I understand what all of you are saying. I don't necessarily disagree with most of what you are saying as well, I am observing the same things that you all are seeing.
However, I really like one aspect of Fran's coaching style. I think this also goes for KF as well...and I think it might extend through the athletic director and probably U of I's other sports.
And I think this is something that separates us (the Iowa Hawkeye Family) from many other schools. Specifically, I think this is what separates us from ISU - and most other hi-major sports schools.
1. I love the loyalty that Fran shows to his players. It is easy for us to watch the TV and begin to think of these kids the same way we think about professional athletes. I don't think they should be thought of that way. Honestly, there are many kids who DO want to be thought of that way, but I don't think they play for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
I know it irritated everyone that Fran stuck with Josh Ogelsby too long. That didn't irritate me at all. I love that Fran gave that kid (who we watched grow into a man in a Hawkeye uniform) every chance to succeed. Up until his last game, I held out hope that he would come in and bring us a big victory with a string of unexpected 3-balls. It didn't happen...but I LOVE that Fran gave it the chance to happen.
2. I love that both Fran and Kirk tend to recruit guys who's resume's begin with good character and work ethic. I know that isn't always true, but the fact is that most of these 18-20 year old freshmen and sophomores have demonstrated both the ability to make good decisions...and an overwhelming willingness to work hard for their big opportunity. At some level, they are doing those things for us fans.
Honestly, I am a Cyclone fan as well. But unlike most ISU fans, I believe Fred Hoiberg ruined Cyclone basketball, at least for me. For Fred, character and work ethic was way down on the bottom of his list of requirements. In fact, if you had enough talent, it was actually a benefit to Fred for that kid to have bad character and/or work ethic, as that is what made those guys available to him on the open market. I live near Ames, and I know the effect many of those guys have had on the West Ames community where they live. I am aware of how badly most of them were wanting to GET OUT OF IOWA as quickly as possible.
I like that Fran hasn't recruited those type of kids. I like what Fran has done with Dom Uhl. He is a kid from Europe, I assume has a mother and father...and siblings, and is working very hard to chase his dreams. As far as I have heard, he has been a good citizen in Iowa City (although I don't live there, so might be something that I am not aware of).
And when you intersect opportunity with work ethic and character, it is very frequent that good things happen...eventually. Again, I reference White, Marble, Uthoff, etc. Unlike the ISU fans that wanted to run Matt Thomas out of town during his difficult Freshmen and Sophomore years, I am happy to see Fran be patient with Dom. I am still hopeful that Dom will become what we all hoped he would be (and I'm certain he hopes it more than any of us.)
And my original point was that I think the 9/10 spot in Fran's rotation is the perfect spot for us to watch that all play out.
And my final point would be that this same trait in coach Fran will likely also work out very well for Ryan Kreiner. Honestly, he doesn't look ready to me right now. He is very nervous every time he touches the ball. However, I agree with all of the positive stuff that folks on this board are saying about him. And because Fran tends to give his players every opporunity to succeed, I think we will see RK doing great things later in his career.
Go Hawks!
I like our post depth,especially with future recruits coming in. Now, if we can just get a really athletic guard.....
