Fran please go

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

Some of these guys don’t understand basketball at all. Some of their comments during the games are laughable. Jbo’s case is especially curious. He will most likely be the third player ever to score 2,000 points at Iowa, and he’s a statistics leader in so many categories, and these guys rip into him at every game. It’s insane. I sometimes wonder if these guys are morons or IA St fans … they’re hard to tell apart as we all know

Always the same old porridge. They've been trashing Jordan since he signed, although he was an ESPN 4*, ranked around 118-122 nationally. They see everything through the prism of hatred of Jordan and he can never do anything well. Now me, I think when a point guard is your schools career leader in 3s, assists and FT shooting you want him to do what he does best, play point. Just bitter and unhappy.

 

[DJ_Kool_Herk]

Ok I get it now. You are not a fan.

He's not wrong.

 

[sfBadger]

he was an ESPN 4*, ranked around 118-122 nationally.

LOL. Only Drake and Northern Iowa check in on the ESPN ratings apparently.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Lol. My goodness what a fail.

A fail, huh? So, that was the Iowa State game, where it was pretty much universally agreed that intensity was nowhere to be found, we were out-rebounded 43-28, played bull fighter defense, and shot abysmally.
The knock over the years from folks about Fran has been, what; that his teams don't play defense, or rebound very well? We were in the midst of watching the pattern repeat for yet another year, and it did for games after that as well.
So it's my "fail" because now the guys are playing some solid defense and rebounding much better, over 2 months later? Because in February they have made some changes and doing things better, pointing out the deficiencies that we saw year after year being repeated in December was a "fail"?
By your standard since they are doing those things well now, was it then a "fail" by the team or Fran in December that they weren't doing those things? Hey, I think it's absolutely fabulous the effort being displayed, the defense being played (taught?), and the rebounding effort we're seeing--it's a joy to watch. Sure, some is likely on the players for perhaps honing their efforts, and some on the coaches for perhaps changing their tactics as well. If this is Fran 3.0 or whatever it would be, then that's fabulous.
Since you're evidently the Fail Authority, and you've given me a "fail" for December comments, I'll gladly take it since we can all enjoy February defense and rebounding.

 

[Chishawk1425]

A fail, huh? So, that was the Iowa State game, where it was pretty much universally agreed that intensity was nowhere to be found, we were out-rebounded 43-28, played bull fighter defense, and shot abysmally.
The knock over the years from folks about Fran has been, what; that his teams don't play defense, or rebound very well? We were in the midst of watching the pattern repeat for yet another year, and it did for games after that as well.
So it's my "fail" because now the guys are playing some solid defense and rebounding much better, over 2 months later? Because in February they have made some changes and doing things better, pointing out the deficiencies that we saw year after year being repeated in December was a "fail"?
By your standard since they are doing those things well now, was it then a "fail" by the team or Fran in December that they weren't doing those things? Hey, I think it's absolutely fabulous the effort being displayed, the defense being played (taught?), and the rebounding effort we're seeing--it's a joy to watch. Sure, some is likely on the players for perhaps honing their efforts, and some on the coaches for perhaps changing their tactics as well. If this is Fran 3.0 or whatever it would be, then that's fabulous.
Since you're evidently the Fail Authority, and you've given me a "fail" for December comments, I'll gladly take it since we can all enjoy February defense and rebounding.

I had the same grade for that OP in December FWIW. Welcome back, again.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Glad they finally decided to play with more effort, defend and rebound. Amazing it took this long to realize that is what it takes to win.

Comments like this are priceless. If only it were as easy to do those things as it is to type it.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

A fail, huh? So, that was the Iowa State game, where it was pretty much universally agreed that intensity was nowhere to be found, we were out-rebounded 43-28, played bull fighter defense, and shot abysmally.
The knock over the years from folks about Fran has been, what; that his teams don't play defense, or rebound very well? We were in the midst of watching the pattern repeat for yet another year, and it did for games after that as well.
So it's my "fail" because now the guys are playing some solid defense and rebounding much better, over 2 months later? Because in February they have made some changes and doing things better, pointing out the deficiencies that we saw year after year being repeated in December was a "fail"?
By your standard since they are doing those things well now, was it then a "fail" by the team or Fran in December that they weren't doing those things? Hey, I think it's absolutely fabulous the effort being displayed, the defense being played (taught?), and the rebounding effort we're seeing--it's a joy to watch. Sure, some is likely on the players for perhaps honing their efforts, and some on the coaches for perhaps changing their tactics as well. If this is Fran 3.0 or whatever it would be, then that's fabulous.
Since you're evidently the Fail Authority, and you've given me a "fail" for December comments, I'll gladly take it since we can all enjoy February defense and rebounding.

Dude, just take your medicine. You bailed on the team when they weren't playing so well and bashed them on this board. That was your "fail" as a fan.

If only there were some way for fans like you to not be able to enjoy the fruits of winning as much as fans who have stuck with these guys through thick and thin.

 

[LUC8]

Like it or not Larry, bad take.

 

[BrewHawk]

Comments like this are priceless. If only it were as easy to do those things as it is to type it.

Evidently it was that easy because they look like a different team after the crap effort vs. Michigan.

Sometimes a kick in the pants is all that is needed and that game seems to have been just that.

It really is that easy to give a bit more effort, especially when coasting gets your ass handed to you.

 

[pmtdc]

Dude, just take your medicine. You bailed on the team when they weren't playing so well and bashed them on this board. That was your "fail" as a fan.

If only there were some way for fans like you to not be able to enjoy the fruits of winning as much as fans who have stuck with these guys through thick and thin.

This times a million!

 

[iahawks10]

Evidently it was that easy because they look like a different team after the crap effort vs. Michigan.

Sometimes a kick in the pants is all that is needed and that game seems to have been just that.

It really is that easy to give a bit more effort, especially when coasting gets your ass handed to you.

So you’re suggesting that Iowa lacked effort when they put up 110 @ Maryland?

 

[BrewHawk]

So you’re suggesting that Iowa lacked effort when they put up 110 @ Maryland?

Maryland actually gave even less effort, sadly enough for them.

 

[hexumhawk]

I am squarely on the get rid of Fran tribe but I will give him credit for what he has done overall this season. Of course it would be nice to taste a little more success in tourney time.

 

[DJ_Kool_Herk]

Some of you are so weird, its like you can't accept maybe Iowa is playing well now because boards, defense, etc. have all improved. The very things the Fran bashers have been upset about.

Also weird is this idea that the Fran bashers who were critical of the above shortcomings are not allowed now to root for them because they were critical before.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Some of you are so weird, its like you can't accept maybe Iowa is playing well now because boards, defense, etc. have all improved. The very things the Fran bashers have been upset about.

Also weird is this idea that the Fran bashers who were critical of the above shortcomings are not allowed now to root for them because they were critical before.

You've got the straw man argument down pat.

 

[HawksRMe]

Inserting Tony into the starting line up also seemed to jump start everyone. The guy just hustles on both ends.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

Maryland actually gave even less effort, sadly enough for them.

Yes, Maryland was atrocious in that game. They didn't just play bad defense, they played NO defense. Not something you want to do against Fran's Iowa teams because one thing they do well is score points.

My main gripe with Fran and Iowa hoops in general (this also includes Davis, Alford and Lickliter) is the fact of only one Sweet 16 appearance since 1988, and none since 1999. If Iowa can break through and get past the first weekend for a change, that'll buy a lot of good will with me. That said, I think it would be a mistake to get rid of Fran if he doesn't do that this year. He's done a good job with this team.

 

[Pepperman]

My first post in this thread… the team does appear to FINALLY be making more defensive and rebounding effort. That’s what most of us anti-Fran people have been up in arms about - I mean the posts are there and some of you really love digging them out, so it’s easy to verify. Defense and rebounding... To say we were failures with our earlier (and SPOT ON) criticism of these two aspects of the game is bizarre. If the team consistently plays with more effort both defensively and in terms of rebounding, I’ll have little to complain about going forward… especially since Fran himself has seemingly gotten less volatile on the sidelines in the last couple seasons.

 

[BrewHawk]

My first post in this thread… the team does appear to FINALLY be making more defensive and rebounding effort. That’s what most of us anti-Fran people have been up in arms about - I mean the posts are there and some of you really love digging them out, so it’s easy to verify. Defense and rebounding... To say we were failures with our earlier (and SPOT ON) criticism of these two aspects of the game is bizarre. If the team consistently plays with more effort both defensively and in terms of rebounding, I’ll have little to complain about going forward… especially since Fran himself has seemingly gotten less volatile on the sidelines in the last couple seasons.

Can't like this post enough.

 

[DJ_Kool_Herk]

You've got the straw man argument down pat.

Quite literally, not a straw man:

"Dude, just take your medicine. You bailed on the team when they weren't playing so well and bashed them on this board. That was your "fail" as a fan."


"If only there were some way for fans like you to not be able to enjoy the fruits of winning as much as fans who have stuck with these guys through thick and thin"

 

[WadeLookingbill]

My first post in this thread… the team does appear to FINALLY be making more defensive and rebounding effort. That’s what most of us anti-Fran people have been up in arms about - I mean the posts are there and some of you really love digging them out, so it’s easy to verify. Defense and rebounding... To say we were failures with our earlier (and SPOT ON) criticism of these two aspects of the game is bizarre. If the team consistently plays with more effort both defensively and in terms of rebounding, I’ll have little to complain about going forward… especially since Fran himself has seemingly gotten less volatile on the sidelines in the last couple seasons.

As someone noted above, it's important to realize that it's hardly ever "effort," but strategy that's the issue. The Hawks were much more frequently leaking for runouts earlier this season, and that wasn't working. I think Fran realized they can play with plenty of pace even without that occurring and it now appears there is a more concerted effort to rebound as a team. This change in strategy has been reinforced with a season's worth of results that show when the rebounding battle is won, the Hawks win.

 

[Bee93]

The real funny part about all of this is how SOME on both sides of the argument are all or nothing types. I’m not ashamed to say that after a dozen years I would’ve liked more success from a head coach. Yet, I root for the team to win every game. Go ahead and consider yourself a better fan than me because you’re a complete homer, IDGAF. I detest hypotheticals, but please be here, homers, IF we lose the next 2, and then fail (again) in the postseason. Prove me wrong Fran.

 

[Ronman]

Are any of them good NBA players? Keegan is the best of the bunch, obviously, with his future still to be determined. He was pretty much an Iowa lock due to Kenyon.

Now you really do sound like a Clown fan! Who gives a damn if they are good NBA players. They were great IOWA players!

 

[Razorhawk2]

My first post in this thread… the team does appear to FINALLY be making more defensive and rebounding effort. That’s what most of us anti-Fran people have been up in arms about - I mean the posts are there and some of you really love digging them out, so it’s easy to verify. Defense and rebounding... To say we were failures with our earlier (and SPOT ON) criticism of these two aspects of the game is bizarre. If the team consistently plays with more effort both defensively and in terms of rebounding, I’ll have little to complain about going forward… especially since Fran himself has seemingly gotten less volatile on the sidelines in the last couple seasons.

Fair-Weather Fans…Google it!

 

[BrewHawk]

Now you really do sound like a Clown fan! Who gives a damn if they are good NBA players. They were great IOWA players!

My point was that they were diamonds in the rough, not that they weren't good college players. If they were straight up diamonds they would likely be well established NBA players. Keegan (and maybe Luka) are the only ones who really fit that description. The rest are what they are.

 

[jonesy5960]

My first post in this thread… the team does appear to FINALLY be making more defensive and rebounding effort. That’s what most of us anti-Fran people have been up in arms about - I mean the posts are there and some of you really love digging them out, so it’s easy to verify. Defense and rebounding... To say we were failures with our earlier (and SPOT ON) criticism of these two aspects of the game is bizarre. If the team consistently plays with more effort both defensively and in terms of rebounding, I’ll have little to complain about going forward… especially since Fran himself has seemingly gotten less volatile on the sidelines in the last couple seasons.

So here's my take. Opinions are like ass holes. Everybody has one. There is a difference between attacking people personally and being critical of an approach or a direction. There is a difference between criticism and burn it down hyperbole.

Being critical of the defensive acumen and intensity that Iowa has shown over the past several years is legit. The below average defensive statistics support those opinions. Over the first half of last year when Iowa was rolling over opponents there was a minority of posters, me included that lamented a lack of defense even while the team was winning. There was another group who claimed that the offense was so dominant that it would mask any defensive deficiencies. As the competition improved it became apparent that this was not the case.

Earlier this year the same defensive shortfalls that plagued the team last year and previous years became a problem again even though the personnel suggested it should be much improved. Lackluster defense was compounded by getting absolutely destroyed on the boards by Illinois and Wisconsin. Again the criticism of the effort on the defensive side of the ball was legit.

Of course along with the legitimate criticism comes personal attacks, calling players names, saying the team lacks talent, and calling for Fran to be fired. IMO all of these people are/were wrong. The recruiting isn't bad as some people on here have claimed. Although recruit rankings aren't great, Fran has shown an ability to identify under-recruited talent. You can't have all 3 all B1G players on the roster and say that Fran can't recruit. As bad as the defense has been at times, the offense has been elite.

What I see too often on this board is people (on both sides) not understanding the difference between criticism/opinions of things that are open to such and hysterical reactions to anything and everything that goes wrong and calls to burn it down.

 

[Razorhawk2]

The real funny part about all of this is how SOME on both sides of the argument are all or nothing types. I’m not ashamed to say that after a dozen years I would’ve liked more success from a head coach. Yet, I root for the team to win every game. Go ahead and consider yourself a better fan than me because you’re a complete homer, IDGAF. I detest hypotheticals, but please be here, homers, IF we lose the next 2, and then fail (again) in the postseason. Prove me wrong Fran.

Iowa could very easily lose the next 2 at Michigan and at Illinois both senior nights. They also could get a bad draw in the postseason and play poorly. I bet you’re kinda wishing this happens.

 

[Ronman]

It's one thing to question substitution patterns and player minutes, but some of you guys got WAY too personal in your attacks on the coach and the players, something I would bet you would never do in person.

 

[BrewHawk]

A sweet sixteen more often than every 20 years would be nice.

 

[BBHawk]

So here's my take. Opinions are like ass holes. Everybody has one. There is a difference between attacking people personally and being critical of an approach or a direction. There is a difference between criticism and burn it down hyperbole.

Being critical of the defensive acumen and intensity that Iowa has shown over the past several years is legit. The below average defensive statistics support those opinions. Over the first half of last year when Iowa was rolling over opponents there was a minority of posters, me included that lamented a lack of defense even while the team was winning. There was another group who claimed that the offense was so dominant that it would mask any defensive efficiencies. As the competition improved it became apparent that this was not the case.

Earlier this year the same defensive shortfalls that plagued the team last year and previous years became a problem again even though the personnel suggested it should be much improved. Lackluster defense was compounded by getting absolutely destroyed on the boards by Illinois and Wisconsin. Again the criticism of the effort on the defensive side of the ball was legit.

Of course along with the legitimate criticism comes personal attacks, calling players names, saying the team lacks talent, and calling for Fran to be fired. IMO all of these people are/were wrong. The recruiting isn't bad as some people on here have claimed. Although recruit rankings aren't great, Fran has shown an ability to identify under-recruited talent. You can't have all 3 all B1G players on the roster and say that Fran can't recruit. As bad as the defense has been at times, the offense has been elite.

What I see too often on this board is people (on both sides) not understanding the difference between criticism/opinions of things that are open to such and hysterical reactions to anything and everything that goes wrong and calls to burn it down.

Legitimate points here.

Of course, we will not always agree on perceptions of the team, effort, and how much is coaching and how much is just lack of player understanding of coaching (do they get it?) There is room for disagreement but attacks are unwarranted.

 

[LaQuintaHawkeye]

Some of you are so weird, its like you can't accept maybe Iowa is playing well now because boards, defense, etc. have all improved. The very things the Fran bashers have been upset about.

Also weird is this idea that the Fran bashers who were critical of the above shortcomings are not allowed now to root for them because they were critical before.

This x1,000,000!

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Legitimate points here.

Of course, we will not always agree on perceptions of the team, effort, and how much is coaching and how much is just lack of player understanding of coaching (do they get it?) There is room for disagreement but attacks are unwarranted.

There should not be a "do they get it" question. You either teach it or you don't; you either adapt to your teams strengths or you don't. That's on the coach.
Defense and rebounding has always been an issue for fran. He values offense over defense, much like Kirk values defense over offense. The difference is defense will take you further. I don't think any logical fan is asking for some huge shift in thinking. We can, however, look to be a little more balanced. Look at both the wisconsin football and basketball teams, they find that balance and we are all jealous of their success. That's what makes it all the more frustrating, seeing that we are almost identical to Wisconsin in every way but they have all the success. Bring in a great defensive assistant in basketball and a solid offensive guy in football to tweek things. Not wholesale change but make minor adjustments.
I don't think anyone thinks there are better people guiding their programs than Kirk and Fran, the question is, are they willing to fix their blindspots.

 

[hawkland14]

There should not be a "do they get it" question. You either teach it or you don't; you either adapt to your teams strengths or you don't. That's on the coach.
Defense and rebounding has always been an issue for fran. He values offense over defense, much like Kirk values defense over offense. The difference is defense will take you further. I don't think any logical fan is asking for some huge shift in thinking. We can, however, look to be a little more balanced. Look at both the wisconsin football and basketball teams, they find that balance and we are all jealous of their success. That's what makes it all the more frustrating, seeing that we are almost identical to Wisconsin in every way but they have all the success. Bring in a great defensive assistant in basketball and a solid offensive guy in football to tweek things. Not wholesale change but make minor adjustments.
I don't think anyone thinks there are better people guiding their programs than Kirk and Fran, the question is, are they willing to fix their blindspots.

It's weird you typed that last paragraph in a post that was started by someone who said Fran needs to be fired. There are a lot of fans who do not like Fran and want him gone and they will be back in full force as soon as we lose a game.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

There should not be a "do they get it" question. You either teach it or you don't; you either adapt to your teams strengths or you don't. That's on the coach.
Defense and rebounding has always been an issue for fran. He values offense over defense, much like Kirk values defense over offense. The difference is defense will take you further. I don't think any logical fan is asking for some huge shift in thinking. We can, however, look to be a little more balanced. Look at both the wisconsin football and basketball teams, they find that balance and we are all jealous of their success. That's what makes it all the more frustrating, seeing that we are almost identical to Wisconsin in every way but they have all the success. Bring in a great defensive assistant in basketball and a solid offensive guy in football to tweek things. Not wholesale change but make minor adjustments.
I don't think anyone thinks there are better people guiding their programs than Kirk and Fran, the question is, are they willing to fix their blindspots.

Question.....have you ever played or coached competitively the game of basketball? This goes for mullenhead, brew and a few others. Cause your post above sure seems like you know a lot about teaching values or coaching the game of basketball and heck let's include the game of football as well.

Give me a reason to trust your thoughts being so critical of Fran and Kirk? Help me out, cause that's why we are here, correct? You seem to know a lot and I want to learn about those coaching values you speak of?

 

[bigfatturkeyleg]

Evidently it was that easy because they look like a different team after the crap effort vs. Michigan.

Sometimes a kick in the pants is all that is needed and that game seems to have been just that.

It really is that easy to give a bit more effort, especially when coasting gets your ass handed to you.

The Michigan loss was not due to a lack of effort. They lost because Michigan is a horrible matchup for this years Iowa team. Michigan has a dominant center, and Iowa does not have anyone on the roster who can defend him for the entire game. Thus, Iowa was forced to double him in the post which allowed Diabate to have a career night.

The dominant center matchup problem is the same reason we lost to Purdue twice and Illinois at home.

This is not to say Iowa cannot beat teams with strong center play, but it will require great shooting, great rebounding, and a little luck with the opposing bigs getting into foul trouble and our bigs staying out of it.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Quite literally, not a straw man:

"Dude, just take your medicine. You bailed on the team when they weren't playing so well and bashed them on this board. That was your "fail" as a fan."


"If only there were some way for fans like you to not be able to enjoy the fruits of winning as much as fans who have stuck with these guys through thick and thin"

And your post countered neither of those.

Nowhere did I or anyone say that the team isn't playing better now or that people aren't allowed to root for Iowa anymore; but it's easier to make up things to argue against.

 

[Razorhawk2]

There should not be a "do they get it" question. You either teach it or you don't; you either adapt to your teams strengths or you don't. That's on the coach.
Defense and rebounding has always been an issue for fran. He values offense over defense, much like Kirk values defense over offense. The difference is defense will take you further. I don't think any logical fan is asking for some huge shift in thinking. We can, however, look to be a little more balanced. Look at both the wisconsin football and basketball teams, they find that balance and we are all jealous of their success. That's what makes it all the more frustrating, seeing that we are almost identical to Wisconsin in every way but they have all the success. Bring in a great defensive assistant in basketball and a solid offensive guy in football to tweek things. Not wholesale change but make minor adjustments.
I don't think anyone thinks there are better people guiding their programs than Kirk and Fran, the question is, are they willing to fix their blindspots.

Not jealous of Wisconsin basketball at all. I like the brand Iowa plays being one of the top offenses in the B1G and nationally almost every year. When you score 85 points a game it’s hard to contain other teams to 65. Iowa’s 4th in the nation with 20 points or more margin of victory. Shooters want to play in Frans offense.

 

[BrewHawk]

The Michigan loss was not due to a lack of effort. They lost because Michigan is a horrible matchup for this years Iowa team. Michigan has a dominant center, and Iowa does not have anyone on the roster who can defend him for the entire game. Thus, Iowa was forced to double him in the post which allowed Diabate to have a career night.

The dominant center matchup problem is the same reason we lost to Purdue twice and Illinois at home.

This is not to say Iowa cannot beat teams with strong center play, but it will require great shooting, great rebounding, and a little luck with the opposing bigs getting into foul trouble and our bigs staying out of it.

I'm guessing we win by more than ten tomorrow night.

We most certainly didn't play with good effort vs. Michigan. Ask moat anyone here and they'll agree. Lazy basketball.

 

[hawkland14]

Not jealous of Wisconsin basketball at all. I like the brand Iowa plays being one of the top offenses in the B1G and nationally almost every year. When you score 85 points a game it’s hard to contain other teams to 65. Iowa’s 4th in the nation with 20 points or more margin of victory. Shooters want to play in Frans offense.

We tried the defensive/slow ball/limited possessions routine with Lickliter. Wonder if Bulldog wants him back?

 

[BrewHawk]

We tried the defensive/slow ball/limited possessions routine with Lickliter. Wonder if Bulldog wants him back?

Lickliter's issue was that he was a lazy recruiter. Didn't even make home visits to prospects.