In this edition of the opposing bench we talked to Michael Brownlee. Brownlee, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, works for the Daily Iowan, the newspaper of the University of Iowa. He is a senior and will graduate in May with a degree in Journalism and minor in History. Brownlee's random fact is that he is still getting over NBC canceling the show Journeyman. Here is our Q and A with Michael.
Above The Rim: After finishing as co-Big Ten champs last year what is the outlook for this season for Iowa?
Michael: Iowa lost five seniors from last season, including four players who accounted for about half of the team's rebounding. The Hawkeyes do return their top two scorers from last season - first-team all-Big Ten point guard Kristi Smith and forward Wendy Ausdemore, along with Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year center Megan Skouby. In all, Iowa returns eight letter winners. This senior class is special to head coach Lisa Bluder. Skouby, Smith and Ausdemore have seen extensive playing time since they arrived in Iowa City. The team is looking to make the NCAA tournament again this year, and if they do they'll be at home for the first two rounds. Repeating as co-champions will be a hard task, given the losses from last year and the talent around the Big Ten.
Above The Rim: What makes Iowa such a strong team?
Michael:When Iowa isn't turning the ball over they're hard to beat. That's been the key to this team so far. The Hawkeyes have turned the ball over 16 times or more in all five losses, including 20 times or more on three occasions. Offensively, they have a number of players who hit from behind the arc, with Ausdemore leading the way. The senior started the season up and down offensively, but has found her touch of late. She scored 20 points and hit four 3-pointers in wins against Drake and Wisconsin. Her 3-point release is Dan Marino-fast.
Follow the jump to see Michael's prediction for Sunday's game
Above The Rim: After a tough loss against Duke (71-47) earlier in the year the team seemed to bounce back well winning four in a row. What did they learn from that game?
Michael: I think Duke, along with California (a 76-43 loss), showed Iowa what the elite teams play like. The Blue Devils were very physical against the Hawkeyes and pushed them around. The players said they had a athletes-only meeting after the Duke game to refocus. It appears they did, winning three-straight by 18 or more and handing Wisconsin its first home loss of the season. Not sure if a meeting was held after the loss on Sunday (Dec. 28) to Purdue, but it appears the team needs to refocus again after losing on its home court.
Above The Rim: Attendance at women's basketball games has not been great at IU's home games. What are your thoughts on the popularity of women's basketball and the situation at Iowa?
Michael: The popularity of the women's college game continues to grow. I think stars have driven this surge, starting way back when with Rebecca Lobo at UConn, then Chamique Holdsclaw at Tennessee, followed by my personal favorite, Diana Taurasi, and then Candace Parker. And I'm sure I left a few names off.
The growing parity in women's hoops has helped it grow, but I also think the dominance of UConn and Tennessee helps a lot. They have the star players and draw the most fans. It's like Yankees-Red Sox, Duke-UNC in men's hoops and the like. When both the Huskies and Vols are great it's good for the whole sport. You either love them or hate them (In the Geno Auriemma-Pat Summit feud, I side with Geno. Maybe I'm a chauvinist).Obviously the women's game still hasn't caught up with the men's game, and I doubt it ever will. But that doesn't mean it can't continue to grow and find its own niche. Iowa crowds have been decent, not great, this year (just like the men's team). Against Iowa State I'd say the crowd was about 45% or so in favor of the Cyclones. Luckily for the Hawkeyes, they took that crowd out of the game early and blew Iowa State out.The crowd that does show up to Carver-Hawkeye Arena is vocal, however. They know their basketball and seem to have a good time.
Above The Rim: Who are some of the Hawkeyes key players?
Michael: Skouby leads the team at 14 points per game. She's a bit of an enigma, springing for 20 or more sometimes, but other times only getting a bucket or two. Ausdemore and Smith are right behind at 11.2 and 11.1, respectively. Smith has been the most consistent scorer this season.Sophomore guard Kachine Alexander is back after missing the second half of last season because of academic troubles and has been a key part of the team. In a column about sports nicknames I bestowed the moniker "Floor Burn" upon her and I think it's appropriate. She manages to hit the court a few times a game, whether it's diving for a loose ball or getting tangled up on defense. Standing only 5-foot-9, Alexander is tied for the team lead in rebounds at 7.5 per game. The spark she provides to the Hawkeyes is the team's greatest intangible. Junior forward JoAnn Hamlin also grabs 7.5 boards per game and is a force down low.
A pair of freshman, Kamille Wahlin and Kelly Krei, also contribute a lot for Iowa. Wahlin is the heir apparent to Smith, a point guard with a good handle who can hit the trey. Krei was high school player of the year in Iowa last season after leading Iowa City High to the state title. She can play the two, three or four, but usually plays the three.
Above The Rim: Iowa coach Lisa Bluder has over 500 wins in her career. Talk about what she is like and what she bring to the program?
Michael: Coach Bluder is very personable. In my experiences it appears that she and the players really enjoy each other's company. I think that's a big part of her success. When players like the coach they're playing for they're going to work hard and listen more. But being a good person doesn't get you 500 wins - Bluder knows the game. She also runs a first-class program. We've had a lot of athletes in the police blotter in Iowa City lately, but no women's hoopsters. She's had a few players miss time for academics, but that happens at any school. I think Alexander's return and resurgence is a testament to the will of Alexander and also the support and caring of Bluder.
Above The Rim: What are your predictions for Sunday's game and the season as a whole for Iowa?
Michael: Well, I'd feel better about a prediction on Sunday's game if I could ask you these same questions about Indiana. I haven't seen the Hoosiers play this season, but it looks like they've started strong. Regardless of the competition, winning eight games in a row is impressive. I see the sports info department is really pushing the all-American candidacy of Whitney Thomas (I hope her environmental policies are strong, otherwise she doesn't have my vote).With the knowledge learned from that team meeting with Bill Cosby, along with the always-hostile environment of Assembly Hall, I see the Hoosiers playing the Hawkeyes tough. But Iowa's seniors will help pull out a win. I'll go with 77-72 Iowa.
As for the season, I see the Hawkeyes winning most of the games they supposed to. Iowa hasn't been competitive in games against top-flight opponents. I don't see that changing. A hot 3-point shooting night, however, could result in an upset. I think the NCAA tournament is a realistic goal, so I won't be surprised if I'm covering this team at Carver-Hawkeye in March.
Last words from Michael: Hope my ramblings have been coherent enough to keep your readers interested. Thank you for having me in the blogosphere. I'd be happy to return any time.
