SO FAR, SO GOOD.
Up to this point, the Iowa men’s basketball season has been a pleasant surprise considering how they looked last year. Compared to a 14-19 record last season (4-14 record against the Big Ten), they are currently 16-3 overall (5-3 against the Big Ten). This is a tremendous improvement, with some key contributions coming from freshmen Joe Wieskamp and Connor McCaffrey. In fact, Wieskamp just earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after scoring 24 points and not missing a single shot against Illinois.
The returning Hawkeyes have been making their fair share of contributions as well. The catalyst Tyler Cook continues to do his thing, averaging 16.5 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and roughly a poster-dunk per game. Luka Garza continues to be a scrappy, old-school center at both ends. Isaiah Moss continues to get the hot hand just when they need him to. Nicholas Baer and Jordan Bohannon continue to provide the quick deep ball.
BO MY GOODNESS
Barring a heartbreaking loss at home to Wisconsin and road losses at Michigan State and Purdue, this Iowa team has been playing fantastic basketball. The 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden in November was an eye-opener, not only for fans but for the team as well. The Hawkeyes won this tournament soundly, beating two out-of-conference opponents, Oregon (ranked #13 at the time) and UConn. A showing like this can do wonders for a team’s confidence long-term, especially considering how the season has gone up to this point.
The Hawkeyes have been on a roll of late, winning five straight games (all against the Big Ten), improving their conference record from 0-3 to 5-3. In their most recent game against Illinois, a 95-71 win at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, they collectively shot the lights out at 68% from the field, along with a whopping 15-of-21 from three.
A LOOK AHEAD.
With tough upcoming home matchups against Michigan State (17-2 overall, 8-0 conference) and Michigan (17-1 overall, 6-1 conference), the question remains, can Iowa manage to stay hot, even as underdogs?
The Big Ten has shown so far this year that they are the deepest conference in college basketball, with potentially TEN teams that could end up in the NCAA Tournament in March. Even the best teams can go into a conference game on the road and have an off-night. The Hawkeyes are hoping for just that, along with an electric home crowd at Carver-Hawkeye. Show up and be loud, Hawkeye faithful.
Although they are “outmatched” on paper against Michigan State and Michigan, do not expect the Hawkeyes to roll over. This team is simply clicking right now. It’s time to stop sleeping on Iowa basketball.