Now that the season is over, I thought it would be appropriate to start a new aptly named thread to make one final comment about this past season and begin the encouraging look to next year and beyond. By keeping the title general, and allowing a broad array of comments, I believe there should be enough interest to keep this thread alive for the summer and leading into the fall preseason.
I will say that I had hoped for a little better season season last year. I will also comment that while my expectations were few and modest, I was still a bit disappointed for the team. The season could be summarized as having much potential throughout the non-conference season and into the first week of B1G play. But even then there were some cautionary signs. The team struggled for some reason in the second half of some close games and lost big leads that they had forged. Then they lost Carly which undoubtedly set the team back and limited their potential. Compounding the situation was the inconsistent performances of Kali and Alexa. Beginning the conference schedule they faced a gauntlet of five games in thirteen days. That would have been a difficult task for any team but the challenge was especially so for such a young and inexperienced team.
Yet with all this, the team showed promise throughout the regular season and into the postseason tournaments. In addition to showing 'flashes' as a team, the most encouraging takeaway was the development of the two B1G All-Freshmen, Megan and Tania. I think Megan was especially impressive after she became a starter. Her development and progress over the entire season is nothing short of amazing. I believed before the season that she could possibly break Iowa's records for double-doubles in a single season and for her career. I think that possibly is even higher now. Not only that, but I believe she could possibly rewrite the record books for scoring and rebounds. I will even suggest that she will average a double-double for her career. I also believe Tania will challenge the assists records.
There is much to be encouraged for the team as well. They return their entire starting five, 90% +/- of the total statistical production, and bring in a very good class of recruits that will add needed depth at the guard position as well as balance the roster better.
I can hardly wait the the 16/17 season to begin!
I will say that I had hoped for a little better season season last year. I will also comment that while my expectations were few and modest, I was still a bit disappointed for the team. The season could be summarized as having much potential throughout the non-conference season and into the first week of B1G play. But even then there were some cautionary signs. The team struggled for some reason in the second half of some close games and lost big leads that they had forged. Then they lost Carly which undoubtedly set the team back and limited their potential. Compounding the situation was the inconsistent performances of Kali and Alexa. Beginning the conference schedule they faced a gauntlet of five games in thirteen days. That would have been a difficult task for any team but the challenge was especially so for such a young and inexperienced team.
Yet with all this, the team showed promise throughout the regular season and into the postseason tournaments. In addition to showing 'flashes' as a team, the most encouraging takeaway was the development of the two B1G All-Freshmen, Megan and Tania. I think Megan was especially impressive after she became a starter. Her development and progress over the entire season is nothing short of amazing. I believed before the season that she could possibly break Iowa's records for double-doubles in a single season and for her career. I think that possibly is even higher now. Not only that, but I believe she could possibly rewrite the record books for scoring and rebounds. I will even suggest that she will average a double-double for her career. I also believe Tania will challenge the assists records.
There is much to be encouraged for the team as well. They return their entire starting five, 90% +/- of the total statistical production, and bring in a very good class of recruits that will add needed depth at the guard position as well as balance the roster better.
I can hardly wait the the 16/17 season to begin!
