Basketball season is upon us and the state of Iowa can put up some top of the line D-1 teams.

We have Iowa who made a run to the runner-up’s spot in the National Invitational Tournament, losing to Baylor 74-54. Iowa State was plagued by close losses to big teams and that continued to the 2^nd round of the NCAA tournament where they lost 75-78. Northern Iowa went to the CollegeInsider.com Invitational Tournament and lost in the semifinals to Weber State 59-56. Drake finished 14-17 and stayed home for the post season. None of the proceeding previews are locks, just possibilities.

University of Iowa Hawkeyes

Coach- Fran McCaffery

Conference- Big Ten

Last season record, overall (conference)- 25-13 (9-9), finished 6^th in conference

Iowa is the likely number 1 this year. Senior Eric May is the only player absent from last year’s squad. Besides losing only one player the Hawks gain Jarrod Uthoff off of transfers, Kyle Meyers a redshirt freshman, and Peter Jok a true freshman. It all looks up for the Hawks, after finishing strong in what many considered the best basketball conference in the country. They’re back with relatively the same team, but even more talent. It’s likely that Iowa will employ a eleven man rotation while many only use a seven man rotation, this lessens fatigue and injury likelihood. The Hawks look strong, most likely a 20-25 win season, possibly a top 25 finish, and a NCAA Tournament appearance losing in the second round.

University of Northern Iowa Panthers

Coach- Ben Jacobson

Conference- Missouri Valley

Last season record, overall (conference)- 20-15 (11-7), finished 3^rd in their conference

This is a young team having only two seniors, but plenty of juniors and freshmen. With a manageable non-conference schedule and only two major threats in the conference with Wichita State and Creighton. Not only does this season look good, but with the amount of youth the following years look up as well. A near 20 win total looks likely and a high conference finish is nearly guaranteed. An NCAA tournament appearance seems unlikely, however a surprise win over Creighton or Wichita State in their tournament could springboard them into March Madness. Altogether though the National Invitational Tournament is the likeliest. Anything though is possible with Jacobson at the helm, the respected coach could pull out all the stops and shock the world like in 2010 when they beat overall No.1 Kansas to get to the Sweet 16.

Iowa State University Cyclones

Coach- Fred Hoiberg

Conference- Big 12

Last season record, overall (conference)- 23-12 (11-7), finished 5^th in conference

The Cyclones have been impressive in recent years, their dominance has run its course. This program couldn’t finish close games last year, losing nine games by 10 points or less (3 in OT). Hoiberg has already built a tradition on getting good transfers, but that will kill ISU this year by not having any talent that’s been built up through the program. This year the only proven threats are Georges Niang (SOPH) and Melvin Ejim (SR). They are in a strong conference and are surrounded by NBA level talent. It seems unlikely that they will be present in late March, to be there though they’ll have to eliminate the close game losses.

Drake University Bulldogs

Coach- Ray Giacoletti

Conference- Missouri Valley

Last season record, overall (conference)- 15-17 (7-11), finished tied for 7^th in the conference

This is a team full of unknowns, they have a new coach and are coming off of a less then adequate season. They don’t have names like Ejim, Niang, White, and Marble like Iowa and ISU and they don’t have a proven coach like UNI. With a 124-90 overall record with three other schools he has proven he can win, but those came from programs with lower expectations and arguably weaker conference. This team has potential, but it’s hidden behind question marks. The Missouri Valley has a legitimate national contender in Creighton, all teams will chase them and I believe Drake doesn’t have the firepower of to overcome the big boys and will fall short. They will likely finish close the bottom of the Missouri Valley Conference, post a 10 to 15 win season, and will not see the post season.

It’s more than likely that some of this will be wrong; but barring earth shattering news the Hawks will finish 1^st in the state, UNI will finish 2^nd, ISU will go 3^rd, and Drake’ll go last. Basketball will be a war this year. There will pain and elation, joy and sorrow, but ultimately all fans will come together in march to support the state, not just their teams.