The Fran post game interview

[Macbride79]

He’s in his 13th year at Iowa and has never even gotten Iowa to a Sweet 16 but still has his job. You think he feels pressure? 😂😂

Who else in the Big 10 keeps him in this scenario? Answer: only one school and he works for them.

Agree 100% — a coach at a Power 5 school who is there 13 seasons without either at least a Sweet 16 appearance or a regular conference title will never happen again.

Yet with Barta as AD and the contract he gave to Fran, FM will be at Iowa until his youngest son graduates, which will be another 7 years.

 

[frydaze]

Agree 100% — a coach at a Power 5 school who is there 13 seasons without either at least a Sweet 16 appearance or a regular conference title will never happen again.

Yet with Barta as AD and the contract he gave to Fran, FM will be at Iowa until his youngest son graduates, which will be another 7 years.

It’s why I cancelled my season tickets this year after holding them for 27 years

 

[Pepperman]

It’s why I cancelled my season tickets this year after holding them for 27 years

But didn’t you just claim Iowa fans are at all-time high approval levels? I get what you mean (I think) but yet Carver isn’t filling up, isn’t a true HCA, and nobody seems to care. I actually think fan apathy has set in.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Between this loss and the death laser-eye stare technical for the refs, this season is pretty much consummate Fran

 

[KcTo]

He’s in his 13th year at Iowa and has never even gotten Iowa to a Sweet 16 but still has his job. You think he feels pressure? 😂😂

Who else in the Big 10 keeps him in this scenario? Answer: only one school and he works for them.

The definition of insanity, 13 yrs despite College POY, Lottery picks on same roster, can’t change his coaching tenets to take advantage of their play.

i don’t see any signs that this version of Frans teams play is any different, and possibly so bad it doesn’t make the NCAAs

 

[frydaze]

But didn’t you just claim Iowa fans are at all-time high approval levels? I get what you mean (I think) but yet Carver isn’t filling up, isn’t a true HCA, and nobody seems to care. I actually think fan apathy has set in.

wtf?

I do think Fran's approval rating among Iowa fans is as high as ever but if I was in that group why would I cancel my season tickets? I cancelled after last season because as hot as the team was heading into the tourney, I knew if he couldn't get a Sweet 16 team with that group he never would-- that's why I chose to be done.

Fan apathy has been around since the late Alford years.

 

[frydaze]

The definition of insanity, 13 yrs despite College POY, Lottery picks on same roster, can’t change his coaching tenets to take advantage of their play.

i don’t see any signs that this version of Frans teams play is any different, and possibly so bad it doesn’t make the NCAAs

Here's how I see it: Garza was phenomenal and Fran could never get him to a Sweet 16-- even with a talent like Weiskamp with him.

Between Garza's senior year, then last year the Wooden Award winner leading the way, then this year with another 1st rounder on the team, Fran will have one NCAA win in those three combined seasons. He basically wasted Keegan Murray's freshman year by having him come off the bench for less than 20 minutes a game.

Again, I ask: What other Big 10 school besides Iowa keeps a coach around 13 years who hasn't even gotten his team to a Sweet 16 during that time?

 

[RocknRollface]

He’s in his 13th year at Iowa and has never even gotten Iowa to a Sweet 16 but still has his job. You think he feels pressure? 😂😂

Who else in the Big 10 keeps him in this scenario? Answer: only one school and he works for them.

Maybe Northwestern, Penn State, Rutgers.

Traditional bottom feeders with un interested fan bases.

Iowa isn't quite as bad as those schools but does have a unique amount of patience for mediocrity.

There does seem to be a pretty obvious ceiling with Fran.

He gets mad when the rest of the league is physical with his teams but he won't adapt to it.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Fran has a leash because he brought Iowa back from the cavern of horrendous bball known as Lickliter ball so Barta has rewarded him for saving his arse after his terrible hire.

Fran is a good coach most of the time but he loses his mind playing players with others disappearing during the second half of games when they should be playing. I agree on Fran being blinded by Patrick his freshman year playing over Keegan. You put Keegan, Joe W, and Garza on the court early in the season to gain experience and I think you have a different outcome in the B1G and NCAA tourney.

Fran’s biggest issues are he doesn’t focus on defense and he can’t bring in the big dogs he goes after year after year when he recognizes them then the blue bloods step in and steal them at the end of the recruiting process. Very frustrating and tells me he’s reached his ceiling at Iowa until he brings in a defensive minded assistant that can also close the recruits to come to Iowa. Of course NIL will be a big factor in getting recruits to come to Iowa.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

That won't change anything.

The lack of defense is a culture problem.

Fran couldn't get Tyler Cook to play any defense in 3 years.

You’re right.

 

[frydaze]

Maybe Northwestern, Penn State, Rutgers.

Traditional bottom feeders with un interested fan bases.

Iowa isn't quite as bad as those schools but does have a unique amount of patience for mediocrity.

There does seem to be a pretty obvious ceiling with Fran.

He gets mad when the rest of the league is physical with his teams but he won't adapt to it.

I don't think Fran will ever get to a Sweet 16. Many reasons why. Iowa fans aren't demanding change so seems to be something very content for all.

One can beat up the Stave Alford era all they want, but I appreciated Bowlsby for wanting to take the basketball program to the next level, and why he decided to move on from Davis. Maybe Alford didn't work out, but because it didn't, most just became content with where Iowa basketball was at. The notion of ever taking the program to the next level has vanished. Fran prime example.

 

[dekhawk]

I don't think Fran will ever get to a Sweet 16. Many reasons why. Iowa fans aren't demanding change so seems to be something very content for all.

One can beat up the Stave Alford era all they want, but I appreciated Bowlsby for wanting to take the basketball program to the next level, and why he decided to move on from Davis. Maybe Alford didn't work out, but because it didn't, most just became content with where Iowa basketball was at. The notion of ever taking the program to the next level has vanished. Fran prime example.

Analysis paralysis has set in regarding Iowa basketball. Fear to make a change so settle for mediocrity.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

He doesn't give a shit. He's getting a fat paycheck with zero pressure.

Please go back in the hole you crawled out of.

 

[frydaze]

Analysis paralysis has set in regarding Iowa basketball. Fear to make a change so settle for mediocrity.

Yep, and all the while years pass and years pass. Fran remains the coach for another 8+ years, continues to take Iowa down a path of average basketball, no tourney exploits, and nothing gained.

In 13 years Fran's biggest achievement at Iowa is winning one Big 10 tourney-- and people used to give Alford shit about claiming this and Alford had two of them.

 

[eyesofhawk]

The definition of insanity, 13 yrs despite College POY, Lottery picks on same roster, can’t change his coaching tenets to take advantage of their play.

i don’t see any signs that this version of Frans teams play is any different, and possibly so bad it doesn’t make the NCAAs

Wait, wasn't Ferentz supposed to be insane too?

Barta employs two insane coaches? He must be in pretty rough shape mentally himself

 

[eyesofhawk]

I don't think Fran will ever get to a Sweet 16. Many reasons why. Iowa fans aren't demanding change so seems to be something very content for all.

One can beat up the Stave Alford era all they want, but I appreciated Bowlsby for wanting to take the basketball program to the next level, and why he decided to move on from Davis. Maybe Alford didn't work out, but because it didn't, most just became content with where Iowa basketball was at. The notion of ever taking the program to the next level has vanished. Fran prime example.

"Fans demanding change." Lol. Get over yourselves.

Nobody wants to live in the toxic state that was Iowa this football season. Nobody cares about your bleeding vaginas

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Injuries are tough, but Fran had to know that he needed another 4/5 in the off season, but didn't land one. I thought we were making progress defensively, especially on the perimeter, but this game suggests otherwise. There is no denying that Fran has been a failure in the NCAA tourney. His coaching resume is pretty good, if you ignore that serious deficiency. Winning the BTT last year was a start, but if playing with a different basketball is your reason for losing in the dance, that is weak.

The incoming recruiting class might be Fran's best, although he continues to get in early on stud recruits, only to be nudged out at the end, usually by blue blood programs. If Kris and/or Connor are out for additional games, this season could go down the toilet very fast. We need to win in Lincoln on the 29th. I still think this team can finish in the top half of the Big Ten, but only with a healthy team. If Fran again fails to get a portal big man in the off-season, I will move much closer to those calling for a new coach.

 

[dekhawk]

"Fans demanding change." Lol. Get over yourselves.

Nobody wants to live in the toxic state that was Iowa this football season. Nobody cares about your bleeding vaginas

It’s year 13, how many do you want to give him?

 

[eyesofhawk]

It’s year 13, how many do you want to give him?

It's not up to me

 

[Hawk_4shur]

The highs and lows on this board are pretty interesting.

I feel the same way about Fran as coach today as I did before the EI game. An embarrassing loss for sure, but to put it all on Fran is foolish. The players didn't show up (yes, I know it's Fran's job to get them ready, but the players still have to take most of the responsibility in this 1 game disaster).

Fran's a pretty good coach and an average recruiter. He struck gold 3 times with Garza and the Murray's, but just too many average players on the roster around them. Each year he puts together a team of complimentary players - guys that could be valuable on other teams, but not when they are all on the same team.

Do I want Fran gone? Yeah, it would be nice to try something else. Do I expect markedly different results? Not really.

 

[Herklejerk]

Who else in the Big 10 keeps him in this scenario? Answer: only one school and he works for them.

Northwestern, Penn State, Nebraska, Rutgers, and maybe Minnesota. The other 8 programs...no freaking way.

Our peer programs -- reality.

 

[GOHOX69]

Please go back in the hole you crawled out of.

Ok Gary. Now go get your teeth fixed.

 

[SI_NYC]

He doesn't give a shit. He's getting a fat paycheck with zero pressure.

I'm guessing you just described yourself thus thinking everyone is like that. Why don't you post your linkedin page so we can judge you for your half ass accomplishments.

 

[GOHOX69]

I'm guessing you just described yourself thus thinking everyone is like that. Why don't you post your linkedin page so we can judge you for your half ass accomplishments.

Why don't you get bent?

 

[SI_NYC]

You don't fire a coach that has finished well in the Big Ten the past 4 years. Yesterday was an awful game, but folks need to pump the brakes on the idea of getting a new coach. How quick you forget about the Lickliter years. Fans need to pony up the cash to buy better players or except that most top end players don't want to live in Iowa.


Iowa's Big Ten Finish
'22- 4th
'21 - 3rd
'20 - 5th
'19 - 6th

 

[SI_NYC]

Why don't you get bent?

I bent over your mom last night.

 

[hawkjt]

I am reaching the same place I was with Dr Tom.
Love the high paced style but losing faith that we will put together a full roster of two way players who are capable of excelling at a high level in that style.
Not quite there yet but Fran needs to re-shape this roster in short order.

 

[KcTo]

You don't fire a coach that has finished well in the Big Ten the past 4 years. Yesterday was an awful game, but folks need to pump the breaks on the idea of getting a new coach. How quick you forget about the Lickliter years. Fans need to pony up the cash to buy better players or except that most top end players don't want to live in Iowa.


Iowa's Big Ten Finish
'22- 4th
'21 - 3rd
'20 - 5th
'19 - 6th

Nobody should want Fran fired,

we want Fran to emphasize defense, rebounding.

 

[GOHOX69]

I bent over your mom last night.

Wow. Such originality. Pretty impressive for an idiot.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

The highs and lows on this board are pretty interesting.

I feel the same way about Fran as coach today as I did before the EI game. An embarrassing loss for sure, but to put it all on Fran is foolish. The players didn't show up (yes, I know it's Fran's job to get them ready, but the players still have to take most of the responsibility in this 1 game disaster).

Fran's a pretty good coach and an average recruiter. He struck gold 3 times with Garza and the Murray's, but just too many average players on the roster around them. Each year he puts together a team of complimentary players - guys that could be valuable on other teams, but not when they are all on the same team.

Do I want Fran gone? Yeah, it would be nice to try something else. Do I expect markedly different results? Not really.

You’re basically saying what I have been saying for two years.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Wow. Such originality. Pretty impressive for an idiot.

What was your first clue he was an idiot?

but folks need to pump the breaks

🤔

But hey, Fran finished 3rd in the B1G Ten with the NPOTY, a future 2nd round draft pick, and a future lottery pick, so you’re just a cacapoopoohead who don’t know diddly squat.

 

[SI_NYC]

Wow. Such originality. Pretty impressive for an idiot.

The 'get bent' was also original. You must be writer.

 

[GOHOX69]

The 'get bent' was also original. You must be writer.

You must not know grammar.
You must be writer, eh? Rich.

 

[HawkHoops80]

Between Garza's senior year, then last year the Wooden Award winner leading the way, then this year with another 1st rounder on the team, Fran will have one NCAA win in those three combined seasons.

To be a little fair, one of the 3 seasons you're arguing for didn't have a tournament so I'm not sure how you can hold that against him.
Fran's 3-2 as the higher rated seed whereas he's 1-4 as the underdogs/equal seed. I do wonder how Fran would be viewed by fans if they would have pulled off that Tennessee upset. Obviously it wouldn't change how disappointing these past 2 tournament losses were, but I think fans would give him a little more leniency.

 

[fivecardstud14]

The sky is falling! Fran doesn't care anymore! I don't watch basketball but I'll give my opinion anyway!

 

[Ronman]

Can we re-label this thread "The I've Lost All Perspective" Thread

 

[hawkeyekid]

It’s crazy you or GoHox don’t think Fran feels pressure. Fran’s a fierce competitor. You can critique his philosophy but you can’t critique his desire to win.

Fran feels so much pressure that his teams have failed to improve defensively. He's never coached a sweet 16 game.

What year can we start wondering if Fran is the right guy?

 

[DewHawk]

"Fans demanding change." Lol. Get over yourselves.

Nobody wants to live in the toxic state that was Iowa this football season. Nobody cares about your bleeding vaginas

you really are a toxic person and need help

 

[SI_NYC]

Fran feels so much pressure that his teams have failed to improve defensively. He's never coached a sweet 16 game.

What year can we start wondering if Fran is the right guy?

What are your expectations? Do you think Iowa is easy to recruit to?

 

[frydaze]

To be a little fair, one of the 3 seasons you're arguing for didn't have a tournament so I'm not sure how you can hold that against him.
Fran's 3-2 as the higher rated seed whereas he's 1-4 as the underdogs/equal seed. I do wonder how Fran would be viewed by fans if they would have pulled off that Tennessee upset. Obviously it wouldn't change how disappointing these past 2 tournament losses were, but I think fans would give him a little more leniency.

We lost in Garza’s senior year in the second game. Last year we list to Richmond in opening round. This year likely no tourney at all.