Fran’s the man

We’re going to push the ball. We’re going to run. We’re going to press. We’re going to change defenses. We’re going to disrupt rhythm, and I think that’s how you have to play.

A new era of Iowa basketball has begun. Today, Fran McCaffery was formally introduced as the head coach of the Iowa men’s basketball team.

I watched the Big Ten Network’s live steam of the press conference. After all the buzz from yesterday, I was eager to “meet” McCaffery and see what he was all about. Based on my first impression, I think the Hawks got themselves one hell of a coach.

Of course, coaching introductions are supposed to make that impression. The AD will glorify the new hire and say, “We’re excited to have him. He’s got experience, and he’s a winner.” The new coach will say, “I’m excited to be here. I have experience, and I’m a winner.” All the right things are said and emphasized to uplift demoralized fans, ensuring them there are better times ahead; glory days, filled with excitement and championships, are just around the corner. McCaffery’s introduction fit that stereotype, but there was, I think, a palpable vibe and energy about him — an aura of determination, vision, and dependability — that set his debut apart. However, perhaps it was all in my head, a figment of my partiality — that I was seeing and feeling what I wanted to — or the fact it was the first time I ever watched an introduction live. Nevertheless, I was very impressed.

I’ll admit: I was a little skeptical when the hire was first confirmed yesterday. (As I said, I was holding out for Dayton’s Brian Gregory.) But my skepticism was just an ignorant knee jerk reaction; I knew Siena, but nothing about the man behind their recent success. After a lot of research (and a blog post), I came to the conclusion McCaffery was a good pick. Now, from what I heard today, I think McCaffery was the right pick.

A couple things I like about him: He coaches an up-tempo style of basketball Hawkeye fans know and love. From what I can tell, he’s not an arrogant dick. His 100 percent graduation rate at Siena shows he recruited good players who were also good students. He’s energetic on the court, showing his passion for the game; he’s got character and fight, which a coach needs to make a name for himself in the Big Ten. He exudes confidence. Based on his demeanor at the press conference, and the things he had to say (which were supposed to be supportive and positive, and likely crafted to charm fans wearied by Lickliter’s style), I think he’s classy and very intelligent. He appears willing to embrace the program’s tradition and involve former players. Seeing potential, he wanted to come to Iowa. (And for $1.1 million a year, why wouldn’t he?) He apparently has a plan; he knows what he wants to do and what direction he wants the program to take.

Most of those impressions, of course, are based on a press conference caulk full of juicy sound bites. Reversing the recent fortunes of the Iowa men’s basketball program is easier said than done, so, despite all my optimism and excitement, the questions will remain until there are results on the court. Can McCaffery get the job done? Can he rebuild Iowa into the perennial contender it once was? Can he get Carver “rockin’” again? We’ll see. But, in the meantime, I think, and hope, he will.

Welcome to Iowa, Coach McCaffery. Go Hawks!