Jan. 22, 2010
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THE SETTING
Iowa (7-12, 1-5) remains on the road Sunday for a game at Indiana (9-9, 3-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. (CST) at Assembly Hall (17,357).
The start time to Sunday’s game has been pushed back an hour from its original starting time (4 p.m. CST) to help accommodate Indiana fans who want to watch both the basketball game and the National Football League’s AFC Championship game between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts, which kicks off at 2 p.m. (CST). The University of Iowa, Indiana and the Big Ten Conference were able to agree on the new starting time.
ON THE AIR
Radio: Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, along with color commentator Bob Hansen. The network includes more than 40 stations that blanket the state of Iowa and include portions of Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. The Hawkeye Radio Network coverage includes a 60-minute pregame show. Fans can also listen to the game on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 196.
Television: The Big Ten Network will televise Sunday afternoon’s game to a national cable audience. Tom Hamilton and Greg Kelser will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,491 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,473-1,018 (.591). That includes a 932-326 (.741) record in home games, a 541-691 (.439) record in games away from Iowa City, a 696-696 (.500) mark in Big Ten games and a 338-100 (.772) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
STARTING THE BIG TEN SCHEDULE AT HOME
Iowa started the Big Ten Conference schedule with four of its first five games at home. The last time that happened was during the 1962-63 campaign.
MICHIGAN STATE TOPS HAWKEYES AT EAST LANSING
After a furious second-half Iowa comeback, sixth-ranked Michigan State was able to hold off the charging Hawkeyes for a 70-63 win at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, Wednesday night. Iowa trailed by 19 points (55-36) at the 11:09 mark of the second stanza, but went on a 25-9 run to close to within three (64-61) with 2:05 left. Korie Lucious made a tough scooping layup and the Spartans converted all four free-throw attempts in the final seconds to escape with the win. Four Hawkeyes scored in double figures, paced by sophomore Matt Gatens, who netted a game-high 17 points. Sophomore Aaron Fuller contributed 13, freshman Cully Payne had 12 and senior Jarryd Cole added 10. Senior Raymar Morgan scored a team-high 16 points to lead the nationally-ranked Spartans.
IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa has now lost 15 straight games at the Breslin Center. However, the seven-point loss was the closest defeat the Hawkeyes have suffered at East Lansing since a 69-67 setback on Feb. 12, 1997.
? Iowa tied season highs in steals (8) and blocks (4). The Hawkeyes also had eight steals vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 5) and four blocks vs. Duquesne (Nov. 17).
? Aaron Fuller was only one rebound from posting his third consecutive double-double. The native of Mesa, AZ, grabbed a team-high nine boards to go along with his 13 points. Nine of his 13 points came in the second half.
? Iowa shot only 10% (1-of-10) from long distance in the first half, but rallied to shoot 40% (6-of-15) from 3-point territory in the second stanza.
? Freshman Eric May scored all eight of his points in the final 9:08 of the game. Additionally, May posted game highs in steals (3) and blocks (2).
? Cully Payne netted nine of his 12 points in the final 12:11 of the second half.
? Michigan State’s 24 assists and 14 offensive boards are season highs for an Iowa opponent.
? Iowa played its eighth game without sophomore Anthony Tucker, who has been suspended indefinitely. Tucker averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. Tucker has only played in four Big Ten contests during his time at Iowa. One of the four games he only played one minute (at Ohio State).
LICKLITER BACK ON THE BENCH
After missing three games (Prairie View A&M, Northern Iowa and Iowa State), Head Coach Todd Lickliter returned to the bench Dec. 19 against Drake. Lickliter underwent a procedure on Dec. 5 to repair a torn carotid artery.
HAWKEYES TO BE FEATURED ON “THE JOURNEY”
Iowa basketball fans will get an opportunity to view a behind-the-scenes look at the Hawkeye basketball program Sunday in the third episode of “The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2010” on the Big Ten Network (HD). The episode will debut Sunday at 3:30 p.m., with repeats at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (CST). The Journey takes fans behind the scenes of the 2010 Big Ten basketball season.
This week’s episode checks in Illinois center Mike Tisdale and Ohio State standout Evan Turner. The show will also go behind the scenes with Iowa’s young squad, as well as Draymond Green, Michigan State’s emerging leader and newly-appointed co-captain.
The Journey was given an all-access pass to the Hawkeyes for two days leading up to Iowa’s game at sixth-ranked Michigan State Wednesday night. Cameramen and producers followed co-captains Jarryd Cole and Devan Bawinkel to an Iowa student-athlete off campus social, followed freshman point guard Cully Payne and sophomore guard Matt Gatens as they prepared for practice, mic-d up Assistant Coach Joel Cornette during the Michigan State game and much more.
FOOTBALL TEAM, CLAYBORN TO BE HONORED VS. OSU
The 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl champion Iowa football team will be recognized during halftime of the Ohio State vs. Iowa men’s basketball game on Jan. 27. Additionally, DE Adrian Clayborn will be formally recognized and presented the College Football Performance Awards National Defensive Performer of the Year trophy during halftime. Promotions for this game include:
? Students can pick-up free tickets to this game at the IMU Box Office or Carver-Hawkeye Arena South Entrance
? Be Bold, Wear Gold!
? One lucky fan will win a round-trip airline ticket on Allegiant Air
? Free FedEx Orange Bowl Championship posters
? Select football players will be available for autographs
? FedEx Orange Bowl trophy photo opportunity on the concourse
? UI Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. UI Faculty/Staff can purchase a group ticket for only $14.
? Doors will open 90 minutes (6 p.m.) before tip-off
? Additional RED and BLUE Cambus Routes to Carver-Hawkeye Arena will be in service for pre and postgame.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Indiana holds a 94-69 advantage in the series that began with an 18-12 Hoosier win in 1909. Iowa has won six of the last 10 meetings. The two teams split last year’s contests, with each team winning on its home court. Iowa won 65-60 in Iowa City, while Indiana won 68-60 in Bloomington. The Hoosiers won both meetings in 2008, 79-76 at Iowa City and 65-43 at Bloomington. Indiana holds a 55-26 advantage in games played at Bloomington, but the Hawkeyes have won two of the last five. Indiana had won four straight before Iowa’s wins in 2004 and 2006. The Hoosiers have won 12 of the last 15 meetings against Iowa in Assembly Hall. Four of the last eight games in Bloomington have been decided by three points or less, with the Hoosiers winning one in overtime in 2003 and Iowa winning in double overtime in 2004. The two teams have met twice at neutral sites (the Big Ten Tournament), with Iowa winning both, once in Chicago (2001) and once in Indianapolis (2002).
SCOUTING INDIANA
The Indiana Hoosiers enter Sunday’s game on a two-game winning streak after clipping Minnesota (81-78) in overtime last Sunday in Bloomington and winning at Penn State (67-61) Thursday night. In their last outing, the Hoosiers captured their first conference road triumph, since winning at Northwestern (85-82) on Feb. 23, 2008, a span of 13 road league contests. Indiana’s bench outscored Penn State’s reserves 27-13, led by senior Devan Dumas’ team-high 15 points. Freshman Christian Watford was one rebound from a double-double (11 points and nine rebounds). Indiana made 9-of-20 (.450) 3-pointers, while limiting Penn State to only 4-of-22 (.182) shooting from long distance. Indiana’s leading scorer, Maurice Creek, is out for the season due to injury. The freshman averaged 16.4 points in 12 games. Sophomore Verdell Jones III averages 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Watford averages 12.9 points and a team-best 6.1 rebounds. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Rivers averages 6.7 points and a team-best 1.4 steals. Rivers has struggled from the free-throw line this season, making only 36-of-71 attempts (.507). As a team, Indiana ranks second in the Big Ten in steals (7.94) and offensive rebounds (12.78). The Hoosiers are 7-4 in home contests this season, including winning two of three home league games; beating Michigan and Minnesota, but falling by only six points to Illinois. Five of Indiana’s nine losses have come by six points or less.
INDIANA COACH TOM CREAN
Tom Crean is in his second year as the head coach at Indiana and his 11th year as a college head coach. He served as the head coach at Marquette University for nine seasons (1999-08). His record at Indiana stands at 15-34 (.306), while he has posted a career record of 205-130 (.612). Crean led Marquette to five appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the 2003 Final Four, while posting a 190-96 mark there. He earned the Coach Clair Bee Award in 2003 and was a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award. Crean has served as an assistant coach at Michigan State (1989-90 and 1995-99), Western Kentucky (1990-94) and Pittsburgh (1994-95). He was associate head coach and recruiting coordinator his last two seasons at Michigan State. Crean is 1-1 vs. Iowa and Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
IOWA, INDIANA TIP-INS
? Iowa is 14-9 all-time in games played on Jan. 24.
? Iowa is 6-1 when leading at the half, 1-10 when trailing and 0-1 when tied at halftime. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 7-3 when recording more assists and getting to the free-throw line more than their opponents. Iowa is also 6-0 when having a higher field goal percentage than its opponents.
? The Hawkeyes shoot 82.6% (19-of-23) from the foul line in the last 60 seconds and 80% (24-of-30) in the final two minutes of a contest.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (974 of 1,198 points). The Hawkeyes have only one senior (Devan Bawinkel) and one junior (Jarryd Cole) currently seeing time on the court. Junior transfer Devon Archie has been sidelined with an injury and is expected to redshirt.
? Indiana’s 16-player roster features student-athletes from six different states, plus Ghana and Gambia. Seven of the 16 players hail from its home state of Indiana, two from Ohio and Illinois, and one each from Illinois, Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Ghana and Gambia.
? Indiana’s roster breakdown includes three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen.
? Iowa ranks 12th in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (15.3) and 21st in 3-pointers made (8.3).
? Cully Payne is leading all Big Ten freshmen in assists per game (3.68). He ranks eighth overall in the league.
? Iowa and Indiana rank as two of the younger teams in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers have 11 underclassmen on its roster, while the Hawkeyes have nine. Indiana has had five different freshmen start at least two games this season, while Iowa has had three freshmen start at least seven.
? Three members of the Iowa coaching staff previously coached at Butler University in Indianapolis, including Head Coach Todd Lickliter and assistants Joel Cornette and LaVall Jordan. All three played basketball at Butler and are Butler graduates. Lickliter is a native of Indianapolis. His son, Garrett, is a graduate manager with the Iowa program and his son John is a redshirt freshman walk-on for the Hawkeyes.
? Indiana assistant Tim Buckley was an assistant coach at the University of Iowa during the 2006-07 season when the Hawkeyes posted a 17-14 overall record.
? Indiana assistant Bennie Seltzer was an assistant coach at Oklahoma when the Sooners defeated Todd Lickliter’s Butler team 65-54 in the 2003 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
? Indiana Coach Tom Crean is the son-in-law of Jack Harbaugh, who at one time served as an assistant football coach at Iowa. His brothers-in-law are Jim and John.
? Hawkeye freshman John Lickliter played prep basketball in Indiana prior to moving to Iowa City (Iowa City HS) for his senior season in 2007-08.
INDIANA WON THE LAST MEETING
A 38-15 run spanning halves doomed the Hawkeyes in a 68-60 loss at Indiana on Feb. 4, 2009. Iowa shot only 30% (6-of-20) from 3-point territory, while the Hoosiers were able to sink 54% (7-of-13) of their long balls. Matt Gatens led the Hawkeyes with 22 points, while Jarryd Cole contributed seven points and six rebounds. Indiana was led by Devan Dumes, who led all scorers with 27 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range, and 6-of-8 from the foul line.
STAY UNTIL THE END
Seven of Iowa’s last 13 meetings with Indiana have come down to the final seconds, with two of the four going into overtime. Both games in 2008-09 were undecided in the final minute. In Indiana’s win at Bloomington, Iowa cut a 20-point deficit to three, the last time at 63-60 with 44 seconds remaining. The Hoosiers scored the final five points in a 68-60 win. In the first meeting, Iowa held off a late Indiana rally that saw the Hoosiers rally to within two with 22 seconds remaining. Iowa converted three free throws to secure the win. Iowa defeated Indiana in the 2002 Big Ten Tournament semi-finals on a last second basket by Luke Recker. Iowa won in 2004 on a basket by Jeff Horner with one second left in the second overtime. In 2003, a final 3-point basket by Indiana’s Bracey Wright was the difference in Indiana’s overtime win in Bloomington, after Iowa had failed to win on a shot in the last seconds of regulation. In 2006, Iowa held off a late Indiana rally in Bloomington and survived when Indiana’s three-point shot at the buzzer was off the mark. In the first meeting in 2008, Iowa’s Justin Johnson scored 19 points in the final two minutes, but the Hoosiers held on for a 79-76 win. Three additional games in the last 10 meetings have been decided by seven points or less.
TUCKER EXPECTED TO RETURN TO PRACTICE ON MONDAY
Anthony Tucker was arrested for public intoxication on Dec. 20 and was suspended indefinitely. Tucker, who is Iowa’s second leading scorer, has missed the last eight games due to the suspension. The sophomore averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 contests.
“It looks like Anthony will return to practice on Monday (Jan. 25),” said Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter on Friday.
When asked if Tucker will be available for the Ohio State game on Jan. 27, Lickliter said, “we’ll use good judgment and see how everything transpires.”
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the second-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through Jan. 20. The Hawkeyes rank 21st nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com.
FULLER RETURNING TO FORM
Sophomore Aaron Fuller is returning to form after recovering from an ankle sprain sustained in Iowa’s third game of the year (vs. Bowling Green, Nov. 20). Fuller has nearly doubled his productivity in conference games compared to non-league games. Fuller played in 11 non-Big Ten contests and averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. In the six conference games, Fuller is averaging 11.7 points and 7.8 boards. Fuller returned to the starting lineup in Iowa’s first conference game (vs. Purdue, Dec. 29). In league play, the native of Mesa, AZ, ranks first in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (3.67), third in overall rebounds (7.8), eighth in field goal percentage (.522) and 11th in free throw percentage (.731). He’s also contributed offensively, ranking second on the team in scoring (11.7) through the first six Big Ten games. Fuller posted the first career double-doubles of his career in two of the last three contests. Against Tennessee State (Jan. 12), he notched career highs in scoring (24) and rebounds (10). He netted the 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line. Against Penn State (Jan. 16), Fuller registered 20 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-6, 230-pounder was only one rebound from posting his third consecutive double-double at Michigan State Wednesday night (13 points and nine rebounds). Prior to the last three games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His averages now stand at 7.6 points and 4.9 boards. Fuller has also improved his free throw shooting from a year ago. Last season, Fuller was 11-of-25 (.440) from the charity stripe, compared to 31-of-46 (.674) this season. He has made 19 of his last 26 (.731).
LIKING THE THREE-BALL
Iowa has not been shy about shooting the long ball, having more than 48.8% of its field goal attempts coming from downtown.
Highest Percent of FG Attempts from Three, Division IASamford 52.0% (407/783)Iowa 48.6% (476/980)
BALANCED SCORING
Iowa has five players who have each led the team in scoring at least twice this season. They are Jarryd Cole (Texas and NC Central), Matt Gatens (Texas, Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Drake, South Carolina State, Minnesota and twice against Michigan State), Anthony Tucker (Duquesne, Virginia Tech and Prairie View A&M), Eric May (UTSA, Bowling Green and Illinois) and Aaron Fuller (Purdue, Tennessee State and Penn State). Additionally, Gatens has reached double figures a team-best 13 times. Payne and Fuller have accomplished the feat six times and Tucker five times.
MAY DAY
Freshman Eric May (98) currently ranks second in team rebounding, only one rebound shy of leader Jarryd Cole (99). The native of Dubuque is trying to become just the fourth Iowa freshman to lead the team in rebounding since the 1955-56 season. Michael Payne accomplished the feat in 1981-82 (6.9), followed by Jess Settles in 1995-96 (7.5) and Tyler Smith in 2006-07 (4.9). May has performed well the last eight games. He has averaged 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks the last eight contests. In his last six starts against Big Ten competition, he has averaged 8.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 dimes and 1.2 blocks. He posted team bests in scoring (9) and assists (3) at Illinois on Jan. 5. May posted personal bests in assists (4) and steals (3) in a win over Tennessee State (Jan. 12). The 6-5, 225-pounder posted team highs in blocks (2) and steals (3) at sixth-ranked Michigan State Wednesday night.
John Lickliter SEEING EXTENDED MINUTES
Redshirt freshman John Lickliter has seen game action since Anthony Tucker has been suspended. Lickliter, who is backing up starting point guard Cully Payne, has averaged 11.8 minutes the last eight games. He is averaging 3.3 points and shooting 32% (8-of-25) from the field. Lickliter has made at last one triple in five of the last seven contests.
BROMMER SEEING MORE TIME
Sophomore Andrew Brommer has seen more time on the court the last four games. Brommer, who has played in 11 contests, has averaged 12.8 minutes, 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds off the bench in Iowa’s last four games. The native of Rosemount, MN, made a career-high four free throws against Tennessee State (Jan. 12). Last season, Brommer was 5-of-22 (.227) from the charity stripe, compared to 9-of-13 (.692) this season.
IOWA SEEING IMPROVED STATS THIS SEASON
So far, the Hawkeyes have played the 21st-toughest schedule in the country. Although the team has not been rewarded with more wins, statistically the numbers are up, through 19 games, from a year ago. The Hawkeyes are averaging three more two-pointers this year from last, three more rebounds, including 1.7 more offensive rebounds and 1.0 more assists. Additionally, Iowa has scored four more points (1,198-1,194) this year compared to last, though 19 contests.
REACHING 20-POINT PLATEAU
The Hawkeyes have had one player score 20 points or more in seven of the last 13 games. Jarryd Cole tallied 24 vs. NC Central (Nov. 28), Anthony Tucker netted 24 against Virginia Tech (Dec. 1) and 20 vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 5), Matt Gatens posted 20 at Iowa State (Dec. 11) and vs. South Carolina State (Dec. 21) and Aaron Fuller accomplished the feat in two of the last three outings vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16).
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 10 of its 19 contests, including eight of the last 12. The Hawkeyes had a positive rebounding margin against UTSA (11), Bowling Green (2), NC Central (21), Prairie View A&M (4), UNI (2), Iowa State (2), SC State (3), Purdue (4), Minnesota (2) and Tennessee State (4). The Hawkeyes are 5-5 in games they have a positive rebounding margin. Iowa ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounds allowed (32.1).
A YOUNG SQUAD
Iowa’s roster of 12 players includes four freshmen, one redshirt freshman, four sophomores, two juniors and one senior. The freshmen are forward Brennan Cougill (6-9, 260), guard/forward Eric May (6-5, 225), guard Nick Neari (6-2, 185) and guard Cully Payne (6-1, 190). The redshirt freshman is John Lickliter. The sophomores are Andrew Brommer, Aaron Fuller, Matt Gatens and Anthony Tucker. In addition, junior forward Devan Archie (6-9, 215) is in his first year at Iowa after attending a junior college in Indianapolis. He has not played this season due to injury and is expected to redshirt this season.
IOWA CRACKS THE RECORD BOOK FROM 3-POINT RANGE
Iowa attempted a school-record 37 triples against No. 3 Texas (Nov. 23), making 10. The 37 attempts breaks the previous mark of 36 (15 made) attempted against Long Island on Dec. 17, 1994. The Hawkeyes tied the school record for 3-pointers made against Prairie View A&M (Dec. 5). Iowa sank 15-of-31 attempts to match the record accomplished twice before (15 vs. Long Island in 1994 and Northwestern in 1998).
FRESHMEN DUO MAKING IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Freshmen Eric May and Cully Payne have made an immediate impact on the team.
May averages 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. May has started 10 of the last 12 games, including the last seven. May averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in Iowa’s first two league games (Purdue and Minnesota). May posted team highs in points (9) and assists (3) and secured eight rebounds at Illinois. May registered personal bests in assists (4) and steals (3) Tuesday night vs. Tennessee State. He tallied 10 of his 13 points in the second half off the bench in Iowa’s win over Drake. He posted a personal-best 18 points and also secured eight rebounds in Iowa’s win over South Carolina State. May tallied a team-high 13 points against UTSA, a game-high 16 points vs. Bowling Green and blocked a team-high two shots vs. Duquesne. The native of Dubuque, IA, made all four 3-point attempts in Iowa’s 22-point triumph over Bowling Green. May had nine points vs. Wichita State and a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) in his first career start vs. Prairie View A&M.
Payne, who is Iowa’s first lefty point guard since Dean Oliver, averages 8.4 points, 3.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds. The native of Schaumburg, IL, was honored on the CBE Classic All-Tournament team. He netted a personal-best 18 points vs. Wichita State in the tournament’s consolation game. Payne netted five of his 11 points in the last two minutes in Iowa’s five-point win over Tennessee State, including draining a crucial 3-pointer with the game tied with 1:45 left in the game. He scored 12 points vs. UTSA and dished out a game-high six assists against Duquesne. He also collected six assists vs. No. 3 Texas. Payne had eight points, four rebounds and three assists vs. Virginia Tech and eight points, a personal-best six rebounds and four assists against Prairie View A&M. Payne scored 11 of his 15 points at Iowa State in the final 2:05 of the game. He contributed eight points, three assists and equaled a personal high with six rebounds vs. Drake.
FIVE STATE CHAMPS
Iowa’s roster of 12 players includes five players who won state titles. Matt Gatens and John Lickliter won a state title for Iowa City HS in 2008. Eric May won a state title for Dubuque Wahlert HS in 2008. Brennan Cougill’s Bishop Heelan HS captured the state title in 2009, while Anthony Tucker won a state title his senior year at Minnetonka HS.
ARCHIE EXPECTED TO REDSHIRT
Junior transfer Devon Archie was sidelined seven weeks after sustaining an injury to his left shoulder during Iowa’s second practice, Oct. 17. Archie is practicing with the team, but is expected to redshirt after missing a majority of the season. The 6-9, 215-pounder is expected to bolster the Hawkeye front court after playing the last two seasons at Vincennes Community College. A two-time team captain at Vincennes, he averaged 6.8 points, six rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots, starting 19 of 30 games last season as a sophomore.
FORMER UI STANDOUT GIVES $100,000 FOR CHA RENOVATION
Ronnie Lester, former All-American basketball player at the University of Iowa, has made a $100,000 gift to the UI Foundation to support the Carver-Hawkeye Arena Enhancements Campaign. The assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Lester is a member of the committee that is leading the fundraising effort to upgrade the 26-year-old facility. At the request of Lester, the UI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will name the training room at the remodeled Carver-Hawkeye Arena in honor of longtime UI athletic trainer John Streif. Streif, of Iowa City, and Lester, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., have been close friends since Lester’s playing days as an Iowa Hawkeye, beginning in the mid-1970s.
“John Streif has been a terrific friend to me for more than 30 years. He has worked tirelessly to support me and numerous other athletes for over four decades now,” said Lester, a 1981 UI graduate who was a member of the Hawkeye men’s basketball team from 1977 to 1980. “His dedication to the Hawkeyes is legendary, and I’m honored to name the training room for him.
“As a member of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena campaign committee, I am pleased to step forward to make this gift,” Lester continued. “Coach Lickliter has the program moving in the right direction, and I want to do my part to help this important project.”
The goal of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena Enhancements Campaign is to raise at least $20 million to modernize the current facility, according to UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta. No state funding will be used for the project.
“We are thrilled to receive this gift from Ronnie Lester. He is one of the all-time great basketball players at Iowa,” said Barta. “It’s always special to see former student-athletes reach back and support the Hawks. On top of his generosity, it is terrific that Ronnie has chosen to honor John Streif. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
BALANCED 3-POINT ATTACK
Every Hawkeye on this year’s team is comfortable shooting the three. Nine Hawkeyes have attempted and made at least one 3-pointer this season. Matt Gatens leads the team with 36, followed by Anthony Tucker (30), Cully Payne (27), Devan Bawinkel (21), Eric May (20), Brennan Cougill (10), John Lickliter (7), Aaron Fuller (5) and Jarryd Cole (1).
NO THREE-POINTERS
Since the 3-point shot became part of the college game, Iowa has played 14 games in which it has failed to make a 3-point attempt. Iowa had made at least one 3-point basket in 53-straight games before missing all five attempts in a 71-61 home win over Purdue in 2004. Iowa’s current streak includes at least one 3-point basket in 200 straight games.
PAYNE NAMED TO CBE CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Freshman Cully Payne was recognized on the CBE Classic All-Tournament team. The native of Schaumburg, IL, averaged 13 points, five assists and two rebounds in games against third-ranked Texas and Wichita State in Kansas City, MO. Additionally, Payne brought the fans at the Sprint Center to their feet, sinking a 75-footer at the halftime buzzer to tie Texas, 38-38.
BIG TEN/ACC CHALLENGE RECAP
The Big Ten Conference captured its first Big Ten/ACC Challenge this year, winning six of the 11 competitions. Boston College, Miami, North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia Tech earned victories for the ACC Conference. Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Northwestern and Purdue captured wins for the Big Ten.
NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter was named the 2007 Division I national Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches (NABC) after leading Butler to 29 wins and a spot in the NCAA “Sweet 16”. Four current Big Ten Conference head coaches have earned national Coach of the Year honors.
“HAWK TALK WITH Todd Lickliter”
University of Iowa basketball fans may join Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and radio announcer Gary Dolphin during the season for the “Hawk Talk with Todd Lickliter” radio call-in show. The show takes place each week at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe in Iowa City from 7-8:30 p.m. The dates are: Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1 and March 8.
ALL-SESSION BIG TEN TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE NOW
All-session tickets for the 2010 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament is on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the UI Athletic Ticket Office, Conseco Fieldhouse box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is the site of the men’s tournament from March 11-14. For the men’s basketball tournament, all-session tickets for the lower and club level are available for $275 through the 11 Big Ten universities only. All-session tickets for the upper level are available for $220 or $165 (depending on seat location) through Ticketmaster or the Conseco Fieldhouse box office only. Orders will be limited to 12 all-session tickets. In addition, the men’s basketball tournament for the first time will also feature a special discounted rate of $50 for all-session tickets available only to students of the 11 Big Ten universities. Student section seating will be available in eight balcony sections and orders will be limited to four all-session tickets. The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will call Indianapolis and Conseco Fieldhouse home through 2012. The 2010 tournament marks the sixth time Indianapolis has hosted the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse.
THIS WEEK IN BIG TEN BASKETBALL
Each Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (CST), “This Week in Big Ten Basketball” airs on the Big Ten Network. Dave Revsine will host the show alongside Jim Jackson and Dan Dakich, former Indiana player and head coach. Every Sunday night, This Week in Big Ten Basketball will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all of the Big Ten hoops action of the week, jam-packed with action footage, highlights, and awards for game and player of the week. The 30-minute shows will also preview the week ahead.
ON THE HORIZON
The Hawkeyes return home Jan. 27 when they entertain the Ohio State Buckeyes (7:35 p.m. CST). Iowa will then return to the state of Michigan and face the Michigan Wolverines, Jan. 30 (3:35 p.m. CST).