This blog has virtually ignored the three other Division I basketball teams in the state of Iowa so far this season, but with the conclusion of in-state play (Drake won at Northern Iowa Feb. 18), it’s time to take a look at how the teams compare.
Ranking the Hawkeye State:
1. Northern Iowa (18-10, 12-4): The surprising Panthers are tied for first in the MVC with Creighton after being picked in the middle of the pack in pre-season polls. They lost to both Iowa and Iowa State, but rebounded to win 11 games in a row. They’ve now lost three in a row, but Ben Jacobsen deserves a lot of credit. He’ll easily be the MVC coach of the year. In-State Record: 1-3.
2. Iowa (14-13, 4-10): Yes, Drake beat Iowa, but the Bulldogs underachieved this season and are 7-9 in a weak MVC. The Hawkeyes would likely match that record with the same schedule. However, the Big Ten is probably the third best conference in college basketball. Injuries have robbed Iowa of perhaps a couple more victories. In-State Record: 2-1.
3. Drake (17-12, 7-9): Drake probably has the most talent of any team in Iowa. Josh Young is one of the finest players in the country that nobody talks about, although he’s had a bit of a down year, shooting just 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. This team should be much better than 7-9 in their league. Keno Davis handed Mark Phelps a MVC title contender, but Phelps will get a pass because it’s his first year. In-State Record: 3-1.
4. Iowa State (13-14, 2-10): If only the Cyclones could clone a couple more Craig Brackins. Really, what else is there to be excited about? Diante Garrett’s a pretty good player but he has little help in the backcourt. The clock is beginning to tick for Greg McDermott, who’s achieved very little in three years at Iowa State. Thankfully for the ‘Clones, a decent recruiting class with backcourt help arrives next season. In-State Record: 1-2.
All-Iowa 1st Team:
F- Craig Brackins, Iowa State: 19.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 47.4 FG%
F- Matt Gatens, Iowa: 11.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 43.9 3PT%
G- Jake Kelly, Iowa: 10.3 PPG, 2.8 APG, 44.6 FG%
G- Josh Young, Drake: 15.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 33.3 3PT%
G- Diante Garrett, Iowa State: 9.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.3 APG
2nd Team:
C- Jordan Eglseder, UNI: 10.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 58.3 FG%
F- Jonathan Cox, Drake: 11.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 39.1 3PT%
F- Adam Koch, UNI: 11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 49.2 FG%
G- Josh Parker, Drake: 11.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 43.9 3PT%
G- Jeff Peterson, Iowa: 10.6 PPG, 4.2 APG, 39.7 3PT%
Ranking the Coaches:
1. Todd Lickliter, Iowa
2. Greg McDermott, Iowa State
3. Ben Jacobsen, Northern Iowa
4. Mark Phelps, Drake
None of these coaches have accomplished anything at their current schools, but Lickliter and McDermott get the top spots for their success at Butler and UNI, respectively.
Quick Hitters:
Best NBA Prospect: Craig Brackins, Iowa State
Top Freshman: Matt Gatens, Iowa
Best Shooter: Gatens
Best Rebounder: Jordan Eglseder, UNI
Best Athlete: Josh Young, Drake
Best Scorer: Brackins
Best Passer: Diante Garrett, Iowa State
Best Team Next Season: Iowa
Best Home court: Iowa
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I have to disagree with putting Iowa in front pf Drake considering the Hawkeyes were destroyed in their only meeting in Des Moines. However, I enjoy this post and your breakdown of the state's top college players.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it. I can understand your disagreement. I would argue, however, that the game was a long time ago. Since then, Drake has been a major disappointment in a bad year for the MVC. Meanwhile, Iowa's struggled in the Big Ten, but they've shown progress. I think there's a decent chance Iowa would be above .500 if they played an MVC schedule.
ReplyDeleteJust think if one of these schools could have brought in Harrison Barnes. Would have made basketball interesting somewhere in Iowa.
ReplyDelete