MEN'S BB: Anthony Tucker is Back Practicing with the Team

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121808aac.html

MEN'S BB: Rejoice! Iowa Now Has Successful Inbound Plays: The Anatomy of a Perfectly Designed and Executed Inbounds Play

Iowa - Iowa State Game

Following a timeout... 8 seconds left on the shot clock, Iowa needs get a good look right out of inbounds play. They get just that, thanks to a terrifically designed play.


The Setup. Gatens will cut out to the left wing.


Ball inbounded by Kelly from the baseline to Gatens on the left wing, Bawinkel starts down the lane.


As soon as Gatens passes the ball out to the top to Davis, Bawinkel (who was at the left elbow) comes down to the low block and sets a screen on the player defending the inbounds pass (Kelly's man).


Jake looks like the first option to all onlookers as he flashes across the lane - by doing this Bawinkel's man hedges and the player who was initially guarding Kelly follows in tow.


With Kelly taking two defenders with him, Bawinkel curls and is able to step behind the three point arc on the left wing.


Gatens then sets a pick on his own man to deny help coverage.


Bawinkel's man doesn't have enough time to get back to the shooter. The shot is off.


Nothing but net.

It's been a while since Iowa fans have seen this sort of play calling in Carver, and I can't tell you how nice it is to see it return. Nothing fancy, but a terrific play call, nonetheless.

Here's the video of the play:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIEz8CjSyJQ

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones

VS.

GAME INFO: Fri., Dec 12, 2008 - 7:05 CST - Carver-Hawkeye Arena; Iowa City, IA
IOWA: 8-2 (0-0); POM: 47; RPI: 83 / IOWA STATE: 6-2 (0-0); POM: 137; RPI: 205

TV COVERAGE: BTN: Steve Schlanger and Shon Morris will call the action.
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/
OFFICIAL GAME NOTES - HERE
LINE - Iowa is a 8 point favorite at home.

Iowa looks for the sweep (in the sports that matter - football, wrestling, basketball) against ISU for 2008. Lickliter didn't give a definitive answer as to if Tucker would be back for this game, but all signs point that Anthony will remain in street clothes. Jermain Davis should pick up minutes, as will Bawinkle. The more PT Davis is getting, the more comfortable he is looking on the court. If Iowa's bigs cannot stay out of foul trouble (ahem, Brommer), the Hawks will have a great deal of difficulty stopping ISU's inside game. The good thing for Iowa is that even if ISU is constantly pounding it down low, the Hawks can always stay in the game with their outside shooting prowess.

Lucca Staiger went Monkey Banana Ape Crap against Drake last time out (8-11 from behind the arc), but the Clones couldn't take down the Bulldogs despite having a large lead. ISU's guard play (or lack thereof) is really going to hurt the Clones in this game, as they are severely over-matched in this area. On the other hand, they have the overwhelming advantage on the blocks (who doesn't vs Iowa this year?). Game planning will be crucial to the success of ISU, Mac will have to be up for the challenge. And don't forget, #5 is back.

LIKELY STARTING LINEUPS:
IOWA
Peterson
Davis
Gatens
Fuller
Tate

IOWA STATE
Garrett
Petersen
Staiger
Thompson
Brackins

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR IOWA:
1.) Contain Brackins. You aren't likely going to stop him, but get a body on him and play hard-nose D all night against him. Let Brommer use his five fouls in 2 minutes on him if you have to.
2.) Handle the Press. If Mac has done any scouting against Iowa, he would know that Iowa's turnovers increase dramatically when a press is installed. And without Tucker to help bring the ball up, Iowa State can take advantage by pressing.
3.) Convert on the Blocks. Iowa has missed far too many bunnies this season, and it will eventually bit them in the butt at some point.
4.) Get Cyrus Tate Involved. He doesn't get near enough touches as it is. I realize ISU has some trees down low, but Cy needs to get more touches in the flow of the offense.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 71
Iowa State - 64

MEN'S BB: Word on the Street is Alex Thompson Still Plays for Iowa State

I kid you not, Alex Thompson is still playing college basketball. Thompson has absolutely EXPLODED since he left the University of Iowa for greener pastures (yes, those pastures on the ISU campus to be exact). The timeless wonder is averaging a whopping 3.4 points per game while averaging 23 minutes per contest... wait, what? His average playing time is over a half of a ball game and he is averaging 3.4 points per game? Nice... 27 points on the year in 188 minutes. Um, Bryan Peterson averages more points than Alex Thompson, former All-Stater. He is being out-rebounded by two guards on his own team so far this year... but I hear he TEARS it up in practice (he schools Brunner on a constant basis, you know).


Hey, at least he got rid of the all-black tennies. (Photo - ESPN.com)

So the last time anyone really heard from #5 was back in 2006 (yes, like 2 and a half years ago)... and by "anyone", I mean anyone. Watchable footage of Alex Thompson in game was harder to track down than legit Bigfoot tape. However, this 30 second highlight has been uncovered - bask in it, as it all that exists.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvX5Fu25Ok0

And truth be told, the only reason I uploaded that clip is because Kendra Haluska is in it.


This is the only other photo of Alex Thompson that exists on the Intraweb.

Ok, wait, this one, too:

For some reason, this looks like a different Alex Thompson, though.

#5 is gone, we welcome #14 back to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday (the last time he was in Carver he was redshirting from his transfer to ISU from Iowa). Best of luck to Mr. Thompson in his return to Iowa City, may the waning days of his basketball career continue to treat him well.

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Bryant Bulldogs

VS.

GAME INFO: Fri., Dec 5, 2008 - 7:35 PM CST - Carver-Hawkeye Arena; Iowa City, IA
IOWA: 6-2 (0-0); POM: 68; RPI: 73 / Bryant University: 1-4 (0-0); POM: 267; RPI: 177

TV COVERAGE: Big Ten Network. Mark Neely, Spencer Tollackson (former Gopher) and Lauren Bohlander will call the action.
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/
OFFICIAL GAME NOTES - HERE
LINE - Really? You are looking for a line on this game?

---

Iowa returns home from a long road trip to face Bryant University this Friday. What do you mean you've never heard of Bryant? It's that independent school up in Rhode Island with a yearly tuition of $40K* and a student demographic of 2,669 men and 1,607 women**. Their lone victory of the year was over Quinnipiac (presumably a territory, parish, or province in Canada), a team that has a Pomeroy rating of 300+. Needless to say that if Iowa loses this game, they might as well start Lil' Lick for the rest of the season.

* - No joke, check out Wikipedia.
** - This ratio constitutes the mandatory label of Sausage Party.

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR IOWA:
1.) Cyrus Tate with a MINIMUM of 10 field goal attempts.
2.) Get Anthony Tucker back on track.
3.) Play solid defense.
4.) Rebound.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 78
Bryant - 53

MEN'S BB: The Hawkeyes Through the First 7 Games (6-1)

The Hawkeyes Through the First 7 Games (6-1) of the 2008 Season


Tate's Buzzer Beater vs. Kansas State (Photo courtesy of the AP)

STARTING LINEUP

Anthony Tucker, before last game, had scored in dbl digits every single game to start his career. Excellent outside shooter (we knew that already). Can rain threes. Was off last game, but has a short memory. Needs to get tougher, D is a liability. Good handles, good passer, can get into the lane if he has to. Best shooter on the team.

Matt Gatens has fouled out of the last two ballgames, he is Big Ten ready right now. Doing all the things to make his team better. Can get frustrated at times, when he has good looks at the basket, he has made almost all of them. Good passer, good handles for his size, needs to rebound more. Great looking shot, too.

Aaron Fuller still seems undersized and will get eaten up in Big Ten play, but he plays very, very hard and has a great motor. Lacks a little on the D end, has trouble finishing near the basketball, has shown the ability to knock down the 3 ptr as well.

Jeff Peterson is stronger than last year, but I still see the tendencies of last year creeping in (driving into traffic, leaving his feet, forcing shots, etc...) However, he has kept his turnovers in check and has distributed it well. Has also hit some nice runners and treys from time to time.

Cyrus Tate has not been getting the ball downlow at all. A couple games ago he didn't even attempt a shot (that should NEVER happen). Isn't quite at the level he was at the end of last year, but he is working extremely hard down low and he will be key to our success this year. Rebounding very well this season and getting in good position, just needs more touches from the guards. Buzzer beater at the end of the KSU game for the win.

OFF THE BENCH

It's not who starts, it's who finishes.

Jake Kelly is the first guy off the bench (I'd assume because of his broken finger). I don't think he has an issue coming off the bench. He is coming in with a lot of fire and looks really good. There have been some sweet, sweet dribble drives by him, and some step back jumpers that have been really smooth. He has worked on his game and it shows. Our best all around player, in my opinion. His defense is very, very good this year so far. Really like what I see with him.

Jarryd Cole just is not in game shape yet. He hasn't been able to really do a lot of basketball things over the summer and he is still recovering from the ACL. Right now he doesn't look like the Jarryd of last year, he needs to continue to be weaned into the games. Hopefully by BT season he is ready.

Jermain Davis is a guy that is doing a lot of good things out there. Great handles, can get into the lane, plays good D, probably could work on his outside shot a bit more. Very athletic and can get up with anyone his height.

Andrew Brommer is the least refined of the new guys, as expected. He plays hard, which I liked. Very aggressive near the basket, but has a problem with fouls. Also has a problem with foul shooting, not the prettiest of FT shots.

Devan Bawinkel has a pretty good stroke (not as good as Tucker, Kelly, or Gatens), but he really suffers on the D end. Limited PT so far.

David Palmer could be the next Sam Perkins if he got more PT. He can stroke it from downtown, but other than that I don't know what else he can bring. He is still learning this new system, too. Limited PT.

JR Angle has only gotten mop up minutes.

Lil Lick has only gotten a few minutes of PT.

We are seeing about 9 players in the rotation right now.

---

Current Ratings for Big Ten Basketball Teams (RPI/KenPom)

It's still early, but fun to take a look... check out the discrepancies between the Pomeroy ratings and the RPI ratings. This is how out of whack these things can get this early in the season.

FWIW - in all my years following statistics, ratings, etc.... Pomeroy's system is far superior to that of the RPI. Far superior. Pomeroy's stats take in so much more than the RPI, once he figures out how to cap the scoring margin, it will be nearly flawless.

KENPOM:
4. Ohio State
10. Purdue
22. Northwestern
27. Michigan State
28. Illinois
34. Wisconsin
57. Minnesota
59. Penn State
71. Iowa
74. Michigan
249. Indiana

Others of Note:
156. ISU
189. UNI
157. Drake

3 Big Ten Conference                  .9148

RPI:
7. Illinois
16. Michigan
20. Northwestern
24. Michigan State
28. Wisconsin
32. Minnesota
62. Purdue
75. Ohio State
93. Iowa
146. Indiana
148. Penn State

Others of Note:
233. ISU
174. UNI
142. Drake

Conf. RPI Rank: 1 Conf. SOS Rank: 3

The Big Ten is UP this year, some will disagree, but it's the truth. The Big Ten is a better conference than last year.

TIER 1:
Michigan State
Purdue

TIER 2:
Ohio State
Wisconsin

TIER 3:
Minnesota
Penn State
Illinois
Michigan
Iowa
Northwestern

TIER 4:
Indiana

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Kansas State Wildcats

VS.

GAME INFO: Sat., Nov 29, 2008 - 6:30 CST - Orleans Arena; Las Vegas, NV
IOWA: 5-1 (0-0); KenPom: 68/ Kansas State: 5-1 (0-0); KenPom: 82

TV COVERAGE: None (that I know of)
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/
LINE - Iowa is a 5 point underdog at the neutral site.

Iowa takes on KSU tonight at 6:30 CST in the consolation round of the Las Vegas Invitational. Last night Iowa was out-physicalled (totally a word, by the way) by West Virginia. It was a rough and tumble first half where Iowa couldn't get much going (mainly because they turned it over 17 times in the first half). The mugging stopped in the second half courtesy of the refs actually calling fouls. Tucker lit it up again from behind the arc, scoring in double digits again (6th straight to start his career).

Kansas State forced something like 31 turnovers in the loss to Kentucky last night, so Iowa will be up against it as well. Iowa needs to hold onto the ball, they have been shooting well all season, but they don't get enough possessions to hang with some of the better teams.

No TV for the game as far as anyone knows - it might be shown on the FSS sports channel, but don't bank on it. LISTEN HERE

If Iowa can hold onto the ball, they can absolutely win this one... if the turnovers plague them, it will be a long, long night.

PREDICTION
Iowa - 67
Kansas State - 74

Men's BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

VS.

GAME INFO: Fri., Nov 28, 2008 - 8:05 CST - Orleans Arena; Las Vegas, NV
IOWA: 5-0 (0-0); RPI: 56 / West Virginia: 3-0 (0-0); RPI: 8

TV COVERAGE: MASN and SNY - DIRECTV (Ch. 639 and 640) and on the sportpack / DISH Network (Ch. 432). Mediacom will carry the game, as well.
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/
OFFICIAL GAME NOTES - HERE
LINE - Iowa is a 9.5 point underdog at the neutral site.

The Mountaineers are a very dangerous, physical team. De'Sean Butler is probably their best player, but Alex Ruoff is guy that can really create match-up problems with his height and overall game. WVU also has a stud frosh in Devin Ebanks, who, in my opinion, could be their best player by the end of the year; he can do everything. The Mountaineers have shot the ball well through 3 games, esp. from 3 pt land. Overall, the Mountaineers are going to come out very tenaciuous tonight and Iowa had better be ready to be physical. WVU has a pretty stacked starting 5, but they can afford to be aggressive, as they are a very, very deep team.

Anthony Tucker for the Hawks continued his hot shooting last time out and, once again, finished with double digits points (his fifth straight to start his collegiate career) - AT finished the last game with a double-double (pts and boards). Look for Tate and Cole to be a bit more involved in the game tonight, as Iowa will need the on the glass and physical on the D end, as well. This game has special meaning for Devan Bawinkel, as he was shown the door by Mountaineer coach, Bob tHuggins back when he played for WVU two years ago.

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR IOWA:
1.) Handle the Press. There's no guarantee that WVU will press, but it would seem very likely if tHuggins did any sort of prep work for this game that he would be pressing Iowa all game long.
2.) Guard-Play Under Control. Peterson, Kelly, Tucker, Gatens all need to play poised tonight against a very hard-nosed backcourt from WVU.
3.) Limit Turnovers. Obvious.
4.) Knock Down the Open Jumpers. Iowa isn't going to get a lot of open looks tonight, they need to knock them down when they get them.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 55
West Virginia - 64

Men's BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Oakland Grizzlies

VS.

GAME INFO: Sun., November 23rd, 2008; Carver-Hawkeye Arena - Iowa City, IA
IOWA: 3-0 (0-0) / Oakland 1-2 (0-0)

TV COVERAGE: Big Ten Network - DIRECTV (Ch. 610)
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/

LINE - NO LINE

Oakland's sole victory this year was Oregon's only loss, so Iowa should be ready for a team that going to give them a bigger challenge than The Citadel.

Gatens and Tucker have both scored in double digits in the three games to start their careers. I don't know the record for consecutive dbl digit scoring to start a career or if Iowa has ever had two froshes do it for even three games. With that aside, both Tucker and Gatens look very impressive on the court. Gatens looks like he is a Big Ten junior on the court, not only in stature, but in poise, as well.

Oakland did lose a key player to a foot injury about a week ago, so the team that took down Oregon is not the same one in Iowa City tonight. He was their top scorer, I believe.

Keys to the Game for Iowa
1.) Get Cole and Tate involved early. They have been nearly invisible early on this season.
2.) Big contributions from the froshes, specifically Gatens and Tucker.
3.) Stay out of foul trouble down low.


PREDICTION:
Iowa - 72
Oakland - 58

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. The Citadel Bulldogs

See my prev. post about the game streamed.

Hope some of you can watch it.

This game will conclude the home and home these two teams had. Two of the coaches on The Citadel's staff are originally from Iowa (D-port, I believe). Iowa shouldn't have much trouble in this game, if they do, we are in serious trouble. In the season opener, The Citadel barely defeated a Bible School (no lie).

Jake Kelly and Jarryd Cole are still nursing injuries.
Look for the starting lineup of:
Peterson
Tucker
Gatens
Fuller
Tate

Iowa should be able to use Tate frequently down low.

PREDICTION:

Iowa - 78
The Citadel - 59

MEN'S BB: Pay $5, Watch the Hawks Take on The Citadel

Bulldog Insider Game Day Pass: Basketball, November 20, 2008 Type: One Time Watch as the Bulldogs take on the Hawkeyes of Iowa in McAlister Field House for exciting basketball action. The game begins at 7:05 p.m. and will have a 30 minute pregame show beginning at 6:35 p.m. Catch all the action for only $4.95.

Watch the game here:
https://www.nmnathletics.com//flexReg/doReg.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9700



Release from Iowa Sports Information:
Webcast Available For Game At The Citadel

Fans will have to pay $4.95 to watch tonight's game

	Fans can now watch tonight's game at The Citadel via webcast.
	--> Men's Basketball Home HEADLINES Webcast Available For Game At The Citadel Hawkeyes Face First Road Test at The Citadel Hawkeye Basketball Adds Second Recruit RELATED LINKS • Follow all of the college basketball action at CollegeSports.com • Email this to a friend

Nov. 20, 2008

IOWA CITY - Hawkeye fans will now be able to watch Thursday's basketball game at the Citadel through a webcast at citadelsports.com. Fans will be required to pay a one-time fee of $4.95 to watch the game.

Fans interested in purchasing the webcast should click HERE

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. UTSA Roadrunners

I will not be providing a game preview for this game on the account that I am mad at the BigTenNetwork.com.

The first two games have not been viewable, therefore I don't know what to expect.

Is this a cop-out because I haven't had time to write a preview? Absolutely.

But I am still pissed at the Big Ten Network.

They mucked up the Iowa-Purdue game on DirecTV, they didn't broadcast the Exhibition game vs. Wayne State, and the stream for the CSU game was weaker than an old man peeing.

So here's the prediction at least -

Iowa - 76
UTSA - 58

Tucker hits 5 treys. Gatens goes for 14. Tate gets a double-double.

Men's BB: SEASON OPENER! Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Charleston Southern

VS.

GAME INFO: Fri., November 14th, 2008 - 7:00 PM CST - Carver-Hawkeye Arena: Iowa City, IA
IOWA: 0-0 (0-0); RPI: NA / Charleston Southern 0-0 (0-0); RPI: NA

TV COVERAGE: BigTenNetwork.com - HERE'S THE FEED
OFFICIAL GAME NOTES - VIEW HERE
LINE - NO LINE
LIVEBLOG(S) - BlackHeartGoldPants, I will be guest hosting it for the guys.

8 months + 1 day since the last Iowa BB game. It feels like it has been forever.

I don't know anything about Charleston Southern, but here's their roster.

We don't know a lot about this team (7 new faces), but here's the preview I wrote this summer on BHGP. But we do know they will be better this year than last. Very excited to see this team in action.

Short preview this game just because it's the early game of the season.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 72
Charleston Southern - 49

MEN'S BB: I Hate You BigTenNetwork.com

Thanks to their great technology, we can't see the Iowa-Wayne State game. This just released from the company.

Iowa game not available due to technical difficulties

The Iowa-Wayne State exhibition game Sunday will not be streamed due to technical difficulties at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. We apologize for the trouble and hope to be able to offer an archived version of the game at a later date.

Thanks for your understanding.

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?story_id=3176681&list_id=1

You don't have my understanding. Sorry.

MEN'S BB: Todd Lickliter is Still in Love with Butler

First things, first. I REALLY like Coach Lickliter. He is, undoubtedly, going to turn around Iowa Basketball. Good things are ahead, and I am stoked about where the program is heading. With that on the table, I have to say something about this Butler love once again. In Lick's Wayne State pre-game audio supplied by Hawkeyenation.com, Lick couldn't get through his media address without bringing up the Bulldogs. It wasn't a single reference either. Below are the references that I could find from listening to the audio.

ABOUT PLAYING AGAINST WAYNE STATE - "I've played them twice at Butler..."

ABOUT JARRYD COLE'S INJURY - "I had a player at Butler that had an ACL..."

ABOUT EXPECTATIONS- "I shared with our guys at Butler - when you renovate a home, you get something done. You admire it, but you know there's more work to do."

Now, this normally wouldn't be THAT big of deal, but compare that to how many times he mentions Iowa. ONCE - In reference to working for Iowa and being able to see Brands and Gable on occassion.

As my friend, Pumbaa would say, "You gotta put your behind in your past."

MEN'S BB: Jermain Davis wants to be the Big Ten DPOY

Photo courtesy of Hawkeyesports.com

In a recent article on Hawkeyesports.com, incoming JUCO transfer, Jermain Davis, stated that his goal (individually) is to be the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Now THAT'S what I like to hear. He's always been a lock-down defender, and a person of his skills should keep Iowa in a lot of ballgames.

While his JUCO stats are not eye-popping, you have to watch Jermain to appreciate the little things he does on the court. Iowa fans are going to like the intangibles and hustle Davis brings to the court.

I also enjoyed this blurb:

"After two junior colleges, I'm looking forward to Iowa City," said Davis. "The fan support here is crazy. They support you whether you win or lose. They are not `feel-good' fans. They will always be there."

Can't wait to see Jermain on the court this winter... 38 days and counting.

MEN'S BB: Commitments - 2010 F Cody Larson, 2009 Combo F Eric May, Other Recruiting News

CODY LARSON - 2010 COMMIT

Over the weekend, Cody Larson, of Sioux Falls, SD, committed to Coach Lickliter. Rob Howe, of Hawkeyenation, tracked down Cody and was able to speak with him about his decision. (I thought it was very cool to see Joe Krabbenhoft [Wisky] tell Cody how he thought Iowa was a good school.) Larson was recently climbing the list of many high major coaches. In former years, Cody has played the center position for his teams, but is looked to project to either the 3 or 4 spot college (with a very outside shot at the 5 if he grows another 2 or 3 inches). Going into his junior year at Roosevelt High, Larson is going to look at working on his game away from the basket to get more acquainted to what he will be projected to play at the college level. To be honest, I am surprised Lickliter was able to fend off Gonzaga (among others) and that Larson did not wait until a while longer, as I think more big time offers would roll in. I am just glad that Lick was able to seal the deal and am hopeful that Cody stays true to his word, as it's a while until signing day for his class.


Photo courtesy of the Scout.com

ERIC MAY - 2009 COMMIT

I just realized I forgot to mention Eric May's commitment back in August. Eric, as you may recall, was the state tourney hero last year for Wahlert when his 3 pt buzzer-beater gave his team the 3A state championship. While it was debated what sport Eric would play in college (football or basketball), most thought he'd hit up the football side of things. It looks like Iowa will get yet another in-state talent who is all Hawkeye and will bleed Black and Gold. Look for Eric to be a great role player for Iowa, who has the tools to do very well in the system.


Eric May dunking over future teammate and Iowa recruit, Brennan Cougill.
Photo courtesy of the Press Citizen

OTHER RECRUITING NEWS

What does Iowa do with their last scholarship for 2010? Hold onto it and pray for Barnes to accept it? I don't see that happening. Not with the likes of Duke, UNC, Kansas, et al. in the mix. It might be one of those things were you just quit while you are behind and go find another 3 star to help out your program.

As expected, Rodney Williams has committed to Tubby Smith. He is still not qualified academically, however. Justin Cobbs also committed to Minnesota.

Chad Calcaterra (2010 recruit), Donivine Stewart (2011 recruit), and Hayden Hoerdemann (2011 recruit) all made unofficial visits to Iowa City over the weekend. Ben Brust is another kid that continues to be in the conversation.

Men's BB: Iowa Gets 2010 Verbal from Marshalltown's Chanse Creekmur

Jon Miller from Hawkeyenation.com has confirmed that Chanse Creekmur, while on a visit to the University of Iowa, has commited to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes.


Photo courtesy of Scout.com

What we are seeing is a dedicated approach by Lickliter to build the program with solid Iowa preps who love the University of Iowa and will play smart basketball.

The best news that will come about because of Creekmur's commit is the fact that Lickliter is establishing the Iowa program in-state. The 2010, 2011, and 2012 classes are stacked with talent. Lickliter is cleaning up in-state, and if can continue this trend Iowa will have a solid program in no time.



Chanse has a great stroke from the outside, will continue to grow, and is pretty athletic for his age. 6'6" wing who is will probably play the 2 or 3 spot in the Iowa system.

Great pickup by Iowa.

MEN'S BB: Exclusive Interview with Iowa Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter

TRANSCRIPT OF MY INTERVIEW WITH IOWA HAWKEYE HEAD BASKETBALL COACH, TODD LICKLITER (6/11/2008)

STORMINSPANK: Coach Lickliter, thank you for agreeing to meet with me... even though I live in Minnesota and you are in Iowa and the fact that I actually didn't secure an interview of any form with you.

COACH LICKLITER: Thank you for conducting this fake interview.

SS: You're welcome.

CL: Thank you.

SS: Thank you. I mean, you're welcome. Er... thank you??

CL: (Pause)

SS: So last season went pretty well, huh?

CL: [long look, then puts head in his hands]

SS: Nah, I'm just messing with you. Last year really sucked. I mean, I tried to be optimistic throughout the season, but we were bad... like LA Clippers during the 80's and 90's bad. We even lost our own tournament we set up in order for us to win a preseason tournament. Shouldn't be a problem, though, because I saw you took it into your own hands that we'll never lose the Challenge again, as you got rid of it completely.

CL: Yeah, the Hawkeye Challenge had too much Hawkeye in it. However, I thought our team played through a lot of adversity. Tony's early injury, then Jarryd gets nicked for the season. All in all I thought our guys gave it their all. I'd still like to see them play a different style, a certain way if you will.

SS: What way would that be?

CL: The Butler Way.

SS: The what way?

CL: The Butler Way.

SS: Oooo Kaaaay. So you want Iowa Hawkeye basketball players to play as if they were playing for a completely different team?

CL: Precisely. If I can get everyone to play just like Butler does, we are going to go places. I can see it already. Anthony Tucker will be Mike Green. In fact, I have already told Anthony that he will be wearing #10. Devan Bawinkle gets to play A.J. Graves. Um, let's see, oh, Matt Gatens will be known as Pete Campbell. I have everyone picked out. It's going to be great.

SS: Well, one player you won't have on your team this year is Tony Freeman. Sounds like he sort of threw a little tamper tantrum on the way out of your meeting. I'm sure with your past record, you'll be more than willing to comment on what transpired in your office during his year end interview.

CL: Pusth.

SS: Pardon me?

CL: Pusth.

SS: Sorry, what did you just call me and why did you suddenly acquire a lisp?

CL: Pusth. That's the Butler Way. Passion. Unity. Servanthood. Thankfulness. Humility. Pusth.

SS: Oh. Right. Back to the Butler Way thing again. Good on ya.

CL: You see Tony wasn't big on pusth. I can't have guys on my team who don't love pusth. You gotta want the pusth. If you don't buy into the pusth, then you need to leave right now.

SS: Couldn't agree more.

JOEL CORNETTE: Butler Way!

SS: Hi Joel. Glad to hear from you. Now get back to recruiting.

JC: Will do. I'm just heading back to the great state of Indiana to look at some future Bulldo- I mean, Hawkeyes. Can't wait to get back there. Good ol' Indiana. What a magnificent state. Better swing by ol' Hinkle Fieldhou...

SS: Have fun, Joel. Coach Lickliter, of the six new players you are bringing in, who are you really excited to see in Black and Gold?

CL: What? Who am I excited to see in BLACK and GOLD??? Why would I be excited to see a Boilermaker suit up? I mean, at Butler, both Purdue and Indiana always got the better recruits and got all the spotlight. I don't think I am excited to see anyone suit up for Matt Painter and those stinkin' Boilermakers in their stupid Black and Gold uniforms.

SS: I was referring to Iowa.

CL: [Looks Up]

SS: The team you coach right now.

CL: Right, right. I was just testing you. Oh man, I gotta keep my cool here. I can't disgrace the likes of the revered sir Tony Hinkle. Gotta stay focused, Butler Way. Butler Way.

CHAD WALTHALL: Loras Way!

CL: Quiet, Chad.

CW: Sorry, boss. Well, off to Minnesota to go offer a bunch of obscure talents that no one has ever heard of. Woot! Woot!

CL: Go get 'em! And remember there is no "I" in Butler!!

SS: But there is an "I" in Iowa.

CL: Crap.

SS: Yeah.

CL: Hmmmmmm.... (cricket chirping)

SS: So when will it ever be The Iowa Way?

CL: (Laughing) Oh, for a second there, I thought you were asking a serious question. Oh man, good times! (Continues to laugh)

SS: J.R. Angle. He's seriously not going to suit up next year, right? I mean, have you followed his latest escapades?

CL: DAWG POUND!

SS: Ok, that's all I can stand, I'm going to have to end this fake interview. Thanks for the swag you brought me. I would have preferred some Hawkeye gear, but blue does happen to be one of my favorite colors.

MEN'S BB: Tragedy Strikes Hawkeye BB Family, Jake's Mom Has Died

Jake Kelly's mother, Julia, died this past weekend when the Cessna 206 she was riding in crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Julia was 47 years old.

Read more HERE

Tampa Bay Online article HERE

WTWO REPORTS (VIDEO)

Again, thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly family.

Men's BB: Tony Freeman Transfers to Southern Illinois

After weeks of searching for a new school, Tony Freeman is a Saluki.

The Southern reports (and badly, I might add) that Freeman has verballed to play for Southern Illinois.

My favorite (or the complete opposite) quote was this one:
"The junior planned to return to Iowa City, Iowa, for his senior season, but was told by Hawkeye coach Todd Lickliter he wasn't in the plans for the future of the program."

That is misinformation at best. While I have been in Tony's corner in this decision for him to move on from Iowa, that quote is so far left, it's ridiculous. I do think Lickliter could have given Tony a fairer shake in the matter, but ultimately it came down to Tony not fitting the system. Freeman had to have been upset after his post-season talk with Coach (representative of his quotes in the paper), however none of us know exactly how that conversation went. The fact is the meeting held between the two is only going to be known by those two individuals. We've heard Tony's side, but we will never hear Lick's side.

I wish Tony best of luck in the future, he is now out of the Iowa Hawkeye family and has joined the pack of the Salukis.


Tony's D will come in handy for the Salukis in 2009.

A look back at some of TF highlights I made of the years:







Have fun back in Illinois, Tony.