I’ll give him fantastic eye for talent. But not a fantastic recruiter. So many times he’s identified kids as freshman or sophomores that he offers and then they blow up and go elsewhere. Cook and Garza are the only major recruits he’s closed the deal on that didn’t have Iowa ties so far.
Agree, he tends to be in early with guys that end up being very good. Hopefully more of those guys end up coming to Iowa (need only 1-2 per year).
You might also suggest that although Fran didn't land Tyler Ulis, the way he handled his recruitment and the grace when we lost him literally the last few days to Kentucky, put Iowa in good stead with the family to land Ahron, who may turn out to be a very solid player himself now that his wrist is healthy.
Game atmosphere has got to be one. Carver can be kind of a turd sometimes whereas Hilton's atmosphere has its own marketable nickname.
I suspect UNC is no longer in the running for Nickel. Technically, they are out of scholarships for 2022, but there is the assumption that there will be some premature attrition. How much is speculative, but a minimum of two is the prevailing opinion. That said, he isn't a critical need, and UNC has some targets a bit higher on their recruiting board than Nickel. I imagine Coach Davis' attention will not be focused on him. If they miss on the elite prospects, there is always the transfer portal next spring. If there is local competition for Nickel, I imagine it will be Va Tech. Among other things, they are only a couple of hours down I-81 from Elkton.
Good points. If it plays out that way, I feel better going up against VT than UNC. Proximity to his hometown could be a significant obstacle for us.
We weren’t getting him even if Duke had not offered
Gotcha now, and totally agree. He liked Fran and the visit was a free trip and a tip of the cap to Fran and staff for the relationship, the pity first date if you will "you're a great guy and all, but this isn't going to work out. "
I think Fran is still improving as a recruiter. Each year he stays and wins is another notch in his belt to prove his stability and success story. This year he can sell the fact he had two players drafted in the NBA, not many programs can say that. He’s definitely improved since the disastrous year of Wagner/Williams et al.
I believe that in the end the home state school is the biggest competition/threat. AGAIN Fran identified and got in on this young man early, has established a great relationship, told him that Joe W’s role is how he would fit. Joe gets drafted and we have a lot in our favor. Of course the kid has just killed it this summer…..
You are probably right but it has to be frustrating to Fran and staff to work so hard only to have the blue bloods sweep in late and get these kids with an offer. Relationships be damned. I commend Fran for trying though.
It’s part of his job. Just like any salesman. You hear no a lot and I am sure he has kind of gotten use to the process, like most coaches
But he's hearing "no" from a much better class of players these days. Still hurts to be the bridesmaid (or worse) over and over, but at least he's getting some of these better players on campus for a visit. Maybe other players notice that.
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FYI, UNC is keeping mum on the date of Nickel's OV, however Whitmore is visiting on Aug 22nd & 23rd. Whitmore also has a later visit to Illinois, and has visited Villanova and Maryland. I haven't seen a mention of Notre Dame or Louisville. Regardless, keep an eye on Whitmore. If UNC wows him with the visit, and he commits, then Nickel will likely be deciding between VT and Iowa.This is really good information (an anomaly on this board aside from my extraordinary posts
Please keep them coming as you learn more. Nickel would be a great get for IA.
