2009-2010 Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Preview

Looking at the Iowa Hawkeyes’ (15- 17 overall, 5- 13 Big Ten), you’ve got to wonder when they will stop their tailspin. The Hawkeyes have not been to a post-season tournament since they attended the Big Dance in 2006. Of course, what can you expect in two years? That how long coach Todd Lickliter has had to undue the mess that former head coach Steve Alford left behind. Slowly Lickliter is working towards a better team, but in the improved Big Ten, this better Iowa team could go unnoticed.

The Hawkeyes had a tough time scoring points as they averaged 60.2 PPG, making them 10th in the league. Defensively, they were fairly solid, limiting opponents to an average of 59.6 PPG (3rd). But their rebound margin was weak coming in at minus-0.5 (7th). From the floor, Iowa hit 44% of their shots, which placed them sixth in the league. Their threes and frees were on target as the team his 36% (3rd) from the floor and 74% (2nd) from the charity line.

Forward Jarryd Cole (3.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.1 APG) offers fine defensive plays and solid rebounding skills. His shot selection, however, is extremely limited, as he tends to go to the inside to make his shots. Sophomore Aaron Fuller (4.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.4 APG) can shoot from the perimeter but his downtown launches tend to miss the mark. Another sophomore, Andrew Brommer (1.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 APG), will play upfront. Although athletic, Brommer struggled last season. If he can’t find his mojo, then freshman Brennan Cougill, who arrives with some good skills, may get a chance to play. That is if he can get into prime physical shape.

Iowa is putting a lot on the shoulders of incoming freshman point guard Cully Payne. He has a good three-point shot and is known to be an excellent ball handler. However, he could be dwarfed by the tough competition he’ll face in the Big Ten. Sophomore Anthony Tucker (10.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.6 APG), who worked on his point skills in the off-season, is more suited to the shooting spot. There’s precious little depth in the backcourt.

Coach Lickliter is working towards creating a competitive club. This team is young, relatively inexperienced and talented. Another year of recruiting will help, however this is definitely a better club than the Hawkeyes put on the court last season. There will be no post season bid this year.