey, Marble, Olaseni and others have all progressed well.

Others have said this, but I really wonder if Gesell and Woodbury were really great fits for Fran's style. He clearly wants height and length that can run and shoot. Gesell is not his optimal point and Woodbury is not really the style 5 he'd go for if he had his choices. They were outstanding recruit pickups at the time and they did a lot of good things that helped put Iowa back on the map of relevance, but I don't think Fran's style necessarily played to the strengths of those two guys offensively. Defensively, they were both outstanding and mostly have been for years.

 

[grosie#2]

One concern I have with Fran is the way his team fell apart at the end of the season. It looked like they lost their enthusiasm for playing basketball. I don't know if there was friction on the team or if the senior leadership just wasn't there. Maybe Fran's style of coaching got under the player's skin. This reminds me of a coach who has coached at a school for over 10 yrs and maybe it's time to move on.

 

[DewHawk]

I guess this was actually directed at the season ending downturn, but also conveys some possible concerns about FM's system, thus FM (my apologies for the length):

Now that the year is over and obviously we all are familiar with the final results so no reason to rehash. I have been giving thought (retired, avid Hawkeye fan, and analytical by nature) to the possible end of the year woes with the men’s basketball program. I say”possible”, because maybe it is just my own over thinking and/or over simplification? I have always been one of those Hawkeye fans that believes (maybe naive) we can win a NCAA championship given the right coach/players/luck. I think Fran can be that coach if he creates a very competitive team culture. I also believe the players recruited the last few years can achieve great results.

The issue I have been contemplating is Fran’s personnel management style and system. I won't question or have the knowledge/information to question his intelligence, intensity, X and O’s, and/or his recruiting, but I really do not feel those are the cause of the year end struggles anyway. I personally like FM and he is obviously quite astute and very knowledgeable about the game of basketball. But, I am starting to wonder about his personnel (players) management approach/system. It appears to me he relies entirely too much on the system and same starters/rotations (especially older players in his system). Using the last 3 years (after the initial rebuilding years) as an example we have more or less self-destructed during the last part of the year twice.

When a coach totally commits to a specific player rotation/system regardless of a player’s performance/production from day one he is sending a subliminal message(s) to his team: 1) the starters do not feel, not necessarily even consciously, the pressure/motivation of losing their position/rotation; and 2) the reserves eventually lose their focus, intensity and desire because nothing is going to change. The culmination of the aforementioned eventually erodes the competitive spirit of the team by the end of the year. Later in the year the players no longer even remember or know how to regain the tremendous effort it took to compete at a high level (exceptions are cellar dweller teams, although they struggled against them as well) and certainly not at a championship level. IMO, I really think the overall system rigidity might be working against the best interest of the team’s competitive spirit over the period of a season. Team rebounding and defense are always fairly consistent indicators of effort/intensity and it seemed both fell off the last 1/3 of the season which adversely impacts the offensive freedom/production. The Hawks had very few easy baskets late in the year and the opponents seemed to get open shots fairly consistently.

Adapting a system to player performance and/or results does not mean you change your lineup and rotations on a whim. But, the players have to believe the coach will eventually change personnel (other than injuries) if any player’s effort/performance are consistently not meeting expectations. Sometimes a player just has a bad day and needs to sit and watch awhile, maybe one half or even a game, without any pressure. I know there have been mixed reviews on Baer, but he exudes energy and intensity something this team sorely needed down the stretch. But, he only played additional minutes against Villanova because the players ahead of him were obviously getting annihilated and he was not intimidated. The system and personnel adjustments should be on the table at all times and not just in a panic situation so players never lose their hope of more playing time which helps sharpen or at least maintains their competitive edge.

IMO creating and promoting a flexible competitive environment for playing time each and every day will increase player development to hopefully minimize the dreaded “season ending collapse". I believe this might be, at least part of the underlying and/or subconscious turmoil for the late season swoon by the men’s basketball team (IMO football has also had similar system/personnel issues at times). The intensity and player development of the starters and reserves unquestionably declined (static at best) in the last 1/3 of the season and other quality teams continued to improve. If you watched many other BIG teams their reserves were much more productive by year end. I know, the prior year the Hawks finished strong, but I think that may have been the one-off and due to A White’s leadership and his personal intensity.

Anyway, just an opinion and trying to figure out what is going on to cause such disappointing play/results at year’s end. One season collapse is probably an anomaly, but two out of three years, the system is breaking down somewhere. The good news is next year there are not any sure bets for playing time, other than maybe PJ if he sticks around, so playing time should be inherently more open/competitive.

IMO locking into any system 100% is a big mistake. FWIW

 

[thewop]

I like Fran, want him to succeed, but this year did a lot to erode my confidence in him. What makes you so certain he can achieve more than what he has to date or are his achievements enough for you? No concerns that in 6 years he has not recruited a legit 1. I know about Tyler Cook, but that is one guy. I am not looking to start any stupid back and forth or name calling, I am seriously interested in your thoughts. No toughness, late game / season chokes, getting the doors blown off two years in a row in the second round and 0 depth this year to support the seniors / fill key gaps like a 3rd scorer.

Is it that you support Iowa athletics regardless and see that as being a true fan or do you really think Fran can win a second round game in the next 3 years, which is still a very low bar in my opinion. I would prefer that you don't start with"In the dark ages under Licklier we were so bad....'. as enough time has passed that nobody we are recruiting even knows who Todd Lickliter is. New facilities, getting major upgrades to CHA, so can't really claim lack of support. Keep in mind that Fran is the one who came here talking about big ten championships and runs in March. Unlike some, I think Fran is a good X and O coach, but his recruiting remains a huge disappointment.

I want Fran to succeed and am happy with his recruiting. My only concern is his insistence to take players out for the whole 1st half after 2 fouls regardless of game situation, and to sit them with 4 until the last few minutes regardless of score/flow. I don't like it, and get tired of watching it, but I'm not a coach.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

Sute-

I wonder if Fran developed Mike or Woody enough during their time here?

Mike's ceiling but probably a bit lower, but he was HIGHLY rated. Woody was a top 10 center in his class. EVERY high major program wanted Woody.

How did Fran do with him and his talent?

Somedays, I think ok, a lot of days, I think Woody could have been much, much better.

I think personally and I might be wrong, but I am guessing woody was a little over rated coming out of HS. I think if Woody went anywhere else, you would of seen him transfer or get over recruited. You have to think playing the competition he played against in High School. State of Iowa doesn't have too many 7-1 guys walking the halls and I think his stats were a little inflated in high school. I think his lack of of developing a low post game was his downfall. He never used it, and instead tried to shoot the 15ft shot. He got very gun shy in his Junior & Senior years. He would get a rebound and pass it out, instead of taking it back up strong.

Gessell on the other hand was pretty good and I realize his offense wasn't there, he was still a 1500pt scorer in 4 years. He was a great leader and a great defender. I thought Mike did a lot for the team and was a good PG, just not elite. He was an easy target because he always had the ball in his hands in crunch time. I give the kid credit for always taking the last shot, I realize he wasn't the best option, but he did it anyways.

I look at Whitey, Olaseni, Basabe, Clemmons, Cartwright, and Marble as examples of how Fran and his staff have developed talent and all those players improved over their time at Iowa. I think you will see his best work with some of the freshman and incoming freshman. I think Fran will start to get some quality players in here and we will have the guard play to go to the next level.

 

[ft254]

I like Fran, want him to succeed, but this year did a lot to erode my confidence in him. What makes you so certain he can achieve more than what he has to date or are his achievements enough for you? No concerns that in 6 years he has not recruited a legit 1. I know about Tyler Cook, but that is one guy. I am not looking to start any stupid back and forth or name calling, I am seriously interested in your thoughts. No toughness, late game / season chokes, getting the doors blown off two years in a row in the second round and 0 depth this year to support the seniors / fill key gaps like a 3rd scorer.

Is it that you support Iowa athletics regardless and see that as being a true fan or do you really think Fran can win a second round game in the next 3 years, which is still a very low bar in my opinion. I would prefer that you don't start with"In the dark ages under Licklier we were so bad....'. as enough time has passed that nobody we are recruiting even knows who Todd Lickliter is. New facilities, getting major upgrades to CHA, so can't really claim lack of support. Keep in mind that Fran is the one who came here talking about big ten championships and runs in March. Unlike some, I think Fran is a good X and O coach, but his recruiting remains a huge disappointment.

Fran is a good fit for Iowa. We hated to see the collapse, but we GOT to a level to from which we collapsed. Lots of young (but undefined as yet) talent returning, and a big time recruit incoming. I recommend we extend some patience and see how he reloads from this point. If Iowa doesn't compete for the Title for the next 2 years, I'm OK with that. I just want to see some entertaining and reasonably competitive basketball for that time. After that, Championships!

 

[RocknRollface]

Fran gets a pass on recruiting for a couple reasons: first, we didn't make the NCAA tournament for real until last year. Prior to that it was the NIT. He gets a pass on anyone he recruited before last year bc he didn't have a proven, successful program to sell (and he still landed some nice pieces). Basically, I will judge Fran on what he does with last year's class, and the next few, over the next few years. Second, Iowa didn't have that many open rides available prior to last year's class. Two years ago we had 2 spots: Uhl, Ellingson. Three years ago we had 1 spot: Jok. With so few spots, you can't expect Fran to turn around the program unless he lands at 5*

I don't give him a total pass on not being able to really land any difference makers in the ball handling department for 3 years but in general I agree with what your saying.

You're looking at it with actual insight into the specifics of what happened which is what the OP seems to not be able to do.

Fran tried to bring in other guards, it didn't work. Does he get a total pass, no, but he understood the problem and attempted to do something about it multiple times.

Iowa has won first round games two years in a row now and has upgraded athleticism significantly.

Everything is trending up, slowly but surely. It could have went better but its still going in the right direction.

 

[RocknRollface]

I'm fine with Fran, whether he stays or goes of his own volition.

I do have an issue with the repeated return to the lick years as a justification.
At some point doesn't the statute of limitations expire on that excuse?
Year 6-7 seems to be sufficient time, even from that mess.

Excuse for what though?

Does winning back to back first round games and progressively getting better every year need to have excuses made for it?

You're out of touch with reality if you think it does.

Has it been as good as it could have been, by no means, but reality is he started from garbage and has taken it somewhere decent.

A little perspective might be helpful.

 

[RocknRollface]

One concern I have with Fran is the way his team fell apart at the end of the season. It looked like they lost their enthusiasm for playing basketball. I don't know if there was friction on the team or if the senior leadership just wasn't there. Maybe Fran's style of coaching got under the player's skin. This reminds me of a coach who has coached at a school for over 10 yrs and maybe it's time to move on.

That group and Fran had gone as far as they could, that much was obvious.

Luckily all the players moved on.

We will have a very different looking team from here on out.

 

[RocknRollface]

I guess this was actually directed at the season ending downturn, but also conveys some possible concerns about FM's system, thus FM (my apologies for the length):

Now that the year is over and obviously we all are familiar with the final results so no reason to rehash. I have been giving thought (retired, avid Hawkeye fan, and analytical by nature) to the possible end of the year woes with the men’s basketball program. I say”possible”, because maybe it is just my own over thinking and/or over simplification? I have always been one of those Hawkeye fans that believes (maybe naive) we can win a NCAA championship given the right coach/players/luck. I think Fran can be that coach if he creates a very competitive team culture. I also believe the players recruited the last few years can achieve great results.

The issue I have been contemplating is Fran’s personnel management style and system. I won't question or have the knowledge/information to question his intelligence, intensity, X and O’s, and/or his recruiting, but I really do not feel those are the cause of the year end struggles anyway. I personally like FM and he is obviously quite astute and very knowledgeable about the game of basketball. But, I am starting to wonder about his personnel (players) management approach/system. It appears to me he relies entirely too much on the system and same starters/rotations (especially older players in his system). Using the last 3 years (after the initial rebuilding years) as an example we have more or less self-destructed during the last part of the year twice.

When a coach totally commits to a specific player rotation/system regardless of a player’s performance/production from day one he is sending a subliminal message(s) to his team: 1) the starters do not feel, not necessarily even consciously, the pressure/motivation of losing their position/rotation; and 2) the reserves eventually lose their focus, intensity and desire because nothing is going to change. The culmination of the aforementioned eventually erodes the competitive spirit of the team by the end of the year. Later in the year the players no longer even remember or know how to regain the tremendous effort it took to compete at a high level (exceptions are cellar dweller teams, although they struggled against them as well) and certainly not at a championship level. IMO, I really think the overall system rigidity might be working against the best interest of the team’s competitive spirit over the period of a season. Team rebounding and defense are always fairly consistent indicators of effort/intensity and it seemed both fell off the last 1/3 of the season which adversely impacts the offensive freedom/production. The Hawks had very few easy baskets late in the year and the opponents seemed to get open shots fairly consistently.

Adapting a system to player performance and/or results does not mean you change your lineup and rotations on a whim. But, the players have to believe the coach will eventually change personnel (other than injuries) if any player’s effort/performance are consistently not meeting expectations. Sometimes a player just has a bad day and needs to sit and watch awhile, maybe one half or even a game, without any pressure. I know there have been mixed reviews on Baer, but he exudes energy and intensity something this team sorely needed down the stretch. But, he only played additional minutes against Villanova because the players ahead of him were obviously getting annihilated and he was not intimidated. The system and personnel adjustments should be on the table at all times and not just in a panic situation so players never lose their hope of more playing time which helps sharpen or at least maintains their competitive edge.

IMO creating and promoting a flexible competitive environment for playing time each and every day will increase player development to hopefully minimize the dreaded “season ending collapse". I believe this might be, at least part of the underlying and/or subconscious turmoil for the late season swoon by the men’s basketball team (IMO football has also had similar system/personnel issues at times). The intensity and player development of the starters and reserves unquestionably declined (static at best) in the last 1/3 of the season and other quality teams continued to improve. If you watched many other BIG teams their reserves were much more productive by year end. I know, the prior year the Hawks finished strong, but I think that may have been the one-off and due to A White’s leadership and his personal intensity.

Anyway, just an opinion and trying to figure out what is going on to cause such disappointing play/results at year’s end. One season collapse is probably an anomaly, but two out of three years, the system is breaking down somewhere. The good news is next year there are not any sure bets for playing time, other than maybe PJ if he sticks around, so playing time should be inherently more open/competitive.

IMO locking into any system 100% is a big mistake. FWIW

The "system" was handicapped by guards who couldn't create in the lane and we really didn't have a better option.

He may have leaned on the seniors a bit to much but this was far from Kirk Ferentz sticking with Rudock or Christiansan over clearly superior players.

There was little to no better options for this year.

He probably could have worked Williams in more and sooner, but other than that what? Would that really have made much difference?

 

[ichawk24]

IMO locking into any system 100% is a big mistake. FWIW

I feel like we are watching completely different coaches if you believe Fran locks into one system and never changes.

He has had defensive-minded teams. He has had offensive-minded teams. It seems like whenever a team has a weakness, the next off-season overcomes that weakness, be it shooting, blocked shots, tempo, etc.

We must be entering the "Ferentz fatigue" years with Fran with posters complaining that he only plays the old guys. What planet are you guys on? The old guys this year were our best shot. A redshirt freshman walkon, Baer, got a ton of minutes this year. He doesn't fit the pattern of veteran guys. Fran tried Fleming a lot early, and it didn't work. Fleming lost his spot in the rotation, and Williams got more time down the stretch.

Gesell and Woodbury started all four years! To do that, you have to.... start as a freshman! Whitey started all four years. Marble more or less. He has a lot of history in playing young guys.

We are definitely entering "Fran fatigue". After one NCAA tourney win in 15 years, Fran wins a tourney game in back-to-back years (top 32?) and most posters are negative about him.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

I think a rotation of Clemmons, MG, And Williams would have been a better answer, but that's my thoughts and I have no problem whatsoever with Fran' s decisions it's his team.

 

[Herkmeister]

Gesell and Woodbury had limited development, but Whitey, Marble, Olaseni and others have all progressed well.

I'm not 110% Fran, and I'm not 0% Fran. Why do so many in our society have a binary outlook?

Fran is a solid coach, I'd guess slightly above average in power leagues. Does he have faults? Yes. Could Iowa easily do better? No.

The only thing I'd challenge, and only is a little is Woody. I think he really turned into a strong inside player. But, I also think the kid has some real touch and I really think Fran may have retarded his development some. And had he taken a few 15 footers it would have forced the D to come out on him and clear out the middle.

 

[TritonHawkeye]

I think Fran is loyal and maybe to a fault.

Late in the season it appeared that CW had more to offer as a starter than AC. I believe Fran stuck with the guy that was loyal to him over playing the guy that was starting to blossom.

Fran has done a great job of changing our direction from where we were in 2010. I hope he stays for a long time.

 

[hooper56]

Most people don't realize just how close Fran has come to landing a couple of very highly rated recruits. In one case he actually got a commit but the kid changed his mind the next day when a bigger school called. Folks, we are very very close and I think it will happen soon. I really believe this. Tyler Cook was a huge get and there will be others. Not everything that happens in recruiting is reported on message boards.

 

[TomKakert]

I like Fran, want him to succeed, but this year did a lot to erode my confidence in him. What makes you so certain he can achieve more than what he has to date or are his achievements enough for you? No concerns that in 6 years he has not recruited a legit 1. I know about Tyler Cook, but that is one guy. I am not looking to start any stupid back and forth or name calling, I am seriously interested in your thoughts. No toughness, late game / season chokes, getting the doors blown off two years in a row in the second round and 0 depth this year to support the seniors / fill key gaps like a 3rd scorer.

Is it that you support Iowa athletics regardless and see that as being a true fan or do you really think Fran can win a second round game in the next 3 years, which is still a very low bar in my opinion. I would prefer that you don't start with"In the dark ages under Licklier we were so bad....'. as enough time has passed that nobody we are recruiting even knows who Todd Lickliter is. New facilities, getting major upgrades to CHA, so can't really claim lack of support. Keep in mind that Fran is the one who came here talking about big ten championships and runs in March. Unlike some, I think Fran is a good X and O coach, but his recruiting remains a huge disappointment.

Here's the thing you have to look at with Fran and what he has done at Iowa. Until this season, he has moved the program forward each and every year in terms of the post season. Let's face it, right or wrong, that's where teams are judged today. Getting to the NIT and winning a game. Next year NIT title game. Following year NCAA Tournament. Then the last two years in the NCAA Tournament and winning a game. This was the first year where Fran didn't move to at least one more level in post season play and it's fair to also point out that Iowa didn't regress either. I won't stand by this argument, but you could say that this year was the first time Iowa contended for a Big Ten title on his watch and also took the Hawkeyes to their highest national ranking since the early years of Tom Davis. Iowa also won NCAA Tournament games for the first time in back to back years since 1992-93 and that was accomplished before any of the players on this current roster of scholarship players were even born. I know you don't want to hear about history, but it adds perspective and sometimes that's needed with the what have you done for me lately mentality we have in our society today.

Is Fran perfect? Nope. He has flaws, just like every coach. It's fair to say his teams have struggled in two of the last three years down the stretch of the season and that's something he will have to figure out and correct. Overall, he's done a very solid job getting Iowa back to the level where I think Tom Davis had it for most of his tenure, which is certainly a positive step given where it has been since Dr. Tom left. Does he need to do more? You bet and I am sure Fran would agree with that line of thinking. He certainly wants the same thing every fan wants, deep runs in March, Final Fours, and everything that comes with it. Can he bring that to Iowa? Time will tell. But, what he has accomplished to date as the head coach has been good and positive for Iowa Basketball.

 

[Myvue]

I think Woody is what he is. He is not a very good offensive player, certainly not a good scorer. Woody is a good rebounder, a great passer, a great defender, and a great defensive quarterback. I believe Adam developed nicely throughout his career. The people who are most disappointed are the ones that were hoping for a Cody Zeller type center and Woody will never be that.

It's kind of hard to score when Woody's team mates don't get him involved in the offense. I wonder how it would have been had he gotten some lob passes. With his height and 55% shooting percentage he should have gotten more shots. Taking some of Mike's 39% shots would have been a start..

 

[hawkeye122671]

Appreciate the feedback / thoughts. I have no illusions about Iowa being Duke, Kentucky, or UNC. Nor do I have illusions that we are going to get McDonald's 5 Stars. What I am trying to point out is that it does not matter who else Fran recruits if he cannot get a solid 1 & 2 in here. So heading into year we have the back court duo of Williams and Bohannon? Not very good succession planning IMO.

Better than Gesell and Clemmons. Book it.

 

[hawkeye122671]

I'm feeling like Nostradamus now. I predicted after Tennessee loss a couple years ago that our moronic fan base would be pulling this exact crap we are now engaging in about Coach Fran. Fran is now Dr. tom, whose results left Iowa fans clamoring for those type years and we are crying about 3 consecutive trips to ncaa with a win the last 2 years. Sounds like Dr. Tom years. I love Fran and what he is all about. My only problem is that he never recruited over Gesell. He stuck with mg way too long imo but give him credit for being loyal to his guys. Fran is a perfect fit for Iowa and would be sorely missed if he left. Please have some perspective on Iowa basketball, where we are currently, where we were before Fran arrived and our future full of talent and possibility.

 

[hawkeye122671]

Sute-

I wonder if Fran developed Mike or Woody enough during their time here?

Mike's ceiling but probably a bit lower, but he was HIGHLY rated. Woody was a top 10 center in his class. EVERY high major program wanted Woody.

How did Fran do with him and his talent?

Somedays, I think ok, a lot of days, I think Woody could have been much, much better.

I saw Woody multiple times in high school. Believe it or not, his offensive game actually improved at Iowa. Bottom line, he was an atrocious offensive player in hs and just bad in college. His value was always defense and rebounding. Woody was exactly what I thought he'd be.

 

[hawkifann]

The only thing I'd challenge, and only is a little is Woody. I think he really turned into a strong inside player. But, I also think the kid has some real touch and I really think Fran may have retarded his development some. And had he taken a few 15 footers it would have forced the D to come out on him and clear out the middle.

The Woodbury thing is multi-factor. First, he's not the ideal kind of big for Fran's offense. He's a traditional, back-to-the-basket 5 and Fran's style seems to prefer mostly a big with length who can run and present multiple fronts offensively. Then you add in confidence with his shot -- he really seemed to lose confidence offensively the last month or so of the season....possibly driven by factor 3, he really struggled to control the ball offensively. He left a lot of points at the rim and mis-handled a lot of passes.

That said, he has some very good strengths -- he's an excellent passer and sees the floor well and he's a very tough rebounder and defender. He's the best post defender I've seen at Iowa in a long time. Hopefully Wagner and Uhl were paying attention and learned some tricks this year.

 

[hawkifann]

My only problem is that he never recruited over Gesell. He stuck with mg way too long imo but give him credit for being loyal to his guys.

Must call BS here. Fran went all-in on some elite PGs and just came up short in recruiting. If there's a criticism, it's that Fran was too all-in on guys like Ulis and maybe didn't maximize fall-back potential. Gesell started for four years for a reason. He's a good player. His game is not without flaws, but it's also not without strengths. He kept turnovers down all season and played excellent defense......but you can't tell me that Fran was simply content with Gesell and did not recruit over Gesell. If Iowa had managed to sign Ulis, we would not have seen Gesell and Sapp both in the starting lineup.

 

[ketelmeister]

I like Fran, he's good for the state.

 

[hawkifann]

I saw Woody multiple times in high school. Believe it or not, his offensive game actually improved at Iowa. Bottom line, he was an atrocious offensive player in hs and just bad in college. His value was always defense and rebounding. Woody was exactly what I thought he'd be.

Woody is what a lot of 7-footers are unless they're truly elite, 1-and-done type talents -- high floor guys. It was very clear from day 1 that he'd come in and compete, fight for boards and play solid D. You are correct that he improved his offensive game over 4 years and was a solid FT shooter, but his D and rebounding never wavered (except for perhaps is propensity to get in foul trouble his first three years). Every single time he took the floor, you knew you'd get a physical presence who would battle down low and hit the boards.

I had hoped he'd develop a little more offense, but overall I'm very happy with his career because he proved that he had a high floor. On his worst day, he still gives you something to help you win.

 

[Titanhawk2]

Lute got to the FF once, Davis almost got their once. That's over 25 years. Some in the fan base think Iowa is like UCLA of the past, Duke, Kentucky, in the FF every other year. Iowa is where it was at 20 years ago. But I believe Fran is a better recruiter and has the opportunity to pass up Davis's accomplishments

 

[hawkeye122671]

Must call BS here. Fran went all-in on some elite PGs and just came up short in recruiting. If there's a criticism, it's that Fran was too all-in on guys like Ulis and maybe didn't maximize fall-back potential. Gesell started for four years for a reason. He's a good player. His game is not without flaws, but it's also not without strengths. He kept turnovers down all season and played excellent defense......but you can't tell me that Fran was simply content with Gesell and did not recruit over Gesell. If Iowa had managed to sign Ulis, we would not have seen Gesell and Sapp both in the starting lineup.

Fair enough. Mike was a turnover machine when it got crunch time. But did play great defense. Fran went all in on 1 point guard. Passed on Monte Morris because of MG. Mike was not clutch. His flaws were pretty huge with what is required of point guard. When opposing teams basically quit defending you because you are no threat to score, it kills offense. The pg is out there to run a smooth offense. His degrading play was probably the biggest factor in the late season swoon this year. We played 2 on 5 the last month.

 

[bravehawks1]

I agree that he is a good passer and this is where I find big faults with Fran on his development of Woody. The most effective passing that he let Woody do most of the year were either the outlet pass after a fast break or inbounding after a made basket. We rarely put Woody in the post and passed it in and then let him pass back out or set Woody at the free throw lane to pass from there. Woody usually got the ball at the top of the circle after setting a high ball screen as a safety valve.

Think back to Phil Jackson's triangle offense that went through the center position even when every living soul knew that MJ was probably going to end up with the ball. This was run pretty effectively with only 24 second shot clock and centers who could not shoot jump shots as well. No excuse for Fran not to work something like this in to the offense. Heck, he doesn't even have to leave the building to see this offensive set as Lisa Bluder runs most of the offense through the post for the women's team. Using the post would have created a lot more movement on offense than point guard dribbling around for most of the time hoping someone gets open. Or watch Kansas offense with the 3 guard weave for 10-15 seconds and then all of sudden a shooter is open on the wing or a post player has gotten free in the middle of the lane for a good shot. Not rocket science guys, just Fran being Fran aka stubborn.

 

[RocknRollface]

I'm feeling like Nostradamus now. I predicted after Tennessee loss a couple years ago that our moronic fan base would be pulling this exact crap we are now engaging in about Coach Fran. Fran is now Dr. tom, whose results left Iowa fans clamoring for those type years and we are crying about 3 consecutive trips to ncaa with a win the last 2 years. Sounds like Dr. Tom years. I love Fran and what he is all about. My only problem is that he never recruited over Gesell. He stuck with mg way too long imo but give him credit for being loyal to his guys. Fran is a perfect fit for Iowa and would be sorely missed if he left. Please have some perspective on Iowa basketball, where we are currently, where we were before Fran arrived and our future full of talent and possibility.

All we heard during Alford and lick was how great it was under Tom Davis to win one game in the tourney.

 

[hawkifann]

Fair enough. Mike was a turnover machine when it got crunch time. But did play great defense. Fran went all in on 1 point guard. Passed on Monte Morris because of MG. Mike was not clutch. His flaws were pretty huge with what is required of point guard. When opposing teams basically quit defending you because you are no threat to score, it kills offense. The pg is out there to run a smooth offense. His degrading play was probably the biggest factor in the late season swoon this year. We played 2 on 5 the last month.

His turnover numbers did seem to go up at crunch time, but across the whole season, Iowa was 17th in the country in turnovers at 10.2 per game. You don't finish top 20 for fewest turnovers if you have a turnover-prone PG. It's obviously not all Gesell, but when you have a 4-year starter at PG, it's interesting to look at the team turnover trends. Here are the team numbers for Gesell/Clemmons/Woodbury's four years:

2012-2013: 117th nationally at 12.6 TO/game
2013-2014: 69th nationally at 11.2 TO/game
2014-2015: 49th nationally at 11.1 TO/game
2015-2016: 17th nationally at 10.2 TO/game

Scoring balance was the overall problem the past few years, not necessarily PG. Sure, I'd take an elite PG who can create his own offense and distribute, but on the whole Gesell gave Iowa a lot over his time in IC.

 

[RocknRollface]

Fair enough. Mike was a turnover machine when it got crunch time. But did play great defense. Fran went all in on 1 point guard. Passed on Monte Morris because of MG. Mike was not clutch. His flaws were pretty huge with what is required of point guard. When opposing teams basically quit defending you because you are no threat to score, it kills offense. The pg is out there to run a smooth offense. His degrading play was probably the biggest factor in the late season swoon this year. We played 2 on 5 the last month.

He recruited allot of other Pgs during the last three years.

The only one he landed was Dickerson, who every one was excited about at the time.

 

[hawkeye122671]

His turnover numbers did seem to go up at crunch time, but across the whole season, Iowa was 17th in the country in turnovers at 10.2 per game. You don't finish top 20 for fewest turnovers if you have a turnover-prone PG. It's obviously not all Gesell, but when you have a 4-year starter at PG, it's interesting to look at the team turnover trends. Here are the team numbers for Gesell/Clemmons/Woodbury's four years:

2012-2013: 117th nationally at 12.6 TO/game
2013-2014: 69th nationally at 11.2 TO/game
2014-2015: 49th nationally at 11.1 TO/game
2015-2016: 17th nationally at 10.2 TO/game

Scoring balance was the overall problem the past few years, not necessarily PG. Sure, I'd take an elite PG who can create his own offense and distribute, but on the whole Gesell gave Iowa a lot over his time in IC.

I agree with that. He was bad when the pressure was on. That's all

 

[hawkifann]

I agree with that. He was bad when the pressure was on. That's all

I don't really disagree with that.....but of course, led by a lesser PG than Gesell, Iowa might not have even been in some of those late-game situations. I'd love to have Iowa get guys to do better, I just think some (not necessarily you) are playing some revisionist history on Gesell and I think have completely taken for granted his baseline great ball handling.

 

[hawkeye122671]

I don't really disagree with that.....but of course, led by a lesser PG than Gesell, Iowa might not have even been in some of those late-game situations. I'd love to have Iowa get guys to do better, I just think some (not necessarily you) are playing some revisionist history on Gesell and I think have completely taken for granted his baseline great ball handling.

I appreciate all that Mike did but his late game collapses and lack of leadership will not be missed. Mike was a good Robin just not a good Batman. I'm extremely disappointed he never developed a jumpshot, a floater or sense when it came to endgames to not drive into seven footers.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

Fran gets a pass on recruiting for a couple reasons: first, we didn't make the NCAA tournament for real until last year. Prior to that it was the NIT. He gets a pass on anyone he recruited before last year bc he didn't have a proven, successful program to sell (and he still landed some nice pieces). Basically, I will judge Fran on what he does with last year's class, and the next few, over the next few years. Second, Iowa didn't have that many open rides available prior to last year's class. Two years ago we had 2 spots: Uhl, Ellingson. Three years ago we had 1 spot: Jok. With so few spots, you can't expect Fran to turn around the program unless he lands at 5*

This. Fran had an uphill battle recruiting his first few years. It ain't easy bringing top talent into a basement level program. He got some pretty good recruits in Woody and Gesell, but they weren't really the best fit for his style, but he did what he could with them.

The next 3 years will tell a lot. We've had two "real" NCAA bids now, and we're getting into what should be the meat of his recruiting. It will be interesting to see what he does with that.

I will say the lack of a quality at guard is baffling. Ulis would have been a difference maker this year. That one miss probably set us back a couple years.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I also think Fran will start to hit the STL & Chicago areas more. He has players from those areas on the squad and when players visit it helps to have players who can relate to them. Sorry but in the past our players were from all over. If he can get a pipeline into Chicago and STL would be HUGE!

 

[Rustys Dad]

I understand what the OP is saying... I think the next two years will give us a very fair assessment of Fran's ability to elevate Iowa beyond where it is today. Next year will be tough. I just want to see is get over the hump of losing close games and like this year... And two years ago... Two complete collapses. I like how our roster looks on paper. Let's see what Fran can do with it.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Barta just needs to say to Fran whatever he said to Kirk before last year. Problem solved.

 

[Ycusi]

The Woodbury thing is multi-factor. First, he's not the ideal kind of big for Fran's offense. He's a traditional, back-to-the-basket 5 and Fran's style seems to prefer mostly a big with length who can run and present multiple fronts offensively. Then you add in confidence with his shot -- he really seemed to lose confidence offensively the last month or so of the season....possibly driven by factor 3, he really struggled to control the ball offensively. He left a lot of points at the rim and mis-handled a lot of passes.

That said, he has some very good strengths -- he's an excellent passer and sees the floor well and he's a very tough rebounder and defender. He's the best post defender I've seen at Iowa in a long time. Hopefully Wagner and Uhl were paying attention and learned some tricks this year.

I'm pretty sure a "traditional, back-to-the-basket 5" is expected to be able to score over........somebody.

 

[grosie#2]

I think Fran's a good coach but the big disappointment with this years team is how they fell apart. The total difference in play from the 1st half of the season to the 2nd half. The rumors of dissension on the team plus the lack of senior leadership. It appeared after the Illinois lost that the some of the senior players were blaming the coach for their bad play and not taking responsibility for themselves. I don't think I've ever seen a team play so well in the beginning of the season and look so bad at the end. It will be interesting to see if Fran can turn the team's attitude around next yr. when he has a number of the same players coming back.