By Joel Welser
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />
Big Ten Conference
2009-10: 10-22, 4-14
2009-10 postseason: none
Coach: Fran McCaffery (First year at
It will take some time for Coach Fran McCaffery to turn things around at
Key Losses: G Devan Bawinkel, C Brennan Cougill, F Aaron Fuller, G Anthony Tucker
Key Newcomers:
The Hawkeyes will likely have to find a starting forward out of this group of newcomers. Devon Archie, a junior college transfer, is the most likely candidate. The 6-9 junior is not much of a scorer, but he is a good athlete who can hit the glass and block a few shots. Zach McCabe can stretch out the defense with his outside shooting ability and Melsahn Basabe will be able to contribute. Bryce Cartwright and Jordan Stoermer will add some experienced depth in the backcourt. Cartwright should play a big role as the backup point guard. Perhaps the best newcomer is Roy Devyn Marble. The 6-5 wing is a superb athlete who can score in a variety of ways and is a nice fit in
Backcourt:
Point guard Cully Payne will have a good year with the new coaching staff. As a freshman last year Payne was turnover prone and that may continue to be an issue now that he will be allowed to push the ball up the floor more often, but there is little doubt that he is a solid shooter and scorer and a fine playmaker. It remains to be seen if he can keep this team under control, but he should put up some good numbers. Eric May is quick for a 6-5 wing and he will use that speed to attack the basket. After averaging 9.0 points and 4.6 rebounds last year, May will be ready to have a breakout sophomore season…and that breakout season would be even better if he connected on more than 28.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Frontcourt:
The frontcourt will revolve around the only senior on the roster. Jarryd Cole averaged 8.1 points and a team high 5.2 rebounds last season. Those are not great numbers, but Cole is a good interior scorer who can also stretch out the defense with his mid-range shooting. At times last year the Iowa backcourt forgot about the 6-7, 250 pound forward sitting under the basket as the shot clock was winding down, but if Cole can keep up with the guards running down the floor, he should get plenty of looks. Andrew Brommer could start beside Cole if the newcomers are not ready to take over the job. However, Brommer has the talent to earn the job anyway after averaging less than nine minutes per game during his freshman campaign. At 6-9 and 235 pounds, Brommer is one of the few players on the roster who has the size to battle in the paint against some of the bigger centers in the conference and he will at least have to play some defense this year.
Who to Watch:
Matt Gatens led the Hawkeyes with 12.2 points per game last year and added 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The do-it-all guard is the most experienced player in the backcourt and will have to join Cole as a leader on and off the floor. Gatens was one of the better shooters from long range on a very bad shooting team, but if the frontcourt is a threat to score, he should get more open looks. Yet, when his shot is not falling, Gatens is one of the few players on the team that has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Unfortunately, Gatens injured his hand in late October will miss a few early season games. He will be back long before conference play begins and his absence could give some of the newcomers some much needed experience.
Final Projection:
This is not a group that is going to turn things around in a year, but there is potential for improvement. As the rest of the Big Ten aims for loftier goals,
Projected Post-season Tournament: none
Projected Starting Five:
Cully Payne, Sophomore, Guard, 8.7 ppg
Matt Gatens, Junior, Guard, 12.2 ppg
Eric May, Sophomore, Guard, 9.0 ppg
Devon Archie, Junior, Forward, DNP last season
Jarryd Cole, Senior, Forward, 8.1 ppg
