Fran McCaffery appreciation thread.....

[Pepperman]

We have had previous discussions about this and I understand (and respect) your opinion on Fran. I don’t agree with it and with Fran being out if control and embarrassing but everyone views things differently,

I see many coaches in college basketball act the same way as Fran dies on occasion but they often seem to get a pass - just in the Big Ten alone I’ve seen similar things from Izzo, Pitino, Underwood, Chambers and those are just current coaches.

Fran seems to be judged rather harshly for the times he gets worked up to defend his team yet plenty of coaches do the same thing and I’ve seen coaches grab opposing players (Prohm) and berate and grab their players on the sideline (numerous). Also, while Dr. Tom was more mild-mannered on the sideline, he sure had a lot more character issues than Fran has ever had with his players. Fran seems to really catch the ire of Hawkeye fan’s for blowing up at the refs and defending his players once in a while yet he seems universally beloved by his players and seems to recruit very high character guys who don’t have issues off the court.

Yes, we've discussed it and thank you for not completely misrepresenting what I've said in the past. Now, as to your other examples, can you find anywhere where I excuse those coaches for their behavior? No? Didn't think so myself, but just wanted to check.

 

[bojihawk44]

If you think Fran is a lunatic, I'd suggest watching Izzo sometime. He was going nuts last night, but I'm sure that's just "good coaching."

 

[L. Wade Childress]

You guys want to know what a big problem with this board is? Read this and see if you can figure it out:









Can any of you spot the issue?

Using semantics to back yourself out of a really stupid position brought on by your own emotional response?

 

[Pepperman]

Using semantics to back yourself out of a really stupid position brought on by your own emotional response?

I believe the appropriate response to this is:

LOL

I've tried to debate with you, and you don't want to hear it. I'm happy for the Iowa players that this team is fighting so hard and winning games. I never expected it, but I'm enjoying it. I just don't like Fran and I've been consistent with that for a while now, so here's my final word on this - be honest, read words, and be respectful.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

I believe the appropriate response to this is:

LOL

I've tried to debate with you, and you don't want to hear it. I'm happy for the Iowa players that this team is fighting so hard and winning games. I never expected it, but I'm enjoying it. I just don't like Fran and I've been consistent with that for a while now, so here's my final word on this - be honest, read words, and be respectful.

Yes, it’s important to be respectful to posters to continuous try to push their own false narrative onto others.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

So don’t try to improve our position? What if Iowa has done the same in football before hiring Hayden ?

of course improve your position where you can. Some recruiting base and history are what they are. None of the criteria are really dictated by the head coach are they? And you’re right about Hayden. They built him a state of the art (at the time) practice facility (the bubble) that put Iowa near the top of the conference in football facilities.

 

[Pepperman]

Yes, it’s important to be respectful to posters to continuous try to push their own false narrative onto others.

Congrats to you - you've now managed to be DIShonest, unable to read words, and DISrespectful in the span of your last few posts. That's the trifecta!

Go Hawks!

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Hey, you are free to form your own opinion of Fran based on whatever you want. This is America. But when you base that opinion on less than factual information you are cheating yourself. Again, not really my problem.

However, when you continually post about it over and over on the board it’s completely reasonable to expect some negative feedback. So, I would recommend getting some thicker skin if you are committed to this stance.

 

[Chishawk1425]

Congrats to you - you've now managed to be DIShonest, unable to read words, and DISrespectful in the span of your last few posts. That's the trifecta!

Go Hawks!

Says the guy saying to posters who don't find Fran to be a "lunatic" the problem of the board. LOL....

 

[HawkIDrummer]

My 1st post that our conversation is about was about Iowa steadily declining starting with Alford through Lickliter. Yes, Alford had some good years wher he used Iowa's bball rep to get some decent players. But he also brought in some disreputable players, and later players who were never going to make a contribution at Iowa. Attrition was at an all-time high. That became the norm until McC came in. Now Iowa is similar to the national average.

Iowa's loss of respect during the Alford years had less to do about wins/losses and more to do with what happened to the team and fan base.

No argument. But that wasn't what I was talking about.

 

[BBHawk]

No argument. But that wasn't what I was talking about.

So you replied to my post but not about my post? Ok.

Never mind then.

 

[Pepperman]

Says the guy saying to posters who don't find Fran to be a "lunatic" the problem of the board. LOL....

Never mind, not worth it...

 

[Chishawk1425]

Never mind, not worth it...

I agree it isn't. You don't like Fran, think he's a bad bad man. You are in the minority fortunately and I don't agree at all. It is what it is.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

I get there are some fans that don’t like Fran’s “sideline” behavior. In my opinion every time Fran has “lost it” he had a legitimate beef. Did he go a bit overboard ? Sure. But I swore I would never complain about a fiery coach after watching Lick have the opposing coaches working the refs to their favor while Lick simply sat there with his head down in his palms. I’m certainly not one to throw rocks at Fran using profanity towards officials when I set a record for getting kicked out at the college where I baseball coach.

 

[Chishawk1425]

I get there are some fans that don’t like Fran’s “sideline” behavior. In my opinion every time Fran has “lost it” he had a legitimate beef. Did he go a bit overboard ? Sure. But I swore I would never complain about a fiery coach after watching Lick have the opposing coaches working the refs to their favor while Lick simply sat there with his head down in his palms. I’m certainly not one to throw rocks at Fran using profanity towards officials when I set a record for getting kicked out at the college where I baseball coach.

Amen

 

[dekhawk]

I get there are some fans that don’t like Fran’s “sideline” behavior. In my opinion every time Fran has “lost it” he had a legitimate beef. Did he go a bit overboard ? Sure. But I swore I would never complain about a fiery coach after watching Lick have the opposing coaches working the refs to their favor while Lick simply sat there with his head down in his palms. I’m certainly not one to throw rocks at Fran using profanity towards officials when I set a record for getting kicked out at the college where I baseball coach.

I believe Fran has mellowed some , imho at the advice of somebody. His early years tirades may have hurt recruiting in those years.

 

[owenhawk]

Yes, we've discussed it and thank you for not completely misrepresenting what I've said in the past. Now, as to your other examples, can you find anywhere where I excuse those coaches for their behavior? No? Didn't think so myself, but just wanted to check.

i know you don’t excuse them. My point being pretty much every coach has some “flaw” or negative that can be pointed too. For me personally, I am fine with some minor blow-ups to the refs instead of having a scum bag coach that cheats and brings in players that get in trouble and poorly represent Iowa.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

If Fran is out of control I’m sure there is a long record of complaints from players about abuse.

oh wait, you mean his kids almost universally love him over 30 years of coaching? How is that possible?

 

[HawkIDrummer]

So you replied to my post but not about my post? Ok.

Never mind then.

LOL...that's exactly what you've been doing. oh my...

 

[rendango]

Fran has Iowa competing in the top half of the Big 10 every season and there are plenty of good Big 10 schools that have down years and are at the bottom of the league. But Iowa competes every year and is now a tourney team every year. Oh, and Fran does this despite being at the very bottom of the league in recruiting rankings every year. What does that tell you?

I can already hear it so....don't blame the level of talent Iowa lands in recruiting on him...There are only a few coaches that can recruit players to play for them regardless of the school (ex: Coach K, Calipari). So then it comes down to the school/coach combo. Face it - Iowa is not necessarily an attractive place for the typical elite level bball player coming out of HS. Usually an inner city kid who is being told he will do 1-2 years max in college and then go to the NBA. If thats the mindset, do you really think they are gonna come to a place like Iowa? They are looking for a big school with nice weather or a legendary coach. Fran can't get those guys. Iowa can't get those guys. So one should argue that not only is his coaching good (as evident by the above average performances during his tenure in the Big 10), but his recruiting is good as well because he finds and develops the right players for his team/program.

 

[jimbob22]

The same as Davis once he had to coach with his own recruits. I have very fond memories of Davis but history proved that without Raveling’s recruits, his program was not any better than Fran’s. The argument that Fran is a significant step down then what Davis did is not based in reality.

If Fran inherited a line-up where all 5 starters were NBA players and the bench included another NBA player and a couple more NBA draft picks, I’m guessing he would have a good chance to have made an Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen over 3 years. Also, let’s not forget that Davis coached one of the most epic meltdowns in their loss to UNLV to go to the Final Four with by far the most talented team I’ve ever seen Iowa have.

All true. Davis was barely .500 in Big Ten after departure of Raveling recruits.

 

[Chishawk1425]

Fran has Iowa competing in the top half of the Big 10 every season and there are plenty of good Big 10 schools that have down years and are at the bottom of the league. But Iowa competes every year and is now a tourney team every year. Oh, and Fran does this despite being at the very bottom of the league in recruiting rankings every year. What does that tell you?

I can already hear it so....don't blame the level of talent Iowa lands in recruiting on him...There are only a few coaches that can recruit players to play for them regardless of the school (ex: Coach K, Calipari). So then it comes down to the school/coach combo. Face it - Iowa is not necessarily an attractive place for the typical elite level bball player coming out of HS. Usually an inner city kid who is being told he will do 1-2 years max in college and then go to the NBA. If thats the mindset, do you really think they are gonna come to a place like Iowa? They are looking for a big school with nice weather or a legendary coach. Fran can't get those guys. Iowa can't get those guys. So one should argue that not only is his coaching good (as evident by the above average performances during his tenure in the Big 10), but his recruiting is good as well because he finds and develops the right players for his team/program.

His evaluation of talent is top notch without a doubt.

 

[BBHawk]

Yep. 10 years in he's got his first great team

Back to your original post. You think this is the first great team under McC? It's not even the most highly ranked.

 

[Gridiron24]

Fran's a bit of a wildcard, but isn't that what Iowa fans wanted after Todd "Mr. Excitement" Lickliter?

 

[Pepperman]

What makes you think my post had any bearing with what you posted? Are you that conceded that every post is about you? Hardly.

Do you believe that no one on this board has referred to Fran McCaffery as “an out of control maniac”? I can assure you that those were the nice things being said about him last year after OSU.

However, you did call him a lunatic (at times). I’m sure his mental illness just comes and goes.

Hey not sure if this was directed at me or not. I have been accused of being “conceded”. Would it be CONCEITED of me to correct you?

 

[Chishawk1425]

Go Fran and thanks coming from the Lickliter Turd....Get back on topic or get bent. Go Hawks!

 

[Ladell-hawk]

The difference is in their personality and demeanor. Fran is a lunatic at times, and outside of maybe wrestling, I've never seen that out of any Iowa coach. I don't like seeing it. Last night he was barely in control on his way to the locker room at halftime.

I don't have a problem with a coach who is passionate about standing up for his guys. Fran is doing a great job with this team and the future looks bright for Iowa Basketball. Go Hawks !

 

[iahawks10]

Hey not sure if this was directed at me or not. I have been accused of being “conceded”. Would it be CONCEITED of me to correct you?

I believe it would be.

 

[kelzer]

It almost feels like we have some "fans" rooting for this team to fail so they can say they told us so and Fran needs to go.

Well, it *is* the "Fran McCaffery appreciation thread", after all. What better way to show your appreciation?

 

[hawkcub]

Fans are so fickle. With Licklighter the common argument was he did nothing he had no passion. Now with Fran people rip on how he's such a hot head.

One of the things McCaffrey and Ferentz have in common is the people that don't like them are so married to the idea you can't convince them they are good coaches no matter what.

 

[ZumaHawk]

I've cheered for all our coaches that coached at Iowa. Not saying they were all the best coaches either. Honestly Fran deserves a ton of credit imo. I loved Dr. Tom too but might add the reason people love Dr. Tom so much might just be because of the way he handled Chris Street's accident. I'm thinking he handled that quite well.

 

[tedboy78]

And we're right back to the Davis years pretty much. Outside of the team Davis inherited, this is where the program was under him. Make the NCAA's slightly more often than not, lose in the second round. This is where we are as a program again.

Let's be fair. Tom put together a Final Four quality team the year Chris Street died, 9 out of 13 years in the tourney and I thought got screwed a couple of other years. I like both coaches but it's not always easy at Iowa. To me, the Alford to Lickliter era was an anomaly but this is more the norm. You just hope to get a team every decade that makes that special run.

 

[33hawkfan]

Let's be fair. Tom put together a Final Four quality team the year Chris Street died, 9 out of 13 years in the tourney and I thought got screwed a couple of other years. I like both coaches but it's not always easy at Iowa. To me, the Alford to Lickliter era was an anomaly but this is more the norm. You just hope to get a team every decade that makes that special run.

It’s easy to say that when they didn’t get a chance to prove it. They were ranked like 14th when Chris was killed, it’s not like they were a top four team at that point.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Congratulations Fran. Keep up the good work. And, possible RELB per @Franisdaman

 

[Loveblackandgold]

I will admit this- I didnt think this team had this in them and they have proven me wrong. I thought our ceiling was a 15-18 win team. They are playing much better than I could have imagined so you have to give Fran some of the credit. Two HUGE aspects- CJF has been lights out and Garza really put in work in the off season and it is showing.

Now back to Fran- we could do worse for sure but my thought is always wanting to do better. As of right now he has proven that he is a pretty decent coach but I guess I want more than just pretty good. I think we know what Fran is and also know we arent getting a BIG title or a final four out of him- just too inconsistent. So...do we keep rolling with him or try some new blood?

Iowa is never going to be a blue blood program. If you live in Iowa (which I used to) there is an inflated expectation. If you live outside of the state, Iowa is thought of as a middle of the pack basketball university. The top recruits will always go to Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, etc. As will the top coaches. When Kryzewski, Calapari, Izzo, and Self move on, the top coaches in the country will line up to take their place. If Iowa was to land a rockstar coach who was in his mid thirties or early forties, he would be looking to move to a premier basketball program after a Big 10 title or two. In Fran we have a coach, who I believe is getting better each year. He had Iowa within an eyelash of the sweet sixteen last year and this current squad could be his best. What is good to know, is Fran is not going anywhere and he still demonstrates a passion for coaching. An NCAA title would be a dream come true, no problem in wanting a championship. But that mindset may prevent a person from being able to enjoy what we have. I think this team is a special blend of kids who play unselfish and have bought in. Enjoy the moment.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

You guys want to know what a big problem with this board is? Read this and see if you can figure it out:


While you may have thought he was “barely in control” at halftime whatever he did or said at halftime worked as the Hawkeye team trailing at half came out and outscored a tough Rutgers team by double digits after he was “barely in control”. Maybe he should be “barely in control” more often?