Lickliter Thrilled To Be A Hawkeye

April 3, 2007

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IOWA CITY – As newly appointed University of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter answered questions during his introductory news conference Tuesday, one message was loud and clear. He couldn’t be more thrilled to be a Hawkeye.

Lickliter, who is Iowa’s 21st head men’s basketball coach, stressed what it means for him to now be a part of the Hawkeye family.

“I would like for all to know that I’m thrilled,” Lickliter said. “After meeting with Gary (Barta) and Fred Mims, it became very obvious to me that this was such an opportunity. This is a very, very special place.”

Lickliter’s wife, Joez, and their youngest son, John, made the trip to Iowa City. Iowa’s new coach credited his son in helping make his decision.

“He’s (John) very settled and this could mean a move for him,” Lickliter said. “I told John, this could mean a move, and it’s unsettling. His comment was `Dad, its Iowa.’ I was glad to hear that. I was in full agreement.”

Lickliter made the move to Iowa from Butler University where he posted a 131-61 (.682) record in six seasons as head coach. He led the Bulldogs to four post-season tournament berths, including two trips to the NCAA “Sweet 16.”

University of Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta introduced Lickliter, who wore a black Tiger Hawk lapel pin on his suit jacket.

“I was looking for three things,” Barta said. “I was looking for someone who was a proven winner. I was looking for someone who had proven they could compete in the classroom and had a demonstrated success of that. And then I told you I was looking for someone who would be one of us. When we came down to the final day, which was yesterday, we had two candidates remaining. We ended up offering to one person. We didn’t offer to anyone else.”

Lickliter, who is an Indiana native, said he can’t wait to investigate the history of Iowa basketball.

“I welcome the tradition because it’s storied,” Lickliter said. “I know about Iowa because I grew up in Big Ten country. I want to learn more and I’m thankful to now be a part of it, and I want to build on it.”

Lickliter also said he is anxious to learn more about the Hawkeye fans.

“I saw a book that seemed to be dedicated to the fans of Iowa,” Lickliter said. “I don’t know if I have ever seen any sports books for the fans, so I’m pretty excited about that. I’ve heard there aren’t any fans better than Iowa fans, and I can’t wait to meet them all.”

As Butler’s head coach, Lickliter defined a system coined the “Butler Way.” Now at Iowa, he is ready to learn and develop the “Iowa Way.”

“I want to get acclimated and learn what the `Iowa Way’ is,” Lickliter said. “If I can add to that by my experiences, I want to do that.”

One thing that Lickliter is ready to incorporate at Iowa, however, is his style of play.

“Winning, winning brand of basketball,” Lickliter said. “Our style is opportunistic. We want to attack with poise, we want to attack with great ball handling. We aren’t concerned about tempo, we will take what’s given to us, making the extra pass and playing selflessly. Then defensively, we want to set our defense and make it very difficult for people to score. I think that takes toughness and toughness to me is just doing what’s right, and I anticipate it here.”

Now that he is in Iowa City, Lickliter is ready to embrace the Hawkeye family with open arms.

“Iowa Hawkeyes,” Lickliter said. “I couldn’t turn them down. I believe in them. I’ve heard them say, `once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye.’ I’m a Hawkeye now. I’m just thrilled with this opportunity and what this presents. I wouldn’t leave Butler for just anywhere. I’m honored, flattered and thankful for being named the coach.”

By Aaron Blau, Iowa Sports Information

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