STORMINSPANK'S HAWKEYE RAMBLINGS

MEN'S BB: Iowa Basketball Will Be Better Than You Think PART ONE OF EIGHT

2009-07-10T06:59:00.005-05:00

In an eight part series written for Hawkeyenation.com, I am out to prove Iowa Hawkeye Basketball will be better thank you think.

Part one is up on Hawkeyenation.com

MEN'S BB: Roy Marble, Jr Commits to Iowa

2009-07-02T13:40:00.002-05:00

Rob Howe of Hawkeyenation has confirmed that Roy Marble, Jr. has committed to play basketball for Coach Lickliter and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

This leaves Iowa with one more scholarship for the 2010 class, where Iowa hopes to sign Zach McCabe.

More to come...

MEN'S BB: Hawkeyes Land SG Ben Brust 2010 Recruit

2009-07-02T09:03:00.002-05:00

The message boards, Twitter accounts, Facebook statuses lit up from the Iowa media and fans yesterday when it was made known that the Iowa Hawkeye Men's Basketball Program had received its second commitment for the 2010 class in Ben Brust. Brust, a 6'2" shooting guard out of Mundelein, IL, is the second consecutive recruit for Iowa out of the Chicagoland area (Cully Payne being the other one). Brust is a SG with deep range, great BB IQ, and underrated defensive skills. Links to many article below.

Ben Brust Makes it Official

“It is official … I’m going to be Hawkeye,” Brust told me. "I did all my homework, and I know this is what the right place,” he said. “It’s a great college town, the atmosphere … academically it’s what I’m looking for in a school." Brust, a 6-foot-2 incoming senior at Mundelein High School, averaged 28 points a game last year as a high school junior before breaking his leg. He said he’s completely healed from that injury.

Iowa lands a good one in Brust

Iowa, though, is the fortunate one, landing Brust before he potentially played himself up during July. While Brust is not in the category of difference-maker, he is a step up for the program and is underrated nationally. He's a 6-2 scorer who is more bouncy and athletic than most people give him credit it for. And he puts the ball in the hole, both as a shooter, off the bounce and as a slasher. He's a multi-faceted scorer who will certainly provide a lift for an Iowa program that finished 5-13 in the Big Ten last season.

Brust opts for the Big Ten

There is no question that Brust is one of the premier shooters in the state of Illinois and just might be the best that there is from the class of 2010. He has range that extends well beyond the 3-point line, a quick release and the ability to get his shot either spotting up or coming off the dribble. However, there are also other parts of Brust's game that get taken for granted. For one, he is much more athletic than a lot of people give him credit for. He has also greatly improved his ball handling skills. To top it all off, he is also an outstanding student and a gym rat with a work ethic that is second to none.

Hawks Add Guard

Brust verbally committed to the Hawkeyes Wednesday, selecting Iowa over scholarship offers from Northwestern and Butler. Brust said Stanford had shown interest and was beginning to study his transcripts when he settled on the Hawkeyes, joining Sioux Falls, S.D., forward Cody Larson in Iowa's 2010 recruiting class. He'll also join Payne -- they have been buddies since middle school when they met through basketball in the Chicago suburbs -- in the Iowa backcourt when Brust arrives on campus.

Brust Says Yes to Hawkeyes (subscription required)

Iowa landed it's second commitment in the 2010 class when Illinois product Ben Brust chose the Hawkeyes on Wednesday.

Video from Ben's injury shortened 2008-09 junior year:

Good luck to Ben and welcome to the Iowa family!

OT: Tom Crean - Great Coach, Awful on Twitter

2009-07-01T11:00:00.005-05:00

Apparently there are two types of coaches on Twitter.

1.) A coach that is just great on Twitter (great being a large blanket adjective that you can construe any way you want), yet just awful at actual coaching. Examples: Tim Brewster, Ron Zook.

2.) A coach that is just awful on Twitter, yet great at actual coaching. Example: Tom Crean.

Not only does Coach Crean incorrectly use homonyms (are/our, your/you're) on a regular basis and forget modifiers (like... say... "not"), but he Tweets about reality TV. Brewster and Zook's Twits are pure comedy for several reasons (head to BHGP for the breakdown), yet Crean's just make me cringe.

I realize Twitter isn't the place for the Grammar Police, but you have to step back and look at what you are putting out their [sic] for your recruits. Because we all know these Twitter accounts are nothing but "legal" forms of communication to potential college athletes.

I am still dreading the day Lickliter and Ferentz are forced to open their Twitter accounts.

Men's BB: 2009 Primetime League Draft Results

2009-06-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

http://primetimeleague.com/2009ptlrosters.htm

2009 Prime Time League Rosters

1. Jill Armstrong/Lepic Kroger Realtors
Coach: Dan Ahrens
Matt Gatens – Iowa
Matt Schneiderman – UNI
John Moran – UNI
Nick Kramer – ex. Upper Iowa
Aliou Keita – ex. Drake
Matt Morrison – UNI
Adam Rodenberg – UNI
Tay Parker – ex. Iowa Lakes C.C.
Nick McFarlin – ex. Radford College
Jonathan Burnett – ex. Uni. of Windsor

2. L.L. Pelling/Iowa City Ready Mix
Coach: Kevin Sanders
Jarryd Cole – Iowa
Devon Archie – Iowa
Duez Henderson – ex. Iowa
Jason Price – ex. Iowa
Dallas Hodges – ex. Wayne St.
Michael LaFrenz – Upper Iowa
Rodney Jackson – ex. Kirkwood C.C.
Caleb Recker – ex. Iowa
Austin Pehl – UNI
Gemayal Randell – ex. Parkland College
Don Stokes – ex. DuSable H.S.

3. Culver’s of Coralville
Coach: Ron Nove
Adam Koch – UNI
Ali Farokhmanesh – UNI
Kaylon Williams – Kirkwood C.C.
Brad Joens – ex. Wayne St.
Andrew Brommer – Iowa
Riley Larson – ex. Cornell
Nick Larson – ex. Upper Iowa
Jerome Edwards – ex. Iowa Westland
Keaton Frye – Uni. Of Dubuque
E.J. Hicks – Indian Hills C.C.

4. Mike Gatens Real Estate/McCurry’s
Coach: Randy Larson
Jordan Eglseder – UNI
Kyle Schlaak – ex. Winona St.
Eric May – Iowa
Matt Lesan – Upper Iowa
Malcom Moore – ex. I.C. City High
Brian Haak – UNI
Jordan Stoermer – ex. Kirkwood C.C.
Keith Steffeck – Upper Iowa
John Lickliter – Iowa
Jordan Bontrager – I.C. West

5. Imprinted Sportswear/Goodfellow Printing
Coach: Kevin Lehman
Eric Coleman – ex. UNI
Aaron Fuller – Iowa
Cully Payne – Iowa
Devan Bawinkle – Iowa
Clayton Vette – Winona St.
Anthony James – UNI
Marc Sonnen – UNI
Antonio Jones – UNI
Alex Novak – Morehead St.
Dan Bestul – Upper Iowa

6. Vinton Merchants
Coach: Ray Swetalla
Anthony Tucker – Iowa
Darryl Moore – ex. Iowa
Brennan Cougill – Iowa
Dain Swetalla – ex. Augustana
Kerwin Dunham – UNI
Nate Garner – ex. Evansville
Jake Koch – UNI
Bryce Brunz – Central Missouri
Mark Lafrenz – Upper Iowa
Tucker Wentzien – Upper Iowa

Areas of Note:

Only 6 teams this year

If the roster order is by round (highly likely):
Cully Payne drafted before Devan Bawinkle.
Devan Archie drafted early.
Tuck drafted first round.

OT: What's Tom Crean Doing? Oh, Nothing... Just Watching the Real Housewives

2009-06-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

Coach Crean loves him some reality TV.

(Pic pops)

MEN'S BB: Hawkeye Win in Europe; Defeat Basket Ferentino

2009-05-26T09:16:00.002-05:00

By looking at the boxscore, it appears Jarryd Cole had his way a couple of days ago against Basket Ferentino. The Hawkeyes didn't shoot the ball particularly well from behind the arc, but the guys did well cleaning up the boards.

BOX SCORE
Score by period      1st    2nd     3rd     4th     Total
Iowa Hawkeyes         27     13      24      14        78
Basket Ferentino      12     19      16      11        58

Next up, is the Greece Senior team, not to be confused with this Greek team of Seniors.

MEN'S BB: Video on the Europe Trip and Player Shortage

2009-05-22T11:22:00.002-05:00

Good little video clip here. Cool to see Justin Johnson come back to help out, as well.

MEN'S BB: Don't Be Surprised if Greg Heiar Ends Up w Larry Eustachy

2009-05-21T09:34:00.004-05:00

Eustachy looking to spread the recruiting love, as well.

First, it was news that Chipola forward, Torye Pelham was headed to S. Mississippi.
Then yesterday, on the final day of the spring signing period, Chipola forward, Gary Flowers signs with S. Mississippi.

Scott Dochterman hinted at this last month, and with the Flowers commit, it seems imminent that Chipola Head Coach, Greg Heiar will be coaching with Eustachy next season.

Interesting.

MEN'S BB: Matt Gatens is Iowa Freshman of the Year

2009-05-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

Per the Daily Iowan.

In other news, ice is cold and raccoons look like little thieves.

MEN'S BB: PG transfer from Oregon, Makes Room for Malcolm Armstead

2009-05-11T20:58:00.001-05:00

Alright then... looks like the commit to Oregon was a bit premature, but when it was all said and done Armstead will likely be a Duck.

PG Kamyron Brown is transferring.

MEN'S BB: Iowa Basketball Will Be Better Than You Think

2009-05-11T20:19:00.002-05:00

Honestly... the Starting Five isn't half bad

Tucker
Bawinkle
Gatens
Fuller
Cole

The Hawkeyes are going to be in trouble in the depth dept, but if any of the incoming recruits can give Iowa good minutes, this team isn't as bad as some people want to make it out to be.

Also, Brommer can only get better. Cougill suddenly went from one of the better centers in the nation (holding his own against the nation's best on the AAU circuit last summer) to "fans" saying he's not Big Ten material. Gatens is going to be better (All-Big Ten better) and we didn't get to see all that Tucker can do on the offensive side of the ball (he'll surprise EVERYONE next season). Cole might be 100% now (you saw what he could do when he was).

In-depth breakdown of next year's team in the next few months...

MEN'S BB: OK, Armstead not heading to Oregon - yet

2009-05-08T15:53:00.002-05:00

First he's going to Oregon.

In other point guard news, Malcolm Armstead of Chipola (Fla.) Junior College signed with Oregon.
“Yes,” Chipola coach Greg Heiar said in a text.

Then he's not. Or is he?

Armstead's recruitment has been one of the weirdest developments I have seen in a long time. From at once being a silent verbal to Iowa, to signing with St Johns, to signing with Seton Hall, to signing with Oregon, to who the hell knows?

Crazy.

MEN'S BB: Jeff Peterson Finds a Home at Arkansas

2009-05-08T15:47:00.002-05:00

Former starting point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Jeff Peterson, is headed to Arkansas.

Interesting move by Peterson considering the Razorbacks already have Courtney Fortson on the team (proven stud) and Julysses Nobles committed (future stud). If Jeff is transferring for increased playing time, it's not happening at Arkansas, that's for sure.

MEN'S BB: Malcolm Armstead Chooses Oregon

2009-05-04T21:23:00.003-05:00

I'm not one to put much merit into what people say on MySpace or Facebook, however if Mac's status is legit, Ernie Kent just picked up a big time PG for the Oregon Ducks.

"Malcolm Armstead is headed to OREGON next yr so stop having these recruitment sites call me its over... I just told the world lol bout time it feels good now."

Personally, I'm happy for Armstead. I think he had a hard time with the recruitment process and he had a lot of people in his ear telling him what they thought he should do.

With Malik Stith signing with St. John's and Moore signing with Washington State, it was only a matter of time before Armstead went with Oregon.

Plenty of rumors and insider information on what went down with Iowa's recruitment of the JUCO PG. Personally, I think Lickliter and the staff blew this one. Iowa needed help at the guard position desperately. Of course, if Malcolm didn't fit Lickliter's style (see Tony Freeman), then I understand why the recruitment ceased. Regardless, I put this one down as a miss for the staff.

Recruitment needs to pick up something fierce - where's Roy Marble when you need him? I think he'd look good in the DBO position at Iowa.

FOOTBALL: Bucs Glad To Grab Bruggeman

2009-05-04T20:18:00.000-05:00

Former Iowa center Rob Bruggeman is attempting to make Tampa Bay's 53-man roster (Cliff Welch)

Former Iowa center Rob Bruggeman was targeted by the Bucs in the seventh round. But when the team traded away one of its three seventh-round picks to move up in the fourth round to get Kyle Moore, Tampa Bay had to resort to signing Bruggeman as an undrafted free agent and the team thinks it has a steal.

FOOTBALL: Did you know Bobby Bell is the "Greatest Defensive Player of All-Time"?

2009-04-23T08:27:00.003-05:00

Well, according to Tim Brewster he is.

OK, Bell was good (strike that - GREAT), but to say the best defensive player of all-time? Really? Put down the juice, Brew.

Even if Brewster meant "Greatest [Minnesota Golden Gopher] Defensive Player of All-Time", I still would call him on it. Hell, I'd put Bronko Nagurski ahead of Bell. Sure, he made his living on offense, but he was a beast on defense, as well.

One thing is for certain, Brewster is... uh... excited...

MEN'S BB: Steve Alford Tries to Spin, Ends Up Doing a 360

2009-04-22T21:09:00.004-05:00

Props to Hockey04 for the link to the story, topingyou for pointing out the quote.

FoxSports reports on Alford's incentives.

Forget the fact that former Iowa Hawkeye Mens Basketball coach, Steve Alford, gets paid $10,000 for each time his team beats a Top 20 team. Instead, check out the way he tries to spin the academic successes of his players.

"Our academic situation has taken a 360-degree turn and all three seniors graduate (this spring), and Ro (junior Roman Martinez) will graduate next year. So we've really made a lot of strides in the areas I was hired."

Really? A 360-degree turn? Perhaps Steve needs to head back to grammar school and figure out where a 360-degrees puts you.

Derp.

MEN'S BB: Who Is Iowa's Primary Target for 2009 Now?

2009-04-18T11:32:00.004-05:00

With Malcolm Armstead likely out of the mix after "postponing" his visit to Iowa City, who does Iowa look at to bring in with one of their three outstanding scholarships available? By all accounts, Armstead's trip to St. John's went extremely well; couple that with a lack of communication between the staff and MA and things don't look too good for Iowa on that front.

Iowa needs to grab a backcourt player this year. I realize the staff doesn't want to just pick a warm body for the sake of filling a scholarship, but the backcourt needs some help. Not necessarily a point guard (Payne and Tucker can both handle that position), but either a 1 or 2. I don't think Iowa can really compete with only three scholarship guards on the team. Besides Armstead, I don't know of anyone else in the 2009 class that has a current scholarship.

One name floating around is Kaylon Williams, but as I've said before - he isn't ready for Iowa and Iowa isn't ready for him. A possible destination could be Kirkwood - maybe after a year there, the staff will give him another look and vice versa.

Dyricus Simms-Edwards visited Iowa last year and the staff liked what they saw. He was banged up last summer, so he didn't play much on the AAU circuit, but from what I've read on recruiting sites and blogs, he has legit game.

Kierre Greenwood's name was brought up when New Creations played SCC in game this past season. The Iowa staff was down there to look at some recruits and ended up bring impressed with his game. First hand accounts of his game seem to be encouraging. I don't know anything about this kid other than what I have Googled in the past - there wasn't much talk about him among anyone I have talked to.

So the short answer to who Iowa is recruiting at PG? Who the hell knows?

MEN'S BB: As expected, 2009 PG Cully Payne Commits to Iowa

2009-04-09T21:43:00.003-05:00

Rob Howe has confirmed that Cully Payne has verbally committed to the Iowa Hawkeye basketball program.

Iowa fills a much need roster spot with a much needed PG.

Iowa is still pursuing Malcolm Armstead, who will be making a visit to Iowa shortly.

MEN'S BB: Iowa Basketball Recruiting Heating Up

2009-03-31T19:56:00.011-05:00

With just over two weeks left before the spring signing period, recruiting has really started to heat up for those programs with scholarships to fill. Iowa would just happen to be one of those programs wanting to do just that, considering they just lost four of their players before they were expected to leave.

So what's happening on the scene? A lot. Some of it we know about, much of it we don't. Here's some of the latest information.

CULLY PAYNE

If this name sounds familiar to those of you who follow Iowa Hawkeye Basketball recruiting, it's because the Iowa staff heavily recruited Cully after he decommitted from DePaul his junior year. At that time Iowa was one of the Top 3 for Payne's services, but ultimately he chose Alabama. Things changed, however, when Mark Gottfried stepped down from his coaching duties for the Crimson Tide. Bama went on to hire VCU's Anthony Grant and just recently Payne was allowed out of his LOI. That throws him back on the market. Washington State was another player in Payne's recruitment, however Tony Bennett has left that school for Virginia. It would seem that Iowa is in good shape with him. Payne will be in town tomorrow for visit, where a commitment isn't totally out of the question at this part of the game.

I am, by no means, trying to pimp Hawkeyenation.com, but if you aren't a paying member of the site, this would be the month to jump on board. Rob Howe has been doing a great job getting in touch with the recruits, and he has a gem of a interview with Cully Payne.

Rob Howe's Interview w/ Cully Payne (3/31): AUDIO - TRANSCRIPT

More info on Payne from ESPN - Definitely a recruit that fits what Iowa is looking for.

Cully injured his back this winter, so hopefully that isn't a chronic injury.

Don't be surprised if the coaching staff had this in play for some time, Payne's AAU coach has been quoted saying that Cully had made his decision a while ago.

MALCOLM ARMSTEAD

Still being told that Mac is the #1 priority for Iowa, and I don't blame them. They were recruiting him before they lost the services of Kelly, Peterson, and Davis. Now it's even more important for the staff to reel in a talented point guard. And while Payne might be able to fill that role, Iowa's backcourt is pretty limited with only Anthony Tucker and Devan Bawinkel returning. Someone with the speed and skills that Armstead possesses is exactly who the Hawks need in their lineup.

There are several guards to keep an eye on during the next few weeks leading up to the signing period. Their decisions could effect what Armstead decides to do. Rico Pickett and Melvin Goins are two JUCOs that both Tennessee and Kentucky are involved in (these schools are also looking at Armstead). Today, Goins committed to Tennessee, so that should effectively eliminate Bruce Pearl from landing Armstead. Kentucky is in the middle of a coaching change, so that, too, will help out Iowa. Julysses Nobles is another name to remember. Arkansas is looking at him for PG. If he commits, I don't see room for Armstead especially with Courtney Fortson on the team already. He is reportedly supposed to pick his school tonight, hopefully it will be Arkansas. Then it will likely be down to Iowa vs. Providence and a few other Big East and SEC schools for Armstead's services.

I thought it would hurt Iowa the longer it took, but with the way these other recruits are committing, it's actually helping Iowa, in my opinion.

If Iowa could land Armstead, they would have a starter at PG for the next three years.

TORYE PELHAM

He's still on the radar, but I personally don't buy the fact that he and Armstead are a package deal. I'm not saying the two aren't tight, they did play prep ball together and now at Chipola, but it's pretty hard to find a college that has two spots open for two JUCOs in the spring signing period. I'd love for Iowa to be that college, though. That said, I don't think they end up at the same school. Iowa can definitely use an athletic forward who can get up a la Doug Thomas.

Missouri has come knocking and with the style of play they have going on down there, it would seem like a logical fit for Pelham.

VINCENT WILLIAMS

PG who was thought to have been destined to go the prep school route has seen a bunch of offers come his way. Another Florida guard recruit possibility. Very slight of build, but has good skills. I just recently received this info from a friend and haven't looked into it much. Not even sure Iowa is really going after him, but it's a name that's out there. He may have to go prep route to refine his game and get stronger, though.

MEN'S BB: Lickliter wastes no time in trying to fill scholarships

2009-03-27T15:05:00.005-05:00

With the 4 transfers, as well as the announcement the de-commitment of 2010 Marshalltown recruit, Chanse Creekmur, Lickliter and his assistants have been on the move. The departures were obviously not something that just suddenly sprung up on the coaching staff. They've been recruiting the JUCO ranks very hard the past month.

As previously mentioned, Malcolm Armstead is the key recruit for this staff. It looks good for a visit by Mac. Pegged as the best JUCO PG on the market, Armstead would bring the speed that this Iowa team desperately needs. SEASON HIGHLIGHT - VIDEO.

Another JUCO to look at is Torye Pelham, teammate of Armstead. They have talked about going to the same college after JUCO, so we'll see. At this point, Armstead is much more of a priority for Iowa. SEASON HIGHLIGHT - VIDEO.

Iowa also has their eye on several other JUCOs.

Zach McCabe, teammate of Iowa commit Brennan Cougill, now holds an offer from Iowa, as well. It appears that Creekmur's loss is McCabe's gain.

Right now, Iowa has 3 recruits set to come in: May, Cougill, and Archie. They'll need one more to feel a little better about next year, two more would be ideal.

Then again, we could always bring in Tyrone:

MEN'S BB: It's (NOW) Official - Kelly, Palmer, Peterson, and Davis Leaving Iowa BB Program

2009-03-27T14:10:00.003-05:00

No one can say for sure the reason why the mass exodus occurred at Iowa, but four players, including Iowa leading scorer and best player will not be back next year.

Jake Kelly, sophomore guard, is expected to head back to Indiana, possibly transfer to Indiana State.

Jeff Peterson, sophomore guard, frustrated by his role in the program is heading for an unknown destination.

David Palmer, junior forward, is on course to graduate in May and will not be returning to the program. A force out or voluntary leave? Not sure.

Jermain Davis, junior guard, is transferring to Mankato State as he was not happy with his role on the team either.

Black Wednesday was when this info came out - and today it becomes official.

So what's REALLY happening inside the program. This is the third straight year Iowa has had their best player leave the team (Smith, Freeman, Kelly). It's not like this system is easy to pick up or anything. Iowa is now even further behind the 8 ball now.

Recruiting had better get red-hot for Iowa or the Hawks will struggle in the non-conference this year, not to mention the drubbing in conference.

The door is WIDE OPEN for Malcolm Armstead to jump right into a starting role on this team at PG. He canceled his visit at Charlotte and one of his other suitor's, Kentucky, just fired their coach.

Other names are swirling out there, I just hope Iowa can land some of them and they are smart enough to pick up this, apparently, difficult system to pick up.

MEN'S BB: Lickliter to Address Media - LIVE COVERAGE VIA GAZETTE

2009-03-27T13:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090327/SPORTS/903279989/1056

Men's BB: It's (Sort of) Official, Jake Kelly Leaving Iowa

2009-03-26T19:46:00.003-05:00

I've been pimped Doc's articles via Twitter the past 24 hours in regards to the news of transferring players, if you missed them, head to Scott Dochterman's blog.

His latest article talks about the players leaving, esp. Jake Kelly. Looks like he is right in line with everything.

All that talk looks to have become the truth. Although nothing "official" has been released yet, the Terre Haute News has talked to Bob Kelly (Jake's dad, not the comedian, but that's not to say Jake's dad doesn't have a sense of humor) and he revealed that Jake has asked for his release from the Iowa Basketball program.

Now Todd Lickliter doesn't necessarily have to honor the release request, however with what we saw happen with Tyler Smith and his family situation it's likely he'll grant it. Then again, I can't help but think Coach Lickliter is pleading with Jake to stay on with his squad.

I have been hoping that we haven't seen the last of Jake Kelly in an Iowa Hawkeye uniform, but it looks like nothing but bad news for Hawk fans.