A word returns to Iowa hoops: Expectations
Expectations replacing empty seats at Carver-Hawkeye Arena?
Iowa City, Ia. – Expectations.
They usually followed Iowa’s men’s basketball team at the start of each season. But four straight losing seasons have a way of tempering those expectations.
A buzz has returned to Carver-Hawkeye Arena, however. While no one is picking Iowa to contend for a Big Ten title or make the NCAA Tournament, fans are anxious to see if the progress made in Fran McCaffery’s first season continues in 2011-12.
“If we don’t have those expectations, there’s no reason to play the season,” Iowa junior forward Eric May said.
The players seemed to have a bounce in their steps Wednesday, on the eve of Sunday’s exhibition opener against Northwest Missouri State at 3:35 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
“We can’t wait for the season to start,” May said. “We’re as excited as the fans are.’
Everyone but center Jarryd Cole returns from an 11-20 team. Three freshmen – Gabe Olaseni, Aaron White and Josh Oglesby – are added to the mix. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said last week that all three will be in the playing rotation. The veterans said that things have come faster in year two under McCaffery than they did in year one.
“We’re able to make adjustments on our own now,” May said.
Matt Gatens, a senior and 1,000-point scorer who grew up in Iowa City and experienced Iowa basketball at its high point, senses that people are excited about the comeback journey under way.
“I’ve always expected big things out of myself,” Gatens said. “Everyone around the community is talking about the team, which is good. Hopefully we can live up to those expectations. We’re probably expecting more than people outside the locker room are.”
Iowa opens the regular season Nov. 11 against Chicago State.
MISSING IN ACTION. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery had a scheduled news conference with the media Wednesday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The media was there at the designated time of 2 p.m. McCaffery wasn’t. He was out recruiting. Iowa officials called it a “scheduling snafu.”
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball, Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball
I predict The HAWKEYES will win at least 12 games !!! Go Hawkeyes !!!
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