Fran McCaffery and Staff

[Crazy Hawk]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

 

[LetsGoHawks83]

phenomenal.... Nice

 

[Crazy Hawk]

phenomenal.... Nice

Credit for that one is given to Bud Light.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

I hope the team keeps improving, especially defensively.

I'm interested in how this team looks come February.

 

[Crazy Hawk]

I hope the team keeps improving, especially defensively.

I'm interested in how this team looks come February.

If JB is indeed done...that tells me that discussions have already been held behind closed doors on the possibilities with next years team. Those discussions were not centered around JB becoming the B1G career leader in 3-pointers made or earning a 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

 

[Franisdaman]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

Thank you for the kind words.

 

[Call me rocket]

Good job Fran. I like you agin.

 

[skydog0784]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

You can count on me for taking one for the team!

 

[perryhawk]

Fran and staff have done a very very good job.

 

[Rustys Dad]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

I’ve been an avid critic of Fran. This team - right now- is playing the best Iowa basketball I’ve watched in many, many years... The passing.... the defense... the discipline... Iowa basketball is fun to watch again.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Fran and staff have done a very very good job.

No doubt. The team is playing like they have a plan and they go out and try to execute it to the best of their abilities. That's really all you can ask for. When you have the #1 offensive efficiency team in the country 11 games in, that is getting it done. Likely won't stay there, but still impressive. Team is unselfish, moves the ball and has different guys who can score. Iowa will be difficult to defend all year. That may change some if Bohannon shuts it down, as even a 70% Bohannon spreads the floor when he's out there.

This team has a number of guys who have some moxie, others might call it balls or stones. They aren't going to lose for lack of trying or be afraid of the moment. Game got down to 7 last night, crowd roaring, late in the clock and they leave Conor open for 3. He needs to take the shot in that situation, as Iowa won't get a better look. He does, and it goes in. Even if it didn't go in, it was the right shot to take. Then Wieskamp takes the ball to the basket being closely guarded. He converts. That's how you do it.

 

[BaldHawk4Life]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

This is well said. Fran is a really good coach as are his assistants. If he can string a few NCAA Tourneys together he may get the corner turned on those bigger recruits he keeps missing on.

 

[And1Hawk]

I hope the team keeps improving, especially defensively.

I'm interested in how this team looks come February.

It could be struggle in February with limited bodies and guess what? The B1G is really, really good. The league gets physical in the second half too.

 

[GunnerHawk]

I have been critical over the years of Fran McCaffery led teams...

With that said, what Fran and this staff have done since the DePaul game has been "phenomenal".

I think this team has embraced growth together. A prime example of that is when things got tense and ISU made a run to cut into the lead and a 50/50 call went against Iowa, Fran remained calm and more importantly remained coaching. In turn, his team remained calm and countered with a run.

I know with JB now more than likely being out for the rest of the year expectations will adjust...but if this team keeps playing like they have and the coaching staff keeps doing what they have done...Iowa Basketball will remain fun.

I'll do my part in watching and keeping the beer cold.

I have to admit, I was blowing a gasket when they made the run and Fran did not call a time out. I have always felt that Fran hoards his TO's too much. When they cut it from 17 to 12, I still think a time out should have been called instead of waiting until it got to 7.

Other than that, I would suggest that Fran get a few new shirts with a larger collar and loosen his tie a bit. He gets so red in the face, I'm worried he'll keel over one of these days.

 

[Robster Raws]

I actually think and hope Jordan plays out the year.

Once he entered the starting lineup again in Vegas, this team has looked a lot more cohesive. And it gives us good depth. And a guy other teams have to guard and honor.

Yes he’s not 100%. But there’s no guarantees that he ever gets back to pre injury form, or scores a ton next year, etc.

He could be a difference maker this year, even at less than 100%, and maybe that’s enough for him.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

I actually think and hope Jordan plays out the year.

Once he entered the starting lineup again in Vegas, this team has looked a lot more cohesive. And it gives us good depth. And a guy other teams have to guard and honor.

Yes he’s not 100%. But there’s no guarantees that he ever gets back to pre injury form, or scores a ton next year, etc.

He could be a difference maker this year, even at less than 100%, and maybe that’s enough for him.

I had the same thought last night. With only two games over the next couple weeks and one he can likely sit out, maybe that gives him extra time to recover. Long season ahead and impossible to predict what impact it will have on his hip/s. IMO it comes down to the condition of his other hip as one would think it would be easier to forecast recovery from the one he had surgery on.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

It could be struggle in February with limited bodies and guess what? The B1G is really, really good. The league gets physical in the second half too.

Have you looked at the February schedule? Ugh! It's TOUGH.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

If Iowa can beat Cincy and Kennesaw, they will be 10-3 heading into January. They should be able to handle NE, NW, WI and maybe split with MD to go 4-4 that would put them at 14-7. 7 games in February where 3-4 or 4-3 would be sufficient with Purdue and IL to finish the season. 17 wins with a shot at 2 BTT wins could get them in given the schedule they have played.

Definitely in a better spot today than I expected post-DePaul.

 

[Rifler]

Has anyone else noticed that Fran has been uncharacteristically calm on the bench this year?,... looks good on him and I hope he keeps it up..

 

[unIowa]

Beat Cincy and I think this is an NCAA team unless they totally tank in the BIG which could happen with the thinned out roster. With the teams they will have beaten in the non-con and no real bad losses (yeah Depaul didn't look good but that is a quality club).

 

[Franisdaman]

I’ve been an avid critic of Fran. This team - right now- is playing the best Iowa basketball I’ve watched in many, many years... The passing.... the defense... the discipline... Iowa basketball is fun to watch again.

My son....I mean, Connor, has been Fran-omenal

 

[Crazy Hawk]

Has anyone else noticed that Fran has been uncharacteristically calm on the bench this year?,... looks good on him and I hope he keeps it up..

Yup. Like I said in my original post...there were times last night where last season he would have flipped out. Last night (and really the entire season) he has chirped but his attention has been placed on coaching/adjusting. As a result...guys have been put in the best position to be successful AND the players have kept their composure.

I've also noticed that when Fran has hopped up on a call Francis has jumped up and immediately stepped in front of him. Every coach changes things from year to year. I'm starting to believe this was a big emphasis by Fran. Or maybe Patrick's situation with this recent setback really made him step back? Maybe his wife had him medicated? Ok I'm kidding about the medication comment...but seriously....hes done a hell of a job this year.

 

[Rifler]

Yup. Like I said in my original post...there were times last night where last season he would have flipped out. Last night (and really the entire season) he has chirped but his attention has been placed on coaching/adjusting. As a result...guys have been put in the best position to be successful AND the players have kept their composure.

I've also noticed that when Fran has hopped up on a call Francis has jumped up and immediately stepped in front of him. Every coach changes things from year to year. I'm starting to believe this was a big emphasis by Fran. Or maybe Patrick's situation with this recent setback really made him step back? Maybe his wife had him medicated? Ok I'm kidding about the medication comment...but seriously....hes done a hell of a job this year.

Yeah,.. I'm liking normal blood pressure Fran...

 

[SLarew]

Yup. Like I said in my original post...there were times last night where last season he would have flipped out. Last night (and really the entire season) he has chirped but his attention has been placed on coaching/adjusting. As a result...guys have been put in the best position to be successful AND the players have kept their composure.

I've also noticed that when Fran has hopped up on a call Francis has jumped up and immediately stepped in front of him. Every coach changes things from year to year. I'm starting to believe this was a big emphasis by Fran. Or maybe Patrick's situation with this recent setback really made him step back? Maybe his wife had him medicated? Ok I'm kidding about the medication comment...but seriously....hes done a hell of a job this year.

slight correction. Francis no longer at Iowa. Think that’s Billy Taylor you re referring to

 

[Crazy Hawk]

slight correction. Francis no longer at Iowa. Think that’s Billy Taylor you re referring to

I meant Dillard....thanks for the correction. Apparently with Francis gone I still get them mixed up. Surprising thing is I always talk about how sharp dressed Sherman is but yet still call him Francis on occasion. I need a beer.

 

[rufus-hawk]

No doubt. The team is playing like they have a plan and they go out and try to execute it to the best of their abilities. That's really all you can ask for. When you have the #1 offensive efficiency team in the country 11 games in, that is getting it done. Likely won't stay there, but still impressive. Team is unselfish, moves the ball and has different guys who can score. Iowa will be difficult to defend all year. That may change some if Bohannon shuts it down, as even a 70% Bohannon spreads the floor when he's out there.

This team has a number of guys who have some moxie, others might call it balls or stones. They aren't going to lose for lack of trying or be afraid of the moment. Game got down to 7 last night, crowd roaring, late in the clock and they leave Conor open for 3. He needs to take the shot in that situation, as Iowa won't get a better look. He does, and it goes in. Even if it didn't go in, it was the right shot to take. Then Wieskamp takes the ball to the basket being closely guarded. He converts. That's how you do it.

My thought exactly. I’ve often wondered what the plan is with Fran’s teams, especially on offensive possessions.

After the first few games I honestly thought the team would finish in the bottom third of the league. They have improved far beyond my expectations, so who,knows?

We’re definitely seeing good leadership from the players and better leadership from Fran.

 

[iahawks10]

Has anyone else noticed that Fran has been uncharacteristically calm on the bench this year?,... looks good on him and I hope he keeps it up..

Winning helps and his ‘veteran’ team helps. I believe what really gets him pissed is unforced mental errors and what tips him over the edge are the refs. They’re usually his scapegoat.


Fran absolutely lost it in the second half of the SDSU game. All three assistants were holding him back and he still went through them to meet the ref at half court. Fran kept going back like he couldn’t help himself. I have absolutely no idea how a T wasnt assessed. Possibly because they knew they blew the call, but FM couldn’t get T’d in that situation. That is the only time I’ve seen him really upset this year.

I’ve said it from the day FM stepped on campus. I’ll take his fire and no nonsense from the refs everyday of the year over a coach who takes it in the ass with his arms folded.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I feel like with leadership like Bohannon, Wieskamp, Garza, and even Connor, Fran doesn’t feel like he needs to stand up for his guys to the refs. For better or worse, the players usually aren’t afraid to let the officials know if they disagree with a call. Like I said... for better or worse. You see Fran blow up more when he’s coaching younger teams

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

This team appears mentally strong, and tough as hell. I don't see Luka, CMac or Cordell ever backing down. That sets the tone. We know CJ is stupid ballsy-taking the charge from TC at full gallop shows courage if not smarts. Joe T is little junkyard dog.

This is a very likeable team