Big Ten Tournament

The Iowa Men’s Basketball team takes on Michigan today at 1:30p.m. Overall, there is no enthusiasm or hope for the Hawkeyes in this years tournament.

Iowa had a 15-16 record overall, and a 5-13 record in the Big Ten, and some are translating that literally to them struggling in the tournament as they’ve had their problems against Big Ten teams.

Kyle Gerischer watched the Hawkeyes with his grandfather while he was growing up.

“They did awful in Big Ten play, so they are going to do awful in the tournament.” Gerischer said.

And who’s to say that’s wrong. After all, the Big Ten tournament is full of Big Ten teams.

Andy Jacobs has followed Hawkeye basketball since he was a little kid. When asked how the Hawks would do in the tournament, the reply was simple.

“They will lose in the first round.” Jacobs said

But some are not so down on Iowa’s hopes in the tournament.

Carl Hobart casually follows the Hawkeyes. He never did until he came to the University of Iowa, but now watches when they are on, and occasionally goes to the games at Carver Hawkeye Arena.

“They could possibly beat Michigan…If Kelly does well.” Hobart said. “But I can’t see them doing much else.”

With the main though being the Hawkeye’s will fall early in the tournament, there is an emphasis on hope for the Hawks in the future.

“They had a decent season.” Gerischer said. “It could have been worse…like Indiana.”

Iowa only started one upper classman for the majority of the year.

“They are too young, they’ll be better next year.” Hobart said.

Jake Kelly, a sophomore starter for the Hawkeyes is averaging 11.7 points per game, and just over three assists per game, and over three rebounds per game. Matt Gatens, a freshman starter for the Hawkeyes, averages 11.1 points per game, and almost four rebounds per game. And those are just the guards.

Once they get some experience under their belts, is when the majority of Iowa fans will have that hope that is lacking this year.

So all in all, the hope and enthusiasm is there, but it is on reserve for the next couple of years.

CONTRIBUTERS

Andy Jacobs

Carl Hobart

Kyle Gerischer

Brian Brotzman