So Who Is Next?
Iowa State fans, it’s time to start thinking about life after Cael Sanderson (SO bizarre that I just typed that. I never thought the day would come.). The questions now is … who’s next? Jamie Pollard has shown in his previous hires that he likes to be secretive, but ends up choosing people with local ties that make sense for ISU.
Here are some preliminary names, along with a description of their current status in italics.
Chris Bono, Tennessee-Chattanooga Head Coach. The former Cyclone standout has plenty of head coaching experience, and may be just the “name” to rally some ISU fans back off the ledge. I spoke with him on Friday. He says he has not been contacted by ISU, but would very much like to be. In my mind, he’s the #1 choice right now.
Joe Heskett, Ohio State Asst. Coach. Another former Cyclone standout, with lots of name recognition. He is pretty early in his coaching career though … will Pollard take a chance on someone who is largely unproven?
Rob Koll, Cornell Head Coach. He’s made the Big Red into a solid player (they did beat ISU this year). His wife is from Ames, and his father wrestled at UNI. Spoke with him as well. While flattered by the interest, he doesn’t have much interest in uprooting his family. As of tonight, I’d say he’s out.
Terry Brands, Iowa Asst. Coach. If Pollard wants to make a splash, here’s his choice. With this hire, he fires up a sibling rivalry, and makes things beteen the Hawks and Clones a little more heated. Spoke with a good friend today who says there’s no chance. No chance? Maybe like 5%. At best. Move along.
Greg Randall, Boise State Head Coach. Another former Hawkeye, Randall has done some nice things in the West. He has some draw in Iowa, but will it be a sizzle hire to fire up the fans?
That’s where my list stands tonight. What do you think?
-Garman
Cael Says C-Ya
KCCI has confirmed that Cael Sanderson is leaving Iowa State to become the next head wrestling coach at Penn State.
Cyclone fans … how do you feel?
Cael Says C-Ya?
Reports all around the midwest have Iowa State’s wrestling coach (and school icon) Cael Sanderson being wooed by Penn State. Some go as far as to say an offer is on the table and he’s mulling it over.
What do you think will happen?
Taking this one step further … Cyclone fans, what is your reaction going to be IF he turns it down? Are you going to welcome him back? Or assume that he’s the next Gene Chizik, leaping for the next big payday that lands in front of him?
What Should Ferentz Do?
So now that James Ferentz has gotten arrested AGAIN for public intoxication, it puts Iowa head coach and James’ father Kirk Ferentz in a tricky position.
Does he punish him and let him back on? Or should James be kicked off?
What do you think?
AI
Kyle Orton Traded to Denver
The Bears and Broncos have completed a trade involving former Southeast Polk star Kyle Orton. According to the Chicago Sun-Times:
The Bears acquired quarterback Jay Cutler today for No. 1 draft picks in 2009 and 2010, a No. 3 pick this year and Kyle Orton. The Bears receive the Broncos’ fifth-round draft pick this year.
I have mixed emotions.
As an Orton fan, it’s potentially a great move - a fresh start, with an offensive-minded head coach, and a better supporting cast.
As a Bears fan … WHAT?!?!? Cutler is unproven as a leader and looks to be a malcontent any time he’s not shown 100% love. Plus, the Bears give up two 1st round picks and a 3rd round selection this year? That’s a HUGELY steep price for an unproven commodity.
What do you think?
-Garman
The Lowest Day for Hawkeye Basketball?
Today Todd Lickliter confirmed every Hawk fan’s worst fear.
Four guys are gone.
Palmer and Davis were for the most part role players. There will be an impact felt, but by themselves the Hawks would have been okay.
The Kelly rumors had been circulating so there wasn’t much surprise. And who can blame him? I have no idea what he has gone through in his personal life. I take no issue with his decision.
That being said, take the loss of Kelly and add in Jeff Peterson and that means Hawks have serious issues. BOTH POINT GUARDS…..GONE!!
The cupboard isn’t totally bare. Most players returning have seen action, but there aren’t very many left. Gatens, Tucker and Bawinkel outside. Jarryd Cole and Aaron Fuller underneath.
So here’s my question. Do you think this is as low as it can get? Do you ever remeber morale being any lower inside Carver-Hawkeye? I know I can’t.
Give us your take and you may see it on KCCI!
AI
Who Will Dance The Longest?
The bids are out for the 2009 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. The state of Iowa has 3 teams in the Big Dance(s):
The UNI men – A 12-seed in the West Region, the Panthers have to play 5-seed (and Big Ten tourney champ) Purdue in round one. UNI has not won an NCAA tourney game since 1990, a first round upset of Missouri. The winner of that game faces either Washington or Mississippi State (SEC tournament champion) in round two.
The ISU women — Bill Fennelly’s team earns it’s 10th invite in 14 seasons. The Cyclones are #17 in this week’s poll, but were granted no favors. Iowa State gets East Tennessee State in the first round, then likely a date with 5th seed Tennessee in round two. And the games are being played in Kentucky. Guess which team will have more fans in Bowling Green?
The Iowa women — Lisa Bluder’s team gets in, and they get to host the first two rounds. That’s the good news. the bad news is … IF they can beat #9 Georgia Tech (Iowa is an 8-seed), they will play top seed (and #2 ranked) Oklahoma in round two.
My question to you is: Which Iowa team will advance the farthest in this year’s brackets?
-Garman
The State of Iowa Basketball
Looking back at my pre-conference season basketball predictions … um … well, I went 1-4.
Iowa State struggled. I nailed that one (wasn’t hard). I called the Hawks a borderline NIT team, so I wasn’t WAY off on that one. Maybe I went 1.5-4. The rest stunk.
I thought Ben Jacobson would be looking for a new job. A new job may be looking for him after being named MVC Coach of the Year while leading UNI to the Big Dance. Which is where I thought Drake would be. As of now, the Bulldogs may play in the postseason — in a tournament you’ve likely never heard of.
My question to you — are you happy with the state of Iowa basketball?
Cyclones — do you have faith in Greg McDermott?
Hawks — will Todd Lickliter’s hiring pay off?
Drake — how are you feeling right now?
Panthers — you can kick back and celebrate. You’re in for the first time since 2006. Now … go out and win a tournament game!! UNI made three straight trips from 2004-2006. They were one and done in each of those. Will 2009 be different?
-Garman
Harrison Barnes Leaving Early?
What is it with Ames basketball players leaving before their eligibility expires? We all know ISU head coach Greg McDermott has had more than his share of defections from Hilton Coliseum. And many believe Craig Brackins will follow suit (more on that in previous posts).
Will Ames High School junior phenom Harrison Barnes follow suit? Will Barnes leave the Little Cyclones for one of the best prep programs in the country?
The Mouth of the Midwest, KXnO’s Marty Tirrell talked about the issue in “Marty’s Minute” on Thursday night (watch it here). His family has issued a denial. My question is not whether or not he will — do you think he should?
-Garman
