UNI (9-1) visits Grand Canyon U Thursday and...

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

At the opposite end of the environment at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is a gym out in Phoenix. National media say Grand Canyon's 7,000-seat arena, which is sold out for the UNI game tomorrow night and most of the season, is one of the great atmospheres in college basketball:

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"GCU created college basketball's rowdiest secret with stunning quickness. ... home to possibly the best student section in college basketball. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. Kansas has the Phog. GCU has the Havocs." - Andrew Joseph, USA Today

"The excitement level has risen, turning the 7,000-seat arena into one of college basketball’s rowdiest environments." - New York Times

"I can't remember a more electric pregame atmosphere ... I'd hate to be a visiting player here." - Vince Marotta, Arizona Sports

"Thunder Dan has that place rocking." - Jeff Goodman, ESPN.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

But Iowa can't get anywhere near that atmosphere, instead being content with the snooze fest that is Carver. Again, this GCU phenomenon seems to show that Iowa is, as usual under GB, really, really failing. And if Iowa wanted to maximize the atmosphere at Carver, maybe it should send GB and somebody who cares to Phoenix and find out how a no-name school like Grand Canyon has created such a fabulous home court advantage. But then I have no idea if the soft serve is any good at all....

BTW: Iowa basketball should play UNI every season. It's petty and foolish to play UNI in football but not in basketball. IMHO, of course.

 

[hexumhawk]

I have seen some film from games there and it looks like a lot of fun. Also, I had the assumption that GCU was located somewhere in northern AZ and it actually is located in north Phoenix!

 

[unoHawkeye]

Actually been to a GCU game before. Place is rocking - best CBB experience I’ve had

csb

 

[Ihawkhoops]

I am all for the student giveaways, but apply common sense. A layup = 1 month rent, a free throw = 3 month's rent but a half court shot = $150? A length of the court putt = $10.00 goody bag of crap?

If the students don't care then shift some of these promotions to the fans who actually come to the games. Do some random seat # drawings for free tickets to an upcoming game, concessions gift cards or allow people to move down to the unoccupied VIP seats. It's comical to watch the t-shirt rationing when the air cannon comes out. I am sure there are 200 boxes of t-shirts that cost the university .75 cents each but they can only shoot / throw 10 per side of CHA.

Good thing these folks hide in the bureaucracy of the university system vs. work in the real world. Anyone who gave a crap and had an ounce of initiative would try to resurrect some semblance of a CHA atmosphere by putting more butts in seats if nothing else.

 

[Call me rocket]

I have seen some film from games there and it looks like a lot of fun. Also, I had the assumption that GCU was located somewhere in northern AZ and it actually is located in north Phoenix!

yep, me too. Small intimate arena. Cool

 

[Crazy Hawk]

Right or wrong...when I think of Grand Canyon University I think of University of Phoenix (online).

No reason whatsoever...I just do.

 

[Legend12]

Right or wrong...when I think of Grand Canyon University I think of University of Phoenix (online).

No reason whatsoever...I just do.

Imagine my surprise when driving in Mesa one day and seeing an Upper Iowa location down there.

GO PEACOCKS!

 

[Kabby]

At the opposite end of the environment at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is a gym out in Phoenix. National media say Grand Canyon's 7,000-seat arena, which is sold out for the UNI game tomorrow night and most of the season, is one of the great atmospheres in college basketball:

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"GCU created college basketball's rowdiest secret with stunning quickness. ... home to possibly the best student section in college basketball. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. Kansas has the Phog. GCU has the Havocs." - Andrew Joseph, USA Today

"The excitement level has risen, turning the 7,000-seat arena into one of college basketball’s rowdiest environments." - New York Times

"I can't remember a more electric pregame atmosphere ... I'd hate to be a visiting player here." - Vince Marotta, Arizona Sports

"Thunder Dan has that place rocking." - Jeff Goodman, ESPN.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

But Iowa can't get anywhere near that atmosphere, instead being content with the snooze fest that is Carver. Again, this GCU phenomenon seems to show that Iowa is, as usual under GB, really, really failing. And if Iowa wanted to maximize the atmosphere at Carver, maybe it should send GB and somebody who cares to Phoenix and find out how a no-name school like Grand Canyon has created such a fabulous home court advantage. But then I have no idea if the soft serve is any good at all....

BTW: Iowa basketball should play UNI every season. It's petty and foolish to play UNI in football but not in basketball. IMHO, of course.

as long as they come to Iowa City, same as the football team we sure can. Forget going to Cedar Falls anytime soon.

 

[squeezebox]

Right or wrong...when I think of Grand Canyon University I think of University of Phoenix (online).

No reason whatsoever...I just do.

Absolutely called for, it's a for profit university

 

[iahawks10]

I am all for the student giveaways, but apply common sense. A layup = 1 month rent, a free throw = 3 month's rent but a half court shot = $150? A length of the court putt = $10.00 goody bag of crap?

If the students don't care then shift some of these promotions to the fans who actually come to the games. Do some random seat # drawings for free tickets to an upcoming game, concessions gift cards or allow people to move down to the unoccupied VIP seats. It's comical to watch the t-shirt rationing when the air cannon comes out. I am sure there are 200 boxes of t-shirts that cost the university .75 cents each but they can only shoot / throw 10 per side of CHA.

Good thing these folks hide in the bureaucracy of the university system vs. work in the real world. Anyone who gave a crap and had an ounce of initiative would try to resurrect some semblance of a CHA atmosphere by putting more butts in seats if nothing else.

I could be wrong here and please correct me if I am, but it’s used to be a $50 half court shot that rolls over if unmade. Pretty sure that’s how they do it. A $50 Scheels gift card, that goes to $100 if unmade and so on.

They have different groups donating/promoting so that’s where we’re seeing the disparity. It’s also funny that people bitch because the games are boring for the students. Then people bitch because the prizes are a joke when they try and improve the atmosphere. I guess the common theme is that people just like to bitch.

 

[CalmHawk]

as long as they come to Iowa City, same as the football team we sure can. Forget going to Cedar Falls anytime soon.

Yep, no need to get hosed at that place again. It was the most obvious homer job I have ever seen in a college game.

 

[Run&Blade]

Yep, no need to get hosed at that place again. It was the most obvious homer job I have ever seen in a college game.

Yup. Uni paid off the refs. One ref willingly risked his career, which includes multiple final 4 jobs.

 

[iahawks10]

Yup. Uni paid off the refs. One ref willingly risked his career, which includes multiple final 4 jobs.

Career or side job?

 

[iahawks10]

I also like the ‘multiple final fours’ angle. Ted Valentine has done 10 final fours. Let’s keep things in perspective here.

 

[baddog25]

 

[mtdew_fever]

Definitely not a career, but making over $1000 per game isn't all bad.


QUOTE="iahawks10, post: 7177910, member: 85331"]Career or side job?[/QUOTE]

 

[Run&Blade]

Career or side job?

John Higgins.
He was one of the refs.
7 Final Fours.

I am sure UNI scraped up the money to bribe the refs. Frans antics that night were obviously far different than anything he has ever done in the past.

 

[iahawks10]

Definitely not a career, but making over $1000 per game isn't all bad.


QUOTE="iahawks10, post: 7177910, member: 85331"]Career or side job?

John Higgins.
He was one of the refs.
7 Final Fours.

I am sure UNI scraped up the money to bribe the refs. Frans antics that night were obviously far different than anything he has ever done in the past.

Ted Valentine - 10 Final Fours
Not sure the point.

I’m not saying it’s not good money and isn’t a career for some. For John “Hollywood” Higgins it is a side job. I would suggest his career is in his roofing and siding business, wouldn’t you?

Also, no, I don’t believe UNI had any influence in that shit show robbery that night. It was just a group of officials (Bo Boroski being another) who had a bad night. But irrefutable, a bad night they had is without debate.


I can’t remember any other game where Fran was escorted off the court by police, can you? Please share if you do. Think about that for a second. Let that sink in a little. Would you ever go back there?

 

[TheTruthTheWholeTruth]

Iowa has the 14th rated home court advantage per
Ken Pom. Doesn’t Iowa have a higher winning % at Carver than ISU does at Hilton since they started playing in their respective buildings?

 

[Run&Blade]

Ted Valentine - 10 Final Fours
Not sure the point.

I’m not saying it’s not good money and isn’t a career for some. For John “Hollywood” Higgins it is a side job. I would suggest his career is in his roofing and siding business, wouldn’t you?

Also, no, I don’t believe UNI had any influence in that shit show robbery that night. It was just a group of officials (Bo Boroski being another) who had a bad night. But irrefutable, a bad night they had is without debate.


I can’t remember any other game where Fran was escorted off the court by police, can you? Please share if you do. Think about that for a second. Let that sink in a little. Would you ever go back there?

fran has gotten ejected twice at UNI. Frans reputation speaks for itself in terms of sideline behavior.

 

[iahawks10]

fran has gotten ejected twice at UNI. Frans reputation speaks for itself in terms of sideline behavior.

The same could be said for your boy John Higgins too. Or is it common for referees to sue (unsuccessfully) radio stations for their commentary of his poor officiating?

 

[iahawks10]

View embedded media

They didn’t effect Peter Jok.

 

[Crazy Hawk]

Imagine my surprise when driving in Mesa one day and seeing an Upper Iowa location down there.

GO PEACOCKS!

We're everywhere my man!

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

At the opposite end of the environment at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is a gym out in Phoenix. National media say Grand Canyon's 7,000-seat arena, which is sold out for the UNI game tomorrow night and most of the season, is one of the great atmospheres in college basketball:

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"GCU created college basketball's rowdiest secret with stunning quickness. ... home to possibly the best student section in college basketball. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. Kansas has the Phog. GCU has the Havocs." - Andrew Joseph, USA Today

"The excitement level has risen, turning the 7,000-seat arena into one of college basketball’s rowdiest environments." - New York Times

"I can't remember a more electric pregame atmosphere ... I'd hate to be a visiting player here." - Vince Marotta, Arizona Sports

"Thunder Dan has that place rocking." - Jeff Goodman, ESPN.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

But Iowa can't get anywhere near that atmosphere, instead being content with the snooze fest that is Carver. Again, this GCU phenomenon seems to show that Iowa is, as usual under GB, really, really failing. And if Iowa wanted to maximize the atmosphere at Carver, maybe it should send GB and somebody who cares to Phoenix and find out how a no-name school like Grand Canyon has created such a fabulous home court advantage. But then I have no idea if the soft serve is any good at all....

BTW: Iowa basketball should play UNI every season. It's petty and foolish to play UNI in football but not in basketball. IMHO, of course.

I have no problem playing UNI every year as well, but only if the game is in Iowa City. Otherwise, no way.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

At the opposite end of the environment at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is a gym out in Phoenix. National media say Grand Canyon's 7,000-seat arena, which is sold out for the UNI game tomorrow night and most of the season, is one of the great atmospheres in college basketball:

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"GCU created college basketball's rowdiest secret with stunning quickness. ... home to possibly the best student section in college basketball. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. Kansas has the Phog. GCU has the Havocs." - Andrew Joseph, USA Today

"The excitement level has risen, turning the 7,000-seat arena into one of college basketball’s rowdiest environments." - New York Times

"I can't remember a more electric pregame atmosphere ... I'd hate to be a visiting player here." - Vince Marotta, Arizona Sports

"Thunder Dan has that place rocking." - Jeff Goodman, ESPN.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

But Iowa can't get anywhere near that atmosphere, instead being content with the snooze fest that is Carver. Again, this GCU phenomenon seems to show that Iowa is, as usual under GB, really, really failing. And if Iowa wanted to maximize the atmosphere at Carver, maybe it should send GB and somebody who cares to Phoenix and find out how a no-name school like Grand Canyon has created such a fabulous home court advantage. But then I have no idea if the soft serve is any good at all....

BTW: Iowa basketball should play UNI every season. It's petty and foolish to play UNI in football but not in basketball. IMHO, of course.

Moving the student section is not going to change their attitude towards basketball........


How's that sound. Thanks everyone for playing. Good talk as usual.

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

I am all for the student giveaways, but apply common sense. A layup = 1 month rent, a free throw = 3 month's rent but a half court shot = $150? A length of the court putt = $10.00 goody bag of crap?

If the students don't care then shift some of these promotions to the fans who actually come to the games. Do some random seat # drawings for free tickets to an upcoming game, concessions gift cards or allow people to move down to the unoccupied VIP seats. It's comical to watch the t-shirt rationing when the air cannon comes out. I am sure there are 200 boxes of t-shirts that cost the university .75 cents each but they can only shoot / throw 10 per side of CHA.

Good thing these folks hide in the bureaucracy of the university system vs. work in the real world. Anyone who gave a crap and had an ounce of initiative would try to resurrect some semblance of a CHA atmosphere by putting more butts in seats if nothing else.

Our marketing department is out wandering in the wilderness and has been for a very long time. Clueless and lost.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Our marketing department is out wandering n the wilderness and has been for a very long time. Clueless and lost.

Our marketing department should copy what Grand Canyon University is doing.........................................................

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

We can’t be so afraid to play in Cedar Falls or to play Drake in Des Moines.

They’re both good rivalry games & tough road tests for Iowa & ISU.

I think it’s lame that both schools are too scared to play them on the road.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

We can’t be so afraid to play in Cedar Falls or to play Drake in Des Moines.

They’re both good rivalry games & tough road tests for Iowa & ISU.

I think it’s lame that both schools are too scared to play them on the road.

They're too scared of getting jobbed just so the smaller schools can have a chance like in the 2012 game.

 

[mtdew_fever]

What happened 30 years ago means nothing now. I think using the most recent 5-10 years makes more sense. Even then, it's a complete different set of players.

Iowa has the 14th rated home court advantage per
Ken Pom. Doesn’t Iowa have a higher winning % at Carver than ISU does at Hilton since they started playing in their respective buildings?

 

[rbh74]

We can’t be so afraid to play in Cedar Falls or to play Drake in Des Moines.

They’re both good rivalry games & tough road tests for Iowa & ISU.

I think it’s lame that both schools are too scared to play them on the road.

I'd rather play Cincinnati or Depaul.

 

[TouchdownMyPants]

“It’s all about the students. We can never lose sight of their importance to an atmosphere. they are the reason college basketball exists”

- No IOWA administrator ever

 

[L. Wade Childress]

We can’t be so afraid to play in Cedar Falls or to play Drake in Des Moines.

They’re both good rivalry games & tough road tests for Iowa & ISU.

I think it’s lame that both schools are too scared to play them on the road.

you have to be trolling at this point. Iowa schedules well and has little flexibility.

 

[papabeef]

Ted Valentine - 10 Final Fours
Not sure the point.

I’m not saying it’s not good money and isn’t a career for some. For John “Hollywood” Higgins it is a side job. I would suggest his career is in his roofing and siding business, wouldn’t you?

Also, no, I don’t believe UNI had any influence in that shit show robbery that night. It was just a group of officials (Bo Boroski being another) who had a bad night. But irrefutable, a bad night they had is without debate.


I can’t remember any other game where Fran was escorted off the court by police, can you? Please share if you do. Think about that for a second. Let that sink in a little. Would you ever go back there?

great post . nice to read something with a little common sense.