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

will Fran be back next season? or has Beth seen enough?
Stay tuned, we'll be right back...

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another 2 years?

that won't go over well. ;)
Next year because of the players coming in, and 1 more year because Lewis is only a freshman and needs another year to get up to speed. That will be the narrative, anyway. Especially if the Hawks win a game or two more than this season.

I could be wrong.
 
The recruiting class would have to be much better than what's coming AND Fran would have to make major changes in how he coaches now (like sitting guys for not playing D) before I could be swayed to consider him coming back is a good idea.
Since none of that is happening, and I have zero influence over what the AD and university pres do with Fran, I'll keep not watching their games and be less interested in the outcomes.
 
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Next year because of the players coming in, and 1 more year because Lewis is only a freshman and needs another year to get up to speed. That will be the narrative, anyway. Especially if the Hawks win a game or two more than this season.

I could be wrong.

everyone is trying to read into Fran's body language (honestly, I think Beth made it clear what's expected during games)
 
everyone is trying to read into Fran's body language (honestly, I think Beth made it clear what's expected during games)
Once upon a time, I argued that some of Fran's on-court antics were more likely to get him on the hot seat than his win-loss record. I'm not sure I still believe that, but I said it.
 
The recruiting class would have to be much better than what's coming AND Fran would have to make major changes in how he coaches now (like sitting guys for not playing D) before I could be swayed to consider him coming back is a good idea.
Since none of that is happening, and I have zero influence over what the AD and university pres do with Fran, I'll keep not watching their games and be less interested in the outcomes.
I will keep watching because I guess I like misery. But I absolutely have lost my passion under McCaffery for Iowa BBall. I just watch well and swear once in awhile at the TV.
 
Sorry to disappoint you Margaret … if you still defend this coach you are one of about 7 fans - not counting the Mc family ….
I'm not defending McCaffery. I am just a realist that understands that just because I really, really want something, it won't necessarily happen for me. If you're not old enough to realize this, I will simply state that you are in for a world of disappointment.
 
Maybe this has been noted already in this thread, but it's not a good case for keeping Fran. Guys in, Guys out. With the transfer portal and NIL, a good recruiting class is not a reason to keep a coach. These days, you only have them for one year. And if they bolt for what they see as greener pastures, and some will, even if Fran were to stay, you get someone else. Some school that we're vaguely familiar with has feasted on doing this very thing. No, there are other larger issues/options at play; I doubt Fran will be back next year.
 
I'm not defending McCaffery. I am just a realist that understands that just because I really, really want something, it won't necessarily happen for me. If you're not old enough to realize this, I will simply state that you are in for a world of disappointment.
I am a fan of 45+ years (and I am in my 50s) … and used to be on the local IClub board … I understand life my friend …. Fran’s departure is inevitable. Fan apathy growing like weeds… blow out losses … zero Sweet 16s … Year 16 and a .510
conference record. It doesn’t matter what I want … Fran will be rightfully fired (finally)…. And enlighten us why you think BG would dare bring him back when apathy is edging very close to Lick years….So with your wisdom - how many years does Fran get? 17, 18, 21 years? Because Fran’s going to turn the corner … Would you bring him back? If so - please (again) enlighten us as to why?
 
Maybe this has been noted already in this thread, but it's not a good case for keeping Fran. Guys in, Guys out. With the transfer portal and NIL, a good recruiting class is not a reason to keep a coach. These days, you only have them for one year. And if they bolt for what they see as greener pastures, and some will, even if Fran were to stay, you get someone else. Some school that we're vaguely familiar with has feasted on doing this very thing. No, there are other larger issues/options at play; I doubt Fran will be back next year.
Fran will be gone … and I have zero concern if players leave etc. it’s worth it in the long run to stop this bleeding into mediocrity with this coach
 
everyone is trying to read into Fran's body language (honestly, I think Beth made it clear what's expected during games)
uhhhh ... what body language?!?

Sitting on the bench or just standing there with your hands in your pockets is about as 'mute' for body language as one can get.
 
everyone is trying to read into Fran's body language (honestly, I think Beth made it clear what's expected during games)
I don't think too many AD's micro-manage a coach's personality... It is who they are. Most of us probably enjoyed Volcano Fran over Life Support Fran! It's what made him interesting to watch.

pre-2024-25 Fran
Black Friday Reaction GIF by Arrow Video
dog trainer GIF
24-25 Fran
 
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Fran will be gone … and I have zero concern if players leave etc. it’s worth it in the long run to stop this bleeding into mediocrity with this coach
I don’t think there is any question that Fran has lost the majority of the fan base.
Of course, I don’t have actual numbers to back that up……but I don’t think I’m wrong.
 
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.
There’s no way we’re allowed to come back with that lineup next year.
 
Watching Iowa basketball used to be one of my favorite things to do. Now I don’t watch at all. I don’t think I’m alone. Fran has to go so we can get life back into this program.
I'm the same way, I live for November to March and Iowa basketball. but since the emergence of NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring the dynamics have changed big time in college basketball. No longer can a coach like Fran recruit 3 and 4 star high school players and expect to develop them before they contribute and maybe play good enough to make the tournament.
Now NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring is used to stock college teams with junior, senior, and five year experienced players that pretty much makes teams like Iowa that is coached by a developmental coach obsolete and to make matters worse for Iowa, Fran is not a coach that can attract the high level players that the blue bloods and aggressive college coaches can recruit. That's just the optics that Fran is up against. All the more reason that Fran has to go. He wasn't able to compete against the better coaches before NIL, the portal, and unlimited transferring and now he's really behind the eight ball.
 
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