Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/922043
15 A s Big Ten play resumes in January, University of Iowa head men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery approaches a coaching milestone of 400 victories. McCaffery, who is in his eighth season at Iowa and 21st overall as a head coach, enters the final half of the season with 397 career wins, 146 that have come on the Iowa sideline. McCaffery's 146 wins are fourth- most in Iowa history, trailing only Steve Alford (152), Lute Olson (168), and Tom Davis (269). McCaffery got into coaching because of his love of the game and the experience he had playing for Bob Weinhauer at Penn. "When my playing career ended, I didn't want to leave the game," said McCaffery. "Bob was someone that I respected in terms of how he did everything and I wanted to try that profession." e Philadelphia native does not take a day for granted and thoroughly enjoys the impact he has on young people. "To go to work every day and work with young people on a college campus is what it is all about," McCaffery said. "I've been fortunate to work with great people at unique and terrific places. To be coaching in the Big Ten is a dream that every coach has." Before Iowa, McCaffery was appointed head men's basketball coach at Lehigh, UNC Greensboro, and Siena. When asked what win No. 400 means to him, it's simple: it's about the student-athletes. "It's not about me or our staff, it's about the players developing and having the experience that they hope to have when they chose to attend a particular institution," said McCaffery. "I think of win totals for us and opportunities to play in the postseason, players maximizing their potential, and extending their playing careers beyond college." In addition to closing in on career win No. 400, it was announced last month that McCaffery will be inducted into the Siena Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017. McCaffery led Siena to the most decorated five- year run in program history. He guided Siena to four straight 20-win seasons and MAAC Tournament Championship Game appearances. Named the 2009-10 NABC District I Coach of the Year and 2008-09 MAAC Coach of the Year, McCaffery led Siena to school record-tying 27- win seasons in each of his last two years at the helm, which included a program-record 15-game winning streak in his final campaign. JANUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 2 Michigan Jan. 4 Ohio State Jan. 7 at Maryland Jan. 11 at Illinois Jan. 17 at Rutgers Jan. 20 Purdue Jan. 23 Wisconsin Jan. 27 at Nebraska Jan. 30 Minnesota