I agree with the op, if one was to grade without looking for reasons, but strictly on wins/losses, the progression of the Iowa program has been steady as a smooth sailing ship but for that one month.
As always the question is what comes next. Just think, all the guys we've seen play in an Iowa uniform? Other than an exhibition game for Baer and a few moments of Ellingson trying to play on a bad leg. Other than that? We've got six guys returning with game experience and of that bunch only two will be back next year. It's hard to imagine, but at this moment we've only seen two of the guys who will be on the 2016/17 roster actually play as Hawkeyes.
2015/16 is all about the returning seniors, and Jok and Uhl, and what roles and support the newbies can be.
2016/17 is barely even written yet. That group will be what I'd call "phase three" And I hesitate to get worked up about who can play point, or who will do what. Way to soon to get worried or excited.
2015/16, Celebrating phase two. It will be tough but win 23 games and we send Gesell, Clemmons and Woodbury out having won ninety games as Hawkeyes! Just looking at that, without reasons but strictly wins/losses? I'd say the corners been turned.
And then we get to see what a new batch of guys can do for us.