The fallout continues after Iowa Men's Basketball parted ways with Head Coach Fran McCaffery on March 14. The decision was made after the Hawkeyes were bounced from the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament by Illinois last week.
Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz decided on Friday to fire the 15-year head coach. In a statement released on Friday , Goetz noted, "Fran McCaffery has been an integral part of our Hawkeye family for the past 15 years...we have a deep appreciation for his dedication to our student-athletes."
The fallout began with star sophomore forward Owen Freeman entering the transfer portal Saturday morning. It continues with Iowa announcing the Men's Basketball program will not participate in any postseason play.
This includes declining an invite to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) and the newly formed College Basketball Crown Tournament.
The NIT is a single-elimination-style tournament for the teams that do not make the NCAA Tournament. The College Basketball Crown Tournament is another tournament for the teams that did not make the NCAA Tournament.
It features 16 teams, with two automatic bids from the Big 10, Big 12, and Big East conferences. A committee will decide the remaining teams.
The announcement comes as Iowa Men's Basketball faces a huge transition period. After firing Fran McCaffery and Owen Freeman entering the portal, the program is searching for answers. Iowa must focus on hiring a new head coach and retaining as much talent as they can.
It is terrible news for the Iowa seniors as they will not suit up for the Hawkeyes ever again. It is a tough decision, but it is necessary for the program to move forward.