To see the previous teams ranked in the 82 in 72 series, please see below:

69. NC State Wolfpack

70. Butler Bulldogs

71. Princeton Tigers

72. Virginia Cavaliers

73. Saint Joseph’s Hawks

74. Oklahoma Sooners

75. West Virginia Mountaineers

76. Georgia Bulldogs

77. UAB Blazers

78: Wisconsin Badgers

79. San Diego State Aztecs

80. Missouri Tigers

81. Northwestern Wildcats

82. Loyola Chicago Ramblers

Additionally, here is where each of our college basketball analysts had Iowa ranked:

Steven	Maxwell	Kam	Cody
71	72	68	68

Iowa Basketball: The McCaffrey-Murray Era

The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team had a mixed 2022-2023 season, finishing with a 19-14 overall record and an 11-9 mark in Big Ten Conference play. Their season featured notable victories over ranked teams like Indiana and Michigan State but was marred by disappointing losses to lower-ranked opponents such as Nebraska and Eastern Illinois.

Iowa’s offense was spearheaded by star forward Kris Murray, who led the team with an impressive 20.2 points per game, making him one of the top scorers in the Big Ten and a consensus All-American. The team utilized a fast-paced, high-volume shooting strategy, averaging 80.1 points per game—ranking 16th nationally. This offensive style reflected their efficient ball movement and scoring depth. Despite this high scoring average, the Hawkeyes’ field goal efficiency was somewhat middle-of-the-pack, with a shooting percentage of around 45.3%, ranking 131st nationally. However, their three-point shooting was a strength, averaging 34.6%, placing them in the national middle tier.

On the defensive end, Iowa struggled, allowing an average of 74.7 points per game, which ranked 307th nationally. Their defense was particularly vulnerable to teams that could exploit their lack of interior presence and defensive rebounding, contributing to some tough losses throughout the season.

Kris Murray was the standout player for the Hawkeyes, averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His performance was crucial in many of Iowa’s key victories, earning him a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Other key contributors included Filip Rebraca and Tony Perkins. Rebraca averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Perkins added 12.3 points per game. The Hawkeyes’ season ended with a first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Auburn. This season highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Hawkeyes’ approach: their offensive prowess was potent but sometimes left them exposed on the defensive end. A massive challenge for the upcoming season will be how they replace Kris Murray, who was integral to the team’s success.

2023-2024 Season: A New Look for the Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team had an eventful 2023-2024 season, with strong individual performances and competitive play in the Big Ten. Under the leadership of head coach Fran McCaffery, the team showcased its depth and talent, though they faced challenges in a highly competitive conference. The Hawkeyes finished the 2023-2024 season with an overall record of 19-15 and a Big Ten Conference record of 10-10.

This season was characterized by a high-paced offensive approach, focusing on maximizing shot volume and maintaining an aggressive tempo. The Hawkeyes averaged around 83.1 points per game, placing them just outside of the top ten nationally, ranking 12th. Their high number of field goal attempts—approximately 63.5 per game—ranked them among the top 25 teams nationally. Despite the high volume, their field goal percentage was moderate, around 48%, which ranked them 33rd nationally. This indicates they were effective in their shot-taking but needed to be more efficient.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes allowed about 79.4 points per game, ranking 341st nationally. Their defense was a concern, as they often relied on outscoring opponents rather than locking them down defensively. This led to a mix of exciting, high-scoring games but also made them vulnerable against more defensively disciplined teams.

Key 2023-2024 season contributors included Payton Sandfort, Ben Krikke, and Tony Perkins. Sandfort emerged as a pivotal player, leading the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game and playing a crucial role in stretching the floor with his shooting ability. Ben Krikke provided consistent scoring with 13.8 points per game and rebounding with 6.5 rebounds per game. Tony Perkins offered leadership from the guard position, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor with notable defensive efforts in tight contests. These three players were instrumental in driving the team’s performance throughout the season.

The Hawkeyes participated in the 2024 March Madness tournament but were eliminated in the second round by the Utah Utes. Their performance this season mirrored the previous year’s approach: a high-tempo offense with defensive inconsistencies. The season’s exciting games and high-scoring outputs showcased their offensive strength but also exposed their defensive weaknesses.

Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Season

As the Hawkeyes prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, they will return nine players, including top scorer Payton Sandfort, big man Owen Freeman, and shooting threat Josh Dix. This experienced squad will look to build on their previous performance, though they must address the loss of crucial players Ben Krikke and Tony Perkins. The team must also replace production from Patrick McCaffery, who transferred out of the program.

The Hawkeyes have bolstered their roster with promising newcomers, including Seydou Traore from Manhattan, who averaged 11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and Drew Thelwell from Morehead State, known for his 33.8% three-point shooting. Cooper Koch and Chris Tadjo, both 6’8″ forward, have also joined the team.

Returning 55.8% of last season’s scoring and 56% of the minutes played, the Hawkeyes will likely continue their high-paced offensive strategy. With veteran leadership, they aim to make a statement in the Big Ten and seek a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. Payton Sandfort will continue to be the focal point of a high-volume, efficient offense, and fans should watch for emerging players who could make a significant impact in the Big Ten.