According to a HawkeyeReport.com update, “Coach Lickliter and his staff are working hard to land a talented point guard and forward from (Chipola Junior College).”
Chipola’s 6-foot freshman point guard Malcolm Armstead and 6-foot-6 sophomore forward Torye Pelham could give Iowa immediate help as additions to the 2009 class.
Armstead, a Florence, Ala., native, has apparently received only modest recruiting interest. ESPN.com rated him as the 69th best point guard in the class of 2007.
Rivals.com rates Pelham, a Nashville, Tenn., native, a three-star prospect and lists offers from Oklahoma, Texas Tech and UAB. The site also indicates Pelham as being “recruited by” Iowa assistant Chad Walthall.
The Jackson County Floridian reported on Oct. 16, 2008, that scouts from several NBA teams were on hand to watch Pelham and the rest of Chipola College in a scrimmage game. Chipola coach Greg Heiar spoke with the scouts who seemed to come away impressed with Pelham.
“They really liked Torye Pelham’s athleticism,” Heiar told the Floridian. “But they think he’s a two-year college guy, then he’ll be ready.”
Armstead is averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals, while shooting 59.3 percent from the field and 28-of-44 from three in 23 games played.
Pelham is averaging 8.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, while shooting 58.3 percent from the field in 21 games played.
Chipola College is ranked as the no. 1 junior college in the country.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Big Ten Power Rankings
This week's edition focuses on each team's tournament profile. I've included RPI rankings, strength of schedule, top 50 RPI wins, and losses to teams outside the RPI top 100.
1. Michigan State (18-4, 8-2)
-RPI: 5
-SOS: 4
-Top 50 Wins: Kansas (17); Illinois (19); Minnesota (24); @Minnesota (24); Ohio St. (26); @Ohio St. (26); Oklahoma St. (31); Texas (39).
-100+ Losses: None.
2. Purdue (17-5, 6-3)
-RPI: 33
-SOS: 47
-Top 50 Wins: @Minnesota (24); Wisconsin (35); @Wisconsin (35); Davidson (41); Boston College (49); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
3. Minnesota (18-4, 6-4)
-RPI: 24
-SOS: 45
-Top 50 Wins: Louisville (11); Illinois (19); Ohio St. (26); @Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: None.
4. Ohio State (16-5, 6-4)
-RPI: 26
-SOS: 29
-Top 50 Wins: Butler (10); Purdue (33); @Miami (45); Michigan (50); @Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
5. Illinois (18-5, 6-4)
-RPI: 19
-SOS: 43
-Top 50 Wins: Missouri (22); Ohio St. (26); @Purdue (33); Wisconsin (35); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
6. Michigan (15-8, 5-6)
-RPI: 50
-SOS: 17
-Top 50 Wins: Duke (2); Illinois (19); UCLA (27).
-100+ Losses: None.
7. Penn State (17-6, 6-4)
-RPI: 65
-SOS: 106
-Top 50 Wins: @Michigan St. (5); Purdue (33); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
8. Wisconsin (13-9, 4-6)
-RPI: 35
-SOS: 3
-Top 50 Wins: Illinois (19); @Virginia Tech (40); @Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
9. Northwestern (13-7, 4-5)
-RPI: 55
-SOS: 35
-Top 50 Wins: @Michigan St. (5); Minnesota (24); Florida St. (29); Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: None.
10. Iowa (12-11, 2-8)
-RPI: 98
-SOS: 61
-Top 50 Wins: Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: @Drake (134); @Indiana (186).
11. Indiana (6-15, 1-8)
-RPI: 186
-SOS: 13
-Top 50 Wins: None.
-100+ Losses: Lipscomb (316).
1. Michigan State (18-4, 8-2)
-RPI: 5
-SOS: 4
-Top 50 Wins: Kansas (17); Illinois (19); Minnesota (24); @Minnesota (24); Ohio St. (26); @Ohio St. (26); Oklahoma St. (31); Texas (39).
-100+ Losses: None.
2. Purdue (17-5, 6-3)
-RPI: 33
-SOS: 47
-Top 50 Wins: @Minnesota (24); Wisconsin (35); @Wisconsin (35); Davidson (41); Boston College (49); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
3. Minnesota (18-4, 6-4)
-RPI: 24
-SOS: 45
-Top 50 Wins: Louisville (11); Illinois (19); Ohio St. (26); @Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: None.
4. Ohio State (16-5, 6-4)
-RPI: 26
-SOS: 29
-Top 50 Wins: Butler (10); Purdue (33); @Miami (45); Michigan (50); @Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
5. Illinois (18-5, 6-4)
-RPI: 19
-SOS: 43
-Top 50 Wins: Missouri (22); Ohio St. (26); @Purdue (33); Wisconsin (35); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
6. Michigan (15-8, 5-6)
-RPI: 50
-SOS: 17
-Top 50 Wins: Duke (2); Illinois (19); UCLA (27).
-100+ Losses: None.
7. Penn State (17-6, 6-4)
-RPI: 65
-SOS: 106
-Top 50 Wins: @Michigan St. (5); Purdue (33); Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
8. Wisconsin (13-9, 4-6)
-RPI: 35
-SOS: 3
-Top 50 Wins: Illinois (19); @Virginia Tech (40); @Michigan (50).
-100+ Losses: None.
9. Northwestern (13-7, 4-5)
-RPI: 55
-SOS: 35
-Top 50 Wins: @Michigan St. (5); Minnesota (24); Florida St. (29); Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: None.
10. Iowa (12-11, 2-8)
-RPI: 98
-SOS: 61
-Top 50 Wins: Wisconsin (35).
-100+ Losses: @Drake (134); @Indiana (186).
11. Indiana (6-15, 1-8)
-RPI: 186
-SOS: 13
-Top 50 Wins: None.
-100+ Losses: Lipscomb (316).
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Gatens Ticked
Freshman Matt Gatens was not in a jovial mood following Iowa's loss at Indiana last night. He expressed much frustration and despair. Here's what he had to say, courtesy of Pat Harty's article in the Press-Citizen. (Matt Gatens mug at left--Hawkeyesports.com).--------------------------------
"We've just got to come out with more competitive spirit," Gatens said. "It's just like we didn't want to be out there. We've got to come out stronger and want to take their throats and take their hearts.
"It's frustrating right now to be a part of. But we're making strides. Without Cyrus it hurts, but you don't want to make excuses.
"In the huddle I try to pump our guys up. And in the second half I got in some of our guys' faces. And we played better.
"And if I have to do that, whatever the coaches want me to do. Some senior leadership would be good. We don't have any seniors on the floor right now. But it doesn't really matter how old we are."
------------------------------
It's nice to see that someone really cares. Gatens almost single-handedly led Iowa back with a huge 21-point second half in Bloomington. He plays with the passion, fire and heart that you just can't teach, and he's not used to losing.
Gatens is crying for some support. Would someone please give it to him?
Breaking Down Recruiting
Continuing with this week's recruiting theme, allow me to break down Iowa's future. (Brennan Cougill photo at left is courtesy of the Sioux City Journal).
2009
The 2009 class contains two in-state preps already signed, sealed, delivered. Sioux City Heelan big man Brennan Cougill should see minutes immediately with an already thin Iowa frontcourt. Cougill's been dominant at the Class 3A level, surpassing his school's career points record with 1,342. Through Jan. 31, Cougill posted 18.8 points per game, good for 10th among Class 3A players. There are questions as to whether he can be effective as a Big Ten post, however. His only other offers were from mid-majors Indiana St., Loyola-Chicago, Southern Illinois and Wis.-Green Bay.
Dubuque Wahlert star Eric May brings a steady outside shot and athleticism. May leads all Class 3A players in scoring, averaging 23.6 points per game. He's known best for his miraculous three-point shot from near half-court at the buzzer to give Wahlert a state title. The YouTube video of this shot has been viewed over 12,500 times. May should be a good fit for this offense. He turned down offers from Butler, Indiana St. and Northern Iowa.
The Hawks could yet add another player to this class. They have an offer on the table for Chicago prep point guard Darius Smith. Unfortunatley for Iowa, Smith is likely to go elswhere. He can choose from several top programs. A point guard like Indiana's Kierre Greenwood is much more realistic.
2010
Iowa scored early commitments in South Dakota forward Cody Larson and Marshalltown, Iowa, product Chanse Creekmur. Larson is, without a doubt, the gem of the class. ESPN.com ranks him as the 22nd best power forward in his class. ESPN.com says Larson "is a decent pressure free ball handler and good defensive rebounder," but "must improve his perimeter shooting and add some scoring moves off the dribble." Larson should be the type of player Iowa can build around in the future.
Small forward Chanse Creekmur looks like more of a developmental project than Larson. Creekmur is a terrific shooter, typical of what Lickliter wants in his guard/small forward types. He averages 18.4 points per game, good for seventh in Class 4A, just above Harrison Barnes' 18.3 per game. Like May, Creekmur turned down an offer from Butler.
The Hawks will graduate Devan Bawinkel, Jermain Davis and David Palmer in 2010. Thus, Iowa is likely to add at least one more to this class. If they can add Kyle Kelm or Alex Rossi they'll have a solid class. Hawkeye fans should forget about Barnes. It would be a major shock if he stayed in-state.
2011
It's nice to see Iowa thinking big. They're chasing big-time point guard recruit Chasson Randle of Rock Island, Ill. They probably won't get him though.
They may have a chance for Justin Gant of Terre Haute, Ind. Gant is 6-foot-8 as a high school sophomore but needs to add to his 190-pound physique. Keep in mind that it's very early to tell who Iowa's looking at for this class.
2012
Iowa will look to secure Linn-Mar star Freshman Marcus Paige. The 5-foot-10 point guard has offers from Iowa State and Northern Iowa. It's surprising Iowa has not yet responded with an offer--it's coming though. Ninth-graders don't get Division I offers unless they're special.
2009
The 2009 class contains two in-state preps already signed, sealed, delivered. Sioux City Heelan big man Brennan Cougill should see minutes immediately with an already thin Iowa frontcourt. Cougill's been dominant at the Class 3A level, surpassing his school's career points record with 1,342. Through Jan. 31, Cougill posted 18.8 points per game, good for 10th among Class 3A players. There are questions as to whether he can be effective as a Big Ten post, however. His only other offers were from mid-majors Indiana St., Loyola-Chicago, Southern Illinois and Wis.-Green Bay.
Dubuque Wahlert star Eric May brings a steady outside shot and athleticism. May leads all Class 3A players in scoring, averaging 23.6 points per game. He's known best for his miraculous three-point shot from near half-court at the buzzer to give Wahlert a state title. The YouTube video of this shot has been viewed over 12,500 times. May should be a good fit for this offense. He turned down offers from Butler, Indiana St. and Northern Iowa.
The Hawks could yet add another player to this class. They have an offer on the table for Chicago prep point guard Darius Smith. Unfortunatley for Iowa, Smith is likely to go elswhere. He can choose from several top programs. A point guard like Indiana's Kierre Greenwood is much more realistic.
2010
Iowa scored early commitments in South Dakota forward Cody Larson and Marshalltown, Iowa, product Chanse Creekmur. Larson is, without a doubt, the gem of the class. ESPN.com ranks him as the 22nd best power forward in his class. ESPN.com says Larson "is a decent pressure free ball handler and good defensive rebounder," but "must improve his perimeter shooting and add some scoring moves off the dribble." Larson should be the type of player Iowa can build around in the future.
Small forward Chanse Creekmur looks like more of a developmental project than Larson. Creekmur is a terrific shooter, typical of what Lickliter wants in his guard/small forward types. He averages 18.4 points per game, good for seventh in Class 4A, just above Harrison Barnes' 18.3 per game. Like May, Creekmur turned down an offer from Butler.
The Hawks will graduate Devan Bawinkel, Jermain Davis and David Palmer in 2010. Thus, Iowa is likely to add at least one more to this class. If they can add Kyle Kelm or Alex Rossi they'll have a solid class. Hawkeye fans should forget about Barnes. It would be a major shock if he stayed in-state.
2011
It's nice to see Iowa thinking big. They're chasing big-time point guard recruit Chasson Randle of Rock Island, Ill. They probably won't get him though.
They may have a chance for Justin Gant of Terre Haute, Ind. Gant is 6-foot-8 as a high school sophomore but needs to add to his 190-pound physique. Keep in mind that it's very early to tell who Iowa's looking at for this class.
2012
Iowa will look to secure Linn-Mar star Freshman Marcus Paige. The 5-foot-10 point guard has offers from Iowa State and Northern Iowa. It's surprising Iowa has not yet responded with an offer--it's coming though. Ninth-graders don't get Division I offers unless they're special.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Recruiting Rundown
Eric May at the state tournament last season.
(Photo from Sioux City Journal)
With national signing day upon us for football, it's a good time to take a look at Iowa basketball recruiting. Here's a rundown of who's signed, who's committed, who's been offered, and who Iowa's rumored to be taking a look at. I've included the number of stars each player got from Rivals.com and their overall rating from espn.com on a 1oo-point scale (Some players do not have rankings).
2009
Signed:
Brennan Cougill- ESPN Rating: 88, Rivals: ***; (6-9, 260, C, Sioux City, IA)
Tom Kakert’s take: “Cougill's a big man, which will be a need when you graduate (Cyrus) Tate. He's a skilled big man, a space-eater with soft hands. He's not the most athletic but he can catch and shoot, and he knows how to use his body. He's not a great leaper but he's a good rebounder. He fits into Lickliter's idea of a multidimensional big.” More...
Eric May- ESPN Rating: 86, Rivals: ***; (6-4, 215, SF, Dubuque, IA)
Kakert’s take: “May is a tough, hard-nosed guy. He looks more like a tight end in his basketball jersey. He's a winner. He's not the fastest or the biggest guy but he's a clutch performer -- we saw that last year at the state tournament. He's also a really good shooter. He's going to be a match up problem in Lickliter's offense.” More...
Offered:
Darius Smith- ESPN Rating: 89, Rivals: ***; (6-1, 170, PG, Chicago): Also has offers from Arizona, Arizona St., DePaul, Indiana, Kentucky, and Marquette. More...
Possible Targets:
Terran Carter- ESPN Rating: 75, Rivals: NA; (6-5, 220, PF, Woodland Hills, CA). More...
Ritchie Edwards- ESPN Rating: 89; Rivals: ***; (6-5, 185, SF, Lakeland, FL). More...
Kierre Greenwood- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-2, 170, PG, Richmond, IN): No Division I offers, according to Rivals.com. More...
Donte Medder- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-3, 175, PG, Mesa, AZ); Attends the same high school as current Hawkeye Aaron Fuller. More...
Malcolm Moore- ESPN Rating: 87, Rivals: NA; (6-7, 225, PF, Iowa City): Enjoying a monster season at City High; Iowa doesn’t appear to have much interest, however. More...
Jacob Jenkins- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-4, 185, SG, Louisville, KY): Holds offers from Butler, Dayton, Illinois St., Morehead St., Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Western Kentucky. More...
Marcus Jordan- ESPN Rating: 87, Rivals: ***; (6-3, 180, SG, Wilmette, IL): Son of Michael Jordan; only offer is from Miami (FL). More...
Akeem Richmond- ESPN Rating: 86, Rivals: ***; (6-2, 180, PG, Sanford, NC): Talented point guard has drawn interest from a number of top programs. More...
Dyricus Simms-Edwards- (6-1, 175, SG, Washington, IL): Attends the same high school as current Indiana Hoosier Matt Roth. More...
2010
Committed:
Chanse Creekmur- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-6, 205, SF, Marshalltown, IA): Ranks in the top 10 in scoring among Class 4A players in the state of Iowa. More...
Cody Larson- ESPN Rating: 88, Rivals: ***; (6-9, 225, PF, Sioux Falls, SD): Attends the same high school as current Wisconsin Badger Joe Krabbenhoft; ranked by some as a top 100 player in his class. More...
Offered:
Harrison Barnes- ESPN Rating: 98, Rivals: *****; (6-6, 206, SF, Ames, IA): Rated the no. 4 overall player in the nation by Rivals.com; holds 20 scholarship offers, including ones from Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, and UCLA. More...
Kyle Kelm- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-9, 210, PF, Randolph, WI): Ranked by Rivals.com as the no. 130 overall player in the nation for the class of 2010; also holds an offer from Iowa State. More...
Alex Rossi- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-5, 180, SG, Winnetka, IL): Also holds an offer from Northwestern. More...
Possible Targets:
Ben Brust- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-2, 170, PG, Mundelein, IL): Holds offers from Butler, Davidson, Loyola-Chicago, Valparaiso, Wis.-Green Bay, and Wis.-Milwaukee. More...
Paul Bunch- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-9, 220, C, Chicago). More...
Chad Calcaterra- ESPN Rating: 86; Rivals: ***; (6-10, 210, PF, Cloquet, MN): Holds offers from Colorado St., Minnesota, Northern Iowa, Wis.-Green Bay, and North Dakota St. More...
Steven Carter- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-8, 205, PF, Shawnee Mission, KS). More...
A.J. Derby- ESPN Rating: 70, Rivals: NA; (6-4, 215, SF, Iowa City): Not likely to play basketball in college; holds offers from Cincinnati, Iowa, Stanford, and Wisconsin for football. More...
Elliott Eliason- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: ***; (6-11, 235, C, Chadron, NE): Ranked by Rivals.com as the no. 143 overall player in the nation for class of 2010. More...
Brett Ervin- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-5, 195, SF, Eden Prairie, MN). More...
Josh Gasser- (6-4, 180, PG, Port Washington, WI): Took unofficial visit to Iowa in early January; averages almost 30 points per game. More...
Fred Heldring- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: NA; (6-9, 215, PF, Winnetka, IL). More...
Troy Leaf- ESPN Rating: 77, Rivals: NA; (6-1, 165, SG, El Cajon, CA). More...
Jordan Manuel- ESPN Rating: 70, Rivals: ***; (6-8, 190, SF, Indianapolis): Holds offers from Dayton and St. Bonaventure. More...
Zach McCabe- ESPN Rating: NA, Rivals: **; (6-4, 189, SG, Sioux City, IA): High school teammate of 2009 Iowa signee Brennan Cougill. More...
2011
Offered:
Justin Gant- (6-8, 190, PF, Terre Haute, IN): Also holds offers from MVC schools Bradley and Indiana State. More...
Chasson Randle- (6-1, 180, PG, Rock Island, IL): Also holds offers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and Bradley; Randle, likely to be a top 100 player in his class, recently visited Iowa. More...
Possible Targets:
Marcus Alipate- (5-11, PG, Bloomington, MN): One of the top players in Minnesota for the class of 2011. More...
Hayden Hoerdemann- (6-2, 170, SG, Bloomington, IL): Holds offers from Illinois St. and Eastern Illinois. More...
Jordan Smith- (6-1, SG, Long Lake, MN). More...
Donivine Stewart- (5-11, 165, PG, Bartonville, IL): Holds offers from Illinois and West Virginia. More...
2012
Target:
Marcus Paige- (5-10, 140, PG, Marion, IA): Already holds offers from Iowa State and Northern Iowa; Iowa likely to offer at some point. More...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Could the Hawks Win With Only Iowa Recruits?
Let's play the hypothetical game. What if Iowa could only recruit players from in-state? In this scenario, Todd Lickliter and his staff could select any players they wanted from Iowa and those players would have no choice but to be Hawkeyes. Could Iowa be competitive while recruiting only from within the Hawkeye State? Let's look at what the roster might look like right now if this were the case.
Pos. Name, School (Ht, Wt, Yr, Hometown)
G Jason Bohannon, Wisconsin (6-2, 198, Jr., Marion)
C Jordan Eglseder, Northern Iowa (7-1, 280, Jr., Bellevue)
G Ali Farokhmanesh, Northern Iowa (6-0, 190, Jr., Iowa City)
G/F Matt Gatens, Iowa (6-5, 215, Fr., Iowa City)
G Grant Gibbs, Gonzaga (6-4, 204, Fr., Marion)
G Brian Haak, Northern Iowa (6-1, 180, Jr., Spencer)
G Sean Haluska, Iowa State (6-3, 210, Sr., Carroll)
F Casey Harriman, Creighton (6-5, 205, So., Ida Grove)
G Kaleb Korver, Creighton (6-5, 190, So., Pella)
C Austin Pehl, Northern Iowa (6-10, 235, Fr., Cedar Falls)
G Bryan Peterson, Iowa State (6-1, 180, Sr., Clinton)
F L.A. Pomlee, Iowa State (6-8, 235, Fr., Davenport)
G Jordan Printy, Indiana State (6-4, 180, Fr., Marion)
F Alex Thompson, Iowa State (6-10, 235, Sr., Ames)
Well, that's the list. There are numerous other native Iowans playing for mid-major programs but these are the best players from Iowa in division I basketball.
The list certainly looks rather unimpressive. It's hard to imagine this team would be considerably better, or even better at all, than the actual Hawkeye basketball team. However, there are a few players that would be great additions. Jason Bohannon would be a nice point guard, Grant Gibbs was a highly-touted recruit, and Jordan Eglseder would give Iowa a huge post presence that it really needs.
You can't just look at one season to answer the question though. From a year-to-year basis, Iowa would likely be competitive with only in-state recruits. Think about it. A long list of talented preps have graced Iowa high school basketball courts for the last several years. There's Kirk Hinrich, Raef LaFrentz, Ryan Bowen, Ricky Davis, Dean Oliver, Adam Haluska, Greg Brunner, Jeff Horner, Nate Funk, Kyle Korver, Matt Gatens, Jason Bohannon, Grant Gibbs and probably many others that escape my memory.
Then there's Harrison Barnes in 2010, plus Iowa signees Brennan Cougill and Eric May in 2009, and Iowa commitment Chanse Creekmur in 2010. A lineup with Barnes, Gatens and Gibbs would certainly have the potential to be top 25 material in 2010.
Thus, Iowa could put together decent teams. Sure, Iowa doesn't produce a Harrison Barnes or Ricky Davis every year, but they could still be respectable. Iowa would fill its roster with players that may otherwise become quality players at Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Drake or even Kansas. There would be lean seasons, such as in 2008-09, but also some top 25-caliber teams from time to time.
Pos. Name, School (Ht, Wt, Yr, Hometown)
G Jason Bohannon, Wisconsin (6-2, 198, Jr., Marion)
C Jordan Eglseder, Northern Iowa (7-1, 280, Jr., Bellevue)
G Ali Farokhmanesh, Northern Iowa (6-0, 190, Jr., Iowa City)
G/F Matt Gatens, Iowa (6-5, 215, Fr., Iowa City)
G Grant Gibbs, Gonzaga (6-4, 204, Fr., Marion)
G Brian Haak, Northern Iowa (6-1, 180, Jr., Spencer)
G Sean Haluska, Iowa State (6-3, 210, Sr., Carroll)
F Casey Harriman, Creighton (6-5, 205, So., Ida Grove)
G Kaleb Korver, Creighton (6-5, 190, So., Pella)
C Austin Pehl, Northern Iowa (6-10, 235, Fr., Cedar Falls)
G Bryan Peterson, Iowa State (6-1, 180, Sr., Clinton)
F L.A. Pomlee, Iowa State (6-8, 235, Fr., Davenport)
G Jordan Printy, Indiana State (6-4, 180, Fr., Marion)
F Alex Thompson, Iowa State (6-10, 235, Sr., Ames)
Well, that's the list. There are numerous other native Iowans playing for mid-major programs but these are the best players from Iowa in division I basketball.
The list certainly looks rather unimpressive. It's hard to imagine this team would be considerably better, or even better at all, than the actual Hawkeye basketball team. However, there are a few players that would be great additions. Jason Bohannon would be a nice point guard, Grant Gibbs was a highly-touted recruit, and Jordan Eglseder would give Iowa a huge post presence that it really needs.
You can't just look at one season to answer the question though. From a year-to-year basis, Iowa would likely be competitive with only in-state recruits. Think about it. A long list of talented preps have graced Iowa high school basketball courts for the last several years. There's Kirk Hinrich, Raef LaFrentz, Ryan Bowen, Ricky Davis, Dean Oliver, Adam Haluska, Greg Brunner, Jeff Horner, Nate Funk, Kyle Korver, Matt Gatens, Jason Bohannon, Grant Gibbs and probably many others that escape my memory.
Then there's Harrison Barnes in 2010, plus Iowa signees Brennan Cougill and Eric May in 2009, and Iowa commitment Chanse Creekmur in 2010. A lineup with Barnes, Gatens and Gibbs would certainly have the potential to be top 25 material in 2010.
Thus, Iowa could put together decent teams. Sure, Iowa doesn't produce a Harrison Barnes or Ricky Davis every year, but they could still be respectable. Iowa would fill its roster with players that may otherwise become quality players at Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Drake or even Kansas. There would be lean seasons, such as in 2008-09, but also some top 25-caliber teams from time to time.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Week in Review: Hawks Fall to Ranked Teams
The Hawkeyes played admirably while losing twice last week. Thursday night saw Iowa drop to then ninth-ranked Michigan State 71-56. On Saturday no. 20 Illinois out-dueled Iowa 62-54.
Moral victories are for losers but Todd Lickliter's squad showed progress. Michigan State's athletes ran circles around the Hawks at times and shot exceptionally well (51.9 percent). Iowa turned it over a managable 14 times while getting a solid effort from Jarryd Cole (10 points and eight rebounds).
It wasn't that the Hawks played poorly, Michigan State was just too much for the young Hawks. Iowa needed to be near flawless to win, and they weren't. They needed to make more than 30.8 percent (8-26) of their threes and capitalize on free throws where they were just 4-for-9.
The eight point loss at Illinois was actually more enouraging than discouraging. Iowa fought closely from start to finish. They never trailed by double-digits and actually led by four late in the first half. Cole again asserted himself nicely, especially in the first half when he scored all of his 10 points. Unfortunately for Iowa, Cole wasn't the same player in the second half as he was plagued by foul trouble. Jeff Peterson turned in a quality performace as well, registering 12 points, 6 assists and no turnovers.
Some quick observations:
1. Iowa has gone cold from beyond the arc. They've shot only 30.8 (28-91) percent from deep over their last four games. Devan Bawinkel is just 4-for-19 (21 percent) in his last eight games.
2. Rebounding is a major issue. Michigan State outrebounded Iowa 35-28 and similarly, Illinios out-numbered Iowa 35-22 on the glass. Cyrus Tate cannot be back soon enough.
3. Matt Gatens is shooting more. Well, it's hardly a trend considering it's just two games. But he did take 21 shots combined in the last two games. If he can get 10 shots per game, Iowa will be much better.
4. Perhaps David Palmer's two monster games were a fluke. No one expected 20 points and eight boards per game but what happened? He's scored only 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his last three games.
Up Next: Feb. 4 @ Indiana; Feb. 7 vs. Northwestern.
The Hawks actually stand a legitimate chance to win twice this week. Going to Indiana is a potential nightmare, however. No one wants to be the first to give Indiana (5-15, 0-8) its first conference victory. You can bet Lickliter is telling his team that the Hoosiers have been close to knocking off several Big Ten teams at home.
Northwestern is no gimme either. The 'Cats are on a roll, winners of four out of five. Iowa must play well, even at home, to get a win in this one.
Predictions:
Iowa 67, Indiana 62
Iowa 61, Northwestern 58
Moral victories are for losers but Todd Lickliter's squad showed progress. Michigan State's athletes ran circles around the Hawks at times and shot exceptionally well (51.9 percent). Iowa turned it over a managable 14 times while getting a solid effort from Jarryd Cole (10 points and eight rebounds).
It wasn't that the Hawks played poorly, Michigan State was just too much for the young Hawks. Iowa needed to be near flawless to win, and they weren't. They needed to make more than 30.8 percent (8-26) of their threes and capitalize on free throws where they were just 4-for-9.
The eight point loss at Illinois was actually more enouraging than discouraging. Iowa fought closely from start to finish. They never trailed by double-digits and actually led by four late in the first half. Cole again asserted himself nicely, especially in the first half when he scored all of his 10 points. Unfortunately for Iowa, Cole wasn't the same player in the second half as he was plagued by foul trouble. Jeff Peterson turned in a quality performace as well, registering 12 points, 6 assists and no turnovers.
Some quick observations:
1. Iowa has gone cold from beyond the arc. They've shot only 30.8 (28-91) percent from deep over their last four games. Devan Bawinkel is just 4-for-19 (21 percent) in his last eight games.
2. Rebounding is a major issue. Michigan State outrebounded Iowa 35-28 and similarly, Illinios out-numbered Iowa 35-22 on the glass. Cyrus Tate cannot be back soon enough.
3. Matt Gatens is shooting more. Well, it's hardly a trend considering it's just two games. But he did take 21 shots combined in the last two games. If he can get 10 shots per game, Iowa will be much better.
4. Perhaps David Palmer's two monster games were a fluke. No one expected 20 points and eight boards per game but what happened? He's scored only 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his last three games.
Up Next: Feb. 4 @ Indiana; Feb. 7 vs. Northwestern.
The Hawks actually stand a legitimate chance to win twice this week. Going to Indiana is a potential nightmare, however. No one wants to be the first to give Indiana (5-15, 0-8) its first conference victory. You can bet Lickliter is telling his team that the Hoosiers have been close to knocking off several Big Ten teams at home.
Northwestern is no gimme either. The 'Cats are on a roll, winners of four out of five. Iowa must play well, even at home, to get a win in this one.
Predictions:
Iowa 67, Indiana 62
Iowa 61, Northwestern 58
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