No Scholllies avail for 2017 Class; 1 available for 2018; when was last time we had just 1 Senior?

[Franisdaman]

Weak. You're painting a pretty broad brush there buddy boy. There's a huge difference between a competitive kid that just wants to get to play so he transferred and a kid that quits on his teammates and his team because he is selfish and a cancer.

You and your argument are weak.

If a kid was good enough to play for Iowa and subsequently quits the team, he is a quitter.

Clemmons did not quit and I give him all the credit in the world. He did not quit and was not a quitter.

Others like Trey D, Fleming, etc quit the team and by definition are quitters.

One who QUITS is a QUITTER. Sure they move on to lower level teams (to get playing time) but they had to be a quitter before stooping to that lower level of competition.

 

[Franisdaman]

Damn you're anxious to create arguments. No one said Fran's kids don't deserve to be on scholarship or even that they will not be on scholarship. He does have that option, which gives him some recruiting flexibility. If Fran didn't think he will have scholarships to offer in the next couple of years, he and the assistants could kick back and save on a lot travel.

Wow, somebody's panties are in a bunch.

I just find it interesting that so many people on this board are looking for more than the one scholarship that we have to offer over the next two classes by looking for BE (and others) to transfer. And then there is this speculation that Connor could walk on.

All we know right now are the facts:

* We have 0 scholarships to offer for 2017
* We have 1 scholarship to offer in 2018
* Brady Ellingson is working hard and Fran is happy with what he is seeing from Brady
* Connor McCaffery has committed to Iowa and eats up a scholarship; there has been no real speculation from media outlets that Connor would walk on. The only speculation has come from hopeful posters on message boards.

 

[Franisdaman]

Let me go back and copy and paste my quote.

terrehawk said: ↑
"If I were Fran or Connor I would have zero problem giving the scholarship to another player that can help."

You should probably just quit now. You are obviously not very good at this

Weak. It appears you can copy and paste and that's about it.

 

[Franisdaman]

Good point about meltdowns. I'm sorry, I was drawn in with your, "What are your thoughts on that?", sentence in the first post. I should have known...

I am sorry that you think you are witty and clever in your posts and I am sorry you learned how to copy and past pictures from the internet.

 

[ThomesG.Hey]

Wow, somebody's panties are in a bunch.

I just find it interesting that so many people on this board are looking for more than the one scholarship that we have to offer over the next two classes by looking for BE (and others) to transfer. And then there is this speculation that Connor could walk on.

All we know right now are the facts:

* We have 0 scholarships to offer for 2017
* We have 1 scholarship to offer in 2018
* Brady Ellingson is working hard and Fran is happy with what he is seeing from Brady
* Connor McCaffery has committed to Iowa and eats up a scholarship; there has been no real speculation from media outlets that Connor would walk on. The only speculation has come from hopeful posters on message boards.

This is not a fact. For all we know Fran could have told 2 or 3 top guys that if they wanted to commit he has a scholarship for 1 of them.

 

[Franisdaman]

This is not a fact. For all we know Fran could have told 2 or 3 top guys that if they wanted to commit he has a scholarship for 1 of them.

So, based on what we know, I should not list Connor as a scholarship player in my original post and instead list him as a "notable walk on?" Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

Dan, I see that you liked this post; I am not surprised.

 

[DanL53]

Ah, Franisdaman. Think back to when you first joined Hawkeye Report. We were just coming off an 18-17 season but dang wasn't that an improvement over the year before! A seven game improvement as a matter of fact.

And here we had just one senior, Eric May. And Holy Cow but our Juniors were Devyn Marble, Ahmad Basabe and Zach McCabe. How about that. May was a whipping boy among several fans, McCabe wasn't much better and Basabe was coming off a terrible sophomore season. Marble? He'd had a good year but nothing better than Jok last season. In fact, much less. As a whole those four had given us:

85.8 minutes of playing time per game, 31.8 ppg, in 2011/12.

How does that compare if we consider that Ellingson and Baer were redshirt freshmen last season?

64.5 mpg and 27.7 ppg. That's Jok, Uhl, Ellingson and Baer. So, a couple of 'em had a redshirt year.

So we're looking at 20 mpg difference and four points per game.

That 2012/13 squad that had seen Bryce Cartwright and Matt Gatens depart? Along with Brommer and Archie. That young squad raised our results another seven wins from 18 to 25!

And guess what! The next year we only brought in one freshman and had one transfer (Uthoff) become eligible. And we made the NCAA Tournament!

I still am not seeing your cause for concern over how unbalanced our classes are. We've been through it. You joined during a season where the classes were fairly unbalanced. Just not seeing it. What's caused you to be worried now?

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Ah, Franisdaman. Think back to when you first joined Hawkeye Report. We were just coming off an 18-17 season but dang wasn't that an improvement over the year before! A seven game improvement as a matter of fact.

And here we had just one senior, Eric May. And Holy Cow but our Juniors were Devyn Marble, Ahmad Basabe and Zach McCabe. How about that. May was a whipping boy among several fans, McCabe wasn't much better and Basabe was coming off a terrible sophomore season. Marble? He'd had a good year but nothing better than Jok last season. In fact, much less. As a whole those four had given us:

85.8 minutes of playing time per game, 31.8 ppg, in 2011/12.

How does that compare if we consider that Ellingson and Baer were redshirt freshmen last season?

64.5 mpg and 27.7 ppg. That's Jok, Uhl, Ellingson and Baer. So, a couple of 'em had a redshirt year.

So we're looking at 20 mpg difference and four points per game.

That 2012/13 squad that had seen Bryce Cartwright and Matt Gatens depart? Along with Brommer and Archie. That young squad raised our results another seven wins from 18 to 25!

And guess what! The next year we only brought in one freshman and had one transfer (Uthoff) become eligible. And we made the NCAA Tournament!

I still am not seeing your cause for concern over how unbalanced our classes are. We've been through it. You joined during a season where the classes were fairly unbalanced. Just not seeing it. What's caused you to be worried now?

I agree whole heartedly, Dan, but I must have been in a coma when "Ahmad Basabe" was hoopin' for the Hawkeyes.

 

[And1Hawk]

Unbalanced classes is living in the past man. This is 2016 not 1990. Kids transfer, leave early every year across the nation. For all we know Tyler Cook might be good enough to be a 1 or 2 and done. That's why Fran and many, many coaches keep recruiting regardless if they have a ride on paper or not. Don't sweat it.

 

[DanL53]

I agree whole heartedly, Dan, but I must have been in a coma when "Ahmad Basabe" was hoopin' for the Hawkeyes.

Melsahn Wagner's brother. And I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, than have to have a frontal lobotomy!

 

[Legend12]

You and your argument are weak.

If a kid was good enough to play for Iowa and subsequently quits the team, he is a quitter.

Clemmons did not quit and I give him all the credit in the world. He did not quit and was not a quitter.

Others like Trey D, Fleming, etc quit the team and by definition are quitters.

One who QUITS is a QUITTER. Sure they move on to lower level teams (to get playing time) but they had to be a quitter before stooping to that lower level of competition.

In that case, you should change your screen name to Franisdaquitter.

 

[seer_hawk]

It's obvious Fran is trying to rack up expense money chasing 2017 recruits Malik Williams, Jack Nunge, Luka Garza, Alex O'Connell, and others.

Chances are good most or all of these players will sign in November. Hopefully one will be a Hawkeye, and that will be Fran's and the recruit's choice.

 

[hoffmkr]

I disagree with the argument that Fran's kids shouldn't receive a schollie if they otherwise would based on their talent.

However, I don't think that's an argument that's being made.

What I've read in the threads is an OPTION that Fran would have to possibly open up a schollie by paying for his kid's tuition. Big difference.

For years, college boosters and coaches have gotten into trouble by paying players or skirting the scholarship limits by giving money under the table. In this case, Fran can legally skirt the scholarship limit AND pay his recruit.
Connor has earned his scholarship, but this is the legal chance that Fran has where he can "BUY" another scholarship if he so chooses.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Considering that, for the most part (and in all of Iowa's cases recently), attrition allows teams to improve their overall talent by recruiting over a player while allowing said player to find a more enjoyable role in basketball, I don't know why it's necessary that you label kids "quitters."

Trying to comment negatively on a person's character because they choose to go somewhere else where they can play the GAME that they are passionate about reflects more poorly on you than it does them.

 

[ThomesG.Hey]

So, based on what we know, I should not list Connor as a scholarship player in my original post and instead list him as a "notable walk on?" Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

Dan, I see that you liked this post; I am not surprised.

Noone said that

 

[hansenhawk]

If i am Fran, heck yes I take advantage of that and use that other scholarship.

Yeah, i get it, Connor deserves it blah blah blah.

Still, being able to EASILY afford it, if you can use that scholarship to get another player in here, why NOT do it?

That being said, I am sure he will end up on scholarship.

 

[mazda1]

If we get an opportunity to sign a high character, high talent kid who wants to be a Hawk and plays a position of need chances are very good there will be a spot for them.

Maybe the family decides that Conner walking on is the thing to do. Maybe there will be guy/guys frustrated with playing time. Maybe someone gets Creened. (HIGHLY UNLIKELY). Maybe Conner walks on and when someone leaves he gets their ride.

The key right now is to get a kid that can help the team right away and wants to be a Hawk. Fran and the staff are working hard to make that happen. I bet they have a plan.

 

[Franisdaman]

Unbalanced classes is living in the past man. This is 2016 not 1990. Kids transfer, leave early every year across the nation. For all we know Tyler Cook might be good enough to be a 1 or 2 and done. That's why Fran and many, many coaches keep recruiting regardless if they have a ride on paper or not. Don't sweat it.

Last I head we were not Kentucky, Michigan State and Indiana, where we can lose 6 guys a year (like we did last year)and simply replace them with 5 star athletes. I am living in the present and I simply think when classes are unbalanced, especially at programs like Iowa, you are going to have a lot of up and down years, as opposed to 20 plus win seasons and being in the upper half in the B1G standings, year in and year out.

in a perfect world we would have 3.25 scholarships players leave each year (13 scholarship players divided by 4 years). instead, we have had 6 departures in the 2016 graduating class and would have 6 again in the 2020 graduating class. With 10 freshman and sophomores (mostly 3 star recruits, mind you) this year leading the way, I think there are going to be some growing pains and some difficult losses that we would not see with a more balanced roster. I hope I am wrong but that 18 game B1G Schedule could be brutal.

 

[lovedwatchingLester]

I hope you're wrong to and before I say I think you are wrong I need to clarify what you think this brutal record will be this year in the B1G

 

[TheHawkeyeDudeAbides]

Last I head we were not Kentucky, Michigan State and Indiana, where we can lose 6 guys a year (like we did last year)and simply replace them with 5 star athletes. I am living in the present and I simply think when classes are unbalanced, especially at programs like Iowa, you are going to have a lot of up and down years, as opposed to 20 plus win seasons and being in the upper half in the B1G standings, year in and year out.

in a perfect world we would have 3.25 scholarships players leave each year (13 scholarship players divided by 4 years). instead, we have had 6 departures in the 2016 graduating class and would have 6 again in the 2020 graduating class.

Franisdaman.... With the new NBA evaluation trials that very good college players can attend after the their BB season to determine their NBA stock value, the recruiting cycle is meant to be out of whack. Fran has to be working on filling Tyler Cook's spot already as he may take an eval after year 2 (most likely gone after junior year if he has NBA talent which is most likely). Land a 5 star kid, think one and done. A high 4 star(top 40), one to two years in your program. The NBA want raw colts to come to them before they are set in their way.

Recruiting is never balanced with transfers, legal issues, the "rare" academic issues, and family issues. I understand why Fran still recruits while not having a scholarship to give, with a caveat provision with Connor's scholarship usage. Iowa's trouble is that the true MBB talents are not easily found in the state of Iowa and Iowa has competitors within its border for those talents. I am not a big fan of Fran's east coast recruiting because it has not paid much in dividends (only Melsahn Basabe). Luka Garza's looking for something closer to home I believe. Iowa needs to work the Midwest region better and go toe to toe with Kansas and MSU networks at the AAU level.

 

[terrehawk]

Last I head we were not Kentucky, Michigan State and Indiana, where we can lose 6 guys a year (like we did last year)and simply replace them with 5 star athletes. I am living in the present and I simply think when classes are unbalanced, especially at programs like Iowa, you are going to have a lot of up and down years, as opposed to 20 plus win seasons and being in the upper half in the B1G standings, year in and year out.

in a perfect world we would have 3.25 scholarships players leave each year (13 scholarship players divided by 4 years). instead, we have had 6 departures in the 2016 graduating class and would have 6 again in the 2020 graduating class. With 10 freshman and sophomores (mostly 3 star recruits, mind you) this year leading the way, I think there are going to be some growing pains and some difficult losses that we would not see with a more balanced roster. I hope I am wrong but that 18 game B1G Schedule could be brutal.

Sounds like you are making the case for Fran and Connor to use his scholarship. That's good you finally came around to your senses

 

[Bob Sanders Biceps]

Could Fran pay Conner's way? SURE. Or he could go on scholarship and buy himself or Conner a bass boat, a collector car, jet ski's, an ATV, buy an annuity, give to a special charity or..........

Just because Fran makes a lot of money he still is working not only because he loves it, but because it allows him do things for himself and his family that they enjoy. I don't think fans should expect to tell him how to spend his money.

Which is why it's his personal choice, his card to play if he wishes and a huge competitive advantage for a coach. I have a feeling that if he has a chance to get Malik Williams by paying Connor's way for his first year, he would do it in a heartbeat.

The reality is that you can't keep 13 guys happy with playing time anyway, there will be transfers. If he does it, it will purely be a flexibility thing for a year to let him bring in a stud.

 

[Bob Sanders Biceps]

You and your argument are weak.

If a kid was good enough to play for Iowa and subsequently quits the team, he is a quitter.

Clemmons did not quit and I give him all the credit in the world. He did not quit and was not a quitter.

Others like Trey D, Fleming, etc quit the team and by definition are quitters.

One who QUITS is a QUITTER. Sure they move on to lower level teams (to get playing time) but they had to be a quitter before stooping to that lower level of competition.

Transfers from the bottom of our roster are absolutely a good thing, that is the true sign of a healthy program. It allows Fran to bring more guys through the program and give them a chance to show what they can do, which drastically increases the depth and quality of our roster over time.

Considering that, for the most part (and in all of Iowa's cases recently), attrition allows teams to improve their overall talent by recruiting over a player while allowing said player to find a more enjoyable role in basketball, I don't know why it's necessary that you label kids "quitters."

Trying to comment negatively on a person's character because they choose to go somewhere else where they can play the GAME that they are passionate about reflects more poorly on you than it does them.

Well said.

 

[iabcuda]

I will be surprised if Fran decides to go to war with 14 players when every other coach has 13. I don't believe his pride will let him. I would do it in a heartbeat; he won't.

I also predict that if Connor does get his scholarship, that Fran turns around & donates the same amount to UIHC children's hospital and cancer research.

 

[championhawk]

Could Fran pay Conner's way? SURE. Or he could go on scholarship and buy himself or Conner a bass boat, a collector car, jet ski's, an ATV, buy an annuity, give to a special charity or..........

Just because Fran makes a lot of money he still is working not only because he loves it, but because it allows him do things for himself and his family that they enjoy. I don't think fans should expect to tell him how to spend his money.

That isn't how I would approach it. The two primary options are

A. Connor uses a scholarship. Fran saves 100k.

B. Fran signs the final piece to the puzzle and makes a run to the final 4 which gets him about a million dollar raise. Your scenario just cost him several million dollars and the rest of us a chance at witnessing some glory years.

 

[hawkfan1963]

As of right now he's still recruiting and has offers out which means Connor is walking on. Because you don't know if anyone will leave 9 months from now.

 

[And1Hawk]

As of right now he's still recruiting and has offers out which means Connor is walking on. Because you don't know if anyone will leave 9 months from now.

Chances are there will be 1-3 guys moving on after the season regardless. Connor will be on scholly and l'd hate to become known as the d-bag, cheap program that now asks all recruits not just the McCaffrey's about their family's finances to see if they could walk-on so we can roster 3-4 extra players who will never play.

 

[hawkfan1963]

Chances are there will be 1-3 guys moving on after the season regardless. Connor will be on scholly and l'd hate to become known as the d-bag, cheap program that now asks all recruits not just the McCaffrey's about their family's finances to see if they could walk-on so we can roster 3-4 extra players who will never play.

My point is AS OF RIGHT NOW with Connor on scholarship all rides are taken. Just because 2 people transferred last year doesn't mean anyone will this year. Ellingson will never be a star but as of right now if he spells someone and can manage to score 6 ish points he will have done his job. So as of right now this moment all schollies are taken, BUT Fran is STILL recruiting for next year. Fran seems to be one to play by the rules and not want to crean kids. So if someone commits in the next 4 to 5 months that WOULD HAVE to mean Connor walks on in Fran's mind. Now if someone leaves next April or May then obviously Connor would probably get a scholarship. And I put myself in Connor shoes as I think through things.. I want my dad to be successful and would love to win a national titile for him and me. If me walking on helps that, I'm all in. I'm also thinking my dad makes 2 million plus per year. If he pays my way we will still be able to do everything we do now. We won't suffer at all. Now I put myself in Fran's shoes and I see things the same way. If I pay for Connor my family still gets to live like we have been living and my son gets to get a quality education and I increase my chances of a national title. We are also talking about someone's own child. It's not like he's asking some other family to do it.

 

[Bob Sanders Biceps]

That isn't how I would approach it. The two primary options are

A. Connor uses a scholarship. Fran saves 100k.

B. Fran signs the final piece to the puzzle and makes a run to the final 4 which gets him about a million dollar raise. Your scenario just cost him several million dollars and the rest of us a chance at witnessing some glory years.

There is no scenario in which Fran pays Connor's way for all 4 years so the 100k thing is nonsense. If it happens it will be temporary to get a recruit. It is impossible to keep 13 guys happy with playing time, forget 14 or 15.

Chances are there will be 1-3 guys moving on after the season regardless. Connor will be on scholly and l'd hate to become known as the d-bag, cheap program that now asks all recruits not just the McCaffrey's about their family's finances to see if they could walk-on so we can roster 3-4 extra players who will never play.

The bolded part is literally the stupidest thing written in this thread, and that is a high bar considering some of the nonsense in here.

 

[And1Hawk]

There is no scenario in which Fran pays Connor's way for all 4 years so the 100k thing is nonsense. If it happens it will be temporary to get a recruit. It is impossible to keep 13 guys happy with playing time, forget 14 or 15.



The bolded part is literally the stupidest thing written in this thread, and that is a high bar considering some of the nonsense in here.

How is it stupid to say if the argument is going to be made by others that since they know the financial situation of the coach they assume that his child will have to walk-on because of the coach's finances then that same principle should also apply to the rest of the scholarship athletes on the team?

 

[championhawk]

There is no scenario in which Fran pays Connor's way for all 4 years so the 100k thing is nonsense. If it happens it will be temporary to get a recruit. It is impossible to keep 13 guys happy with playing time, forget 14 or 15.



The bolded part is literally the stupidest thing written in this thread, and that is a high bar considering some of the nonsense in here.

It was just an example cujo. It wasn't ever meant to be an exact figure so worry about the point instead of the specifics.

 

[Bob Sanders Biceps]

How is it stupid to say if the argument is going to be made by others that since they know the financial situation of the coach they assume that his child will have to walk-on because of the coach's finances then that same principle should also apply to the rest of the scholarship athletes on the team?

Stop talking about the financial cost of it, that will not play into the decision. No one is saying that Fran has to pay for Connor because he can afford it. No one would ever say that other players should pay their own way because they can afford it.

The option to do this is a unique competitive advantage for Fran personally as a coach. His decision will be based purely on whether it will help his team get stronger, for his own personal benefit.

If he does it, it will probably only be for year anyway. A roster of 14 scholarship worthy players is not sustainable, and will inevitably cause transfers from the guys at the bottom of that roster.

 

[seer_hawk]

Chances are there will be 1-3 guys moving on after the season regardless. Connor will be on scholly and l'd hate to become known as the d-bag, cheap program that now asks all recruits not just the McCaffrey's about their family's finances to see if they could walk-on so we can roster 3-4 extra players who will never play.

You don't see this as a unique situation? When was the last time we came off 3 straight NCAA's and had 3 available scholarships, over 2 consecutive seasons, with 2 scholarships taken early (by Top 100 players)?

You are making some giant assumptions here. It's highly unlikely Fran will keep his kids as program walk-on's their entire time at Iowa. He's also not going to be beating the bushes for rich kids that can keep our roster numbers over 13, and there's a huge difference between a head coach paying his son's way, and asking that of other parents that have sons worthy of a scholarship.

If we sign 2 this Fall I still think it's highly likely Connor will get his scholarship, but IMO Fran seems to be willing to roll the dice with his freshman scholarship. In that instance is he oversigning because he's is suddenly okay with Creaning, or because he's willing to pay Connor's way if necessary? If we only sign 1 this Fall, you can rest assured Connor will come in on scholarship, and the rich recruits of the world are safe.

 

[championhawk]

Stop talking about the financial cost of it, that will not play into the decision. No one is saying that Fran has to pay for Connor because he can afford it. No one would ever say that other players should pay their own way because they can afford it.

The option to do this is a unique competitive advantage for Fran personally as a coach. His decision will be based purely on whether it will help his team get stronger, for his own personal benefit.

If he does it, it will probably only be for year anyway. A roster of 14 scholarship worthy players is not sustainable, and will inevitably cause transfers from the guys at the bottom of that roster.

Take 3 deep breaths and reread the thread. I was merely giving another point of view to one posters post. I don't give a shit whether he pays or walks on. With that said, it will cost the family more if he walks on. Sorry I just had to point that out to you. Fran will also make more if he wins more. Some people need the pictures drawn for them.

 

[DanL53]

1) In six years Fran has not once over recruited. Meanwhile, other schools in the Big Ten have, not just Indiana. Aside from Indiana's infamous and term creating reputation, I think I can recall Nebraska, Michigan and Michigan State having done so as well. That Is, and I repeat, I think so...I'm not going back to figure it out for this silly conversation. The point is, I know other teams have and we haven't.

2) We don't Crean anyone. Does anyone think Clemmons wouldn't have been a big target after his sophomore year? In my opinion a big reason we brought Dickerson in was concern Clemmons would transfer. But he didn't and that's great and we didn't boot him and that turned out alright.

3) Speaking of Dickerson. Two years ago. It's a fact that Jok in December went to McCaffery and talked about how he could earn more playing time. Conversation occurred and Jok knew what he needed to do and did earn more time. Same thing happened with Clemmons. (These were both reported and the players said so in interviews.) Dickerson tried the same thing and within a week he decided to announce he would transfer. Dickerson Creaned himself because the mountain was too high for him at Iowa. It was then that Williams was offered. We had asked Christian to be patient. We took that chance rather than over recruit! (This too was all publicized in articles and spoken of in player interviews.)

4) Now I'm getting into perceptions here. But the Iowa program is known for being a close knit program. Fran has these guys over to his house eating Yummy desserts that make me jealous and wish I was a 6'11" 18 year old with a good shot. Yeah, he gets passionate on the court but it is passion to see his guys reach the potential he sees in them. This is a place where a Brady Ellingson, if he sticks with it, could see a year someday where fans are glad he stuck around. Like Eric May with his bad back who ended his career an important part of a twenty-five win season. Or who knows, a Dale Jones who now has two more years! I kind of thought we might expect him to graduate and be told to move on like Beilein did with Bielfeldt and Albrecht. Nope, my perception now, for what it is worth is you become a Hawkeye, you stay a Hawkeye unless you decide to leave. Maybe even beyond what my loyalty as a coach would be. I mean, Jones was losing minutes to Baer before he got hurt. I might have said you get your degree and good for you but no third year...I might have, and I don't see a disloyalty with it.

Conclusion) So looking at the history, what would make Iowa suddenly over recruit this season? There is ONE difference. And we all know what it is. It is legal, it is reasonable, and it amounts to nothing more than an insurance policy because odds are somebody transfers anyway. Obviously Fran is still recruiting but notice it isn't twenty different guys but a select handful that would fill a need. We don't get one? No biggie! We don't have to take somebody just because we could. But a difference maker? And someone walks on for one season? Fran can and it's his choice. No, we shouldn't expect it, it's not our money. Sure, here are a million reasons called a big raise if one guy is that big a get. But there we are, here we are, and I suggest we just be patient and let things happen as they will. We've already got the makings of a solid program and NCAA invite or better type seasons...this speculation over one more player is all just gravy.

What a hell of a job McCaffery has done, that we gotta enforce a capacity rule because so many good players might want in! If it were me, and we are all lucky it isn't, I'd be telling these recruits, Garza, Williams, the rest and even Hauser from the 2018 class, "First one to commit is in and the rest can hope not to play us down the road someday." Iowa is on the way up!

 

[And1Hawk]

Stop talking about the financial cost of it, that will not play into the decision. No one is saying that Fran has to pay for Connor because he can afford it. No one would ever say that other players should pay their own way because they can afford it.

The option to do this is a unique competitive advantage for Fran personally as a coach. His decision will be based purely on whether it will help his team get stronger, for his own personal benefit.

If he does it, it will probably only be for year anyway. A roster of 14 scholarship worthy players is not sustainable, and will inevitably cause transfers from the guys at the bottom of that roster.

Go back and read all the posts then because you missed multiple examples that explicitly discuss Fran being able to afford this because of his salary and justifying their stance on Connor walking-on because of this. This discussion is taking place despite the extremely strong likelihood that there will be more roster turnover after this season making the need for him to walk-on irrelevant. It's a slap in the face to ask a player to walk-on IF he is scholarship worthy. Sorry it just is regardless if he is the coaches son or not.

I am pointing out the principle of this thinking too. No one asked Baer about his family's finances when he earned a scholly because he could also have remained a walk-on to give us that same competitive advantage you speak of. Look how much it meant to him to be classified as a scholarship player instead of walk-on. If Fran elects to offer LeBron's son down the road to play at Iowa I am sure his pitch to dad will be how much he wants his son to play a prominent role for his program by walking-on because dad happens to be a mega-millionaire. I am sure LeBron and his son will be receptive to Iowa's walk-on offer against all other scholarship offers he might receive.

 

[StormHawk42]

My God I'm so ready for this topic to be put to rest

 

[TopHawkeye]

My God I'm so ready for this topic to be put to rest

And everyone said Amen! Truly bizarre the intensity of some of the posters on this comparatively unimportant topic.

 

[24 so far]

Wow, somebody's panties are in a bunch.

I just find it interesting that so many people on this board are looking for more than the one scholarship that we have to offer over the next two classes by looking for BE (and others) to transfer. And then there is this speculation that Connor could walk on.

All we know right now are the facts:

* We have 0 scholarships to offer for 2017
* We have 1 scholarship to offer in 2018
* Brady Ellingson is working hard and Fran is happy with what he is seeing from Brady
* Connor McCaffery has committed to Iowa and eats up a scholarship; there has been no real speculation from media outlets that Connor would walk on. The only speculation has come from hopeful posters on message boards.

Well those so called "journalists" better get with the program, because it is a very real scenario that COULD benefit Iowa immensely.

Those of us who reside in the real world, and have functioning brain matter, see it for what it is. A legal chip that Iowa CAN play to their advantage where few others can.

Most Iowa born 3rd graders have a firm grasp of this situation. If you have one that lives next door to you, have a sit-down and see if they can explain this very simple matter to you until it sinks in. Good Luck.

 

[Bob Sanders Biceps]

Go back and read all the posts then because you missed multiple examples that explicitly discuss Fran being able to afford this because of his salary and justifying their stance on Connor walking-on because of this. This discussion is taking place despite the extremely strong likelihood that there will be more roster turnover after this season making the need for him to walk-on irrelevant. It's a slap in the face to ask a player to walk-on IF he is scholarship worthy. Sorry it just is regardless if he is the coaches son or not.

I am pointing out the principle of this thinking too. No one asked Baer about his family's finances when he earned a scholly because he could also have remained a walk-on to give us that same competitive advantage you speak of. Look how much it meant to him to be classified as a scholarship player instead of walk-on. If Fran elects to offer LeBron's son down the road to play at Iowa I am sure his pitch to dad will be how much he wants his son to play a prominent role for his program by walking-on because dad happens to be a mega-millionaire. I am sure LeBron and his son will be receptive to Iowa's walk-on offer against all other scholarship offers he might receive.

One thing matters, and one thing only. Our coach has the ability to pay for an extra scholarship out of his own pocket IF HE CHOSES TO. If he choses to do it, it won't be for a marginal player, it will be for a stud that will help the program and help him professionally and financially in the long term. There are plenty of other coaches in D1 FB and BBall who would like to have that option available.

It is not a slap in the face to Connor, because I'm guessing that Connor isn't a stupid sentimentalist like you are. The national player of the year a couple of years ago was walk-on in the exact same situation. I guess Doug McDermott should have just shriveled up into a ball of disrespect after getting slapped in the face like that and just sat out the season.

The status of a scholarship means nothing, it is is a financial status only.

Cut out the Lebron nonsense too, classic straw man argument. That would never happen.