What defines a successful year for Iowa State? Would just getting into the tournament have been a successful year? The season may have ended in heartbreak, but this is the second year in a row that Fred has obliterated preseason expectations of many, and proved that last year was not a fluke. Iowa State may have lost today, but as heard by comments from the TV voices during these past games, this program is continuing to get noticed and gain respect. Iowa State proved today that they can run with the big dogs, and that heartbreak happens, sometimes. It was a tough way for these seniors to go out, but they had a great run. This year has done nothing but positive things for the program. Recruiting will undoubtedly continue to pick up, and maybe next year, Iowa State can get a higher seed and avoid such a tough draw in the second round. One thing I do know is that I would rather suffer heartbreak against a very good team, knowing that the team played their hardest, than to play in the NIT.
A successful year.
- Thread starter jabalke
- Start date
I honestly think that Iowa State is still the type of program where the NCAA alone is still a very big deal.
I consider it very successful season which was super close to being a program changing season.
We had 23 wins. We finished 4th in the conference. We won a Big 12 tournament game. We won an NCAA game. And we came crazy close to a Sweet 16 (without our best defender for 22 minutes).
I consider it very successful season which was super close to being a program changing season.
We had 23 wins. We finished 4th in the conference. We won a Big 12 tournament game. We won an NCAA game. And we came crazy close to a Sweet 16 (without our best defender for 22 minutes).
It was definitely a "successful" season, but there is much room for improvement, and I expect it. I struggled to think of any program that has gone from garbage top success this fast under a new coach. The great thing is, Hoiberg is still learning, and I think his best is yet to come.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
This is the answer. This was very successful, and it pointed to better things ahead.
We're something special now, but becoming something very special.
D
DistrictCyclone
Guest
Bingo. This season was just another step in the right direction, where amazing things are going to be possible very often. A very successful season.
Considering our preseason expectations, it was a success. Next season, making the tourney would be a success as well. The next season after, I would like to see a bigger result, maybe a league title run as well. Not expecting it, but would think by that time, we would be able to compete at a high level consistently
There Were many tines this season i thought we'd nerve even make the tourney. Very successful, but so many opportunities to do more, that's where the disappointment lies. Next year we'll be slightly down, unless Monte man-man plays like a man. Can't have bubu playing most of the pg minutes and expect to win a,lot.
One of the biggest things Hoiberg & Co need to learn is how to close out games. Yes, I do think poor calls to outright horrible officiating has played a hand in some of the outcomes of these close games, but we also haven't put opponents away late, either. Right now we're a good program. Once we learn how to win in all kinds of situations, then we'll step in the direction of elite.
I get that, I really do. But ****, Will was closing out the game. I just don't think it is fair that we ahve to be 5 points better in the last 2 minutes to lose by 3.
D
DistrictCyclone
Guest
We've had just 5 losses this year that I'd say this statement maybe applies to. Of them, 4 came down to the opposing team making some very lucky/skilled shots, and one was due to terrible officiating.
On the other hand, I can point to a number of games where the other team was within striking distance and we did EXACTLY what we should have to put the game away by making free throws, not turning the ball over, and managing the clock well (think KSU, BU twice, OkState, WVU, OU in the tourney). Plus, 2 of our last 4 games involved coming back from double-digit deficits in the closing minutes, so I'm not sure how you can claim we haven't been able to close out games of late.
Overall, the whole "we don't know how to finish games" is an overblown red herring.
You're kind of right. We have been a victim of some very bad luck and some very bad end of game calls.
I get the feeling that Fred expects much more, that round of 32 isn't even close to where he intends to be. These last three years have been more successful than I could have imagined.