Why would McCollum want to go to crappy Iowa? He’s the rumored leading candidate for the job. I know he’s from there. But they’ve never been a big time program and have serious limitations, except for being in the Big 10. We can only hope a guy like him will still be available next year.
“LONG lost their luster”? Things can and do change pretty quickly in college basketball. Iowa State won two conference games just a few years ago under Steve Prohm, while Iowa was a top 10 team a couple seasons in a row.
I agree with most of your post however, the team who ultimately wins will be in the top 5% of NIL in the country, guaranteed.
Great quote. I think most of the best coaches value ”winners” most. NIL makes finding these kids even more important, because if you have talented kids who are soft and aren’t “win at all cost” guys, it’s too easy for them to take their $500,000 and “mail it in”.
Obviously, more money is an advantage, but still have to play the games. The Yankees and Dodgers win, but don’t win the World Series every year.
I have lived in Iowa since 1992, trust me when I tell you the Hawkeyes haven't been the most popular team in the state for more than a couple years. I remember when I first moved here, there was a ton of fighting about who was the best. Over the years it changed, people were growing frustrated with Iowa sports and seeing the rise of other teams. For a couple years UNI actually started to step into the conversation, but although they do have a solid following, it is Iowa State who has risen-both in football and basketball. The larger the Big Ten (18) gets, the less people like the Hawkeyes. I think, my opinion, people miss the more traditional rivalries. These last couple years it has really escalated as both football and basketball have new coaches who have really taken their teams to new heights. People who used to talk only about the Hawkeyes have over at least the past decade slowly changed their toon. I will go as far as to say a couple of them shocked me as I have gone to a few Hawkeye basketball and football games with them. If the Cyclones didn't play almost 4 hours away I would go see them more often, but I have only been there a couple of times. I have probably been to more UNI games, but it is pretty close. I will grant you there are still hot spots that will only root for one of them, and yes that includes the Hawkeyes. I love it when I am in those places and hear the talking smack. It reminds me of what it was like when I first moved here.
