Introduction
The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball program competes in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes play their home games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. With a rich history dating back to 1902, Iowa has reached the Final Four on three occasions and won eight Big Ten regular season championships. This guide provides an overview of Hawkeyes basketball, including traditions, top players and coaches, home atmosphere, and rivalries.
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Team History and Key Figures
Iowa first fielded a basketball team in 1902. Notable coaches include Dr. Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, Lute Olson, George Raveling, Tom Davis, and Fran McCaffery. Standout former Hawkeyes include Murray Wier, Carl Cain, Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Ronnie Lester, Kevin Kunnert, Chuck Darling, Reggie Evans, and Luka Garza. The team has reached the Final Four in 1955, 1980, and recently in 2022. Iowa has also won eight Big Ten titles with 25 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Top Players and Coaches
Current coach Fran McCaffery has led the Hawkeyes since 2010 after coaching stops at Lehigh, UNC Greensboro, and Siena. He directed Iowa to Big Ten titles in 2015 and 2022. Star players under McCaffery include Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Wooden Award winner Luka Garza along with Jordan Bohannon, Keegan Murray, and Kris Murray. IOwa has retired six jersey numbers for program greats, including players B.J. Armstrong, Carl Cain, and Charles Darling.
Home Arena and Atmosphere
Iowa plays at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, which opened in 1983 and seats 15,400 spectators. The arena underwent major renovations in 2011-12, which added an upper deck with premium seating. Carver-Hawkeye provides one of the best home court advantages in the Big Ten thanks to the arena’s steep seats and passionate Hawkeyes fans creating Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball deafening noise. The atmosphere for rivalry games against Big Ten foes is especially electric.
Rivals, Tournament Success, and Championships
Iowa’s main rivals include intrastate foe Iowa State along with fellow Big Ten members Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. The Hawkeyes and Cyclones play annually for in-state bragging rights in the heated Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Cy-Hawk Series rivalry. Iowa has reached three Final Fours (1955, 1980, 2022) and won eight Big Ten regular season championships, most recently in 2022. The program has also produced three consensus First Team All-Americans.
Traditions and Pageantry
Iowa basketball traditions help create a unique gameday atmosphere. The student section, dubbed The Swarm, sports black and gold t-shirts and brings relentless energy. Hawkeyes players enter the court through the inflatable Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball helmet to House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” Fans wave to children at the nearby Stead Family Children’s Hospital during timeouts. Halftime shows feature the Iowa Dance Team’s routines.
Attending a Game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Here are some tips to enjoy the experience of a Hawkeyes game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena:
- Arrive early to walk around downtown Iowa City before the game
- Check out team warmups courtside before tipoff
- Wear black and gold Hawkeyes gear and cheer loudly on defense
- Stay loud after baskets to sustain energy and momentum
- Participate in traditions like “Jump Around” and the wave to the children’s hospital
- Sample concession fare like Iowa pork tenderloins and strawberry milkshakes
Key Facts and Season Outlook
- Team Colors: Black and Gold
- Conference: Big Ten
- 2022 Record: 26-10 (12-8 Big Ten)
- 2022 Finish: Big Ten Champions, NCAA Tournament Round of 32
- Key Returners: Kris Murray, Tony Perkins, Payton Sandfort
- Notable Newcomers: Dasonte Bowen, Josh Dix
Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball
The Hawkeyes enter 2022-23 coming off a Big Ten title run but losing conference player of the year Keegan Murray to the NBA. Kris Murray and Tony Perkins will need to step up offensively while Iowa Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball integrates new talent like exciting freshman Dasonte Bowen. The team should contend in a stacked Big Ten behind Coach McCaffery’s leadership.
Relevant Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball FAQs
Q: Who is the Iowa men’s basketball head coach?
A: Fran McCaffery has been the Hawkeyes head coach since 2010. He has a 227–150 record at Iowa.
Q: How many NCAA Tournament appearances do the Hawkeyes have?
A: Iowa has 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball reaching the Round of 32 in 2022. Their best finish was Final Four in 1980.
Q: What is Iowa’s main basketball rivalry game?
A: The Cy-Hawk Series against in-state foe Iowa State is Iowa’s biggest rivalry matchup played annually.
Q: What are some of the traditions at Hawkeyes basketball games?
A: Traditions include players entering through the inflatable helmet, “Jump Around” pre-tip off, and waving to kids at the children’s hospital.
Q: Who are some famous former Iowa basketball players?
A: Iowa greats include Luka Garza, Reggie Evans, B.J. Armstrong, Ronnie Lester, and Carl Cain among others.
Q: How many basketball jersey numbers have the Hawkeyes retired?
A: Iowa has retired six jersey numbers – #12 Ronnie Lester, #14 Carl Cain, #21 B.J. Armstrong, #32 Charles Darling, #33 Murray Wier, and #55 Luka Garza.
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Conclusion
With a loyal fanbase and storied history featuring legendary players and coaches, Iowa Hawkeyes basketball is a major part of the state’s sports culture. Annual rivalry games against Iowa State and classic conference battles make Carver-Hawkeye Arena one of the toughest venues in the Big Ten. This guide outlined key figures, traditions, and tips for attending a Hawkeyes game. Whether you are a lifelong fan or first-time visitor, experiencing Iowa basketball is a memorable bucket list event.
