April 6, 2012
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MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN YEAR TWO
Fran McCaffery guided Iowa to 18 wins (18-17) in his second season as head coach of the Hawkeyes, with four of the 18 victories coming against top 20 opponents. McCaffery is one of only four Big Ten coaches to record four or more wins over ranked opponents, and the only coach to do so with an unranked team McCaffery’s seven-win improvement following his second season, ties Pops Harrison (1943-44) for the fourth best improvement following his second year as Iowa head coach. Steve Alford (2000-01) and Lute Olsen (1975-76) rank first (+9), while George Raveling (1984-85) is third (+8). Furthermore, the seven-win improvement ranked third-best in the Big Ten in 2012 behind Indiana (+12) and Michigan State (+10). Iowa improved by four wins in conference play from 2011 (four) to 2012 (eight), its best improvement since 1994-95. Tom Davis’ 1994 team won five, while his 1995 squad collected nine victories.
GATENS AND WHITE HONORED BY BIG TEN
Senior Matt Gatens and freshman Aaron White earned postseason all-conference recognition by the Big Ten. Gatens was named to the second team by the media voting panel and was a third team pick by the coaches. He was also named the team’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree. White was named to the coaches’ all-Freshman team and earned honorable mention all-league recognition by the media. Gatens became the first Hawkeye since Tony Freeman earned third team honors in 2008 to be named to a first, second or third team. Adam Haluska was a first team selection in 2007. The all-Big Ten honor was the first of Gatens’ career. He was honorable mention in 2010 and was named to the all-Freshman team in 2009. White becomes the fourth Hawkeye to be named to the all-Freshman team the last four years (Gatens in 2009; Eric May in 2010; Melsahn Basabe in 2011; and White in 2012). Gatens led the team in scoring (15.2), 3-pointers (75), free throws (111); ranked second in steals (48); and third in assists (69). White ranked first in team rebounding (5.7); second in blocks (23); and third in scoring (11.1) and steals (30).
HAWKEYES GROUND FLYERS IN NIT FIRST ROUND
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Dayton, 84-75, on March 13 in the first round of the NIT on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa, a seventh seed, played at home against the No. 2 Dayton due to the Flyers hosting the NCAA First Four. Iowa played in front of 13,190 fans, which was the highest attended NIT game of 2012. Freshman Aaron White, and sophomores Zach McCabe and Melsahn Basabe combined to score 60 of Iowa’s 84 points. White netted a career-high 25 points to go along with a game-high 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. McCabe tallied 20 points, bolstered by a perfect 9-of-9 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line. Basabe contributed 15 points (6-of-9 from the field and 3-3 from the free throw line) off the bench. Iowa shot 57 percent from the field (33-of-58) and had assists on 23 of 33 field goals. The Hawkeyes shot 50 percent of better nine times this season (5-4 record in those contests), including two of the last four games (.550 vs. Northwestern on March 3). Both teams shot the ball extremely well from the free throw line. Iowa made 80 percent (12-of-15), while Dayton drained 78 percent (14-of-18) of its free throws. Iowa made 24 baskets in the paint, scoring 48 paint points, which is the second most this season for the Hawkeyes (64 vs. Central Arkansas).
IOWA, DAYTON TIP-INS
? Bryce Cartwright’s 11 assists is a school record for most assists by a Hawkeye in an NIT game.
? Aaron White’s 11 rebounds ties Ryan Bowen for the most boards by an Iowa player in an NIT game. Bowen had 11 boards vs. Georgia on March 11, 1998.
? Iowa’s 56.9 percent shooting is a school record for best percentage in an NIT contest.
? Aaron White, Melsahn Basabe and Zach McCabe combined to shoot 25-of-33 (.758) from the field against the Flyers.
? Zach McCabe had the second 9-for-9 performance by a Big Ten player this season. Illinois’ Joseph Bertrand accomplished the feat vs. Missouri on Dec. 22, 2011.
? Aaron White’s double-double against Dayton (25 points and 11 rebounds) marks the fifth double-double by a Hawkeye in an NIT game. Andre Woolridge had 10 assists and 17 points vs. DePaul (1995), Jess Settles had 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. Ohio (1995); Ryan Bowen had 24 points and 11 boards vs. Georgia (1998); and Jared Reiner had 11 points and 10 rebounds against Valparaiso (2003).
NIT FAST BREAKS
? Iowa played in 35 games in 2011-12, equaling the most games any Iowa team has played in a single season (1986-87, 2000-01 and 2001-02).
? Iowa’s win over Dayton on March 13 was the school’s first postseason win since beating Iowa State (54-53) on March 21, 2003 in the NIT first round.
? Iowa posted four wins over RPI top 25 teams (Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin twice). Only Michigan State (seven), Ohio State (seven) and Michigan (five) had more in the Big Ten.
? Iowa’s eight Big Ten wins are the most in a single season since collecting nine during the 2006-07 campaign.
? Matt Gatens is one of only two Hawkeyes to ever amass over 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals. Roy Marble is the only other Hawkeye to accomplish the feat.
Aaron White NAMED FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICA
Aaron White was named to the 2012 Kyle Macy Freshman All-America team. White was one of 16 student-athletes recognized nationally. White ranked first on the Hawkeyes in rebounding (5.7), third in scoring (11.1) and steals (31), and second in blocks (23).
HAWKEYES FALL TO OREGON IN NIT SECOND ROUND
Iowa’s season came to a close on March 18 with a 108-97 loss at Oregon in the second round of the NIT. The game (205 points) was the highest scoring, non-overtime, contest in Division I this season. It also marked Iowa’s first contest on the West Coast since 1993. Iowa built a 15-point lead midway through the first half and led by four (51-47) at halftime, but the Ducks outscored the Hawkeyes by 15 in the second half to capture the victory. Four Hawkeyes scored in double figures, led by sophomore Roy Devyn Marble’s game and career-high 31 points. Freshman Aaron White contributed 22 points, while sophomore Melsahn Basabe had 17 and Bryce Cartwright posted his second career double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. Marble’s 31 points are the most ever by a Hawkeye in an NIT game and the most in a postseason contest since Ed Horton netted 32 against NC State in the second round of the 1989 NCAA Tournament.. He also went 7-of-8 from 3-point range. The seven triples are the most ever by an Iowa player in any postseason game. Both teams drained 10 triples, but Oregon outscored Iowa 28-13 at the free throw line.
IOWA, OREGON TIP-INS
? Bryce Cartwright, in his final game as a Hawkeye, netted 12 points, had four steals and collected 10 assists. The senior recorded 21 total assists in Iowa’s two NIT games. He became only the third Hawkeyes to register 10 or more assists in consecutive games (Cal Wulfsberg in 1976 and B.J. Armstrong in 1989).
? The Hawkeyes scored 51 points in the first half, marking the most points ever scored in a half by an Iowa team in the NIT.
? Iowa made 37 field goals (37-79), marking the most ever in an NIT game.
? Seventy-eight of Iowa’s 97 points were scored by underclassmen: sophomore Roy Devyn Marble (31), freshman Aaron White (22), sophomore Melsahn Basabe (17) and Zach McCabe (8).
? The Hawkeyes were 10-of-22 (.455) from the 3-point line. The total 3-pointers and the percentage are the most for an Iowa team in the NIT. Iowa made 10 triples in two of its last three games.
? Melsahn Basabe scored 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field and grabbed eight rebounds. The 17 points are the second most the sophomore scored this season (18 at Iowa State on Dec. 9).
? Aaron White scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half. He also had eight rebounds.
? Iowa lost only its second game of the last two seasons when scoring 80 points or more (10-2).
IOWA POSTED BIG WINS
Iowa posted eight wins against teams ranked in the top 100 of the RPI, including four inside the top 25. The Hawkeyes registered victories over Michigan (13), Indiana (17), Dayton (81) and two wins each over Wisconsin (23) and Minnesota (90). The Hawkeyes had four wins over top 25 teams; only Michigan State (seven), Ohio State (seven) and Michigan (five) had more.
GATENS MAKES HISTORY
Senior Matt Gatens becomes the first Hawkeye to lead the team in free throw percentage four consecutive seasons. Also, he becomes only the seventh Hawkeye since 1939, and the first to do so since Acie Earl (1991-93), to lead the team in scoring three straight seasons. Other former Hawkeyes leading the squad in scoring three consecutive years include: Dick Ives (1944-46); Bill Logan (1954-56); Dave Gunther (1957-59); Don Nelson (1960-62); Greg Stokes (1983-85); Acie Earl (1991-93).
IOWA FASTBREAKS
? Iowa went 7-6 since Feb. 1, including notching wins over No. 15 Wisconsin and No. 18 Indiana. The Hawkeyes alternated wins and losses their final eight games.
? Matt Gatens, a second team All-Big Ten honoree for the Hawkeyes, scored 162 points the last nine games (18.0 ppg).
? Iowa’s attendance numbers were up again this season, after a 20 percent bump a year ago. In 2010-11, Iowa averaged 11,096 fans. Hosting 20 home games in 2011-12, the Hawkeyes averaged 11,908.
? Iowa was the only Big Ten school with two players ranked in the top ten in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (Roy Devyn Marble was fifth, followed by Bryce Cartwright in sixth).
? Iowa had six regular-season wins over teams that reached the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. The six wins ties Michigan as the fourth most in the league. Michigan State had 10, while Indiana and Ohio State had seven. Wisconsin had five, while Purdue had four and Minnesota only had one.
? Iowa ranked first in the Big Ten in steals (7.5); third in scoring offense (73.0); fourth in 3-point field goal accuracy (.373) and assists (14.9).
? Iowa ranked 32nd nationally in assist/turnover ratio (1.2); 39th in assists (14.9); 52nd in 3-point field goal accuracy (.373); and 65th in fewest fouls (16.7). Individually, Matt Gatens ranked 43rd in free throw percentage (.854), Roy Devyn Marble ranked 69th in assist/turnover ratio (2.1), while Bryce Cartwright ranked 69th in assists (4.8).
? Iowa won five games in February, the most since the 1997-98 season (5).
? Iowa was 10-2 when scoring 80 points or more, the last two seasons. The Hawkeyes were 14-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 60 points, the last two years.
? Iowa was one of only two Big Ten teams (Indiana) with two players with 45+ steals (Roy Devyn Marble — 53 and Matt Gatens — 48). As a team, the Hawkeyes amassed 262 steals, which are the most by an Iowa team since collecting 268 in 1999.
? Iowa was 4-4 against ranked Big Ten teams and 5-7 versus unranked conference foes.
? Iowa’s second (Roy Devyn Marble, 11.5), third (Aaron White, 11.1), fourth (Melsahn Basabe, 8.2), fifth (Zach McCabe, 7.8) and sixth (Josh Oglesby 6.4) leading scorers in 2011-12 were all underclassmen.
? Freshman Aaron White netted 389 points this season, which ranks fifth best by an Iowa rookie.
? Matt Gatens’ 1,264 career field goal attempts rank fifth most by a Hawkeye. Acie Earl (1990-93) ranks fourth with 1,265 attempts.
IOWA, BIG TEN TOURNAMENT WRAP-UP
? Iowa’s 10 triples against Michigan State in the quarterfinals is a school record for most 3-pointers in a Big Ten Tournament game.
? Iowa’s 64-61 win over Illinois on March 8 snapped a five-game losing streak in Big Ten Tournament games. The Hawkeyes’ previous last victory in a conference tournament game was against Ohio State in the 2006 title game.
? Bryce Cartwright amassed 19 assists in three career tournament games (2011 and 2012), which are the fourth most by a Hawkeye in Big Ten Tournament career action.
? Iowa’s 75 points against Michigan State tie for the fourth most by an Iowa team in a Big Ten Tournament game. Iowa also scored 75 against Ohio State on March 9, 2001.
? Matt Gatens scored a game-high 20 points vs. Illinois, marking the ninth time this year and 18th time in his career that the Iowa City native posted 20 points or more.
? Iowa’s 16 offensive rebounds versus Illinois in the first round are the second most by a Hawkeye team in a Big Ten Tournament game.
? The seven blocks by the Hawkeyes against the Spartans tie as the second most by an Iowa team in a conference tournament contest.
? Matt Gatens’ 20 points versus Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament first round is the most by a Hawkeye in a Big Ten Tournament game since Cully Payne had 25 against Michigan in 2010.
? Aaron White tied a career high with three steals against Illinois on March 8. White also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds against the Illini, marking the first time a freshman led Iowa in rebounding at a Big Ten Tournament game since Tyler Smith had seven in 2007 vs. Purdue.
REBOUNDING KEY IN OUTCOMES
In Iowa’s nine wins over Big Ten competition, it posted a +3.6 rebounding margin advantage. However, in its 11 losses against Big Ten competition, Iowa was outrebounded by 5.1 boards. Overall, Iowa was 13-4 in games in 2011-12 when having the edge on the glass. The four losses when the Hawkeyes had a positive rebounding margin came on the road at Iowa State, Northwestern and Oregon, and in the home finale against Northwestern.
HAWKEYES POSTED IMPRESSIVE POSTSEASON NUMBERS
Five Hawkeyes averaged double figures in scoring the last four games (two Big Ten Tournament contests and two NIT games). Aaron White averaged 16.8 points and 7.8 rebounds the last four games, followed by Roy Devyn Marble (14.5 points), Melsahn Basabe (11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds), Zach McCabe (11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds) and Matt Gatens (11.0 points). Bryce Cartwright only averaged 5.5 points, but averaged a staggering 8.5 assists the last four games. He became only the third Hawkeye to ever register back-to-game games with double digit assists when he had 11 versus Dayton and 10 at Oregon.
ESPN.COM RANKED NATION’S TOP FRESHMEN
ESPN.com released a midseason report on the nation’s top freshmen. Included in the list was Iowa’s Aaron White. White was ranked No. 15. Indiana’s Cody Zeller was second and Trey Burke of Michigan was seventh. White ranked third in Iowa scoring (11.1) and first in rebounding (5.7). All three were named to the all-Big Ten Freshman team. Zeller was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the league coaches, while Burke earned the award by the conference’s media panel.
FRESHMEN CONTRIBUTIONS
Freshmen Aaron White and Josh Oglesby combined for 14 games of scoring 15 or more points this season. White scored in double figures in 16 of the last 25 contests, including netting 15 points or more in 10 of those outings.
Matt Gatens AMONG SELECT GROUP
Matt Gatens was one of four senior Division I players in 2011-12 with 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds and 225+ made 3-pointers in a career.
HAWKEYES SURGED IN FEBRUARY
Iowa won five of its eight February games, including winning two of the last four against ranked opponents (No. 18 Indiana and No. 15 Wisconsin). The five victories in February marked the most by a Hawkeye team since the 1997-98 campaign. Iowa held seven of its eight February opponents to fewer than 70 points and four of those below 40 percent from the field. The previous six teams the Hawkeyes faced averaged 81.2 points and 50.4 percent shooting. In eight February games, Matt Gatens averaged 21.6 points, bolstered by 34-of-58 (.586) shooting from long distance. The 21.6 February scoring average ranks third behind Northwestern’s John Shurna (22.8) and Tim Frazier (21.8) of Penn State. Aaron White averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Roy Devyn Marble averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
IMPROVED 3-POINT SHOOTING
Thanks in large part to Matt Gatens’ 3-point shooting accuracy as of late, the Hawkeyes saw better 3-point shooting percentages during the month of February. Iowa made 40.9 percent of its 3-point attempts in the month of February, the third best mark in the Big Ten behind Purdue (.413) and Northwestern (.412).
SINKING THE FREEBEES
In 2010-11, Iowa’s free throw percentage was 67.6 percent. This season, the Hawkeyes improved in that area, shooting 72.1 percent, which ranked fifth best in the Big Ten. Twenty-two percent of Iowa’s offense this year has come from the foul line. The Hawkeyes missed only 46 free throws (147-of-193, .762) in the final five minutes of games. Iowa attempted 20 free throws or more 20 times in 2011-12 (12-8 record in those games), 11 of which came against Big Ten competition, including nine of the last 17 games.
CLEANING THE GLASS
Aaron White saw his rebounding numbers increase in Big Ten play. The freshman averaged 4.8 boards in nonconference action and has crashed the boards even more in conference play, averaging a team-best 5.9. White led the Hawkeyes in rebounding nine of the last 12 games, including a streak of five straight, which was the longest by a Hawkeye this season and the longest streak since Aaron Fuller led the team in six consecutive contests in 2010. White averaged 7.3 rebounds over his last 13 games, including four games with 10+ rebounds. He ranked fifth in Big Ten rebounding since Feb. 1.
GATENS CLIMBED CHARTS
Matt Gatens’ scoring surge to finish the season (162 points the last nine games) vaulted him past Jeff Horner, Greg Brunner, Don Nelson, Andre Woolridge, Adam Haluska and Jess Settles and into sixth place on Iowa’s career scoring chart. He finished his career with 1,635 career points. Additionally, his five triples at Illinois moved him past Chris Kingsbury (1994-96) and into second place on Iowa’s all-time 3-pointers made chart. Gatens finished his career with 239 treys. Gatens, who was voted by the league’s media panel second team all-Big Ten, is one of only two players in school history to have 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals. The senior posted 1,635 points, 455 rebounds, 298 assists and 141 thefts. Roy Marble (1986-89) had 2,116 points, 668 rebounds, 288 assists and 183 steals. Gatens was only three steals from cracking the top 10 in career thefts at Iowa. He finished his career in the top 15 in scoring and steals and top five in free throw percentage and 3-pointers.
HAWKEYES PUSHING THE TEMPO
An even more increased tempo by the Iowa Hawkeyes led to 5.8 more points per game compared to last season, an increase that ranked second best in the Big Ten.
HAWKEYES REKINDLE HOME MAGIC
Iowa posted 14 home wins this season (14-6), the most since collecting 14 home victories in 2007. Five of the Hawkeyes’ 14 victories came in league play.
IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 2,660 games since beginning basketball in 1902. Iowa’s overall record is 1,595-1,065 (.600). That includes a 956-353 (.730) record in home games, a 549-722 (.432) record in contests away from Iowa City, a 711-728 (.494) mark in Big Ten games and a 362-117 (.756) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
STARTING LINEUPS
Iowa used five different lineup combinations in its 35 games in 2011-12. Roy Devyn Marble, Matt Gatens, Eric May, Melsahn Basabe and Zach McCabe started 11 games. Bryce Cartwright, Matt Gatens, Roy Devyn Marble, Zach McCabe and Aaron White started nine, including the last four. Bryce Cartwright, Matt Gatens, Eric May, Melsahn Basabe and Devon Archie started the first five games (3-2). Bryce Cartwright, Matt Gatens, Eric May, Zach McCabe and Melsahn Basabe started five games (2-3). Roy Devyn Marble, Matt Gatens, Josh Oglesby, Zach McCabe and Aaron White also started five games (3-2)
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Fran McCaffery has assembled one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the country. Assistant coaches Kirk Speraw, Sherman Dillard and Andrew Francis have over six decades of combined coaching experience. Furthermore, the entire coaching staff combines for 48 years of head coaching experience. Director of Basketball Operations Jerry Strom concluded his 31st season as a member of the Iowa basketball staff. Additionally, Iowa’s new video coordinator, Al Seibert, has 18 years of collegiate coaching experience.
NOTING Matt Gatens…
? Named second team all-Big Ten by the media voting panel and third team by the league coaches.
? Is one of only two Hawkeyes (Roy Marble) to amass 1,600+ points, 450+ rebounds, 250+ assists and 125+ steals.
? Led Iowa in scoring in seven of the last 10 games, including a streak of seven straight (Feb. 16-March 8). The last Hawkeye to lead the team in scoring seven consecutive games against Big Ten competition was Andre Woolridge in 1996-97 (Jan. 7-Feb. 4).
? Scored 55 points in two games the week of Feb. 20 (27.5 ppg.), earning co-Big Ten Player of the Week and NetScout Basketball’s Big Ten Player of the Week accolades. He has earned NetScout Basketball’s weekly honor the last two weeks. Additionally, America voted the senior the “Capital One Cup Impact Performer of the Week” on ESPN.com.
? Averaged 19.4 points per game the last eight contests.
? Made 41 percent (75-of-183) of his 3-point attempts his senior year. That is the best percentage by a Hawkeye, with a minimum of 125 attempts, since Kent McCausland made 52 percent (70-of-134) during the 1996-97 season.
? Made a school-record 12 consecutive triples spanning the Indiana (Feb. 19) and Wisconsin (Feb. 23) contests.
? Scored 85 points in a span of three games (Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois). The last time a Hawkeye netted 85 points or more in three straight games against conference competition was Roy Marble (86) in 1989. Marble scored 30 at Michigan, 37 at Illinois and 19 vs. Indiana.
? Averaged 21.6 points per game in February, which ranked third in the Big Ten behind Northwestern’s John Shurna (22.8) and Tim Frazier of Penn State (21.8).
? Became the first Big Ten player to score 30+ versus two teams (Indiana and Wisconsin) ranked in the top 25 since 1996-97.
? Became the fourth Big Ten player in the last 10 seasons to score 30+ points in back-to-back games vs. league opponents.
? The 33 points against Wisconsin are the second-most by a Big Ten player in conference play this season (Illinois’ Brandon Paul had 43 versus Ohio State).
? Became the first Hawkeye since Adam Haluska in 2007 to score 30 points in consecutive games. Haluska netted 33 vs. Indiana and 34 at Minnesota. Gatens is one of five players to score 30+ points in consecutive Big Ten games since 2000-01 (Marcus Taylor of Michigan State in 2002; Minnesota’s Vincent Grier in 2005; Evan Turner of Ohio State in 2010; Iowa’s Adam Haluska in 2007).
? His 162 points the last nine games pushed the senior past Greg Brunner, Don Nelson, Andre Woolridge, Dean Oliver, Adam Haluska and Jess Settles. He finished his career with 1,635 points and in sixth place on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart.
? His five 3-pointers at Illinois (Feb. 26) moved him past Chris Kingsbury (1994-96) and into second place on Iowa’s all-time 3-pointers made list. He finished his career with 239 triples.
? Surpassed the 20-point plateau four consecutive games (Penn State, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois). The last time a Hawkeye netted 20+ points in four straight games against Big Ten competition was Andre Woolridge in 1997. Woolridge tallied 20 at Purdue, 21 vs. Wisconsin, 27 vs. Ohio State and 25 at Michigan.
? Made 40-of-113 (.354) from 3-point range the first 25 games of the season. Gatens made 51 percent (33-of-65) from long distance the last nine outings.
? The 33 points scored against the Badgers are the second-most scored by a Wisconsin opponent in the last four years. Gatens and Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen (38 points against the Badgers in the 2011 NCAA Tournament) were the two highest scoring outputs since Davidson’s Stephen Curry tallied 33 points in the 2008 NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 on March 28, 2008.
? Made 14 triples against Indiana and Wisconsin, which is the most ever by a Hawkeye in a two-game span. He sank a combined 19 treys spanning three contests (Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois), the most ever by a Hawkeye over a span of three games.
? Averaged 15.2 points, the highest scoring average by a Hawkeye since Adam Haluska averaged 20.5 points in 2007.
? Is only the third player to hit seven+ 3-pointers in back-to-back Big Ten games (versus Indiana and Wisconsin) since 1996-97.
? Made a personal single-season best 75 triples, besting 58 he sank his sophomore campaign. He shot at a 41 percent clip from long distance this season, which is also a single-season best. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range as a freshman.
? His 75 treys rank as the sixth for most 3-pointers in a single season at Iowa.
INCOMING FRESHMEN DUO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAME
Incoming Iowa recruits PG Mike Gesell and C Adam Woodbury played in the second annual All-American Championship Final Four weekend in New Orleans. Woodbury posted a double-double (11 points and 11 rebounds) to go along with three steals and two assists. Gesell had a game-high five assists to go along with three points.
IMPROVEMENT UNDER McCAFFERY IN SECOND YEAR
Fran McCaffery-coached teams have posted improved win totals and scoring output from their first year to second with McCaffery as a head coach. At Lehigh, his team improved by two wins (13 in 1986 to 15 in 1987). His UNC Greensboro team had four more victories from 2000 (15) and 2001 (19). At Siena his team improved by five victories, registering 15 in 2006 to 20 in 2007. His Iowa team improved by a personal-best seven games, posting 11 in 2011 and 18 in 2012! His Lehigh team averaged 2.8 more points its second year compared to year one. His UNC Greensboro team had a +1.9 scoring increase and +1.8 at Siena. Iowa averaged 5.8 more points in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11.
CARTWRIGHT PICKED UP HIS PLAY
Bryce Cartwright really stepped up his play and finished his collegiate career strong since recovering from an ankle sprain he suffered in a practice prior to Iowa’s game at Penn State (Feb. 16). The last six games, the Hawkeye point guard averaged 7.8 assists, 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. He scored 11 points at Nebraska (Feb. 29), averaged 6.5 assists in Iowa’s two Big Ten Tournament games, and distributed an Iowa NIT-record 11 assists in its victory over Dayton. In his final game, he registered his second career double-double, scoring 12 points and dishing out a game-high 10 assists. Cartwright became only the third Hawkeye since 1975 to register 10 or more assists in back-to-back games. Cal Wulfsberg had 11 and 16 against Northwestern and Ohio State, respectively in 1976. B.J. Armstrong was credited with 12 and 15 versus Ohio State and Minnesota in 1989. Iowa was 6-1 in 2011-12 when Cartwright scored in double figures and had fewer than five turnovers.
IOWA IN CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
Iowa has compiled a 362-117 (.756) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the facility opened in January, 1983. Iowa is 167-93 (.642) in Big Ten games and 195-24 (.890) in non-Big Ten contests.
HAWKEYES ARE TOUGH AT HOME
Iowa has won 86 of its 122 games (.705) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500) over the last eight seasons, including win streaks of 21 straight overall and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. Iowa has won 10 of its last 20 home games against ranked opponents. Iowa was a perfect 17-0 at home in 2006, 14-2 in 2007, 10-8 in 2008, 13-4 in 2009, 9-9 in 2010, 8-8 in 2011 and 14-6 in 2012.
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa played eight games against ranked competition this season (4-4), winning two of the last three. The four wins are the most Iowa has collected in a season since winning nine during the 2005-06 campaign. The Hawkeyes beat No. 11 Wisconsin (72-65) on Dec. 31 in Madison and No. 15 Wisconsin (67-66) on Feb. 23 in Iowa City, 13th-ranked Michigan (75-59) on Jan. 14 in Iowa City and 18th-ranked Indiana (78-66) on Feb. 19 in Iowa City. Iowa fell to No. 6 Ohio State (76-47) on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, No. 6 Michigan State (95-61) on Jan. 10 in East Lansing, No. 16 Indiana (103-89) on Jan. 29 in Bloomington and No. 8 Michigan State (92-75) on March 9 in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.
HAWKEYE BIG TEN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGES
In Iowa’s nine victories over Big Ten opposition, opponents were just 58-of-212 (.274) from long distance and 210-of-516 (.407) overall from the field. Iowa made 216-of-486 (.444) from the field and 52-of-132 (.394) from the 3-point range in those wins. Conversely, Hawkeye opponents shot 49 percent (284-of-575) from the field and 67-of-180 (.372) from 3-point territory, compared to 45 percent (232-of-512) from the field and 36 percent (53-of-148) from long distance for Iowa, in the Hawkeyes’ 10 conference defeats.
WHITE EARNED STARTING SPOT
Aaron White earned a number of accolades his freshman season. He was a Kyle Macy Freshman All-American, named to the coaches’ all-Big Ten Freshman team and was an honorable mention all-league honoree. He was Iowa’s most productive player off the bench the first 21 games, but started the last 14. As a starter, he averaged 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds. White earned his first career start at No. 16 Indiana on Jan. 31. He stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in Iowa’s triumph over Penn State (Feb. 4). His efforts earned him Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week accolades, which is the third time (Nov. 14, Dec. 26 and Feb. 6) he earned the weekly distinction. White scored in double digits 17 times, including 16 of the last 25 games. White led the team in rebounding 10 of the last 15 contests. For the season he amassed a team-best 199 boards, which are the fourth most by an Iowa freshman in a single season. Overall, White averaged 11.1 points, ranking second on the team, in 35 games. The 389 points that he has scored rank as the fifth most by a Hawkeye rookie. His 23 blocks tie Michael Payne (1981-82) and Kenyon Murray (1992-93) for eighth by an Iowa freshman. White’s numbers the last 12 games were impressive, averaging 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds. He posted consecutive doubles at Northwestern (Feb. 9) and Penn State (Feb. 16). The rookie scored 17 points (7-of-10 FG, 2-of-3 3-pt FG) and corralled a personal-best 12 boards against the Wildcats. White totaled 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with career-best three rejections at Penn State. He notched his fourth double-double of the year against Dayton in the first round of the NIT when he scored a career-high 25 points (10-of-15 FG and 4-of-4 FT) to go along with 11 rebounds. He contributed 22 points and eight rebounds in Iowa’s last game at Oregon in the second round of the NIT. The 6-foot-8 wing player scored 15 points or more 10 times, which was the third most by a Big Ten rookie this season. White was named Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week after his performance in Iowa’s victory over Chicago State (Nov. 11). The native of Strongsville, Ohio, shined in his Hawkeye debut, leading all scorers and rebounders with a personal-best 19 points and 10 boards. The 19 points are the most by an Iowa freshman in an opener, equaling Dick Ives’ 19 scored against Nebraska in his debut on Dec. 10, 1943. Furthermore, White’s performance marked the first time a Hawkeye posted a double-double, in a season opener, since Dean Oliver had 10 points and 12 assists in a victory over Chicago State in 1997. It was the first time a Hawkeye freshman had a double-double, points and rebounds, since Jess Settles had 13 points and 11 rebounds versus Drake in 1993.
OGLESBY HAS SOLID FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN
Freshman Josh Oglesby had three of his best games of the season against ranked opposition: two against Indiana and the other versus Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament. Oglesby came off the bench to score a career-best 24 points at Indiana on Jan. 29. He made six triples, which tie for the 15th-most in a single game for the Hawkeyes. In the return game against the Hoosiers (Feb. 19), Oglesby netted 11 points. On March 9 against Michigan State, Oglesby tallied a team-best 20 points, bolstered by 7-of-9 shooting from the field and 5-of-7 from long distance. Oglesby started his first career game at Penn State (Feb. 16). He tallied nine second-half points at Illinois (Feb. 26) and netted eight points in Iowa’s victory at Nebraska (Feb. 29). He contributed eight points and four rebounds in Iowa’s win over Illinois in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament (March 8). The native of Cedar Rapids averaged 6.4 points in 35 games. Oglesby made 45 triples, which ranks third by a Hawkeye freshman at Iowa. Matt Gatens holds the record with 52 (2009). Oglesby shot 37 percent beyond the arc, which ranks as the sixth best percentage in a season by an Iowa rookie. Sixty percent of Oglesby’s scoring production came from 3-point territory (135-of-223 points), which ranked third amongst Big Ten players. Oglesby led the team in scoring five times (Northern Illinois, Creighton, Clemson, Indiana and Michigan State).
STAT SHEET STUFFER
Since landing a spot in the starting rotation on Dec. 6 at Northern Iowa, Roy Devyn Marble’s level of play was phenomenal. The sophomore averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists as a starter the last 27 games. Also, he shot 44.6 percent from the field and 72 percent from the foul line as a starter. Marble finished the season on a high note, scoring a game and career-high 31 points, bolstered by 7-of-8 shooting from 3-point range, and had five rebounds and five assists in Iowa’s NIT second round loss at Oregon. The 31 points was the most ever by a Hawkeye in an NIT game and the most in a postseason game since Ed Horton netted 32 in a double overtime loss to NC State in the second round of the 1989 NCAA Tournament. He amassed a solid assist-to-turnover ratio this season: 126 assists to only 61 turnovers, ranking fifth in the Big Ten (2.1) and 69th nationally. Marble was credited with four assists or more 17 times this season, including collecting six or more four of the last 10 games (six at Penn State, seven vs. Indiana; a career-best eight against Wisconsin and six at Illinois). Marble averaged 5.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and was credited with 41 assists and 21 steals in 31 contests his freshman campaign. He started the last six games of 2010-11. Also, he shot 53 percent from the free throw line (35-of-66). This year, Marble saw much improved numbers, averaging 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and has collected 126 assists and a team-best 53 steals. He started the last 27 contests. From the foul line in 2011-12, the sophomore saw significant improvement, shooting 72 percent (102-of-133).
HAWKEYE FAST FACTS
? The Big Ten was the No. 1 ranked conference in the RPI and Sagarin ratings. Iowa’s final regular season Sagarin rating was 84 and had a strength of schedule of 25. Iowa’s RPI rating was 130.
? Iowa was 8-5 in games decided by nine points or fewer and 10-11 in games decided by 10 or more points. Furthermore, Iowa was 3-1 in games decided by three points or less. The Hawkeyes did not play an overtime game this season. Iowa’s last overtime game was played on Feb. 19, 2010, in a 75-72 loss to Michigan in Iowa City.
? Iowa’s scoring average of 73.0 is its highest since the 2000-01 season (74.1).
? Iowa swept Wisconsin and Minnesota this season, marking the first time it swept both teams in the same season since the 1991-92 campaign.
? Iowa averaged 78.3 points in its wins, compared to 67.4 points in its defeats, a differential of 10.9 points. The Hawkeyes owned a +18.1 point differential in their scoring defense, and +9.2 rebounding and +5.2 assists margins in wins compared to losses.
? Iowa was 6-1 this season when Bryce Cartwright scored in double figures and has less than five turnovers. The lone setback came in its final game at Oregon.
? Iowa made 550 free throws this season, the most it has sank in a single-season since 2005-06. Iowa made 589 free throws in 2001-02.
? Iowa’s field goal percentage this season was 45.5 percent, its best since shooting 45.9 percent during the 2004-05 campaign.
? The Hawkeyes were ranked ninth (.352) in the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage (overall games) in mid-January. Since then, Iowa vaulted to fourth (.373).
? Eleven of Iowa’s 17 losses came to teams ranked in the RPI top 75.
? Iowa’s 32 assists against Central Arkansas (Dec. 19) tie for the second most in a single-game in school history.
? Freshman Josh Oglesby became the first Hawkeye reserve to lead the team in scoring, in back-to-back games (Northern Illinois and Creighton), since Ricky Davis paced Iowa with 25 and 18 on the road at Wisconsin (Feb. 3) and Michigan State (Feb. 7), respectively, in 1998. Like Oglesby, Davis accomplished the feat as a freshman.
? After winning at No. 11 Wisconsin on Dec. 31 (72-65) and on the road at Minnesota (64-62) on Jan. 4, Iowa won two-straight Big Ten road games for the first time since 2007. The Hawkeyes won at Michigan on Jan. 31, 2007 (69-62) and at Minnesota on Feb. 7 (91-78). Iowa beat Indiana at home on Feb. 3 (81-75) in between those two road victories. The last time Iowa won consecutive road games in back-to-back games was 1998, beating Ohio State (61-46) on Jan. 14 and Minnesota (82-69) on Jan. 18.
? At least 10 players saw action in 23 of Iowa’s 35 games.
? Iowa has had five players score in double figures three times (North Carolina A&T, Drake and Central Arkansas). The Hawkeyes had five players score 12 points or more in its win over North Carolina A&T (Nov. 14). It marked only the fourth time the Hawkeyes had five players tally 12 points or more in a game (UW-Green Bay in 2003, Michigan in 2004, SIU-Edwardsville in 2010 and North Carolina A&T in 2011).
IOWA IN THE NIT
This year marked Iowa’s sixth appearance in the NIT and first since 2004. Iowa also appeared in the 1995, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004 tournaments. The Hawkeyes best finish in the NIT was in 1995 when Iowa advanced to the quarterfinals. The Hawkeyes have played 11 games all-time in the NIT and hold a record of 5-6. Ten of Iowa’s 11 NIT games have all been decided by nine points or less, with its last game being decided by 11; its six NIT losses have come by a total of 25 points and the five victories have come by a total of 25 points. Iowa has had two wins by nine points (DePaul in 1995 and Dayton in 2012; one by four points (Ohio in 1995), one by two points (Valparaiso in 2003); and one by one points (Iowa State in 2003).
HAWKEYEBASKETBALL.COM
Check out the Iowa basketball team’s new website, HawkeyeBasketball.com, devoted to everything on-and-off-the-court surrounding the program. HawkeyeBasketball.com, allows fans a chance to go behind the scenes with the Hawkeye basketball program on and off the court. The site is complete with exclusive videos, photo galleries and content featuring the basketball program. HawkeyeBasketball.com will be updated throughout the year with exclusive videos, including game highlights and player features, along with news stories and other content.