The case for keeping Fran, it's the recruiting.

[83Hawk]

No, as I said in my orignal post, only at Iowa would a retread get 17 years. The kid we brought in has nothing to do with Fran getting more time, it’s Iowa’s administration who’s content with the product. As long as we are close to break even financially, they won’t care. It’s sad, but I agree that Fran will be here for another couple years regardless of this seasons outcome because Iowa won’t put in the money to fix the issue.

I have been saying for years that the University administration really doesn’t care about athletics. “Good enough” is good enough.

 

[HawkeyeGenius]

Only recruit ranked higher in the last 20 years for Iowa is Tyler Smith.

 

[danny14]

Remember when Cmac and Pmac were top 100 recruits. How’d that work out for Iowa??

 

[TailgateTom]

We have who may be the best commit of Fran's time at Iowa coming in. There is also the Briscoe kid & Miami transfer. Traore could come back. Hit the portal for a PG & post. That's a salty salty squad. I'm coming around to this idea unless Iowa goes like 5-15 in the conference & guys bail.

Honestly, who cares? If these guys ARE that good, they'll only be here one year anyway. Cut Fran loose and anyone else that doesn't want to ride the new coach's train. It's more important to get a good coach--good coaches get/can develop good players.

 

[coorsoriginal02]

Because some of us are Iowa nice

Adorable. What a super Iowan you are.

 

[coorsoriginal02]

Well, I think it is obvious now that Fran isn’t leaving on his own, and I doubt he gets fired. He’ll be back next year and the year after…..signing Lewis bought him another 2 years at minimum.

Hawk fans who want Fran gone better resign themselves to that.

I have Iowa losing 8, maybe 9 of their last 12 to end this season. If the admin. has any respect for this program, they move forward without Fran.

 

[Mitch122]

Fran needs to consult with John Belein, who was on record admitting he had to hire someone to take over Michigan’s defensive philosophy.

We’ve all been saying that for like 8 years now. Fran is too stubborn and arrogant to ever consider that.

 

[TailgateTom]

Why wait?

 

[blubberhawk]

We have who may be the best commit of Fran's time at Iowa coming in. There is also the Briscoe kid & Miami transfer. Traore could come back. Hit the portal for a PG & post. That's a salty salty squad. I'm coming around to this idea unless Iowa goes like 5-15 in the conference & guys bail.

Is Lewis signed?

 

[Bierhalter]

View embedded media

What changed after May 2023?

 

[Rustys Dad]

The recent recruiting uptick is a new variable. I honestly can't believe they got Lewis.
If this is a continuing trend of upgrading the roster and the athleticism then I'm all for letting Fran stick it out and see what happens. I'm trying to wrap my head around how he landed Lewis. I hope someone gets a story of the committment.

Year 16 … 17 … 21…? Just how many years are some fans willing to give this average coach (.510 B10 winning percentage)… He still doesn’t coach defense … We had POY Garza … we had the Murray’s … it doesn’t matter who Fran brings in …. He can’t be gone soon enough

 

[Rustys Dad]

No, as I said in my orignal post, only at Iowa would a retread get 17 years. The kid we brought in has nothing to do with Fran getting more time, it’s Iowa’s administration who’s content with the product. As long as we are close to break even financially, they won’t care. It’s sad, but I agree that Fran will be here for another couple years regardless of this seasons outcome because Iowa won’t put in the money to fix the issue.

I disagree. I think Beth will finally - and thankfully - pull the plug on Fran and his .510 conference record and ZERO trios to Sweet 16…

There are ZERO reasons to keep this coach … ZERO … Excuses ended a few years ago … He’s a mediocre coach …

 

[HawkLogic]

View embedded media

Last of Fran's boys off the team, so he can recruit guys that would take playing time away from his boys.

 

[Ronman]

I disagree. I think Beth will finally - and thankfully - pull the plug on Fran and his .510 conference record and ZERO trios to Sweet 16…

There are ZERO reasons to keep this coach … ZERO … Excuses ended a few years ago … He’s a mediocre coach …

Just because you want him gone is not going to effect Beth one iota. And sorry, there is no way she is going to fire McCaffery after this season. If things really go South, she may do the same as she did for Brian and set some standards that he will be expected to meet. Now he may decide not to work under those conditions, but I wouldn't bet against it. I once thought he was going to leave after this season, but unless he is doing a reverse Davis, and recruiting for the next guy, I doubt he is going anywhere.
Look, I realize a lot of us are suffering from Fran fatigue, but he is a good man and humanitarian. He is involved with the community and the hospital. His players, who are to a man, decent young guys, love him. Our lack of attendance is not just an Iowa thing. It is pervasive over college basketball right now. Just watch a few games and you will see a lot of empty arenas for some big time schools.
In any event, if you are putting all of your eggs in the "fire fran" basket, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

 

[mizzy2442]

I disagree. I think Beth will finally - and thankfully - pull the plug on Fran and his .510 conference record and ZERO trios to Sweet 16…

There are ZERO reasons to keep this coach … ZERO … Excuses ended a few years ago … He’s a mediocre coach.

I hope you’re right.

 

[Max_Rebo]

We have who may be the best commit of Fran's time at Iowa coming in. There is also the Briscoe kid & Miami transfer. Traore could come back. Hit the portal for a PG & post. That's a salty salty squad. I'm coming around to this idea unless Iowa goes like 5-15 in the conference & guys bail.

I’m not so sure.

Based on who we have right now, I think four of our five starters for next year are a lock:

• Harding at PG
• Dix at SG
• Pryce at SF (or PF?)
• Freeman at C

The only question is who plays the other forward spot opposite Pryce. Could be Lewis, but it sounds like that would mean someone is playing out of position since both Lewis and Pryce are wings. Could also be Dembele, Traore, or one of the other new guys.

It’s probably not a terrible lineup, but it’s not going to move the needle much. Probably another bubble team.

The point is, unless we get a couple more major roster additions, what I’m seeing is still far from salty. Still very, very bland. And you just can’t count on any major roster additions.

And yes, I think Pryce is a lock to start next year. He’s been a part-time starter this year, he’s experienced, and he is the type of player Fran has always loved.

 

[Etalicus]

Fran is here until he decides to leave,.. accept it.

Unlike KF he doesn't have a big fan base he most definitely could be let go

 

[Rustys Dad]

Just because you want him gone is not going to effect Beth one iota. And sorry, there is no way she is going to fire McCaffery after this season. If things really go South, she may do the same as she did for Brian and set some standards that he will be expected to meet. Now he may decide not to work under those conditions, but I wouldn't bet against it. I once thought he was going to leave after this season, but unless he is doing a reverse Davis, and recruiting for the next guy, I doubt he is going anywhere.
Look, I realize a lot of us are suffering from Fran fatigue, but he is a good man and humanitarian. He is involved with the community and the hospital. His players, who are to a man, decent young guys, love him. Our lack of attendance is not just an Iowa thing. It is pervasive over college basketball right now. Just watch a few games and you will see a lot of empty arenas for some big time schools.
In any event, if you are putting all of your eggs in the "fire fran" basket, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

Fran will be gone. Period

 

[bansheexyz]

Yeah counterpoint: we lost to Richmond with Keegan Murray and Jordan Bohannon. Richmond would lose their next game by like 25.

 

[danny14]

Well, he has a contract for a few more years so until the big boosters decide they want him gone Fran will continue.
He doesn't have terrible teams, but they usually disappoint in the end. The AD will have to feel the heat before Fran does, unless he leaves due to family.

 

[jasonrann]

Only recruit ranked higher in the last 20 years for Iowa is Tyler Smith.

 

[TRHawkeye145]

Good one OP 🤣

 

[Mitch122]

Yeah, Fran can **** off and take all his recruits with him. I don’t care how good they’re projected to be. Iowa will be better off.

 

[LetsGoHawks83]

It's a complete dumpster fire. I could give 2 sh*ts who Fran is bringing in for recruits.

He's had a 2 time player of the year and multiple NBA players....and did JACK sh*t with them.

MOVE ON..

 

[Randall Stanhope]

Keep the good recruiting (Tristan Spurlock (as an assistant for the new coach)).

Get rid of the bad coaching (Fran).

 

[sm_hawkeye]

I’m not so sure.

Based on who we have right now, I think four of our five starters for next year are a lock:

• Harding at PG
• Dix at SG
• Pryce at SF (or PF?)
• Freeman at C

The only question is who plays the other forward spot opposite Pryce. Could be Lewis, but it sounds like that would mean someone is playing out of position since both Lewis and Pryce are wings. Could also be Dembele, Traore, or one of the other new guys.

It’s probably not a terrible lineup, but it’s not going to move the needle much. Probably another bubble team.

The point is, unless we get a couple more major roster additions, what I’m seeing is still far from salty. Still very, very bland. And you just can’t count on any major roster additions.

And yes, I think Pryce is a lock to start next year. He’s been a part-time starter this year, he’s experienced, and he is the type of player Fran has always loved.

Why in the world with pryce be a lock? And Harding might not finish this season starting. What a bad take.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Well, I think it is obvious now that Fran isn’t leaving on his own, and I doubt he gets fired. He’ll be back next year and the year after…..signing Lewis bought him another 2 years at minimum.

Hawk fans who want Fran gone better resign themselves to that.

Nah, in this day and age, I'll give you the year, but that's it.

Fran will get Doctor Tom'd if the result is anything less than the Sweet 16 next year.

 

[Max_Rebo]

Why in the world with pryce be a lock? And Harding might not finish this season starting. What a bad take.

Because Fran McCaffery is the coach. Or could possibly be. I’m on record that it’s time to move on, but if Fran returns, I absolutely think Pryce starts. Pryce is exactly the kind of player Fran has gravitated toward for his entire career. Past experience is always the best predictor for future results. Under Fran, an experienced shooter is always going to get the nod over an athletic newcomer.

And Harding starts because, at present, there’s no other option at PG.

Not saying I like it. Just drawing a picture of what another year under Fran would look like.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

View embedded media

I’d fking hope he can dribble lol

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Because Fran McCaffery is the coach. Or could possibly be. I’m on record that it’s time to move on, but if Fran returns, I absolutely think Pryce starts. Pryce is exactly the kind of player Fran has gravitated toward for his entire career. Past experience is always the best predictor for future results. Under Fran, an experienced shooter is always going to get the nod over an athletic newcomer.

And Harding starts because, at present, there’s no other option at PG.

Not saying I like it. Just drawing a picture of what another year under Fran would look like.

That alone should show him the door. New guy needs to clear out the roster and start over. The guys on the team can’t defend or rebound. Two pillars of winning in the B1G. And Fran hasn’t figured that out after 15 years. It’s been long enough, nothing is going to change with him and his idiotic coaching style of playing to out score the other team. It’s a losing proposition as we are seeing.

 

[Macbride79]

If Fran returns for next season, attendance at Carver will match Lickliter’s final season. There is a floor for how far attendance will drop — that floor will be reached next year if Fran is still the coach.

 

[TampaHawkfan]

Yeah, landing that top 40 recruit recently gave me slight (and I mean SLIGHT) pause regarding a coaching change. Then I watched tonight's game...

 

[sm_hawkeye]

Because Fran McCaffery is the coach. Or could possibly be. I’m on record that it’s time to move on, but if Fran returns, I absolutely think Pryce starts. Pryce is exactly the kind of player Fran has gravitated toward for his entire career. Past experience is always the best predictor for future results. Under Fran, an experienced shooter is always going to get the nod over an athletic newcomer.

And Harding starts because, at present, there’s no other option at PG.

Not saying I like it. Just drawing a picture of what another year under Fran would look like.

He’s also never had a recruiting class like this. And Fran doesn’t always care about natural position. He’s played 2 and 3s at one before. Even Fran isn’t stubborn enough to keep trying to make something work that doesn’t if it leads to continue loses. This could be one of Fran’s worst stretches after this season. I think he’ll be desperate next year if he doesn’t resign.

 

[Franisdaman]

Extend me...I mean, Fran!!!

what do you think, @RagnarLothbrok

 

[Franisdaman]

We have who may be the best commit of Fran's time at Iowa coming in. There is also the Briscoe kid & Miami transfer. Traore could come back. Hit the portal for a PG & post. That's a salty salty squad. I'm coming around to this idea unless Iowa goes like 5-15 in the conference & guys bail.

Still think that way?

 

[Franisdaman]

No. It will be year 16.

Yeah, I think his time is up.

But does Beth?

 

[Franisdaman]

Joshua Lewis commits to Iowa basketball, becoming one of top recruits in program history

Class of 2025 wing Joshua Lewis has committed to Iowa, becoming one of the best prospects the program has landed in the modern recruiting era.

www.hawkcentral.com

Lucky for these kids they can hop right back into the transfer portal

 

[Franisdaman]

Iowa's roster could be the Dream Team, all in their prime, and Fran would still only be able to coach them to an upper mid-pack conference finish and a heartbreaking loss in the round of 32.

Couple of seemingly real good gets in the last couple weeks, but those gets don't erase all his faults and non-accomplishments.

We couldn't even make a Sweet 16 with that #2 seed and Garza, Keegan, Kris & Weezy.

 

[Franisdaman]

Well, I think it is obvious now that Fran isn’t leaving on his own, and I doubt he gets fired. He’ll be back next year and the year after…..signing Lewis bought him another 2 years at minimum.

Hawk fans who want Fran gone better resign themselves to that.

another 2 years?

that won't go over well.

 

[Franisdaman]

I think Fran’s uptick in recruiting buys him consideration for being retained; he’s demonstrated a willingness to change the kinds of players he brings into the program.

However, I think Goetz needs to demand that if Fran is going to stay, he needs to bring on the equivalent of a defensive coordinator - a coach with a proven track record of developing highly effectives defenses. Like with the Brian Ferentz situation, you can’t have a head coach at Iowa refusing to fix a glaring weakness that’s been going on for years. If Fran balks at this, show him the door.

will Fran be back next season? or has Beth seen enough?