Iowa Basketball signs son of former Hawkeye Legend

Earlier this month, Todd Lickliter picked up a committment for the 2010 recruiting class. He is the son of a former Hawkeye great, in fact, his father is the all-time leader scorer in school history.

I'm referring to Roy Marble. Marble, who played from 1986-1989, scored 2,116 points and led the Hawks to a Elite 8 and Sweet 16 appearance.

His son, Roy Marble Jr., a 6'5", 175-pound shooting guard, committed to Iowa on July 2nd . The Southfield, Michigan native averaged 22 points and 9 rebounds during his junior season. According to Rivals.com, Marble hd also received offers from Dayton and Providence.

"Even if he hadn't gone to Iowa, I probably would have still picked them," he said in the Des Moines Register. "As far as him being the career scoring leader, that's a challenge. But it was more of a worry to my parents than to me. I'll do whatever needs to be done. I'm not saying I'm going to break his records. I'm just going to play to the best of my abilities."

Here's what ESPN has to say about Marble Jr.

"Roy is a solid wing guard with a lot of potential. He has been improving a great deal this summer. He is good (not great) in almost all facets of the game. Marble is a solid shooter with range to 20 feet. He is able to create his own shot some but I would not call that a strength at this point. He is good at the "catch and shoot" and when he gets to the rim he has solid athleticism that allows him to finish above the basket. Roy is long and thin and has a tremendous upside. He should be a good long term get for the Hawkeyes."

Hawkeye Hoopsters Vacationing in Europe

The Iowa basketball team will get some much-needed extra practice this summer as they travel to Italy and Greece for a 10-day overseas trip. The Hawks will play four exhibition games, one in Rome and three in Greece, playing against older, more experienced professional teams. The Hawks will also be able to have 10 full team practices.

Every four years, the NCAA allows men's and women's teams to travel overseas and compete.

"We know we're going against professionals," Devan Bawinkel said on Hawkeyesports.com. "We've got to improve ourselves to get to that level. I think we can compete with them."

Hawkeye Basketball adds another Player

Iowa basketball needs all the help they can get, and they have added another name to the roster. Coach Lickliter added 6'3" guard Nick Neari as a walk-on.

Neari earned 1st Team All-Conference honors playing for St. Charles North High School in Illinois. He averaged 14.3 points per game and took his team to the Sectional Finals for the first time in school history. He was named player of the year by the Press-Republican (a Chicago newspaper)

Neari had offers to play at some D-II and D-III schools, but a major factor that played into his decision to come to Iowa was the Hawkeyes signing of guard Cully Payne, who has been best friends with Neari since elementary school.

Neari at least appears to be a pretty good athlete, he was the starting QB on the football team his junior year and split time between QB and wide receiver his senior year.

Heres what Suburban Life Publications had to say about Neari: "The 2009 Press-Republican Player of the Year was more well-rounded than stats alone can tell. His court vision enabled him to find creases in the defense and get to the rim, but also let him find narrow passing lanes. He could finish an array of ways at the rim, yet his range extended well beyond the three-point line. His quick hands and aforementioned vision made him a formidable defender, able to strip the ball away or read passes and cut in for the clean steal."

For More Info...
http://scottdo.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/iowa-hoops-walk-on-has-strong-stats-character/

Hawkeye News and Notes

Iowa Football News

-The Hawkeyes will play a home game under the lights next season. The homecoming battle against the Michigan Wolverines will be played under the lights of Kinnick Stadium at 7 p.m. and televised by either ABC or ESPN

-Jewel Hampton is at the top of the depth chart at Running Back thus far during spring practice, but the surprise is former third-string Quarterback Marvin McNutt. McNutt, who moved over to wide receiver at the end of last season, is the #1 receiver on the depth chart, bumping Derell Johnson-Koulianos to #2. "Marvin has really had a good spring," Offensive Coordinator Ken O' Keefe told the Daily Iowan.


-Radio broadcaster and former Hawkeye great Ed Podolak is back from alcohol rehab and will be back in the radio booth calling Hawkeye games next Fall


-The 2009 NFL Draft is April 25 & 26 and quite a few Hawkeyes have the chance to get their named called on Draft day...

Shonn Greene: ESPN and Scouts Inc rank him as the 5th best Running Back in the draft
Rob Bruggeman & Seth Olsen: ESPN and Scouts Inc rank them as the 9th best Center and 23rd best Tackle in the Draft
Mitch King: ranked the 14th best Defensive End in the Draft
Bradley Fletcher: ranked the 33rd best Cornerback in the Draft


Iowa Basketball News

-The Hawkeye basketball team received another verbal commitment, no not from MJ's son, but from Schaumburg (IL) point guard Cully Payne. The 6 foot 1 inch, 180 pound point guard averaged 22 points a game in a senior season that was cut short 16 games into the season due to a stress fracture in his back. Payne signed a letter of intent to play for Alabama, but the Crimson Tide released him from that commitment after the firing of then Head Coach Mark Gottfried.

-Speaking of MJ's son....Sorry Hawkeye fans, he verbally committed to play for the University of Central Florida next season.

Prospect Profile: Hawks offer scholarship to MJ's Son

Could there be a light at the end of the tunnel? A bright spot that could help the Hawk fans move forward and forget about these transfers?

How about the possibility of Michael Jordan in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

According to numerous sources, including rivals.com and The Des Moines Register, the Iowa basketball program has offered a scholarship to Michael Jordan's son Marcus.

Marcus Jordan, 6'2" shooting guard from Illinois, recently led Whitney Young Dolphins to the 4A State Championship, scoring 19 points in both the semi-final and state title games. Rivals.com rates him as a three-star recruit. Since winning the Illinois state championship, many schools have began to show interest in "Heir Jordan." Other Division I schools pursuing Jordan include Arizona State, Butler, Oklahoma, Miami, and Illinois, among others.

Here is Scouts Inc.'s evaluation: Jordan plays with maximum effort and intensity, ranking as a very good-glue guy, giving his team a boost in a number of categories on the court. He has very good athleticism, leaping ability, and quickness which allow him to excel in the open court, attacking the rim in transition. His hops helps him to finish in traffic when he gets to the rim and he has good body control and strength , which allows him to take contact at the rim, adjust in the air and still finish. Jordan, a lefty, can finish at the rim with just as easily with his right as he does with his left. He has a low release point on his jumper and would become a more consistent shooter from the perimeter if he releases the ball higher, an Achilles heel from Jordan at this point. His strength allows him to defend bigger players in the paint as well as battle for rebounds in traffic. Jordan also does a good job of playing passing lanes for steals. He passes the ball very well and sometimes plays as a point guard due to his ability to find open teammates. Jordan battles on every possession and does not take plays off.

Who knows, it could be a long shot. But at this point, any chance is a good chance, no matter how small.

My "Throw a Coach Under the Bus Award" goes to...Dan Bohall

Could things get any more disheartening with the Iowa basketball program? While reading the Des Moines Register online today, I came across an article by Sean Keeler in which former Hawkeye Dan Bohall decided it was time to put his two cents worth into the basketball situation.

Bohall played in 19 games last season, averaging 2.8 points per game before being suspended for public intoxication. Bohall left the team last April. Though Bohall left the team, he still attends Iowa and has remained friends with some of the players on the team.

In the article, Bohall blamed Lickliter's "mid-major" style of play and his inability to relate to players as the reason for the recent departures.

"The Big Ten is not the Horizon League," Bohall said. "It's not a mid-major school. You're playing against athletic (teams)."

Bohall also questioned Lickliter's ability to relate to his players. "He's impersonal with players," Bohall said. "He's not a real open person. Obviously, not everybody feels that way. I never had a sit-down conversation with him or never really talked with him until I got into trouble ... it was just — not a real comfortable place."

I'm all about honesty and trust, and I must admit, my trust in Coach Lickliter is thinning, but this a low blow by Bohall. Way to kick a Coach when he's down, real classy.

There could be a bright spot on the way, however, Hawk fans. According to Rivals.Com, Iowa offered a scholarship to a certain prospect from Illinois with legendary basketball roots. Read my post above to get the player profile.

More Hawks Fly from Nest: Peterson, Palmer join list of Hawkeye transfers

Iowa men's basketball coach Todd Lickliter held a press conference Friday afternoon, confirming the rumors that have been surrounding the basketball team this week.

Lickliter confirmed that Jermain Davis, Jake Kelly, Jeff Peterson, and David Palmer will be leaving the team and transferring to other schools.

Peterson played in 25 games this season before suffering hamstring injury. Peterson averaged 10.6 points and 4.2 assists per game. Palmer played in 19 games this season, averaging 4.1 points and 2 rebounds per game.

According to Lickliter, three of the players (Peterson, Davis, and Palmer) wanted to transfer to a school where they would receive more playing time and play a more "prominent role." He expressed his full support to Jake Kelly, who appears to be transferring to Indiana State to be closer to his family. Kelly's mother was tragically killed in a plane crash last year.

Despite four players transferring, Lickliter was optimistic about the state of the program. "We’re on the right track," he said, "Sometimes it’s a little dark before the dawn. We’re going to get through. We’re going to move forward."

But it's hard for fans to be optimistic after two consecutive losing seasons (28-36 over the past two years) and dealing with five players transferring over the past two years. Only seven players will be returning the the team next season: Matt Gatens, Devan Bawinkel, Anthony Tucker, Andrew Brommer, Aaron Fuller, John Lickliter, and Jarryd Cole. Plus written committments from Eric May and Brennan Cougill, and a verbal from Devon Archie.

"I'm very excited about the future," Lickliter said. Iowa AD Gary Barta was also in attendance at the press conference, giving Coach Lickliter his vote of confidence.

By the Numbers: Here's what the Hawks are losing statistically...

Kelly: 11.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists

Peterson: 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists

Davis: 4.5 points, 3 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Palmer: 4.1 points, 2 rebounds

*For those bad at math that's about 31 points, 10 rebounds, ad 9 assists per game. Not to mention the 7 points and 5.7 rebounds that Cyrus Tate provided.

Hawkeye's Downward Spiral Continues...

Things are going from bad to worse for Todd Lickliter and the Iowa basketball program as more Hawks appear to be flying away from the nest. It appears that the Hawkeye's best player is going to transfer.

All indications show that guard Jake Kelly is going to transfer to Indiana State. "It really means a lot to me that all the hawkeye fans are being understanding," Kelly wrote on his facebook page, "I won't forget how passionate the fans are here and I will always be proud to have worn the Iowa uniform." Kelly led the Hawks in scoring this season with 11.6 points per game.

According to KCRG-TV Cedar Rapids, sources close to Jeff Peterson are saying that he is strongly considering transferring to Missouri State. And David Palmer is considering graduating early and leaving the team, as well.

Will They Stay or Will They Go? Rumors Swirling around Hawkeye Basketball Team

What is going on with the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team?

The message boards were going wild today as the rumors regarding Hawkeye players transferring began to heat up.

Junior guard Jermain Davis, who played in all but two games this season, has decided to transfer to Division II Minnesota State in Mankato. Davis, who averaged 4.5 points and 3 rebounds per game, expressed unhappiness with the Hawkeye program, complaining about not knowing his role on the team and about Iowa's slow-paced offense.

While this is the only player that has officially confirmed he is transferring, there are rumors of at least three other Hawkeyes who are considering changing schools.

Jake Kelly, who earlier this month denied rumors that he is considering transferring, appears to be reconsidering. "I'm here and this is where I'm gonna be," Kelly said back on March 9. However, in a phone interview with Hawkeyenation.com's Rob Howe, Kelly neither confirmed nor denied possibly transferring. "I'd really rather not talk about it right now," Kelly said in his interview with Howe. This would be a serious blow to the Hawkeyes, Kelly led the team in scoring with 11.6 points per game and really established himself as the team leader late in the season.

Other message board rumors included point guard Jeff Pederson and center David Palmer also considering a change of scenery.

As if things couldn't get any worse, the Hawks also lost one of their recruits today, Marshalltown forward Chanse Creekmur (class of 2010), who verbally committed to the Hawks last August, informed Coach Lickliter he has rescinded his commitment. Creekmur averaged 18.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this past season for Marshalltown.

I can handle it if just Davis is transferring, but if all of these transfers really do happen, I think some action needs to be taken. There is obviously something going on behind the scenes in Todd Lickliter's program, and if all these guys end up transferring, he has to be put on the hot seat. Its unacceptable to have this many guys considering to transfer.

I have been a supporter of Lickliter from the beginning, through thick and thin. But the Iowa basketball program is in a downward spiral, simple as that, it is in shambles. The fan base is weak enough as it is: attendance is down, and will be down even lower if Kelly and the others decide to transfer.

I have such a strong passion for sports, more that most people, but after hearing this news, I'm seriously considering not being a season-ticket holder next season.

Message for Coach Lickliter: DO SOMETHING...If you don't do something soon it might be time to start looking through the classified ads for another job.

Hawk tame Nittany Lions in 2 OT Thriller

The Hawks ended their regular season on a high note, knocking off the Nittany Lions of Penn State 75-67 in double overtime in front of a crowd of 14,094. Jake Kelly, one of three Hawkeyes with a double-double, led the Hawks with 22 points and 11 assists. Twin towers Jarryd Cole and Cyrus Tate dominated the post. Tate scored 15 points and grabbed 10 boards, with Cole adding 14 points and 11 boards. Matt Gatens and Devan Bawinkel added 12 and 9 points, respectively.

Iowa led 51-42 with 2 minutes to play in regulation, but Penn State guard Talor Battle scored 11 points in the final 2 minutes as the Lions rallied to send the game into overtime. Battle led the Lions with 26 points and 10 boards.

Strong shooting from downtown led the Hawks to victory in the overtime periods. The Hawkeyes shot 50% in the overtimes from the perimeter, with key 3-pointers from Devan Bawinkel and Jake Kelly.

With the win, the Hawks finished the regular season 15-16, 5-13 in Big Ten Conference play

The Hawks will be the #10 seed in the Big Ten tournament, taking on the #7 seed at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianpolist at 1:30 on Thursday March 12.

*My thoughts on todays game...

-I was really happy with the attendance. There was alot of energy in Carver-Hawkeye today. Being the last home game of the season, I hoped that a big crowd would show up, not quite a sell-out but still pretty good.

-Jake Kelly continues to impress. He is definately the leader on the hardwood and is showing everyone that this is his team.

-Post prescence was key today. Double-double's out of Cole and Tate were crucial

-One thing I did not understand was why the Hawks didn't go after Talor Battle right away in the 1st. The guy has 4 fouls and is doing everything for the Nittany Lions, go at him and try to draw a foul and get him out of the game.

-I was happy to see the team come over after the game and high five the students in the student section. This team has fought hard all season and they have alot of heart. This shows that they really appreciate they support that we give them

AH, the sweet sound of "In Heaven there is No Beer"

ON TO THE BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
ON IOWA, GO HAWKS!

Lack of support for Iowa Basketball

I said in my last post that I would discuss the lack of support at basketball games. The following is a story I had to write for my reporting and writing class a couple of weeks ago.

The Hawks have apparently flown away from the nest. Where are the loud and rowdy students that pack Kinnick Stadium on Saturdays in the Fall? How can Kinnick be filled to capacity every Saturday with 70,000+ people donning their black and gold, but Carver-Hawkeye constantly fails to sell out an arena of 15,000 people? I didn't realize Hawkeyes go into hibernation after football season. Attendance, especially student attendance, has always been an issue when it comes to basketball the last couple of years, and I have trouble trying to fathom why this is.

My friends and I have been season ticket holders for Iowa basketball the past two seasons and if I'm not mistaken, Carver-Hawkeye arena has been sold out 1 time in the past two years. The athletic department has done their best by lowering ticket prices and ever offering certains games for free to students, what more can they do? I know that Iowa basketball continues to struggle in their second season with Todd Lickliter at the helm, but this is a young team that is improving and badly needs our support.

Coach Lickliter, as well as many of his players, have expressed their gratitude for the fans that have shown up to cheer on their team, however, they have also been campaigning in the local newspapers for more support from the students.

This is a message to all the Iowa students and especially the Iowa sports fans (I know there are alot of you out there). Start taking alittle more pride in your school and in this team, get out and support the Hawks on the hardwood just like we support the Hawks on the gridiron. There are no excuses: the tickets are cheap, the atmosphere is great when there are actually people in the stands, and this is a young team that will continue to flourish under the tutelage of a great coach.

I hope to see alot more Hawkamaniacs in the stands next season

Hawkeye Basketball closes out reg. season tomorrow/ Reasons to look forward to next season...

The Iowa Hawkeyes will finish the regular season against Penn State tomorrow @ Carver-Hawkeye arena. Year two of the Lickliter era has been a difficult one, a 14-16 record and 4-13 in the Big Ten. There is no doubt that it has been a very disappointing season, however, there is definitely reason to look up. While the record does not reflect it, this team is much improved from last year. Here are the reasons to look forward to next year...


-The Hawks were in nearly every game they played this season. Of their 16 losses, 10 of them were by 8 points or less. As the Hawks get more experienced, they will be able to finish off those close games

-Jake Kelly has shown that he is the team leader. Kelly is averaging 20.1 points and 6.3 boards in his last 6 games.

-The Hawks are second in the Big Ten in 3 pointers made, and are shooting 37% from three point range as a team. Iowa has also significantly improved on their free throw shooting. An abysmal free throw shooting team in Lickliter's 1st year, the Hawks are 2nd in the Big Ten this season, shooting 74% as a team from the charity stripe.

-The Hawks are only losing Cyrus Tate and J.R. Angle (and possibly Anthony Tucker)

I'm expecting bigger and better things from the Hawks next season. Hopefully as the team continues to improve, more students will make the trek over to the Hawks Nest. But the question about support for the Hawkeyes basketball team, or lack thereof, is a blog for another day.

Good Luck to the Hawks against Penn St. and in the Big Ten tournament
ON IOWA, GO HAWKS