On Iowa’s play against Penn State and Illinois last week: “It’s amazing what a week will do to you. We were sitting at a point last week where we thought if we could be successful we could maintain a position of seventh. Now, we’re just hanging on and getting ready to play a well-coached Northwestern team. Going to Penn State, give them credit, we felt we played well enough to win it. Illinois controlled the game. They did the things they wanted to do.’’
On Iowa’s ability to compete: “If we play with a purpose, we can compete, but every team in this league is capable. We have to be on top of our game, regardless of opponent. We clearly haven’t done that the last couple of games. We don’t have any choice other than to bounce back and prepare. Tomorrow night, we’ll try again.’’
On what he’s learned about what it will take to make Iowa an NCAA team again: “It’s like anywhere. You’ve got to have an approach where guys are doing things every day to prepare for championships. You’ve got to maintain a steadiness in your play and a confidence level of what you need to do as a team. I don’t know if I would ever be comfortable in lining up and out-talenting a team. The thing I find so interesting about this league is that there are talented players, but each system is unique and the challenge is different every night. We are going to have to keep moving forward and building a program that is in-tune and driven by success on the court and team court.’’
On if he feels the Big Ten deserves more than four NCAA bids: “I think there are teams every year that have to be left out because of sheer numbers. I don’t know if that will be in our league or not. There will be a half-dozen to 10 teams left out. I think there are more than four teams that can compete in the NCAA tournament, but whether they are selected or not remains to be seen.’’
