What the ^#!* is going on in the Uof Iowa basketball program?

[Bluzmann57]

Sorry non sports fans, but this is really upsetting me; all these players transferring out. Is Lickliter as bad as Alford? Or is it just that the program is flawed? Or is it something else altogether? Next year will likely be three losing seasons in a row. That is not good. I am losing patience and losing it fast.
Anyway, congrats to the Lady Cyclones led by Davenport native, Bill Fennelly, Jr. Hope they can at least make the final four. They will not beat U.Conn, nor will anyone else.

[Condem]

1. A lot of folks around here think Lickliter is in over his head in the Big Ten.

I don't. These were Alford's recruits. I think he needs two more years years. Next year looks like more of the same. The Big Ten is very young. I just watched MSU absolutely dismantle Louisville. The Big Ten will be a force in 09-10. Year 4 is his make or break year. No improvement, then he's gone. He's a proven winner. If he makes big strides 2010-2011, he'll be OK. I don't care how bad it is. It's better than when that asshole was here.

[Debi]

2. Agreed.

I'm not overly warm on Lickliter, but he's a huge improvement from Alford.

[DU9598]

3. Time to Rebrand the Hawks

The whole look, feel, and sound of Iowa basketball is very stale. It is time to brighten up Carver Hawkeye, get the students $5 tickets and give them the first 15 rows all the way around the floor, get some video and music sets to make some noise when the fans don't, and let's recruit big/athletic kids (not just wholesome Iowa boys who play with heart ... muscle is good under the basket too). The look of the UCONN team with their white uniforms is unique and modern. There is nothing to distinquish Iowa basketball today from the teams of 20 years ago. It would also help if people could watch the games on local TV again. The BigTen network is killing the conference's basketball. I only saw 4-5 games this season. During the Davis years I would never miss a game, but it was on local tv without paying and extra amount each month for expanded cable.

I like Lickliter, but his style is boring - people watch basketball to see your team score points. If he does not get the corner turned I would suggest going all out to get Keno Davis and his dad back to the HawkeyeNation ... the full court press and run and gun is sorely missed.

[Condem]

5. Agree with moving the kids to the first fifteen rows.

The problem isn't all on Lickliter. The last two years of Coach Asshole people found other things to do. Total apathy. Winning will cure that. Give it a little more time. Carver-Hawkeye's a tomb. Only a few occasions have I heard the place rocking.

[rurallib]

4. Seems like we went from theocon to totally bland.

I wish Lickliter well. He seems like a very decent person. He is just not setting a fire is he?
I remember Kelly really wrestled with leaving Iowa after his mom died. I hope all goes well for him.