1. NIT final better than NCAA 1 and done (Depends on how you look at things. Going to the NCAA's this year would have been awesome. Most Iowa fans realized we blew that opportunity when we lost to Nebraska on the road. At the time still trying to figure out how to not choke at the end of the game. Developmentally, getting to the NIT final is better than only going to the NCAA 1 and done. The opportunity to get more game time experience and mature as a team is undeniable.
2. NIT success implies guaranteed NCAA next year(Historically this statement has proven false. Have I seen that posted sure but you are implying that all Hawk fans think this way when all actuality it is a small percentage. Usually a thought that comes from the fringe group of Hawk fans. I know the Cyclones have a vocal fringe group so you should be aware of the possibility that it exists in most team's fans.
3. Possible Big 10 title favorites next year (Actually, not that far fetched when you look at the BIG landscape next year and what we have coming back and adding to the team. We lose one and gain three. We also have a more mature team that not only is playing into April and building on that team chemistry we are also going to Europe which will include the three additions which help with team chemistry in the fall.)
4. Can't understand why media isn't giving attention to the Big NIT event. (Again, fringe group. No need to explain. Who doesn't like hearing about their favorite team doing good things. We just happen to not want the season to end because we love watching this team compete and how hard they work on the floor and have a great time doing it. )
5. 4 star and 5 star recruits should be lining up to play for Iowa with the NIT success(Again, Fringe group...no need to explain)
6. NIT success shows that NCAA selection committee was wrong not to select Iowa(Most don't think this either. Although had we been playing this well more consistently this wouldn't even been discussed)
7. NIT success shows that the basketball programs of ISU and Iowa are in the same boat (Technically, we both started out nearly in the same boat 3 years ago. Apathetic fan base, boring basketball to watch..... Where we differ is how we rebuilt our programs. Fred decided to take the transfer route and Fran decided to take the slower way with building the classes. Neither way is wrong just the way it happened. I admit I was skeptical at first on the way Fred chose to do it but can refute results.
8. NIT title game appearance means that Iowa bball program is more successful than programs that have not appeared in recent post season title game(Not even sure where this is coming from but if you want to believe that than go ahead.)
9. Iowa's 25 win season is more successful than all teams that have less than 25 wins this season(Not even close to being a true statement. Just like teams that have a better record than us happen to be a better team. We understand that some of our record was built on fluff teams. So should the Cyclones.)
10. Rival fan bases are jealous that Iowa is still playing(Again...you keep listening to the fringe.)
What I don't get is why Cyclone fans don't want to cheer on another team that is located within the state border even if it happens to be Iowa. I've actually watched quite a few games of the cyclones an hope you win them and think it sucks that you guys got screwed over (Kansas x3 and Ohio State X1)
Congrats on a great season. Iowa also happens to be having a good season. I think that it should be cause for celebration when a state the size of Iowa can actually support 2 large Div 1 teams in football and 4 division 1 in basketball when Minnesota and Nebbie only support one.
