Iowa Searching For Answers After 0-4 Start In Big Ten Play

Last year's Iowa men's basketball team was full of promising freshmen that went 10-8 in Big Ten play. The future was bright and many, including myself, thought that team would take the next step this season. We just didn't realize it would be a step back. Iowa fell to Ohio State Thursday night to fall to 0-4 in Big Ten play. They haven't even played heavyweights Michigan State and Purdue yet. So whats up with the Hawkeyes?

None of us realized just how important Peter Jok was to last year's Iowa team. He did lead the Big Ten in scoring after all. But he was also the senior leadership that could lead a team through rough times. This year's Iowa team is among the youngest in college basketball. Their two best players, Tyler Cook and Jordan Bohannon are still just sophomores. So is Cordell Pemsl and Isiah Moss. Freshman Luka Garza and Jack Nunge have shown promise but are still trying to figure things out as they go.

Fran McCaffery knows there aren't any easy answers. Green players have to gain experience by playing. Iowa fans are realizing that this just isn't the NCAA tournament team we were hoping it might be. Heck, the NIT might be wishful thinking. There are glimmers of hope. Tyler Cook has had back to back games with 20 or more points and nearly 10 rebounds. Jordan Bohannon continues to play well but is hurt by the lack of depth in the backcourt. Luka Garza has shown flashes of the star low post player that many think he will become. Iowa fans just have to be patient. A Big Ten win would help though.

[via Gazette]