Fuller transferring, Larson decommitting

DrJay · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 7:10 pm Post subject:

I'm nothing, if not consistent. Smile

I haven't heard a peep about Stokes' kid. Sounds like a fix-up project, but I hope he turns out to have some talent. I'll reserve my enthusiasm until I see him play...I don't want to get my hopes up for him based solely on bloodlines.

I think it's become obvious to me where we differ in our outlook for the Hawks, Henery. You place much more emphasis on recruiting/potential of the players, and I place much more importance on player experience, independent of talent.

HeneryHawk · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 11:43 pm Post subject:

So, you value experience on players that have been mostly regarded as marginal BigTen quality players, as that is what many have said about many of the IOWA players(that isnt to say I agree). If things are to improve with this program, recruiting is a very major component of making this a successful top flight program again, as it was when IOWA was successful in the past(the athleticism is REALLY in need of an upgrade, and the experience doesnt address that at all ). Lickliter didnt recruit well(yes, the last class looked respectable), the W/L demostrated how bad it was going. Fran looks to have a plan, first with recruiting(including maintaining the kids on hand), reestablishing networks in IOWA for players and building them nationwide, second is getting a staff that he gets to fit his needs, and then the implementation of a system that is high tempo and winning. Besabe fits with highly athletic ability to go into a press and run system, he is going after guards to run, and with Darius Stokes, he may have a steal, though there may be some development needed, as he just had a 6 inch growth spurt(and may still be growing), is vey athletic, needs to grow into his body and fill out, and we will see how his skills develop(as a big, he has a great personal teacher/coach on hand doesnt he?). It could be a bargain, and its a low cost/low risk thing, though the legacy part is big.

A PG, especially one from JC, would be a good add for the upcoming season, and I like the thought of holding onto rides to get some nice players signed this November, that can really help the rebuilding.
_________________
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

St Louis Cardinals 2006 World Champions

2009 Outback Bowl Champs

DrJay · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 10:23 am Post subject:

HeneryHawk · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 6:36 pm Post subject:

Experience is plus, no doubt, especially if the experienced players are talented and good. There are guys that Lickliter lost that would have made major differences, and his inability to develop relationships is a key to his demise. Jake Kelly is a classic example of a player that would have made a BIG impact as a upperclassman, though with Lickliter and his insistence upon the slowdown play, would have suffocated him and limited his ability to play to his max. As for losing players since FM has come on board, only one isnt bad, and that still may partially beblamed in part on Lickliter, as I am sure he had formulated the thoughts on leaving for quite a while, and really, with TL, it was obvious that the only thing we could count on other than losing was players leaving. So now, I hope the continuity can develop and we see the end of the revolving door soon.

As for IU, they actually have some nice talent onhand, and if not for injuries, that young talent would have made that a much better team this past season. When you look at how many young players come in and make a difference, the experience factor doesnt really dominate over talent that plays smart(look at how well Purdue has done with the young guys over the last few years). Really, a blend is best, as experience really is a plus.
_________________
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

St Louis Cardinals 2006 World Champions

2009 Outback Bowl Champs

DrJay · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 9:21 am Post subject:

HeneryHawk · Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject:

Fun thread, huh?

I like adding Bowen to the staff, more Hawkeye provenance. I think, as opposed to a you guy being the video guy, having a guy who has been in the NBA 10 years, where they extensively use/study video, is a BIG PLUS. Add in that he can coach the kids while studying it, and add in Hawkeye perspective, and, I hope can coach one on one when a kid asks, is quite valuable. Again, a nice move by Fran.
_________________
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

St Louis Cardinals 2006 World Champions

2009 Outback Bowl Champs

DonnyDonovan · Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 10:07 am Post subject:

I present Exhibits A and B on what solid, experienced players can accomplish even if they aren't the 4 and 5-star recruits:

Butler and Northern Iowa in the 2010 NCAA tournament.

If Iowa had some player retention and continuity under Lickliter, it would have made a world of difference. Put Jake Kelly, Jeff Peterson and a properly used David Palmer (I still don't know the whole story there, but you get the idea) on last year's team, and they're 5 or 6 wins better and playing in the postseason. You not only add talent but you add depth, meaning Cully Payne is playing 10 minutes a game rather than 35.

I don't know what happened to Todd Lickliter, but he wasn't the same guy Iowa hired from Butler. I have been impressed with Fran McCaffrey thus far. He seems to get it. I think he'll start turning this thing around pretty quickly.

HeneryHawk · Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 9:12 pm Post subject:

Look at Lickliter's resume, before Butler, it NOT very impressive. He didnt build the program at Butler, and when he came to IOWA to build one, he had nothing to base it upon and was immediately in over his head.
_________________
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain

St Louis Cardinals 2006 World Champions

2009 Outback Bowl Champs