Showing posts with label Ben Jacobson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Jacobson. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Falling Sky on University of Northern Iowa Basketball
Earlier in the season, I thought the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) had the best Division I team in the state. My thoughts were soooooo wrong.
UNI is probably in third place now behind Iowa State and Iowa and ahead of only Drake.
The wheels are quickly falling off UNI’s season. Tuesday night the Panthers lost an overtime game to Evansville. UNI led in the closing moments of regulation. Last Saturday, the Panthers lost to Indiana State on free throws in the closing seconds. Two games in the state of Indiana, two bitter defeats.
UNI has a .500 overall record at 11-11 (4-6 Missouri Valley Conference). This is a major disappointment for team that came into the season with large hopes. This is a veteran team with solid playersand a strong coach in Ben Jacobson.
The Panthers are in a danger zone psychologically. They can either try to salvage the season or basically play it out. There a few postseason tournaments besides the NCAA tournament but if UNI doesn’t start winning ballgames even those lesser tournaments might not want the Panthers.
It seems a distant memory when UNI knocked off Kansas in the NCAA tournament and gained a Sweet 16 berth. This is a program that should be competing for a NCAA tournament bid every year. Like last season, this team will come up empty.
What’s wrong with UNI?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Creighton's Doug McDermott Makes a Name
Quick question: who is one of the most celebrated college players this past season to not declare for the NBA Draft?
If you answered Creighton’s Doug McDermott, then you know your college basketball.
Talk about a guy with rising stock. Who could have predicted that this Ames, Iowa high school player would become a nationally talked about player in just two seasons?
McDermott was a solid high player but played second fiddle to Harrison Barnes. Barnes was the best high school player two years ago and headed to North Carolina. McDermott’s college destination was mid-major Northern Iowa. He was to play for Ben Jacobson a former assistant under his dad, Greg, with the Panthers.
But then there was major change in the McDermott family. Greg McDermott was under pressure as coach at Iowa State. With his shaky position there, Greg probably didn’t want his son, Doug, playing for him with the almost certain possibility of Greg’s firing. But then Creighton rescued the elder McDermott and gave him a 10-year contract.
Doug then asked out of his scholarship commitment to Northern Iowa so he could indeed play for his dad at Creighton. Jacobson graciously allowed the father and son to reunite.
It was a match made in Creighton blue.
Doug McDermott had a solid freshman year and then soared this past season. He averaged 22.9 points per game and grabbed 8.2 rebounds. He was the Missouri Valley Conference Most Valuable Player. He also was selected first-team All-American by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Associated Press. He also helped his team to the third round in the NCAA tournament.
Arguably, McDermott has had a better college career than Barnes. Barnes declared for the NBA draft last month so his college career is over.
Funny, how things sometimes work out in life. For Doug McDermott, funny is termed beautiful.
If you answered Creighton’s Doug McDermott, then you know your college basketball.
Talk about a guy with rising stock. Who could have predicted that this Ames, Iowa high school player would become a nationally talked about player in just two seasons?
McDermott was a solid high player but played second fiddle to Harrison Barnes. Barnes was the best high school player two years ago and headed to North Carolina. McDermott’s college destination was mid-major Northern Iowa. He was to play for Ben Jacobson a former assistant under his dad, Greg, with the Panthers.
But then there was major change in the McDermott family. Greg McDermott was under pressure as coach at Iowa State. With his shaky position there, Greg probably didn’t want his son, Doug, playing for him with the almost certain possibility of Greg’s firing. But then Creighton rescued the elder McDermott and gave him a 10-year contract.
Doug then asked out of his scholarship commitment to Northern Iowa so he could indeed play for his dad at Creighton. Jacobson graciously allowed the father and son to reunite.
It was a match made in Creighton blue.
Doug McDermott had a solid freshman year and then soared this past season. He averaged 22.9 points per game and grabbed 8.2 rebounds. He was the Missouri Valley Conference Most Valuable Player. He also was selected first-team All-American by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Associated Press. He also helped his team to the third round in the NCAA tournament.
Arguably, McDermott has had a better college career than Barnes. Barnes declared for the NBA draft last month so his college career is over.
Funny, how things sometimes work out in life. For Doug McDermott, funny is termed beautiful.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Texas A&M Flirts with Ben Jacobson
University of Northern Iowa fans can now finally exhale.
Their coach, Ben Jacobson, was dating Texas A&M over the weekend, but the Aggies finally chose Murray State’s Bill Kennedy as the new coach.
It’s difficult to know what happened with the possible Jacobson marriage. Did Jacobson’s lack of Texas ties hurt him? Were the Aggies sweet on Kennedy all the way along? Did Jacobson withdraw because he knew that? Was Jacobson listening to the Aggies’ sale pitch out of common courtesy?
Jacobson has told people in Iowa that he wants to stay put. But ever since his team beat Kansas in the NCAA tournament two seasons ago, Jacobson is a hot choice for various jobs around the country.
So Jacobson will remain in the low profile job and away from the bright lights of Texas and the Big 12 Conference. But it will only become a matter of time before another big school will want to flirt with the successful coach. That’s just the way the system works.
University of Northern Iowa fans understand the process even as they incur an upset stomach each time their coach is mentioned for a new opportunity.
Their coach, Ben Jacobson, was dating Texas A&M over the weekend, but the Aggies finally chose Murray State’s Bill Kennedy as the new coach.
It’s difficult to know what happened with the possible Jacobson marriage. Did Jacobson’s lack of Texas ties hurt him? Were the Aggies sweet on Kennedy all the way along? Did Jacobson withdraw because he knew that? Was Jacobson listening to the Aggies’ sale pitch out of common courtesy?
Jacobson has told people in Iowa that he wants to stay put. But ever since his team beat Kansas in the NCAA tournament two seasons ago, Jacobson is a hot choice for various jobs around the country.
So Jacobson will remain in the low profile job and away from the bright lights of Texas and the Big 12 Conference. But it will only become a matter of time before another big school will want to flirt with the successful coach. That’s just the way the system works.
University of Northern Iowa fans understand the process even as they incur an upset stomach each time their coach is mentioned for a new opportunity.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
McDermotts Return to Northern Iowa in Enemy Clothing
Tonight’s Northern Iowa-Creighton Missouri Valley game is more than just another conference battle. It’s all about relationships and emotions will be high in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott is a Northern Iowa (UNI) graduate. He later coached UNI to three straight NCAA tournament appearances. McDermott put UNI on the national collegiate basketball stage.
McDermott left for Iowa State and UNI hired his top assistant Ben Jacobson. McDermott and Jacobson are dear friends. Jacobson signed McDermott’s son, Doug, last spring to play at UNI.
Dad McDermott was on the hot seat at Iowa State and jumped at the chance when Creighton called. Doug then wanted to play for his dad at Creighton. UNI and coach Jacobson graciously released Doug from his UNI commitment.
So the McDermotts return home tonight but wearing the visiting colors. Fans around Cedar Falls are excited about this game. How will they welcome or not welcome the McDermotts back to UNI? The nation can watch the reaction on ESPNU at 8. p.m. Central Time.
By the way, there is a McDermott still at UNI. One of Greg’s sons is a student there. Sounds like he will side with the family tonight. Good move. Dad might be paying his college bill.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott is a Northern Iowa (UNI) graduate. He later coached UNI to three straight NCAA tournament appearances. McDermott put UNI on the national collegiate basketball stage.
McDermott left for Iowa State and UNI hired his top assistant Ben Jacobson. McDermott and Jacobson are dear friends. Jacobson signed McDermott’s son, Doug, last spring to play at UNI.
Dad McDermott was on the hot seat at Iowa State and jumped at the chance when Creighton called. Doug then wanted to play for his dad at Creighton. UNI and coach Jacobson graciously released Doug from his UNI commitment.
So the McDermotts return home tonight but wearing the visiting colors. Fans around Cedar Falls are excited about this game. How will they welcome or not welcome the McDermotts back to UNI? The nation can watch the reaction on ESPNU at 8. p.m. Central Time.
By the way, there is a McDermott still at UNI. One of Greg’s sons is a student there. Sounds like he will side with the family tonight. Good move. Dad might be paying his college bill.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Northern Iowa's Basketball Future Appears Bright
The painful memories of Northern Iowa's loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 is fading. The Panthers accomplishing amazing feats this past season and established a new higher standard for Northern Iowa basketball. Maybe some year soon, the Panthers can win four games in the NCAA tourney and earn a trip to the Final Four.
Anything is truly possible for this team. The Panthers proved that this past season.
Northern Iowa should be competitive next year and challenge for another NCAA bid. Granted, the Panthers lose three starters off the 2009-10 squad (Ali Farokhmanesh, Adam Koch and Jordan Eglseder),but there are plenty of players back with game experience. Next year's leader will be Kwadfzo Ahelegbe. This point guard can play and look for him to have a big senior season. Sophomore-to-be-Jake Koch will also be solid. He has an opportunity to become a better player than his brother Adam. Adam was Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2009-10. Plus, there are plenty of bench players who performed well in coach Ben Jacobson's 10-player rotation.
Northern Iowa is now on the nation's basketball radar. This is good and bad. The Panthers have the respect and honor due with a great season. The downside is other teams will now definitely bring their A-game when playing Northern Iowa. They are no longer this lowly, unknown mid-major from the middle of the country.
So, the Panthers will need to step it up more and move to a higher level. And I think they will accomplish the challenge.
Jacobson will continue to preach defense, shot selection and team unity. This will assure Northern Iowa is competitive next season and beyond.
Anything is truly possible for this team. The Panthers proved that this past season.
Northern Iowa should be competitive next year and challenge for another NCAA bid. Granted, the Panthers lose three starters off the 2009-10 squad (Ali Farokhmanesh, Adam Koch and Jordan Eglseder),but there are plenty of players back with game experience. Next year's leader will be Kwadfzo Ahelegbe. This point guard can play and look for him to have a big senior season. Sophomore-to-be-Jake Koch will also be solid. He has an opportunity to become a better player than his brother Adam. Adam was Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2009-10. Plus, there are plenty of bench players who performed well in coach Ben Jacobson's 10-player rotation.
Northern Iowa is now on the nation's basketball radar. This is good and bad. The Panthers have the respect and honor due with a great season. The downside is other teams will now definitely bring their A-game when playing Northern Iowa. They are no longer this lowly, unknown mid-major from the middle of the country.
So, the Panthers will need to step it up more and move to a higher level. And I think they will accomplish the challenge.
Jacobson will continue to preach defense, shot selection and team unity. This will assure Northern Iowa is competitive next season and beyond.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Northern Iowa Makes Wise Move
Northern Iowa yesterday announced that it has extended the contact of basketball coach Ben Jacobson to 10 years. The coach will also receive a bump in salary. Next year it will become $450,000, an increase from $161,000.
Northern Iowa did the right thing and at the right time. This will ward off potential suitors after the Panther's amazing season. It seems once a mid-major has success in the NCAA Tournament, the big schools come calling in full force.
Jacobson is a great fit for Northern Iowa. A North Dakota native, he seems comfortable in the little pond of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Knowing that Jacobson remains in the coaching chair, should bring the Panthers stability and continued success.
I'm not predicting that Jacobson will stay for his entire contract, but maybe he has learned from his good buddy Greg McDermott. McDermott left Cedar Falls for Iowa State and he has struggled.
Do you think Jacobson will leave Northern Iowa before his contact is up?
Northern Iowa did the right thing and at the right time. This will ward off potential suitors after the Panther's amazing season. It seems once a mid-major has success in the NCAA Tournament, the big schools come calling in full force.
Jacobson is a great fit for Northern Iowa. A North Dakota native, he seems comfortable in the little pond of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Knowing that Jacobson remains in the coaching chair, should bring the Panthers stability and continued success.
I'm not predicting that Jacobson will stay for his entire contract, but maybe he has learned from his good buddy Greg McDermott. McDermott left Cedar Falls for Iowa State and he has struggled.
Do you think Jacobson will leave Northern Iowa before his contact is up?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
How Will Northern Iowa Handle Success?
This is unchartered territory.
Entering the NCAA basketball tournament last week, few outside of the mid section of the country had ever heard of the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.
But that all changed in just two hours. The Panthers two-point victory over No. 1 ranked Kansas removed their status from a lesser known Missouri Valley conference team to basketball rock stars. Now the whole college basketball world recognizes this Cedar Falls, Iowa squad.
ESPN is calling, Dan Patrick too. How about New York newspapers. TV outlets. Interviews, stories, publicity and more publicity. It's crazy.
The whole state of Iowa is taking about the Panthers too. This from a state that has two teams in two power conferences (Iowa and Iowa State). Everybody supports Northern Iowa these days. Purple and gold are the hot colors.
But this week comes the true test. Northern Iowa has changed roles from the hunters to the hunted ones. Numerous mid-majors in the past have advanced to the Sweet 16. Many have departed the next game.
If you listen to Panther players and their coach, Ben Jacobson, everyone is saying the proper things. They know Michigan State is a good team, the Panthers will be focused, blah, blah, blah.
Here is hoping the stars-in-the-eyes mentality will not appear Friday night. Northern Iowa needs to keep playing like a huge underdog. Bring that hard hat,lunch pail and go to work.
The stakes are higher, the pressure mounts, but the Panthers can keep winning. It's been a dream season so far. There is no sense waking up just yet.
Entering the NCAA basketball tournament last week, few outside of the mid section of the country had ever heard of the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.
But that all changed in just two hours. The Panthers two-point victory over No. 1 ranked Kansas removed their status from a lesser known Missouri Valley conference team to basketball rock stars. Now the whole college basketball world recognizes this Cedar Falls, Iowa squad.
ESPN is calling, Dan Patrick too. How about New York newspapers. TV outlets. Interviews, stories, publicity and more publicity. It's crazy.
The whole state of Iowa is taking about the Panthers too. This from a state that has two teams in two power conferences (Iowa and Iowa State). Everybody supports Northern Iowa these days. Purple and gold are the hot colors.
But this week comes the true test. Northern Iowa has changed roles from the hunters to the hunted ones. Numerous mid-majors in the past have advanced to the Sweet 16. Many have departed the next game.
If you listen to Panther players and their coach, Ben Jacobson, everyone is saying the proper things. They know Michigan State is a good team, the Panthers will be focused, blah, blah, blah.
Here is hoping the stars-in-the-eyes mentality will not appear Friday night. Northern Iowa needs to keep playing like a huge underdog. Bring that hard hat,lunch pail and go to work.
The stakes are higher, the pressure mounts, but the Panthers can keep winning. It's been a dream season so far. There is no sense waking up just yet.
Friday, March 19, 2010
NCAA Mania in Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa lived to play another day in the NCAA Tournament. The game was wild and filled with excitement. The Panthers prevailed over UNLV 69-66 Thursday night.
In a previous post, I confessed that this tournament would cause me little uneasiness because none of my teams were in the field. Okay, I confess. I was wrong.
The Northern Iowa game was a little nerve racking because I wanted to see my home state team perform well and win. So I must admit, I moved around a bit in my chair during the tightly contested contest.
I was pretty calm when the Panther's Ali Farokhmanesh hit the game-winning three point shot in the waning seconds. I am just happy I don't need to type Ali's last name on a frequent basis. Now, that would create some anxiety, ha.
Northern Iowa (better known as UNI here in Iowa) captured its first NCAA tourney win in 20 years. No wonder the state is celebrating.
It's not difficult enjoying this team. Ben Jacobson's squad is a bunch of hard working, no ego types. They practice the meaning of the word team. There are no stars, but parts that work into a whole component. And it's a joy to watch a team that actually makes free throws. I haven't seen much good free throw shooting this season in the college game.
So UNI opposes mighty Kansas Saturday in the next round. Here's hoping the Panthers forget about their opening victory and give a huge effort against the No. 1 ranked Jayhawks.
And before anyone discounts UNI, remember hope is a beautiful word in the NCAA Tournament. Just ask Murray State and Ohio about hope.
In a previous post, I confessed that this tournament would cause me little uneasiness because none of my teams were in the field. Okay, I confess. I was wrong.
The Northern Iowa game was a little nerve racking because I wanted to see my home state team perform well and win. So I must admit, I moved around a bit in my chair during the tightly contested contest.
I was pretty calm when the Panther's Ali Farokhmanesh hit the game-winning three point shot in the waning seconds. I am just happy I don't need to type Ali's last name on a frequent basis. Now, that would create some anxiety, ha.
Northern Iowa (better known as UNI here in Iowa) captured its first NCAA tourney win in 20 years. No wonder the state is celebrating.
It's not difficult enjoying this team. Ben Jacobson's squad is a bunch of hard working, no ego types. They practice the meaning of the word team. There are no stars, but parts that work into a whole component. And it's a joy to watch a team that actually makes free throws. I haven't seen much good free throw shooting this season in the college game.
So UNI opposes mighty Kansas Saturday in the next round. Here's hoping the Panthers forget about their opening victory and give a huge effort against the No. 1 ranked Jayhawks.
And before anyone discounts UNI, remember hope is a beautiful word in the NCAA Tournament. Just ask Murray State and Ohio about hope.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Still Under the Radar?
One of the best kept secrets of the college basketball season has been the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers.
Sure, they have appeared in that national magazine with the initials SI, but how many folks outside of Iowa can tell me UNI's school colors or where Cedar Falls is located?
But after last night's convincing win over Old Dominion in Bracket Buster play on national TV, the Panthers discovery continues.
UNI is a tough team and poised to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers have already clinched the Missouri Valley Conference and stand 24-3 overall.
They do it with a veteran club, a total team effort and an outstanding young coach in Ben Jacobson.
The Panthers beat teams with the 3-ball, some easy baskets, strong free throw shooting and solid defense. All traits that will do them well in March.
UNI has no star players but ones that can burn you in any given game. The Panthers make life difficult for broadcasters and writers too. They have names like Ali Farokhmanesh, Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Jordan Egiseder.
This team is work orientated. The Panthers bring their hard hats, do their job without a lot of fanfare and go home. And go home with the victory more times than any other UNI team in history.
You like old-school basketball, then you like the Panthers? They prove that you don't have to dazzle to perform well.
How do you think UNI will fare in March?
Sure, they have appeared in that national magazine with the initials SI, but how many folks outside of Iowa can tell me UNI's school colors or where Cedar Falls is located?
But after last night's convincing win over Old Dominion in Bracket Buster play on national TV, the Panthers discovery continues.
UNI is a tough team and poised to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers have already clinched the Missouri Valley Conference and stand 24-3 overall.
They do it with a veteran club, a total team effort and an outstanding young coach in Ben Jacobson.
The Panthers beat teams with the 3-ball, some easy baskets, strong free throw shooting and solid defense. All traits that will do them well in March.
UNI has no star players but ones that can burn you in any given game. The Panthers make life difficult for broadcasters and writers too. They have names like Ali Farokhmanesh, Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Jordan Egiseder.
This team is work orientated. The Panthers bring their hard hats, do their job without a lot of fanfare and go home. And go home with the victory more times than any other UNI team in history.
You like old-school basketball, then you like the Panthers? They prove that you don't have to dazzle to perform well.
How do you think UNI will fare in March?
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