Feb. 9, 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 (8-16, 2-9) return home to entertain the Northwestern Wildcats (16-7, 2-9) Wednesday night. Tip-off is slated for 7:36 p.m. inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youths and UI students.
Iowa will be looking to snap a four-game losing skid, while Northwestern enters the contest having won its last two. The Hawkeyes are in the middle of a stretch where they play four games in 10 days. Following the four games, Iowa will be idle for eight days.
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 Wednesday night’s game to a national cable audience. Tom Werme and former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray will call the action.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,496 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Overall Iowa’s record is 1,474-1,022 (.591). That includes a 932-328 (.740) record in home games, a 542-693 (.439) record in games away from Iowa City, a 697-700 (.499) mark in Big Ten games and a 338-102 (.768) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
OHIO STATE DEFEATS IOWA IN COLUMBUS
Evan Turner scored 20 of his game-high 32 points in the second half to lift No. 13 Ohio State to a 68-58 triumph over the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday afternoon in Value City Arena at Columbus, OH. Trailing by nine points, Iowa had three open 3-point looks with five minutes remaining that would have cut the deficit to six, but the Hawkeyes were unable to convert and the Buckeyes scored on their next three possessions to put the game out of reach. Four Hawkeyes scored in double figures: Eric May (16), Aaron Fuller (11), Cully Payne (11) and Matt Gatens (10). Fuller also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, which matched his career best, to give him his third double-double of the season.
IOWA, OHIO STATE FAST BREAKS
? Iowa was 8-of-20 (.400) from 3-point range, including 4-of-5 (.800) from distance in the first half.
? Ohio State made as many free throws as field goals (22). The Buckeyes shot a blistering 82% (22-of-27) from the charity stripe.
? Iowa outrebounded Ohio State by two (31-29). The Hawkeyes had been outboarded in four of its previous five contests. Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 13 of its 24 contests, including 11 of the last 17.
? In addition to his 11 points, freshman point guard Cully Payne dished out a game-high four assists.
? Ohio State was able to take a five-point lead (32-27) into the half due in large part to forcing nine turnovers and converting those Hawkeye miscues into 13 points. For the game, Ohio State scored 20 points off 14 Hawkeye turnovers.
? The Buckeyes played only six players, with four of their starters playing the full 40 minutes (David Lighty, Evan Turner, Jon Diebler and William Buford).
? Iowa held Ohio State to only 15% (2-of-13) shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. The two triples are the second fewest by an Iowa opponent this season (Indiana failed to make a 3-pointer against Iowa on Jan. 24).
? Iowa played its 13th game without sophomore Anthony Tucker. The sophomore was suspended on Dec. 20 and returned to practice on Jan. 25. His return to game action has yet to be determined by Coach Lickliter. He did travel with the team and was in uniform at Ohio State, but did not play. 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
“We’re playing against some of the top teams in the country. When you’re in our position you need to play as close to a full 40 minutes as you can and that’s physically demanding. I would say that we’re definitely growing as a team.”
ROAD HAWKEYES
Iowa has a heavy road schedule coming down the stretch. The Hawkeyes conclude the regular season with four of its final seven contests on the road, including playing their final two regular-season contests at Wisconsin (Mar. 3) and Minnesota (Mar. 7).
HAWKEYES AMONGST BIG TEN REBOUNDING LEADERS
Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State are the only schools with at least three players ranked in the top 20 in Big Ten rebounding. The Spartans have four, while the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes each have three. Aaron Fuller ranks 14th (5.6), followed by 17th-ranked Jarryd Cole (5.3) and 19th-ranked Eric May (5.0). In conference games only stats, Fuller ranks first in the Big Ten in offensive rebounds (3.82) and third in overall rebounds (7.9), while Cole ranks sixth in offensive rebounds (2.27).
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. Individually, Matt Gatens averages 3.2 more points and 2.2 more rebounds in victories compared to losses, while Aaron Fuller averages 4.9 more points and Eric May averages 3.2 more points.
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.
DIFFICULT SCHEDULE
Iowa boasts the fourth-strongest strength of schedule amongst Big Ten teams in games played through Feb. 7. The Hawkeyes rank 42nd nationally, according to: realtimerpi.com.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa holds a 107-52 advantage over Northwestern in the series that began with a 24-23 Wildcat win in 1905. Iowa won 56-51 Feb. 7, 2009 at Iowa City before Northwestern won 55-49 Feb. 28, 2009 at Evanston a year ago. The Hawkeyes won both meetings in 2008, 53-51 on Feb. 19 at Iowa City and 67-62 on March 4 at Evanston. The teams have split the last 10 meetings. Iowa has won 24 of the last 32 meetings. Iowa holds a 62-16 advantage in games played in Iowa City, including a 22-2 record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Northwestern’s last victory in Iowa City came on Jan. 10, 2004 (77-68). Iowa won the only neutral site meeting, winning 72-55 at the United Center in the first round of the 2001 Big Ten Tournament.
SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern has won its last three home games, but has lost its last three road contests. The Wildcats are 12-3 at home this season, while they are 2-4 in true road games. Northwestern’s last road victory came at Michigan (68-62) on Jan. 10, in come-from-behind fashion. Northwestern won its last outing, 78-61, over Indiana Sunday afternoon in Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. The Wildcats led start-to-finish and led by as many as 20 points. All five Wildcat starters scored in double figures, while senior guard Jeremy Nash also had double-figure rebounds for a double-double. Sophomore forward John Shurna tallied a team-high 16 points, while Nash was credited with 13 points and 10 boards. The Wildcats shot a blistering 52% (25-of-28) from the field. Shurna averages a team-best 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks. In conference play, Shurna ranks third-best in the league in scoring (19.3). Junior Michael Thompson ranks first on the team in 3-pointers (53), assists (97), minutes played (37.65) and second in scoring (13.0) and steals (25). In conference play, Thompson ranks third in the Big Ten in assists (4.55) and assist/turnover ratio (2.78). Freshman Drew Crawford ranks third in team scoring (11.3), while Nash averages nine points and four rebounds. As a team, Northwestern ranks first in Big Ten 3-pointers made (9.3), 3-point field goal percentage defense (.290) and assist/turnover ratio (1.52), third in 3-point field goal percentage (.368) and assists (16.91) and fourth in free throw percentage (.718). Forty-eight percent of Northwestern’s field goal attempts come from 3-point territory. Northwestern is without two of its returning players from a year ago, Kevin Coble and Jeff Ryan. Both are out with season-ending injuries. Coble averaged 15.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Ryan averaged 2.1 points last season.
NORTHWESTERN COACH BILL CARMODY
Bill Carmody is in his 10th season at Northwestern and his 14th year as a college head coach. Carmody holds a career mark of 228-181 (.557), which includes a 136-156 (.466) mark at Northwestern. Last season, Carmody guided the Wildcats to a 17-14 overall record and an appearance in the NIT. Carmody posted a record of 92-25 in four seasons at Princeton University, where he was a member of the basketball staff for 18 seasons. His record in Ivy League games as the head coach at Princeton was 50-6. Carmody led Princeton to four straight post-season appearances. Carmody was the head coach at Fulton County (NY) Community College for one season, 1975-76, he was an assistant coach at Union College from 1976-80 and he was an assistant at Providence College for one season before joining the staff at Princeton in 1982. Carmody is 7-9 vs. Iowa and 1-3 vs. Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
IOWA, NORTHWESTERN TIP-INS
? Iowa is 14-12 all-time in games played on Feb. 10.
? Iowa is 7-2 when leading at the half, 1-11 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.
? Eighty-one percent of Iowa’s offense is generated by underclassmen (1,106 of 1,359 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.
? The Hawkeyes shoot 82.6% (19-of-23) from the foul line in the last 60 seconds and 80% (32-of-40) in the final two minutes of a contest.
? Northwestern’s 16-player roster features student-athletes from four different states, plus Serbia and Croatia. Nine of the 16 players hail from Illinois, three from Michigan, and one each from Arizona, Indiana, Croatia and Serbia.
? Northwestern’s roster breakdown includes four seniors, three juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen.
? Iowa ranks 20th in the nation in fewest fouls per contest (15.6) and 31st in 3-pointers made (8.0).
? Northwestern ranks sixth in the country in 3-pointers (9.3) and assist/turnover ratio (1.5), 14th in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.290) and 16th in fewest turnovers (11.2). Individually, Michael Thompson ranks 26th in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (2.49).
? Iowa’s John Lickliter, who averages 11 minutes a game, has a 2.3 assist/turnover ratio. Additionally, Cully Payne and Jarryd Cole enter Wednesday’s game with the same number of points (196).
? Iowa’s two victories over Northwestern in 2008 gave the Hawkeyes their first season sweep of Northwestern since the 2002-03 season. Nine of the last 10 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, with six of those decided by five points or less.
? The Iowa roster includes two players from Illinois. They are freshman Cully Payne (Schaumburg) and senior Devan Bawinkel (Winnebago).
? Iowa sophomore Aaron Fuller (Mesa) and Northwestern senior Kevin Coble (Scottsdale) both left the Phoenix, AZ area to play Big Ten basketball.
? Along with its 80 games against Northwestern in Welsh-Ryan Arena, Iowa has played four NCAA Tournament games in the facility. Iowa won two games in Evanston to advance to the 1955 Final Four. The following season Iowa advanced to the Final Four in Evanston, losing to San Francisco in its only appearance in the national championship game.
? Iowa and Northwestern have met just once in the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa defeated the Wildcats 72-55 in the first round on the way to winning the 2001 tournament title.
NORTHWESTERN WON THE LAST MEETING
Northwestern closed the game on an 8-2 run in the final 4:16 to top the Iowa Hawkeyes 55-49 on Feb. 28, 2009 in front of 6,462 fans in Welsh-Ryan Arena at Evanston, IL. Half of Northwestern’s 18 field goals came from 3-point territory. Iowa shot only 37% from the field and 50% from the foul line. Iowa’s Jake Kelly netted a game-high 23 points, while Matt Gatens added 11. Northwestern was paced by Kevin Coble’s 16 points and nine rebounds. John Shurna contributed seven points and four rebounds for the Wildcats.
IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 338-102 (.768) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 157-82 (.657) in Big Ten games and 181-20 (.900) in non-Big Ten contests.
HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 62 of its 83 games (.747) 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.
TUCKER UPDATE
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 13 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. His return to game action is yet to be determined by Coach Lickliter. He traveled with the team to Columbus, OH, last weekend and was in uniform, but did not play. It was his first road trip since being suspended.
IOWA SEEING IMPROVED STATS THIS SEASON
So far, the Hawkeyes have played the 42nd-toughest schedule in the country. Although the team has not been rewarded with more wins, statistically the numbers are up, through 24 games, from a year ago. The Hawkeyes are averaging three more two-pointers this year from last, 3.8 more rebounds, including 2.3 more offensive rebounds and 1.0 more assists.
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 (3.63) and minutes played (32.25). May ranks first in blocked shots (0.96). May blocked three shots in two of Iowa’s last four contests, while Payne averaged 3.5 assists and 32.5 minutes the last four contests.
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 11 conference games, Fuller leads the team in scoring (11.1) and rebounding (7.9). He has led the team in scoring four of the last eight contests and rebounding in six of the last eight. In his last eight games, Fuller is averaging 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds and has attempted 39 free throws, making 28 (.718). 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 (3.82), third in rebounding (7.9) and 25th in scoring (11.1). Fuller posted the first career double-doubles of his career in back-to-back games vs. Tennessee State (Jan. 12) and Penn State (Jan. 16). Against Tennessee State 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, Fuller registered 20 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-6, 230-pounder registered his third double-double in Iowa’s last outing at No. 13 Ohio State, putting up 11 points and 10 rebounds. Prior to the last eight games, Fuller was averaging 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. His overall averages now stand at 8.3 points and 5.6 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 44-of-65 (.677) this season.
MAY DAY
Freshman Eric May (120) currently ranks third in team rebounding, only six shy of leader Jarryd Cole (126). 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). Two of May’s better games this year have come against the nationally-ranked Buckeyes. The Dubuque, IA, native scored 17 of his 18 points in the final 14:37 vs. No. 20 Ohio State on Jan. 27. 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. Ten days later at Columbus, he netted a team-high 16 points against No. 13 Ohio State. 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).
HITTING THE GLASS
Iowa has owned the rebounding advantage in 13 of its 24 contests, including 11 of the last 17. 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), Indiana (16), Illinois (6) and Ohio State (2). The Hawkeyes are 6-7 in games they have a positive rebounding margin.
REACHING 20-POINT PLATEAU
The Hawkeyes have had one player score 20 points or more seven times this season. 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 against 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 against No. 20 Ohio State (Jan. 27).
BLOCKAGE
With his six blocks the last four games, May has cracked Iowa’s single-season freshman blocked shots chart. Many of his blocks have been highlight reel material. The 6-5, 225-pounder has rejected 23 shots, tying Kenyon Murray (1992-93) and Michael Payne (1981-82) for sixth on the list. Chris Street (1990-91) ranks first with 52. May is the only Hawkeye in double-figure blocks and will become the first Iowa freshman to lead the team since Ryan Bowen averaged 1.0 blocks in 1995. Furthermore, standing 6-foot-5, May would be the shortest player to lead the team in blocked shots since 6-foot-5 James Winters led the Hawkeyes in 1994 with 26 rejections.
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 9.4 points, five rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks. May has started 14 of the last 16 games, including the last 12. Fourteen of his 23 blocks have come in Big Ten action. The Dubuque, IA, native matched career highs in scoring (18) and blocks (3) and sank a personal best five triples against Ohio State on Jan. 27. He posted a team-high 16 points, bolstered by 4-of-7 shooting from long distance, at Ohio State on Feb. 7. 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. He 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, 3.6 assists and 3.1 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 vs. No. 20 Ohio State on Jan. 27. 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 45, followed by Eric May (31), Anthony Tucker (30), Cully Payne (30), Devan Bawinkel (25), Brennan Cougill (15), John Lickliter (9), Aaron Fuller (6) and Jarryd Cole (1). Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten in triples made (8.0).
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 205 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.
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
Iowa continues its schedule theme of playing one home game followed by one on the road Saturday, traveling to West Lafayette, IN, to face the sixth-ranked Purdue Boilermakers. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:35 p.m. (CST) at Mackey Arena.