Jan. 29, 2010
- Purchase Iowa Men’s Basketball Tickets
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Take the Hawkeyes With You: Iowa Podcasts
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Complete Release in PDF Format
THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-13, 2-6) hit the road for the third time in four games, traveling to Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday to face the Michigan Wolverines (10-10, 3-5). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. (CST) at Crisler Arena (13,751). Michigan enters the game on a three-game losing skid, while Iowa has won three of its last five.
COACHES VS. CANCER
Both Iowa and Michigan’s coaching staff’s will help bring awareness to Coaches vs. Cancer on Saturday by wearing sneakers, polos and khakis.
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 Saturday afternoon’s game to a national cable audience. Wayne Larrivee and Greg Kelser will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,493 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,474-1,019 (.591). That includes a 932-327 (.740) record in home games, a 542-691 (.440) record in games away from Iowa City, a 697-697 (.500) mark in Big Ten games and a 338-101 (.770) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
LATE SURGE LIFTS OHIO STATE OVER IOWA
Ohio State scored 45 second-half points, including 20 in the final 4:45 of the game, to lift the Buckeyes to a 65-57 triumph over the Iowa Hawkeyes Wednesday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa led by five (25-20) at the half and for a majority of the second half. The Black and Gold led by as much as seven (45-38) with 8:18 remaining in the contest. An Eric May triple at the 4:46 mark gave Iowa a 50-45 advantage. However, the Buckeyes closed the game on a 20-7 run. May led Iowa, scoring 17 of his team-high 18 points in the final 14:37. The freshman matched a season high and drained a season-best five triples, all in the second half. Jarryd Cole contributed nine points and five rebounds, while Aaron Fuller registered six points and a team-best nine boards. Ohio State’s Evan Turner posted game highs in assists (7) and rebounds (12) to go along with his 16 points. David Lighty netted a game-high 20 points and also snagged eight rebounds for the Buckeyes.
IOWA, OHIO STATE FAST BREAKS
? Matt Gatens, who sprained his left ankle against Tennessee State on Jan. 12, reinjured his ankle during the afternoon shoot-around prior to the Ohio State game. The sophomore was a game time decision, ultimately showing immeasurable toughness playing 38 minutes, collecting six points and three assists.
? Iowa sank 10 triples, six in the second stanza. It marked the eighth time this season the Black and Gold recorded 10 or more treys. The last time Iowa had double-digit 3-pointers was when it sank 11 vs. Minnesota on Jan. 2.
? All nine Hawkeyes that played scored at least two points. Iowa’s bench outscored Ohio State’s reserves 13-2. It marked the eighth time this season Iowa’s reserves outscored the opposition.
? Ohio State outrebounded Iowa by seven (41-34).
? Iowa made only three of its last eight field goal attempts and had three turnovers in the final 4:45.
? Ohio State started the game 0-of-6 from the foul line, but finished strong, sinking 13 of its last 14 attempts.
? Iowa played its 10th game without sophomore Anthony Tucker. The sophomore was suspended on Dec. 20 and returned to practice on Jan. 25. It is unlikely he will play at Michigan on Saturday. Tucker averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. He 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 last season).
LICKLITER AFTER THE GAME
“I believed in the team the whole way, so I’m really disappointed. Not in our effort, but in the outcome. LaVall Jordan may have had the best line of my coaching career; he told the guys, `You have to pay attention.’ I know that seems simple, but there are certain things going on and you can’t just play the game. You have to understand what’s going on in the game. You have to attack and play with calculated aggression. We just made too many errors to beat a team like this. They were errors in the nature of not paying attention. When it was time to finish, I think we got a little apprehensive. I don’t want to take anything away from our guys. They really battled. They controlled most of the game. Until the last few minutes, we guarded one of the best teams in the nation toe-to-toe and really defended them.”
HAWKEYES IMPROVING
Iowa has seen better play as of late and has been rewarded, winning three of the last five games. The Hawkeye defense has seen the most improvement, allowing 6.1 fewer points, compared to the first 16 games of the season. Additionally, Iowa is pulling down 2.1 more rebounds, collected one more steal a game and is averaging one less turnover. The Black and Gold have also been feeding the basketball inside more, with 45% of its field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc, as opposed to 49% the first 16 contests. Also, Iowa has improved at the charity stripe, shooting 72.5% the last five contests, compared to 67.6% the first 16 games.
IOWA SEEING IMPROVED STATS THIS SEASON
So far, the Hawkeyes have played the 41st-toughest schedule in the country. Although the team has not been rewarded with more wins, statistically the numbers are up, through 21 games, from a year ago. The Hawkeyes are averaging three more two-pointers this year from last, 3.6 more rebounds, including 2.2 more offensive rebounds and 1.0 more assists. Additionally, Iowa has scored four more points (1,313-1,309) this year compared to last, through 21 contests.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the fourth-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through Jan. 27. The Hawkeyes rank 34th nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Michigan holds an 84-57 advantage in the series that began with a 19-15 Wolverine win in 1912. The Wolverines have won two of three meetings in each of the last two seasons. A year ago, Michigan defeated Iowa 64-49 Jan. 11 in Ann Arbor before Iowa won 70-60, in overtime, Feb. 22 at Iowa City. The Wolverines won by a 73-45 margin March 12 in the Big Ten Tournament at Indianapolis. Iowa has won five of the last nine meetings, Michigan four of the last six. In 2007-08, both teams won on the road Iowa before Michigan won 55-47 at Indianapolis in the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes won the only meeting in 2007, 69-62 in Ann Arbor. Iowa also won the only meeting in 2006, 94-66 in Iowa City. Iowa had won three straight games in Ann Arbor, for the first time ever, before the loss last season. Michigan holds a 47-22 advantage in games played in Ann Arbor, where Iowa had lost four straight before winning three of the last four. Michigan holds a 4-0 advantage in games played at neutral sites, all in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan won 77-66 in 1998 at Chicago and 79-70 in the 2004 event at Indianapolis. Michigan has defeated Iowa in the first round at Indianapolis in each of the past two seasons, winning 55-47 in 2008 and 73-45 in 2009.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
Eight of Michigan’s 10 victories have come on Crisler Arena’s court. The Wolverines are 2-2 in home conference games, beating Indiana and Ohio State, but losing to Northwestern and most recently to fifth-ranked Michigan State. In its last outing, the Wolverines nearly pulled the upset over in-state rival Michigan State. Michigan only committed four turnovers and forced 18, outscoring the Spartans 25-5 in points off turnovers. The Wolverines made seven triples and shot 79% (11-of-14) from the foul line. Michigan State did outrebound Michigan by 16 (41-25). Michigan senior DeShawn Sims scored a team-high 19 points, while junior Manny Harris netted 16 as a reserve. Harris returned to action Tuesday night after serving a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct last week during practice. Harris averages a team-best 19.0 points, 4.3 assists ans ranks second in rebounding (6.6). His scoring average ranks second-best in the Big Ten. Sims ranks third in the conference in scoring (17.5) and pulls down a team-best 7.5 rebounds. Sophomore Zack Novak averages 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. As a team, the Wolverines rank third in the league in scoring defense (62.1), free throw percentage (.729) and turnover margin (+3.7), and second in assist/turnover ratio (1.39) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (.294).
MICHIGAN COACH JOHN BEILEIN
John Beilein is in his third season as the head coach at Michigan and his 32nd year overall as a college head coach on the junior college, NAIA, NCAA Div. II and NCAA Div. I levels. Beilein is 41-46 (.471) at Michigan and his career mark is 592-364 (.619). Beilein is in his 18th year as a Division I head coach, posting an 89-62 record at Canisius (1993-97), a 100-53 record at Richmond (1998-2002) and a 104-60 mark at West Virginia (2003-07). He led West Virginia teams to four straight post-season appearances, including two trips to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2005. West Virginia, won the NIT post-season tournament in 2007. Beilein has won over 300 games at the Division I level and has taken his team to post-season action in 11 of the last 17 seasons. Beilein’s teams have posted 27 winning seasons in 31 years, including 15 seasons of at least 20 wins. He ranks among the top 20 active Division I coaches in career wins. Beilein is 4-2 against Iowa and Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
LICKLITER VS. MICHIGAN
Todd Lickliter led his Butler team against Michigan on two occasions prior to becoming Iowa’s head coach. The teams met early in the 2003-04 season at Conseco Fieldhouse at Indianapolis, with Michigan taking a 61-60 overtime win. Butler also dropped a 78-74 contest at Michigan early in the 2005-06 season.
IOWA, MICHIGAN TIP-INS
? Iowa is 11-7 all-time in games played on Jan. 30.
? Iowa is 7-2 when leading at the half, 1-10 when trailing and 0-1 when tied at halftime. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 8-4 when recording more assists and 7-3 when getting to the free-throw line more than their opponents. Iowa is also a perfect 7-0 when having a higher field goal percentage than its opponents.
? Matt Gatens averaged 13.5 points and seven rebounds in the two regular-season games against Michigan a year ago.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (1,063 of 1,313 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 will redshirt.
? Michigan’s 16-player roster features student-athletes from six different states. Eight of the 16 players hail from Michigan, two from Indiana, New York and Illinois, and one from Virginia and California.
? Michigan’s roster breakdown includes two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and nine freshmen (two of which are redshirt freshmen).
? Iowa ranks 16th in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (15.5) and 29th in 3-pointers made (8.2).
? Michigan ranks 14th in the country in fewest fouls per game (15.3), 19th in turnover margin (3.2) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35) and 31st in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.298). Individually, Manny Harris ranks 37th in the nation in scoring (19.0).
? Michigan’s Manny Harris dished out a Big Ten season-best 11 assists vs. Creighton (Nov. 26). Michigan’s DeShawn Sims made a conference season-best 13 field goals vs. Ohio State (Jan. 3).
? In 2006-07, Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter led his Butler team to the preseason NIT championship with wins over Notre Dame, Indiana, Tennessee and Gonzaga. Michigan Coach John Beilein led West Virginia to the postseason NIT title with wins over Delaware State, Massachusetts, North Carolina State, Mississippi State and Clemson.
? John Beilein led West Virginia to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006, while Todd Lickliter led Butler to the “Sweet 16” in 2007.
? During the 2005-06 season, Iowa and John Beilein’s West Virginia team nearly met on two occasions. Both teams reached the semifinals of the Guardians Classic in Kansas City. Iowa defeated Kentucky in the semifinals, but Texas defeated West Virginia in the semifinals before defeating the Hawkeyes in the finals. West Virginia and Iowa were then sent to the same regional in the NCAA Tournament, with a chance to meet in the second round at the Palace of Auburn Hills. West Virginia defeated Southern Illinois in the first round, but Iowa was upset on a last second 3-point basket by Northwestern State.
? Hawkeye senior Devan Bawinkel played for Michigan Coach John Beilein as a freshman at West Virginia. Beilein left for Michigan after leading the Mountaineers to the 2007 NIT title. Bawinkel played his sophomore season at Highland, IL Community College before joining the Hawkeyes.
? Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter and Michigan Coach John Beilein each have a son as a member of their staff. Garrett Lickliter is a graduate manager for the Hawkeyes, while Patrick Beilein serves in the same capacity on the Michigan staff.
? Iowa Assistant Coach LaVall Jordan is a native of Albion, MI.
? Michigan Associate Head Coach Jerry Dunn previously served as the head coach at Penn State (1995-03). During that time the Hawkeyes posted a 9-5 record vs. the Nittany Lions. Dunn was also a Penn State assistant from 1983-95.
? Michigan Assistant Coach Mike Jackson was an assistant coach at Detroit (1996-01) when the Hawkeyes defeated Detroit 61-60 on Dec. 5, 1998 in Iowa City and 69-68 Dec. 28, 2000 in Honolulu.
? Michigan Administrative Assistant Jeff Meyer served as an assistant coach at Butler University for three seasons (2001-04) when Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter was the Bulldog head coach.
? Brian Townsend, Michigan’s director of basketball operations, was a four-year letterman for the Wolverine football team (1988-91), helping Michigan post a 2-1-1 mark against the Hawkeyes. Iowa and Michigan were two of the teams that tied for the 1990 Big Ten title.
MICHIGAN WON THE LAST MEETING
Iowa and Michigan played each other three times last season. In the last meeting, the Wolverines got the best of the Hawkeyes with a 73-45 triumph in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on March 12, 2009 in Indianapolis. The Maize and Blue were in control for most of the game, leading 40-19 at the half. The Wolverines forced 17 Iowa turnovers and converted those miscues into 24 points. Michigan shot 59% (29-of-49) from the field. The Wolverines were led by DeShawn Sims, who poured in a game-high 27 points. Manny Harris netted 18 points, had eight assists and seven rebounds. Iowa’s Jarryd Cole scored eight points, while Aaron Fuller had seven and Devan Bawinkel added six.
IOWA FRESHMEN RANK HIGH
Iowa freshmen, Cully Payne and Eric May, lead Big Ten freshmen in a couple statistical categories. Payne is leading all conference freshmen in assists per game (3.76) and minutes played (32.24). May ranks first in blocked shots (0.95). Payne had six assists in 33 minutes, while May rejected a game-high three shots in Iowa’s last outing vs. Ohio State.
TUCKER RETURNED 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 10 games due to the suspension. The sophomore averages 11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 contests. Tucker returned to the team and resumed practicing Monday, Jan. 25. It is unlikely Tucker will play at Michigan. His return to game action is yet to be determined.
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.
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 eight conference games, Fuller leads the team in scoring (11.1) and rebounding (7.5). He has led the team in scoring three of the last five contests and rebounding in three of the last five. 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 (3.5), fifth in rebounding (7.5), 15th in field goal percentage (.471) and 25th in scoring (11.0). Fuller posted the first career double-doubles of his career in two of the last five 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 on Jan. 20 (13 points and nine rebounds). Prior to the last five games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His overall averages now stand at 7.8 points and 5.1 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 34-of-51 (.667) this season.
MAY DAY
Freshman Eric May (105) currently ranks second in team rebounding, only nine rebounds shy of leader Jarryd Cole (114). 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 10 games, averaging 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. The Dubuque, IA, native had a monster game vs. No. 20 Ohio State Wednesday night, scoring 17 of his 18 points in the final 14:37. The 18 points was a team best and equaled a personal high. He also blocked a game-high three shots and drained a career-high five triples, all in the second half against the Buckeyes. 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). May is on pace to crack the Iowa single-season freshman blocked shots chart. Many of his blocks have been highlight reel material. The 6-5, 225-pounder has rejected 20 shots so far and is only three from tying Kenyon Murray (1992-93) and Michael Payne (1981-82) for sixth on the list. Chris Street (1990-91) ranks first on the list with 52.
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, Illinois and Ohio State) and Aaron Fuller (Purdue, Tennessee State, Penn State and Indiana). Additionally, Gatens has reached double figures a team-best 13 times. May has accomplished the feat eight times, Fuller seven times and Payne six times.
REACHING 20-POINT PLATEAU
The Hawkeyes have had one player score 20 points or more in seven of the last 15 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 four outings vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16). Eric May was only two points from netting 20 points for the first time in his collegiate career Wednesday against No. 20 Ohio State.
HAWKEYES PUT UP SOLID NUMBERS IN WINS
Iowa averages 70.8 points, 16.3 assists, makes 48% of its field-goal attempts and boasts a +6.9 rebounding margin in its eight victories.
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 11 of its 21 contests, including nine of the last 14. 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), Tennessee State (4) and Indiana (16). The Hawkeyes are 6-5 in games they have a positive rebounding margin. Iowa ranks fifth in Big Ten rebounds allowed (32.1).
IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 338-101 (.770) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 157-81 (.660) in Big Ten games and 181-20 (.900) in non-Big Ten contests.
HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 62 of its 82 games (.756) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last five seasons, including win streaks of 21 straight overall and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. Iowa has won 10 of its last 16 home games against ranked opponents and was 13-4 at home in 2008-09. Three of Iowa’s four home losses last year were to ranked opponents and by four points or less. Iowa was a perfect 17-0 at home in 2006, 14-2 in 2007, 10-8 in 2008 and 13-4 a year ago. Iowa has compiled a 24-10 Big Ten Conference record in that time.
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 9.3 points, five rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals and blocks. May has started 11 of the last 13 games, including the last eight. May averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in Iowa’s first two league games (Purdue and Minnesota). The Dubuque, IA, native matched career highs in scoring (18) and blocks (3) and sank a personal best five triples against Ohio State Wednesday night. 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) 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 8.2 points, 3.76 assists and 2.9 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. The freshman dished out a team-high six assists and tied a personal best with six rebounds in Iowa’s last outing vs. No. 20 Ohio State. 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-ball. Nine Hawkeyes have attempted and made at least one 3-pointer this season. Matt Gatens leads the team with 40, followed by Anthony Tucker (30), Cully Payne (27), Eric May (26), Devan Bawinkel (23), Brennan Cougill (12), John Lickliter (8), 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 202 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: Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1 and March 8.
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 Feb. 3 to host Illinois (7:35 p.m.). Iowa will hit the road again next weekend when it travels to Columbus, OH, to play Ohio State Feb. 7 (11:05 a.m., CST). It will mark the second time in 12 days the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes will meet.