Let me first say that I do like Fran. I like his passion, energy and his commitment to his players. However, his lack of attention to detail on the defensive end of the floor has caused his team dozens of wins over his tenure at Iowa. Time and time again we see the same lackluster defense. This is the program's ceiling under Fran. Time to go in a new direction.
Program needs a new direction
- Thread starter MitchKing
- Start date
I don't see how an objective observer could disagree. Iowa has had some very high highs under Fran but . . . like today . . . some inexplicably low lows, and those obliterate all the highs. What good is it have the miracle comeback against MSU and then play like this today? What good is it to go to Bloomington and run the Hoosiers outta the gym, and then get beat at home by Nebraska?
There are some schools that would thank Fran for bringing Iowa basketball back and suggest he might find another opportunity . . . say at Notre Dame . . . and bring in a young coach who understands that defense is a good thing when your team plays it. I love fast-paced, high-scoring offense. I just don't get why that means you can't also play defense.
Iowa football and basketball head coaches are tough to figure. One loves offense and hates defense. The other loves defense and hates offense. And the results are the same . . . some great wins but too many inexplicable losses . . . like today.
There are some schools that would thank Fran for bringing Iowa basketball back and suggest he might find another opportunity . . . say at Notre Dame . . . and bring in a young coach who understands that defense is a good thing when your team plays it. I love fast-paced, high-scoring offense. I just don't get why that means you can't also play defense.
Iowa football and basketball head coaches are tough to figure. One loves offense and hates defense. The other loves defense and hates offense. And the results are the same . . . some great wins but too many inexplicable losses . . . like today.
Agree we reached our ceiling but unlike others such as Wisconsin, we have an AD that seems to value continuity over anything else. Barta is fine with the money making athletics reaching its ceiling.
When you don’t prioritize defense, your ceiling isn’t very high. Even mediocre teams like Nebraska can outscore you when they are essentially taking uncontested practice shots. It’s pretty obvious this is a flaw Fran can’t or won’t fix.
It’s time to move on from Fran.
It’s time to move on from Fran.
Barta sucks. Should be running a Juco at best. I’ve always liked Fran. He has his players back. I appreciate this. But losing twice to Nebraska is inexcusable. Time for a change.
The Iowa women’s team is what to watch. Slaughtered tOSU in the final. Another triple double for Caitlin Clark. Cannot be missed.
My wife (no pic) and I have watched a ton of the Iowa WBB this year and thoroughly enjoy it.
I have to laugh at all the Fran apology posts citing his fiery support of his team. If that is the case, why do his teams play uninspired soft basketball and zero defense? I am not blaming Gatens for anything but what value does he bring on the recruiting trail for non-suburban white kids that Fran has a PhD in recruiting already? We need a couple guys with actual chips on their shoulders not a team of players who talk about having chips on their shoulders.
The formula of trying to outscore your opponent without any real true commitment to defense is not a Sweet 16 formula. One off night from 3 and we are cooked.
I'm content with Fran. But Alford and Lick created a high level of patience within myself for Iowa basketball. So Fran should probably send them a Christmas card or something.
100%. Fran not a marketable commodity due to his age, salary, and national perception as a “ Hot Head”. With that being said, I have had no problem with the vast majority of his Technicals. Sticks up for his team when they are getting hosed by the officials.
I don't have any problem with Fran and T's....if it were me, I'm sure I'd get T'd up as well. The officiating is not good. Tex with good points about Fran not being appealing for other jobs.
Watching Minny (a ****** team with an ahem, green coach) beat Nebby it was clear how just a little bit of defense bothered Nebby shooters. Really sad that Iowa can’t do more, 100% Frans fault.
When you don't pack a defense, all it takes is an off shooting night and you are beat.
OT: Just for fun, I glanced at Fran's Penn roster and found a state of Iowa connection. 6'7 Lucas Lueth a Forward who played at Kirkwood CC. He also has a 6'9, 6'10, and 6'11 frontcourt, all from overseas.
