Much has been made the past week or so about Kansas refusing to play WSU in the regular season. The same thing could be said about both Iowa and Iowa State dropping Drake and UNI in favor of the "Big Four Classic" -- personally I would much rather see both Iowa and Iowa State playing Drake and UNI the same year on a home and home basis. These games would certainly be more attractive than Iowa playing Longwood, UMBC or Alcorn State or Iowa State playing Mississippi Valley State, Lamar or Southern. There would certainly be a lot more buzz and better attendance. Some will say that Iowa and Iowa State have nothing to gain and everything to lose by playing Drake and UNI. While currently that could be said regarding Drake, not so with UNI. They have been a quality program with 6 NCAA tournament appearances since 2004, both Iowa and Iowa State have 4 each.
Scheduling
- Thread starter moondog24
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No need to add more small conference opponents. Switching out the cupcakes for large conference opponents will help RPI.
Kansas won't even play WSU on a neutral court. not a fair comparison.
UNI fans tend to bitch about losing the home and homes without any appreciation for a guaranteed top 50 rpi neutral court game that any other mid major would kill for.
UNI fans tend to bitch about losing the home and homes without any appreciation for a guaranteed top 50 rpi neutral court game that any other mid major would kill for.
I think the Big Four thing sucks. I think Iowa and ISU should play Drake and UNI home and home. I can think of no reason they should not......except money.
Hell, for many, many years, ISU and Drake played home-and-home EVERY YEAR. That is, they played each other twice a year.
Of course, back then Drake played in a larger venue than ISU. And had a program that was at least as good, often better.
As far as "everything to lose, nothing to gain," that's ridiculous in basketball. You could say the same for virtually every non-conference game that ISU and Iowa plays. The year ISU went to the Elite Eight and finished 32-4, one of the losses was at Drake.
I would like to see the home and homes come back, but Iowa is certainly justified in not agreeing with me.
the main reasons are giving up a home date, possible negative rpi implications (particularly with drake) and less flexibility in scheduling.
the main reasons are giving up a home date, possible negative rpi implications (particularly with drake) and less flexibility in scheduling.
Agree with this. I would like to play UNI/DRAKE/ISU every single year, even if that meant home/homes.
I understand why the Classic can't be a real tournament (UNI/Drake same conference and all), but why can't Iowa play Drake one night, UNI the next?
I can understand why Iowa and ISU don't want to play at UNI when they get their own officials who don't know the difference between a block and a charge....and what not.
LC, Iowa and Drake also played twice each December for many years. Last time I believe was 1979, then they switched to once per season.
I am perfectly fine with the Big Four set up. As has been mentioned many times here in the past, we subsidize UNI's football program by playing them at Kinnick. No need to continue to help UNI or Drake's athletic departments by playing them in CF or DM. If neither are happy with the current set up, they have the right to terminate playing the Hawks or Clones when the current contract is over.
I am perfectly fine with the Big Four set up. As has been mentioned many times here in the past, we subsidize UNI's football program by playing them at Kinnick. No need to continue to help UNI or Drake's athletic departments by playing them in CF or DM. If neither are happy with the current set up, they have the right to terminate playing the Hawks or Clones when the current contract is over.
The same thing could be said about both Iowa and Iowa State dropping Drake and UNI in favor of the "Big Four Classic"
So this will allow Iowa to not play either of these teams for 21 years? I missed that in the scheduling talk somewhere. If you mean 'the same thing only different' then I can see where you are going with this. Nice work out of you.
So this will allow Iowa to not play either of these teams for 21 years? I missed that in the scheduling talk somewhere. If you mean 'the same thing only different' then I can see where you are going with this. Nice work out of you.
Why do you say the bolded part? Are they not part of the same University structure, or are you saying you, personally, just don't care?
The last two trips to Cedar Falls were an absolute flipping disgrace.
UNI has only itself to blame for ending the Iowa / UNI series.
UNI needs lessons in sportsmanship and courtesy to visitors times 1,000,000.
A public apology by the UNI AD to Fran and the U of Iowa for the 2011 trip would be a good start to mending relations.
UNI has only itself to blame for ending the Iowa / UNI series.
UNI needs lessons in sportsmanship and courtesy to visitors times 1,000,000.
A public apology by the UNI AD to Fran and the U of Iowa for the 2011 trip would be a good start to mending relations.
The whole reason the Big 4 came about was because there were some big wigs in Des Moines who were upset over the fact that the Wells Fargo Arena was built and no one was using it. Plus the amount of alumni in the area form all 4 schools is pretty large and I think the whole concept was a good idea, but the way it is set up is stupid. Iowa and ISU rotate who they play every other year?
I thought they should play Friday night games and then have championship and 3rd place games and make it more a tournament style. Granted its only 4 teams, at least it would make it more enjoyable. Like this year we would of gotten to see the UNI vs ISU game. Instead no one knows who the better team was because they never got to play. I would support doing that and dropping the home/home with ISU. I could care less if we play them in carver or Wells Fargo.
I do realize the issues of UNI and Drake playing, but if they meet oh well.
The way it should work is to maintain the current set-up, but whoever Iowa/ISU doesn't play, then they host that team at a different date. For example,
Iowa vs UNI / ISU vs Drake @ Big Four Classic
Then since Iowa and ISU play the MVC team they didn't face at home, and UNI and Drake just have to f***ing deal with it.
Drake at Iowa / UNI at ISU
That would be an absolute gift to UNI's (and Drake's) scheduling to play a neutral and a road top 50 team without having to leave the state, plus we wouldn't have to worry about UNI's AD screwing us over with the officiating crews.
Iowa vs UNI / ISU vs Drake @ Big Four Classic
Then since Iowa and ISU play the MVC team they didn't face at home, and UNI and Drake just have to f***ing deal with it.
Drake at Iowa / UNI at ISU
That would be an absolute gift to UNI's (and Drake's) scheduling to play a neutral and a road top 50 team without having to leave the state, plus we wouldn't have to worry about UNI's AD screwing us over with the officiating crews.
Nope 35.
What's wrong with having it be a "real" tournament setting. This sucks playing UNI one year and Drake the next. UNI had a great year this year and it helped Iowa's RPI this year. Next Drake isn't going to be that good and therefore will hurt Iowa's RPI next year.
If they can't do a normal tournament setting, I would favor going back to home and home games with both. UNI did nothing wrong in the past few games at Cedar Falls. Iowa just wasn't good enough.
If Iowa or Iowa State don't want to play at Cedar Falls or in the Knapp Center, do Friday night UNI vs ISU and Drake vs Iowa, then Saturday UNI vs Iowa and Drake vs ISU. Much better for the state of Iowa basketball than Iowa vs UMBC (4-26) or Iowa State vs MVSU (6-26). Better to play a very good mid-major than a poor lo-major. I'm sure UNI would much rather add one more quality team rather than play someone like Morgan State (7-24). As far as subsidizing UNI or Drake's athletic programs, better that than giving money to some out of state cupcake. It would be good for the basketball in the state of Iowa.
Originally posted by DavenportHawk8:
Nope 35.
What's wrong with having it be a "real" tournament setting. This sucks playing UNI one year and Drake the next. UNI had a great year this year and it helped Iowa's RPI this year. Next Drake isn't going to be that good and therefore will hurt Iowa's RPI next year.
If they can't do a normal tournament setting, I would favor going back to home and home games with both. UNI did nothing wrong in the past few games at Cedar Falls. Iowa just wasn't good enough.
IowaHawk is clearly not above being a butt head.
Just to put reasons behind my statement. I would sooner Iowa State never meet Iowa again rather than give them one more chance at their little "Superbowl", or whatever event they wish to pretend it is when playing Iowa.
And, I wouldn't mind playing Drake of UNI once a year if it was in Carver. I still recall the debacle at UNI when the refs were clearly cheating. Iowa doesn't need that in a game that matters little to our own success, we see it enough in the Big Ten.
I don't know why the U of I has to coddle these little siblings. If we stopped playing Iowa State it would not hurt us but I suspect it would damage their fan interest immensely. And frankly I'm to the point where anything that hurts their fan base is fine with me.
And UNI? This business of only returning to the PTL if we play some games in Waterloo. $$%% them! Let them try to start up their own league.
Imagine that -- a Hawk fan complaining about officiating after a loss. Surprise Surprise! I'm sure the opponents always get an even shake or better when coming into CHA.
Having said that, it does make more sense for Hawks and Clones to play Drake and UNI at CHA and at Hilton--if UNI and Drake want to play them so badly. I don't know average ticket prices, but I think Iowa and ISU could host, make a lot of money, and still give a chunk to Drake or UNI that is more than they would make at their own venues. Sure, Drake and UNI would love to have home court. But not enough seats, not enough money. Same reason Hawks don't go to UNI Dome for football.
Having said that, it does make more sense for Hawks and Clones to play Drake and UNI at CHA and at Hilton--if UNI and Drake want to play them so badly. I don't know average ticket prices, but I think Iowa and ISU could host, make a lot of money, and still give a chunk to Drake or UNI that is more than they would make at their own venues. Sure, Drake and UNI would love to have home court. But not enough seats, not enough money. Same reason Hawks don't go to UNI Dome for football.
Agree, those officials were no worse than what we get in the Big Ten most nights. I realize the charge call was crazy the last time we played at Cedar Falls, but to be honest most of them were charges. When you extend your off arm into the defender its going to get called. Marble and Iowa's guards didn't adjust to the way the game was being called and Fran got the boot for it.
You're on an Iowa board, you expect something else? And whomever called that last game at UNI a disgrace was spot on. If the Hawks never go back there I am 100% fine with that. It was disgusting. It was not bad officiating, it was blatantly dirty. BIG difference. They were calling charges before the UNI guy even did their $hitty flops. They deserve every cent of lost income. I will never forget that game. I was at first pissed, then just sat and watched in disbelief.
Blaming UNI for the calls going their way is absurd. Tell me how a school can sway the officials in such a way to determine the outcome in their favor? Like UNI has such pull with the NCAA....
Also, it may have helped if McCabe and Fran didn't get T'd up.
Posted from Rivals Mobile
Also, it may have helped if McCabe and Fran didn't get T'd up.
Posted from Rivals Mobile
I have to agree that last UNI home game against the Hawks was very dirty in my eyes as well. It's like all the refs were UNI grads and wanted IA to lose no matter what. I'm also glad Fran go away from that UNI home game just to prove that point; only if IA can somehow convince the B1G that MSU BB is really FB against IA BB team.
Just go watch that game. It's not hard to see the officials decided that game. Tie game was tied with 6-8 minutes to go. Iowa gets called for 6 straight fouls and 3 technicals. Give me a break.
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I remember the game pretty vividly as I was in attendance. It was a good game for the most part, but Iowa had so many lapses on the defensive end that allowed UNI to hang around. With about 7min left McCabe tries to drive to the bucket and he runs over a defender (Charge in most games). Then UNI comes down and Iowa tries a "flop" and it goes uncalled. I remember Fran coming unglued on that one, but personally seeing it live it was a flop. Then a couple trips go without anything and then I think Marble tries to drive at the elbow and he lowers his shoulder into the UNI defender and he goes down. They call a Charge in that situation and Fran came unglued and got T'd up.
Overall I seriously did not think it was that bad of officiating. Iowa guys were in a tough spot and instead of taking over, they wilted and started complaining and feeling sorry for themselves. Fran lost control and the players followed suit and that's why Iowa lost down the stretch. Have to be able to weather the storm at times. I think Fran has learned that.
Iowa dropping ISU will never happen. I would be in favor of having a midwest tournament at the Well in Des Moines. They could Hy-Vee or some other company to be the sponsor.
You could invite teams like ISU, Iowa, UNI, St Louis, NDSU, Tulsa, Bowling Green, and Marquette (just throwing teams out from different conferences). Have it set up like an actual tournament. If the teams meet, then great. If they don't, oh well. I just think that the Well needs to be used and the current set up of the Big 4 is losing its luster and pretty soon it won't be any fun.
I doubt it would work, but the way they currently set it up is stupid and I was a Fan at first, but now after seeing it run its pretty amateur. I would be in favor of going to actual tournament with games on Friday & Saturday or just dropping it and going back to home/home games with everyone.
Iowa's schedule for next year looks pretty good to start. The Orlando trip could have some tough games early on. I just hope Fran/AD don't schedule anymore Maryland Baltimore Counties, Alcorn States and what not. Stay away from the MEAC and the other small conferences. Schedule some decent teams to keep the RPI up there. We do not get the luxury of playing Cuse/Texas/UNI next year. So our RPI will already be taking a hit. Need to stay away from the teams that in the 300's. I know you can't tell who is going to be good or not, but look at this years results and see what they have coming back and try and schedule them.
You cannot be serious. Even if we were talking about football, your argument is nonsensical. In basketball it doesn't even rise to that level.
Playing at ISU can only help Iowa, no shame in losing there these days for anybody. It gets our team ready for playing in conference games on the road, as does the McLeod Center
- Sep 13, 2002
- 97,906
- 204,182
- 113
The Big 4 is a perfect compromise.
I'm sorry, but there is no reason at all that Iowa and Iowa State need to be giving charity to their non Power 5 brethren in the state. If they want the bonuses that come from playing the big boys, they need to do it on their terms.
I'm sorry, but there is no reason at all that Iowa and Iowa State need to be giving charity to their non Power 5 brethren in the state. If they want the bonuses that come from playing the big boys, they need to do it on their terms.
+1 If UNI and Drake don't want to play Iowa and ISU as a visitor to improve their SOS, that is their problem.
Lol Iowa and ISU aren't gonna stop playing each other anytime soon. Nor should they. Totally different from football, where you may have a case.
This post was edited on 3/27 10:43 AM by StormHawk42
This post was edited on 3/27 10:43 AM by StormHawk42
In football I would agree. But again, hoops is another breed of cat.
In basketball, I could see UI and ISU demanding that either they play a 2-for-1 or when the game is at Drake or UNI, the venue be the Wells Fargo or UNIdome, just purely from a financial standpoint.
But in terms of not playing them, as long as the big guys are schedule Maryland Dinah Shore and all those double-directional schools, there is no legitimate argument for ducking UNI and Drake.
Originally posted by Lone Clone:
You cannot be serious. Even if we were talking about football, your argument is nonsensical. In basketball it doesn't even rise to that level.
If I had the power I'd drop Iowa State from the schedule just as quick as I could. I'm dead serious. I've had enough of Cyclone fans to last me more years than I've got left.
And I'm certain the Clone fan base would cry for years that their Christmas was ruined. Good! Coal in the stockings for you Clones.
Last thing...to those saying this will never happen, well, duh! I also know we're not going to be allowed to bring bats and beat on Clone fans for fun. Just because I WANT something doesn't mean I think I'll get it.
