Photo Courtesy of API've often been accused of worrying more then I should by multiple people. Upon hearing the shocking news of four men's basketball players setting aside their black and gold jerseys last week, first reaction---"we're in trouble".
However, after a couple days of reflection I don't think it will be as bad as most Hawkeye basketball fans are thinking right now-- provided a thing or two happens.
Yes losing Jake Kelly, who developed into one of the more impressive point guards in the country in the closing weeks of the season, will hurt...a lot. BUT the other three players leaving (Jermain Davis, David Palmer and Jeff Peterson) each had their "role" with the team but are by no means irreplaceable. Peterson brought a lot of leadership and maturity at the point guard position and would have been a leader the next two years, but something wasn't going the way he had envisioned so you have to wish him nothing but the best. He'll be missed...but can be replaced. By who you might ask?
Well, Malcolm Armstead is a name that Hawkeye fans should get to know because there is a good chance he could be Iowa's starting point guard next season. He was the starting point guard at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Florida, that went 34-2 this past season. He has scheduled an official visit to Iowa City and it's sounding very likely he will be a Hawk next season. The crazy thing about this is that Iowa is also after one of Armstead's teammates at Chipola, Torye Pelham. He's a 6'6'' 225 pound forward. If Iowa gets one, they will more then likely get both as I was told this past weekend that if one comes to Iowa, the other is wanting to follow.
Throw in the mix that Michael Jordan's son, Marcus (who obviously doesn't have quite the talent his father did but nonetheless would contribute for a struggling Iowa team) was offered last weekend. Jordan's interest is up in the air at the moment but if the guy is looking for playing time, Iowa has to be looking awful nice. Considering the recent transfers and the fact that six scholarships are open, Iowa is two or three commits from continuing to take steps forward from this past season.
Don't think for one minute that Freshman All-Big Ten performer, Matt Gatens, or captain Jarryd Cole will let this Iowa team take a step back after this past season. Even though Coach Lickliter is under a lot of criticism, don't be too quick to judge. Whether things get turned around or not, for better or for worse, a lot of unexpected things can happen in the off-season...just ask Memphis and John Calipari.
