Iowa Hawkeyes - #8 Big Ten college basketball power rankings

Iowa

Coach: Fran McCaffery (2 seasons at Iowa 29-37) Overall 280-214, 16 years

2011-12: Record 18-17 overall, 8-10 in Big Ten (Tie 7th)

Starters Returning (3) Melsahn Basasbe, Roy Devyn Marble, Zach McCabe

Preseason Tournament: Cancun Challenge

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Iowa State, vs. Northern Iowa

Transfer In : Jared Uthoff (Wisconsin)

It’s been a rough two seasons for Fran McCaffery in turning around this Iowa program. This year could be a breakout for the Hawkeyes. Last season they had more 7 victories than the year before, they also had 4 victories over top 25 opponents. The Hawkeyes lose their top scorer but they return their next 5 leading scorers. They also bring some top recruits in.

The strength of this Hawkeye team in the frontcourt. While it is unclear who will start, there is ton of options. Aaron White (11.1 ppg) and Melshan Basabe (8.2 ppg) will be the players at power forward. White really had a breakout season as a freshman that no one expected. White led the Hawkeyes in rebounding last season and he is a very versatile scorer. Basabe regressed as sophomore, but he is just a physical player in the paint. He led Iowa in blocks last season. Battling at the center spot will be Zach McCabe (7.8 ppg) and star freshman Adam Woodbury. Woodbury was a big recruit for McCaffery he decided to stay home despite offers from North Carolina and Ohio State. Also providing depth here will be Gabriel Olaseni(1.4 ppg) and freshman Kyle Meyer.

Leading the way in the backcourt will be wing Roy Devyn Marble (11.5 ppg). He does it all for the Hawkeyes. He led them in steal and was second in points and assists. He can score both inside and out, that what’s makes him who hard to guard. Backing him up at the 3 spot will be Eric May(4.3 ppg),: he is a top defender. The question for this team lies in the two guard spots. Look for McCaffery to give freshman Mike Gesell the first shot to start at point guard. Joining him in the backcourt is Josh Oglesby (6.4 ppg). He will be Iowa’s best shooter by far. The problem for the Hawkeyes is their depth is inexperience. Trying to provide that depth will be freshman Anthony Clemmons and Patrick Ingram.

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