Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/125275
Random Thoughts By Rick Klatt T his is a tale of two programs — one that is super-charged by public momentum, and another which isn't — and my suggestion is that both will thrive. Fran McCaffery and the men's basketball Hawkeyes are on a roll, the kind of roll that has everyone with an interest in the University of Iowa and its intercollegiate athletics program excited about what's next. And why not? A bucket-load of talent and experience returns to Mediacom Court in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, bolstered by two talented newcomers for a 2013-14 season that could begin with Iowa making a return to the nation's Top 25. You can read more about that HERE. Fran's fourth UI team will be picked to finish in the Big Ten Conference's upper-division and challenge for the league title. It will be the talk of countless graduation parties, family gatherings, star-spangled conversations in July, and Labor Day celebrations across the state before balls start to bounce in September. It will also be penciled into all "Bracketologies" produced between now and March 2014 as evidenced by its inclusion in ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi's first look at his field of 68. You can read more about that HERE. Fran's squad has momentum on its side and that is well-deserved and exciting. I'll make the not-so-bold suggestion that these Hawkeyes won't rest and relax, and will meet, if not exceed expectations, barring any unanticipated hiccups. It's clear that our coaching staff is very good at what it does. It's also clear that, in addition to being talented and coachable, this group is focused and determined. It has benefited from outstanding peer leadership the previous three seasons and, the roster for 2013-14 is dotted with young men capable of filling that role next year. It doesn't take a genius to realize this group of Hawkeyes appears poised to be better than the last group of Hawkeyes. Fran and his staff are still building their program, and at this stage of the process, that means year-over-year growth and success. Kirk Ferentz's football Hawkeyes aren't in the same place momentum-wise. That's exactly why I suggest the 2013 season will be so much fun for fans of the Hawkeyes. I'm inclined to suggest the cupboard isn't as bare as many believe, as evidenced by the depth at running back that was on display recently in West Des Moines. There's a pretty good offensive line practicing under the roof of the new indoor practice facility this spring. The other line — Iowa's defensive line — will be a deeper, more experienced group than the one that took the field in 2012. 29