Is Fran the man?

[GHerky]

Although last nights debacle was a definite nut-kick, I think the biggest question one must ask is can Fran identify what went wrong last night and fix it?

To me, if we continue down said road with the ball ALWAYS in MD's hands at the end of tight games, we will continue to see similar results.That said, I like MG and feel he offers us value, I just feel we have better options then MG holding the ball outside until 10 seconds or less on the shot/game clock.

Mike cannot create open/good shots for himself off of the dribble. I for one feel better off with the ball in the hands of AC or JU and even Dom (he needs more playing time).

At least AC and JU and even Dom can create a better shot opportunity then MG can. Put the ball in JU's hands, let him make a move and then kick it out for open shot one defenders sag in on him.

I strongly feel we are a better team then we had at this point last year (much more shooters) but I feel we NEED to better utilize our bench then we did last night as we were the much more deeper team.

Not ready to jump off the roof or ask for Fran's job. Just pissed off and anxious to see what, if anything, we are able to learn from last nights affair (did I mention I fricken hate ISU).

 

[Drew003]

I think on paper, Fran is still the best Iowa B-Ball coach since 1990. Fran's last two seasons were very Tom Davis ish. But while Fran built his teams to that level from the dog poo that was the Licklitera area, Davis succumbed to that level from Raveling. Alford had mediocre success.

I think 25 years of empirical data shows that it is difficult to consistently be more than a 7-seed type team at Iowa. Fran has steadied the ship. Whether he can elevate it will depend on recruiting on a higher level of player. Fortunately, the state of Iowa is producing good talent in the next few years (much of it Fran's offspring).

The best team of the last 20 years started three seniors, who were all Top 75 kids, and who all just happened to gradate from Iowa high schools that year (Horner, Brunner, Haluska). We've struggled to get the Tyler Cooks for the world for a long time.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I think he is, I just hope he can find some talent soon. He can coach with the best of them and he is a pretty good X's & O's guy. I just think he puts too much trust in his players.

I love the current team and think they will have a good year, but last night was just another game lost for this group. They have been in so many tight games where they have lost. It seems like they are very good group of guys, but lack the intensity to win a tight ball game against superior competition. I realize he is trying to still build up the program from what Lick left it, and its still an ongoing process. He has had some misses on the recruiting trail. If Cook is as good as everyone says he is, well that will be a nice addition. I just hope Fran can land a stud PG or SG sometime soon.

As long as he keeps us competitive and in the NCAA tournament, I could care less about the ISU game. If we lose it for the next 20 years it won't bother me one bit. If we are in the NCAA every year, that is good enough for me. I would much rather win 1-2 NCAA games and have a shot at a national title. Personally that is all I want. Seems attainable right?

 

[mikesright]

We are an embarrassment in close games and pressure situations. I hope that has more to do with this SR class than Fran. This is becoming a huge trend. 14-28 in 5 pt games.

 

[RocknRollface]

Part of the problem is clearly this group of players. MG, Utoff and Jok are soft and often times dumb. Woody and AC are just very limited in what they can do.

But Fran just continues to let them fail doing the same crap.

That's what drives me nuts.

Every close game is , no TO, bad last possession resulting in a terrible shot or turnover, loss.

He refuses to except who these guys are.

He used to actually run plays back when he had Gatens. Now he has two excellent shooters in Jok and Uthoff and we rarely run anything for them.

What he's doing can only be called bad coaching.

 

[BeepBeepInMyJeep]

Fran just put a lot of chips in the middle with this senior class. The first 38 minutes of this game proved that we actually have a lot of talent. What's below the belt and above the neck might by questionable but they are good players. This is still a tournament team and we will see how the next group does. But Fran is guaranteed another 3 seasons after this one so asking the question is pointless.

 

[Hawkeyestate81]

Fran just put a lot of chips in the middle with this senior class. The first 38 minutes of this game proved that we actually have a lot of talent. What's below the belt and above the neck might by questionable but they are good players. This is still a tournament team and we will see how the next group does. But Fran is guaranteed another 3 seasons after this one so asking the question is pointless.

He needs to stay just to get his sons and Wieskamp in the door at this point, I cannot wait for those guys to be on the floor.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

No, Fran is not the man. He's Alford part II. I don't believe he'll be able to take the program "to the next level". Hope I'm wrong. He's a poor game coach, and has yet to show he can bring in the guards needed to climb to the next level. This doesn't make him a bad coach (he's a good coach), I was just hoping for more - someone who might be able to take us to the next level (like what happened with Wis after Bo arrived).

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Fran just put a lot of chips in the middle with this senior class. The first 38 minutes of this game proved that we actually have a lot of talent. What's below the belt and above the neck might by questionable but they are good players. This is still a tournament team and we will see how the next group does. But Fran is guaranteed another 3 seasons after this one so asking the question is pointless.

They do have a lot of talent, and senior leadership is big. They are a very good PG away from competing for the B1G title.

 

[unIowa]

I love Fran, favorite coach on campus. He is indeed the man and while next year appears to be a step back I expect the next another surge in the next 3-5 years.

 

[And1Hawk]

I love Fran, favorite coach on campus. He is indeed the man and while next year appears to be a step back I expect the next another surge in the next 3-5 years.

Agree. I have no major issues with what he has done. We've made strides but there will always be adversity. No sense in panicking every time something does not go our way. I like knowing who the coach is instead having a revolving door.

The cruel fact is we win by a point and the narrative is completely different today.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Agree. I have no major issues with what he has done. We've made strides but there will always be adversity. No sense in panicking every time something does not go our way. I like knowing who the coach is instead having a revolving door.

The cruel fact is we win by a point and the narrative is completely different today.

Not in any real substantive way. People are going to evaluate his performance over the season, not just one game. If Fran gets this team to finish in the upper tier of the B1G then he's provided hope that "Fran is the Man", the guy who can take this program to the next level. Until then, it's a huge question mark. He's shown he can take it to Alford level, but can he take it another level up? I'm skeptical.

Until he can show he can recruit elite level guards, who have the quickness to play against the better PG's and shoot at the level of the better SG's, I see nothing to prove that he's any better than Alford/Davis. Now, maybe for many fans that is good enough. I was hoping he was the next Bo Ryan, and I'd bet money he isn't. I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[hawkosx]

For goodness sake Plz stop all these over reaction threads. We lost to the number 4 team who also happens to be an in state rival. Im feeling totally depressed about this loss but it's only one game and the fans more so than the players and coach need to get over the butt hurt. After the next good win you will all be saying "Fran is the Man" again without even a afterthought.

 

[And1Hawk]

Not in any real substantive way. People are going to evaluate his performance over the season, not just one game. If Fran gets this team to finish in the upper tier of the B1G then he's provided hope that "Fran is the Man", the guy who can take this program to the next level. Until then, it's a huge question mark. He's shown he can take it to Alford level, but can he take it another level up? I'm skeptical.

Until he can show he can recruit elite level guards, who have the quickness to play against the better PG's and shoot at the level of the better SG's, I see nothing to prove that he's any better than Alford/Davis. Now, maybe for many fans that is good enough. I was hoping he was the next Bo Ryan, and I'd bet money he isn't. I hope I'm wrong though.

Too funny. I think Fran just had us tied for third last year in the B1G at 12-6. I guess a performance like that demonstrates that he is a huge question mark as you say getting the program to the 'next level' whatever that means.

The Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, UNC's of college basketball have room for you on their bandwagon. They would love to take you in. It would be a heck of a lot easier for you to see your expectations met every year. Go on,,,, no one is going to stop or blame you.

 

[perryhawk]

Not in any real substantive way. People are going to evaluate his performance over the season, not just one game. If Fran gets this team to finish in the upper tier of the B1G then he's provided hope that "Fran is the Man", the guy who can take this program to the next level. Until then, it's a huge question mark. He's shown he can take it to Alford level, but can he take it another level up? I'm skeptical.

Until he can show he can recruit elite level guards, who have the quickness to play against the better PG's and shoot at the level of the better SG's, I see nothing to prove that he's any better than Alford/Davis. Now, maybe for many fans that is good enough. I was hoping he was the next Bo Ryan, and I'd bet money he isn't. I hope I'm wrong though.

People are going to evaluate his performance over the course of the season? That would be something new. Most fans here range between middle school hormone drama Queens and just plain stupid. They jump ship and trash our own coach and players after a 1 point loss to a top 5 team on their home floor....forgetting everything that has been accomplished in a few years. Amazing

 

[DanL53]

Agree. I have no major issues with what he has done. We've made strides but there will always be adversity. No sense in panicking every time something does not go our way. I like knowing who the coach is instead having a revolving door.

The cruel fact is we win by a point and the narrative is completely different today.

I like the sentiment but respectfully disagree. I give our critics on this site more credit than just giving up if we'd won by one point. They would still have found things to complain about.

 

[DewHawk]

I am still in Fran's corner and will be in for the next 4/5 years unless things really go south. This year's Hawkeyes are currently an high/elite point guard away from being a national contender (IMO). Let's see how things shake out with current new and upcoming recruits before we ask for Fran's job. I am still very optimistic about Hawkeye BB until proven otherwise!

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Too funny. I think Fran just had us tied for third last year in the B1G at 12-6. I guess a performance like that demonstrates that he is a huge question mark as you say getting the program to the 'next level' whatever that means.

The Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, UNC's of college basketball have room for you on their bandwagon. They would love to take you in. It would be a heck of a lot easier for you to see your expectations met every year. Go on,,,, no one is going to stop or blame you.

LOL. Probably the weakest set of teams the conference has had in the past 20-30 years. Why do you think teams got so middling seeds for being 12-6 in a major conference? What did this mighty Iowa team do in the B1G tournament? How about the NCAA tournament. Elite? Good grief, Lick has made some of you people delusional.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

People are going to evaluate his performance over the course of the season? That would be something new. Most fans here range between middle school hormone drama Queens and just plain stupid. They jump ship and trash our own coach and players after a 1 point loss to a top 5 team on their home floor....forgetting everything that has been accomplished in a few years. Amazing

Who's jumping ship? People have been criticizing the coach and players even when we win. My criticisms of MG and Fran didn't begin with ISU. It also doesn't mean I think either of them is terrible. The apologists wear blinders and see no issues with the team or coaching staff. It's like when people refused to acknowledge that Kirk did a poor job with clock management (I've stated numerous times he was exceptional in this area this season).

Some people are negative nellies about everything. I'll agree with you. But some people are sunny sallies about everything and then get all mad when people don't see the world in rainbow and unicorns. Look at the Bean thread where he talked about this being a watershed game. The sunny sally's totally misrepresented his point because anyone who dares to agree with them is called a non-fan. Look at the person above who said I should go root for Ky, etc because I don't think Fran is the Man. People can have different opinions on players and coaches and still be fans.

 

[And1Hawk]

LOL. Probably the weakest set of teams the conference has had in the past 20-30 years. Why do you think teams got so middling seeds for being 12-6 in a major conference? What did this mighty Iowa team do in the B1G tournament? How about the NCAA tournament. Elite? Good grief, Lick has made some of you people delusional.

Weak teams.... OK! The B1G has had several great tournament runs collectively. We have had multiple final 16, 8 & 4 teams the last couple of years. More than many of the other major conferences. Last year we had 2 final four teams and a runner up that almost won it all. Michigan was in the final four the year prior. That's 3 different teams from the same conference in the last 2 years alone. We have a pretty good history of teams in the final four in general. The issue has been winning it all. You might want to fact check some.

In the NCAA tourney we won a game for the first time in 10 years in a game all of the national pundits picked Davidson to win. We beat them soundly. Next we were beaten by a better higher seeded Gonzaga team - no shame in losing that. Iowa got the seed they deserved so no problem with that. Not sure where you came up with me saying we were elite last year but by all means post it if I did.

Sounds like you may not be an Iowa fan with shockingly so little knowledge of the B1G NCAA tournament results. If you are then Duke, Kentucky, Kansas have a spot for you. It would be much easier for you as you seem to have a front runner persona.

 

[Ronman]

Why yes, I believe he is.

 

[hawkguy77]

Last year we got embarrassed in Carver by fifteen points. This year we were one inbounds pass away from winning in Hilton against arguably a better Cyclone team. The sky is not falling, let the season play out before we judge this team or Fran.

 

[hawkeyemark]

Last year we got embarrassed in Carver by fifteen points. This year we were one inbounds pass away from winning in Hilton against arguably a better Cyclone team. The sky is not falling, let the season play out before we judge this team or Fran.

I agree that the it seems a mistake to make too much of the result of the Iowa State game on way or the other. As pointed out by others the game did fit the well- established pattern of blowing games at the end which I think you can judge Fran by even if it came against our in-state rival ranked # 4 in the country on their home court in a crazy atmosphere. The fact that we lost doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things.

Is Fran the man? I don't know and not sure that matters either as we will likely have him awhile.

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

I believe in Fran, and I think he can produce elite teams at Iowa. The 13/14 team was rated 4th in the country by Vegas insiders in February. That team had it all, but unfortunately it all blew up at the end of the season. At that point, I had doubts about Fran and whether he could build a team like that again, and whether he might lose the locker room given how difficult of a season that was with all the close losses. Last year the team rebounded and had a very solid season in which we won our first NCAA tournament game in almost 15 years.

This year we are currently ranked 13th in the Pomeroy rankings, and although I am pissed off about the Iowa State game (like every other Iowa fan), I still think Fran has this team and his program on the right track. I think we will once again get back to the NCAA tournament this year, and our incoming classes in each of the next three years already include highly ranked players. There are brighter days ahead.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Weak teams.... OK! The B1G has had several great tournament runs collectively. We have had multiple final 16, 8 & 4 teams the last couple of years. More than many of the other major conferences. Last year we had 2 final four teams and a runner up that almost won it all. Michigan was in the final four the year prior. That's 3 different teams from the same conference in the last 2 years alone. We have a pretty good history of teams in the final four in general. The issue has been winning it all. You might want to fact check some.

In the NCAA tourney we won a game for the first time in 10 years in a game all of the national pundits picked Davidson to win. We beat them soundly. Next we were beaten by a better higher seeded Gonzaga team - no shame in losing that. Iowa got the seed they deserved so no problem with that. Not sure where you came up with me saying we were elite last year but by all means post it if I did.

Sounds like you may not be an Iowa fan with shockingly so little knowledge of the B1G NCAA tournament results. If you are then Duke, Kentucky, Kansas have a spot for you. It would be much easier for you as you seem to have a front runner persona.

Sigh. I was talking about last year in the B1G - the conference sucked. Wis was good, everyone else was not very good. Worst Mich, Indiana, MSU, OSU team in probably at least a decade. And when I say "worst", I'm not talking record, I'm talking talent.

My post was in response to yours talking about the impressiveness of Iowa finishing 12-6 last year. Hence, the comment about the weak teams. Nowhere in my post did I say anything about the historical strength/weakness of the conference. I think the B1G is normally a very strong conference, which further highlights my point that last year the conference was way down, so don't get fooled by the 12-6 record and think that means "Fran is the Man" or taken the program to another level.

I like Fran, think he's a good coach, not great, and hope Iowa wins every game. I think Fran is in the Davis/Alford class of coaches, and will have the program settling in at that level. My disappointment is when Fran was hired, I thought he'd be a cut above them, and that he would do something similar to what Bo Ryan did at Wis. Put Rizzo and Ryan at Iowa, during their prime and I believe they would have taken Iowa up to another level. I don't believe Fran will ever do that. This doesn't mean I think he should be fired, just disappointed that Fran's limitations are becoming more apparent.

 

[ZumaHawk]

The comment about Bo Ryan...... explain more as Wisconsin is horrible even at home. He must really be something as Marquette beat them at home. Hawks destroyed and I mean destroyed Marquette on their floor. Bring it Phantom Flyer let's hear it.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

I believe in Fran, and I think he can produce elite teams at Iowa. The 13/14 team was rated 4th in the country by Vegas insiders in February. That team had it all, but unfortunately it all blew up at the end of the season. At that point, I had doubts about Fran and whether he could build a team like that again, and whether he might lose the locker room given how difficult of a season that was with all the close losses. Last year the team rebounded and had a very solid season in which we won our first NCAA tournament game in almost 15 years.

This year we are currently ranked 13th in the Pomeroy rankings, and although I am pissed off about the Iowa State game (like every other Iowa fan), I still think Fran has this team and his program on the right track. I think we will once again get back to the NCAA tournament this year, and our incoming classes in each of the next three years already include highly ranked players. There are brighter days ahead.

I don't believe, in college basketball today, you produce elite teams if you don't have an elite PG or at least SG who can slash to the bucket. I don't believe the 13/14 team was anywhere close to an elite team. A good team, but far from elite. MG is an avg (at best) PG in the B1G (he was actually worse than avg that season) and AC isn't any better than an avg SG. You have to have better guard play to be elite. College basketball is all about the guards.

Can he produce some elite teams? Maybe. However, Fran has been at Iowa for 7 years and he's still not able to recruit a better than avg PG (and I'm not sold on Williams being better than avg). More likely Fran becomes pretty much a continuation of what Davis and Alford did at Iowa. Good coaches, with some good teams, but never took it to the next level.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

The comment about Bo Ryan...... explain more as Wisconsin is horrible even at home. He must really be something as Marquette beat them at home. Hawks destroyed and I mean destroyed Marquette on their floor. Bring it Phantom Flyer let's hear it.

Would you like to compare Wis and Iowa's record over the past 7 years, or Bo and Fran's resume? Are you serious? Wis lost their 2 best players to the NBA and you are surprised they are having a down year? LOL. As I said earlier, I'd take Bo, in his prime, in a heartbeat over Fran. Bo has probably forgotten more basketball than Fran ever knew.

 

[ZumaHawk]

Lost players, injured players , transfers whatever no I'm talking today. Right now Bo is beside himself. He has a lousy team. LOL. Must be coaching then, as a good coach would have prepared for all this. Fran is doing great IMO. You don't have to agree and it's quite obvious you dislike him and the Hawk players. Go cheer for somebody else.

 

[KeyWest Tim]

Yes, I guess old Bo must have been a fraud all those years.

Just look at his record this year.

The good news is that Fran knows and has identified top flight point guards.

The troubling news is he just can't seem to close the deal.

Including the Juco point guard- potential All American-
Headed to Ames next year.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Lost players, injured players , transfers whatever no I'm talking today. Right now Bo is beside himself. He has a lousy team. LOL. Must be coaching then, as a good coach would have prepared for all this. Fran is doing great IMO. You don't have to agree and it's quite obvious you dislike him and the Hawk players. Go cheer for somebody else.

What does this year's Wis team have to do with trying to emulate Wis and what Ryan has done there? Good grief, even UNC, Duke, and Ky have bad seasons. It's the seasons where they are good that make their programs special.

I'll cheer for who I want, thank you. And I don't "dislike" Fran or the players, but nice conjecture on your part. It is obvious though that you are incapable of making anything but sophomoric arguments.

 

[ZumaHawk]

Has McCaffrey gone forwards or backwards then? He took over from Lick and had ABSOLUTELY nothing to work with. The Hawks have progressed no doubt about it. Wisconsin so far this year has regressed. IMO Fran is the man even with the no good loss this week to #4 team at home. Wisconsin is losing at home. Must be coaching huh?

 

[RocknRollface]

Last year we got embarrassed in Carver by fifteen points. This year we were one inbounds pass away from winning in Hilton against arguably a better Cyclone team. The sky is not falling, let the season play out before we judge this team or Fran.

This year was more embarrassing actually.

Both times Iowa completely fell apart mentally, the only difference was what the score was before it happened.

 

[PhantomFlyer]

Has McCaffrey gone forwards or backwards then? He took over from Lick and had ABSOLUTELY nothing to work with. The Hawks have progressed no doubt about it. Wisconsin so far this year has regressed. IMO Fran is the man even with the no good loss this week to #4 team at home. Wisconsin is losing at home. Must be coaching huh?

Stop making childish arguments. Nobody is saying Fran hasn't improved the program greatly from the Lick disaster. He hasn't taken Iowa to the next level, that's why I don't consider him the man. He's Alford or Davis. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I was just hoping for more. The next level is what Ryan did at Wis and that's took a program that competes for the B1G title most years, finishes in the upper tier almost every year, makes deep tournament runs, etc. One bad year doesn't mean Bo didn't take Wis program to another level from when he took over. Using your twisted logic Alford is the best coach in the country since they beat undefeated Ky.

 

[Mohawkeye]

Sigh. I was talking about last year in the B1G - the conference sucked. Wis was good, everyone else was not very good. Worst Mich, Indiana, MSU, OSU team in probably at least a decade. And when I say "worst", I'm not talking record, I'm talking talent.

My post was in response to yours talking about the impressiveness of Iowa finishing 12-6 last year. Hence, the comment about the weak teams. Nowhere in my post did I say anything about the historical strength/weakness of the conference. I think the B1G is normally a very strong conference, which further highlights my point that last year the conference was way down, so don't get fooled by the 12-6 record and think that means "Fran is the Man" or taken the program to another level.

I like Fran, think he's a good coach, not great, and hope Iowa wins every game. I think Fran is in the Davis/Alford class of coaches, and will have the program settling in at that level. My disappointment is when Fran was hired, I thought he'd be a cut above them, and that he would do something similar to what Bo Ryan did at Wis. Put Rizzo and Ryan at Iowa, during their prime and I believe they would have taken Iowa up to another level. I don't believe Fran will ever do that. This doesn't mean I think he should be fired, just disappointed that Fran's limitations are becoming more apparent.

Last year the Big was the best conference in the nation, so your argument is unfounded. Look at the Big when Alford succeeded and it was far weaker.

Don't get the Fran hate. The progress he has made since Lick left has been consistent and amazing. We lost a tough game, but I've no doubt Fran is the Man and the future looks very bright over the next 4 years. Funny thing is, the same criticisms I'm reading here were said about Lute Olsen. We all know how that turned out for the HOF coach.

 

[DanL53]

Last year the Big was the best conference in the nation, so your argument is unfounded. Look at the Big when Alford succeeded and it was far weaker.

Don't get the Fran hate. The progress he has made since Lick left has been consistent and amazing. We lost a tough game, but I've no doubt Fran is the Man and the future looks very bright over the next 4 years. Funny thing is, the same criticisms I'm reading here were said about Lute Olsen. We all know how that turned out for the HOF coach.

+1 Criticisms, complaints of fans being too optimistic (when in reality very few predicted 12-6 last year and many of the so called realists were expecting 8-10, 9-9...some so low as 6 wins. We've had the horrible collapse that spelled doom. We'd never replace our only scoring option, Marble. Woody can't play 30 mpg he'll foul out! We can't sign top 100 players outside the state of Iowa. The 2014 class was a total bust. Certainly Ellingson was a total bust! Woody is a total bust!

Each time a player has a bad game the "realists" pop up with tar and feathers. But a good game and the next thing is he should play more.

But before I make my point what are some more? Oh, our season other than the Marquette win is rather blah.

Anyone remember the comments of cutting loose Pemsl? How's he playing so far?

And I LOVE the one about the Big Ten being down last year.

And finally, this thing about Iowa losing so many close games? What was it, 18-36 or something like that? Five point spread or overtime? In all of last year and the first ten games this year the stat is 4 wins, 6 losses.

I must suggest that the poor end game coaching is severely exaggerated these last forty or so games. 4-6? Oh my! Meanwhile our overall record is 29-15 which means we've have 21 victories of six or more points and just nine losses! What this amounts to is much like the Woody myth. Supposedly he misses tons of chip shots, but a look at his stats and compared to other centers he is not all that bad. But...some bright Einstein pointed out a few of his misses and things got blown out of proportion. The losing too many close games story is rapidly becoming old news...but because for the first four years it was a problem, now every time it happens people think it happens all the time!

I gotta say, the day there are myths or strained beliefs that are positive thoughts? On here? Well, I just don't think it will happen. And it's no wonder coaches prefer their players stay away from message boards.

 

[ZumaHawk]

I like Fran & the Hawks. Some don't and can't handle it when your opinion doesn't match one of theirs. Comments about Fran not being able to recruit a PG etc. IMO Fran has done a dang good job at Iowa. We need to keep him for many years to come.

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

I don't believe, in college basketball today, you produce elite teams if you don't have an elite PG or at least SG who can slash to the bucket. I don't believe the 13/14 team was anywhere close to an elite team. A good team, but far from elite. MG is an avg (at best) PG in the B1G (he was actually worse than avg that season) and AC isn't any better than an avg SG. You have to have better guard play to be elite. College basketball is all about the guards.

Can he produce some elite teams? Maybe. However, Fran has been at Iowa for 7 years and he's still not able to recruit a better than avg PG (and I'm not sold on Williams being better than avg). More likely Fran becomes pretty much a continuation of what Davis and Alford did at Iowa. Good coaches, with some good teams, but never took it to the next level.

Why do you believe Fran cannot get an elite point guard? Do you believe he just cannot recruit one, or do you believe he cannot develop one (or both)?

Gesell was a highly rated recruit, and even if you don't consider him an elite PG, I still think it shows that Fran can recruit elite talent. The recruitment of Woodbury, Tyler Cook, and Wieskamp is further evidence of Fran's ability as a recruiter. Additionally, if Kentucky's plans did not fall through a couple years ago when they eventually offered Ulis, then I believe Ulis is in Iowa City and we would have an elite PG. Bottom line, I don't think recruiting is that big of a concern with Fran.

That leaves the question of development. In my opinion, this is the best argument against Fran not being able to bring in an elite PG. Very few players come into college with the ability to be an elite PG (or elite at any position, for that matter). Fran has had 4 years to develop Clemmons and Gesell, and while I believe we have seen improvements in both players, neither of them have developed into elite PG's despite both having pretty good physical tools to work with. At the same time, I do believe Fran and his staff have shown a good ability to develop other players. The best example is Devyn Marble who came to Iowa and was frankly overmatched his freshman season. He was a poor shooter, and had basically the same amount of turnovers as assists. By the time he left Iowa he was a very good outside shooter, and he played well at the PG position. He is the reason I believe that 13/14 team was special. We also saw consistent improvement from White while he was here, and Olaseni showed great progress as well.

Considering how far Fran has turned this program around thus far, I don't see any reason to believe he cannot build on this recent success.

 

[mick82]

Although last nights debacle was a definite nut-kick, I think the biggest question one must ask is can Fran identify what went wrong last night and fix it?

To me, if we continue down said road with the ball ALWAYS in MD's hands at the end of tight games, we will continue to see similar results.That said, I like MG and feel he offers us value, I just feel we have better options then MG holding the ball outside until 10 seconds or less on the shot/game clock.

Mike cannot create open/good shots for himself off of the dribble. I for one feel better off with the ball in the hands of AC or JU and even Dom (he needs more playing time).

At least AC and JU and even Dom can create a better shot opportunity then MG can. Put the ball in JU's hands, let him make a move and then kick it out for open shot one defenders sag in on him.

I strongly feel we are a better team then we had at this point last year (much more shooters) but I feel we NEED to better utilize our bench then we did last night as we were the much more deeper team.

Not ready to jump off the roof or ask for Fran's job. Just pissed off and anxious to see what, if anything, we are able to learn from last nights affair (did I mention I fricken hate ISU).

No, Fran is not big time material. His late game management skills are non existent. This is an ongoing deal with him since he started. To have a veteran ball club that can't inbound a ball is pathetic!!!

 

[Ihawkhoops]

I like Fran and think he is a solid x and o guy, but like all coaches and people, he is not perfect. I anticipate taking some arrows over this post, but so be it. I really question loading up on all these Iowa kids. Is Bohannon really the best we can do to upgrade our PG talent? Do any of these recruits have offers outside of Valley and Horizon League schools? I know Cook has A-Z offers, but other than him?