Next Year’s Lineup

[98lberEating2Lunches]

I was very specifically asking 98lber about his assumed dealings. Nobody else.

Why didn't you ask the poster that I replied agreement to?

Rewatch the NDI presser youtube or any other Iowa presser, and tell me with a straight face the Brands know how to deal with people, who are not already in their close circle. Then look at the bright line that is that circle and consider what might happen when they perceive they've been done a disservice.

Watch and listen to the Brands mat side, do you think they treat ref's or clock workers with respect?

I have no doubt the Brands are loyal to those they perceive are loyal to them.

Like @Slick Kitty said, it's fairly self-evident.

 

[chipackhawk]

Why didn't you ask the poster that I replied agreement to?

Rewatch the NDI presser youtube or any other Iowa presser, and tell me with a straight face the Brands know how to deal with people, who are not already in their close circle. Then look at the bright line that is that circle and consider what might happen when the perceive they've been done a disservice.

Watch and listen to the Brands mat side, do you think they treat ref's or clock workers with respect?

I have no doubt the Brands are loyal to those they perceive are loyal to them.

Like @Slick Kitty said, it's fairly self-evident.

Because I asked you - it's a very simple yes or no type. Either you have dealt with them personally, or you have not. If not, then your opinions are based on outside dealings and assumptions. I don't really care either way. But I do find it amusing that so many can comment on something when they really have no first hand knowledge. I'm sure there are some that do - just like I am sure there are many who do not yet speak as if they do.

 

[98lberEating2Lunches]

Because I asked you - it's a very simple yes or no type. Either you have dealt with them personally, or you have not. If not, then your opinions are based on outside dealings and assumptions. I don't really care either way. But I do find it amusing that so many can comment on something when they really have no first hand knowledge. I'm sure there are some that do - just like I am sure there are many who do not yet speak as if they do.

Well, @Slick Kitty is who I replied to, so it was fine that they answered.

I don't think I know them at all. Simply drawing a conclusion based on how I have observed the Brands in media.

I have also never personally dealt with any president that I voted for, JS.

 

[Tiltman]

Name me one Division 1 wrestler who isn’t “capable” of being an All American. You can’t do it!

Ok I’ll be the *******; Iowa had at least two in their lineup against Okie St. You asked and I gave you an example from our own team and there’s hundreds of others. It takes a special athlete to AA and it’s just not in the cards for some. That’s the hard truth.

 

[inspiteofourselves]

How could they have handled it better? Wasn’t the key issue a compliance issue that Brands had zero control over?

I was not there for the conversations or the fall out. I just wish it could have worked out.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

The needs aren’t really that many, but there obviously will be two huge holes to fill in Caliendo and Ayala. A lot will come down to how DeLuca and Ludington step up next year.

125: DeLuca needs to prove he was a top ten recruit.
133: Transfer portal unless Bailey can get back down here without issue.
141: Bailey or transfer
149: Block
157: Williams
165: transfer portal
174: Arnold
184: Ferrari
197: Ludington
285: Kueter/Mocco

They truly don’t need many transfers, but they do NEED the right two guys along the lines of a Buchanan type and THAT is a very tall task to expect…

The needs aren't really that many? We're Iowa and next year's line up gives us 2 AAs and a few possibles and you don't think our needs are many. I'm thinking, with no agenda other than for Iowa to get back to being competive, that if we have 2 likely AAs that means our needs are 80% of the lineup, no? If we're not fighting for first we've already lost! The reason we sellout CHA is so people can watch us kick ***. With 2 AAs and a few possibles we might go .500 in the B10, which is definitely not kicking ***. I like Arnold and Ferrari to AA and I think DeLuca and Ludington can get there with some development that is currently not happening. And of course Mocco needs a year in the room so he can be a solid AA his freshmen campaign. So our needs from my foxhole are a minimum of 6 hardcore attackers who barring injurries can be mid to high AAs. Do I think we'll get 6? Of course not. But that's what we need.

 

[Nashville_Hawk]

To be fair, there aren’t that many guys in all of DI wrestling that I would put money on to place top 5 next year without knowing their health and weight. However, that wasn’t my point.

I would say DeLuca, Bailey(he had already done it in his career), Block, Williams, Arnold and Kueter ALL have that type of potential. Ludington needs more seasoning before I know what to expect from him, but I do think next year’s lineup is FAR from the garbage many on here want to portray.

Now, I am definitely not saying this lineup will be a contender. Unless they land a couple absolute studs in the portal, Ferrari is most likely their only finalist. But, I could still see 6 or 7 AA’s out of that lineup, without any of them being a big surprise…

MSU, you're on someone's payroll or you're delusional. I'm not hating, just saying...

 

[MSU158]

MSU, you're on someone's payroll or you're delusional. I'm not hating, just saying...

The best part is, I feel the same way about you and the 10 or so guys on here that complain nonstop. Every single season under Brands they have been incredible in duals. Everyone ignored that completely and nitpicked NCAA’s. Now, he has had a portal guy want to medical redshirt and refuse to wrestle when the Iowa medical staff cleared him and he has sat out multiple starters in nearly every damn dual and this place has come unglued.

I have flat out said March is where it matters because that was the bar EVERY one of you used until this season because you COULDN’t use anything else til this year. If they falter and don’t at least hit 6 solid AA’s, I have already said I will back away. Sadly, I am 100% positive none of you will if they do…

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Dake, Spencer Lee.
My top three replacements in that order. Give whomever a war chest and let’s fight our way back

 

[ChicagoHawk2020]

Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Dake, Spencer Lee.
My top three replacements in that order. Give whomever a war chest and let’s fight our way back

“War chest” is going to be tough when wrestling gets zero dollars in rev sharing and our biggest donor will be gone.

 

[dtripp26]

Because I asked you - it's a very simple yes or no type. Either you have dealt with them personally, or you have not. If not, then your opinions are based on outside dealings and assumptions. I don't really care either way. But I do find it amusing that so many can comment on something when they really have no first hand knowledge. I'm sure there are some that do - just like I am sure there are many who do not yet speak as if they do.

The list of burnt bridges says all the average person needs to know about how TnT deal with people.

I haven't talked to them since 7th grade but, I can surpmise that they are still stubborn arses, and most interactions with them are their way or the highway.

 

[kingstown]

The best part is, I feel the same way about you and the 10 or so guys on here that complain nonstop. Every single season under Brands they have been incredible in duals. Everyone ignored that completely and nitpicked NCAA’s. Now, he has had a portal guy want to medical redshirt and refuse to wrestle when the Iowa medical staff cleared him and he has sat out multiple starters in nearly every damn dual and this place has come unglued.

I have flat out said March is where it matters because that was the bar EVERY one of you used until this season because you COULDN’t use anything else til this year. If they falter and don’t at least hit 6 solid AA’s, I have already said I will back away. Sadly, I am 100% positive none of you will if they do…

Brands flat out bungled the Mo situation. He didn't want a medical until Brands kicked him off of the team. He had no choice after that. Brands is reaping what he sowed. He needs sent to pasture as he is turning a proud program into a laughing stock. There is no way to sugar coat the performance. Brands always says you get what you earn yet he collects a big fat check while earning very little of it.

 

[MSU158]

Brands flat out bungled the Mo situation. He didn't want a medical until Brands kicked him off of the team. He had no choice after that. Brands is reaping what he sowed. He needs sent to pasture as he is turning a proud program into a laughing stock. There is no way to sugar coat the performance. Brands always says you get what you earn yet he collects a big fat check while earning very little of it.

That is 100% NOT TRUE. I am 100% certain it was the other way around. The other part you can argue all you want, but the medical IS why he was kicked off the team.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

“War chest” is going to be tough when wrestling gets zero dollars in rev sharing and our biggest donor will be gone.

So what you are saying is we should be beholden to a big time donor and coach that have this program headed in a downward spiral?!? Got it!

 

[ChicagoHawk2020]

So what you are saying is we should be beholden to a big time donor and coach that have this program headed in a downward spiral?!? Got it!

No, what I’m saying is when Tom is fired, don’t expect there to be a “war chest” because there won’t be one.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

No, what I’m saying is when Tom is fired, don’t expect there to be a “war chest” because there won’t be one.

Therein lies the question. How have the Iowa coaches been doing so bad in recruiting since towards the end of Spencer’s years at Iowa, with great fan support, amazing facilities, tons of NIL money, and the historic tradition that is Iowa wrestling?!? Look at our recruiting classes in 2021 and 2022. Except for Drake Ayala, yikes.

 

[grasshawk40]

That is 100% NOT TRUE. I am 100% certain it was the other way around. The other part you can argue all you want, but the medical IS why he was kicked off the team.

Kicking someone off the team for medical reasons looks real bad. Hope the whole story comes out

 

[maxpain]

No, what I’m saying is when Tom is fired, don’t expect there to be a “war chest” because there won’t be one.

It would be foolish to assume this. I would bet money that regardless of who is the HC next year there will be revenue sharing money (or a scholarship increase). We aren’t little sisters of the poor.

 

[BrianLafevre]

No, what I’m saying is when Tom is fired, don’t expect there to be a “war chest” because there won’t be one.

Oh well. Bob is on record as leaving when Brands would have retired in ‘29 anyways. Who’s to say the new coach can’t court millionaires or even billionaires especially if they are outside hires away from the tiny Hawkeye bubble.

As far as revenue share goes, maybe money is being withheld on purpose until a new coach is here.

In a perfect world, Tom would retire with dignity and class and help bridge the transition like Smith did with Taylor.

Either way many fans are tired of the product on the mat and the lack of pinning, riding, chain wrestling and scrambling. Get them new singlets until they earn the classic look back or add some new ones.

Repair the broken relationships with alumni and in-state recruits. We need excitement and creativity. We need change.

 

[MVPFAN]

I have zero confidence in the status quo accomplishing anything meaningful. I was about there before Spencer bailed them out but now we are back to where we were and worse. I'm hoping Okie state and PSU can get a dual going to get something exciting happening. Iowa needs to take themselves off the yearly PSU dual, it's doing nothing for them or college wrestling.

 

[Libertylover]

Or...after the "divorce" with Iowa their collective $$ value was substantially degraded. How likely is it that the Bassett group wrestles for the same school for all 4 years?

I suspect many coaches just didn't want the "smoke" that they bring. Excellent wrestlers? Absolutely. Reliable, committed, long term team members? Entirely different question...and I suspect a completely opposite answer.

They thought they would be at PSU or OSU. The only other program named after decommiting was Nebraska. To their surprise, the big 2 backed off, visited Nebraska, not impressed, and suddenly VT back in picture. The rest is history.

 

[Corby2]

Since you're in the know, how many calls from whom, calls only or emails too, to whom, other schools/RTCs, and how long did the Brands patiently wait?

The Brands could've chosen to document their attempts to clarify along with their understanding of Ok St's verbal permission. Use email in addition to phone calls to create a record. Then make the move.

It's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission in cases like these dealing with organizational bureaucrats.

No risk, no reward. Go big, or go home. Fortune favors the brave ... and all stuff of that nature.

Something stopped the Brands from this approach. I wonder what.

Do you actually believe the BS you write if so seek help

 

[Libertylover]

Therein lies the question. How have the Iowa coaches been doing so bad in recruiting since towards the end of Spencer’s years at Iowa, with great fan support, amazing facilities, tons of NIL money, and the historic tradition that is Iowa wrestling?!? Look at our recruiting classes in 2021 and 2022. Except for Drake Ayala, yikes.

Riggin’s class was big, but all room guys. He was the star of that class.

 

[UNIHawk]

Riggin’s class was big, but all room guys. He was the star of that class.

A few of those 22 guys could have really helped with depth. Kolby Franklin (injury) would have certainly upgraded 197 after losing Endene. Bradley Hill (I always liked him) would be major upgrade at b/u 285. Drake Rhodes would give you some depth at 165 (fortunately Caliendo has remained healthy).

 

[Trapper85]

“War chest” is going to be tough when wrestling gets zero dollars in rev sharing and our biggest donor will be gone.

Maybe we get Bob to move his money over to the HWC for a few years, with Terry (and Tom?) as co-heads there so Bob stays on board a bit longer. Then get Beth to start the rev share money for the team, a new exciting HC (who is fine with TnT running HWC) and assistants that draw in a new millionaire NIL banker, and we're set. Whatchya say, Bob? Maybe as close to a win-win as we can expect until I win the lottery and bank roll the whole thing.

 

[Slim45]

Do you actually believe the BS you write if so seek help

PSU fan…he’s used to a program that skirts the rules

 

[kingstown]

That is 100% NOT TRUE. I am 100% certain it was the other way around. The other part you can argue all you want, but the medical IS why he was kicked off the team.

You are 100% wrong. Your source is lying to you. He didn't want a medical at all if he could have just come back in a few weeks and finished the season. He never even thought about a medical year until he was given the ultimatum to get a cortisone shot and get back competing or lose your NIL money for this season. He would be wrestling for Iowa right now if Brands wanted him to be. This was a coaching blunder of the highest level.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

All I know is my wrestling season tickets next year better come with a couple hundred dollars of concession credits, like football had to do with Barta. Otherwise, I’ll be out!

 

[MSU158]

You are 100% wrong. Your source is lying to you. He didn't want a medical at all if he could have just come back in a few weeks and finished the season. He never even thought about a medical year until he was given the ultimatum to get a cortisone shot and get back competing or lose your NIL money for this season. He would be wrestling for Iowa right now if Brands wanted him to be. This was a coaching blunder of the highest level.

I would love to know who your source is then, because I, and those that I have spoken with, are as certain as we can be. On top of that, your stance makes Brands look like a straight up sub 83. You can say all you want about Brands stubbornness, but he is NOT stupid. Knowing he has NO ONE at 197 after him and he has intentionally been holding out starters ALL season, there is no way in hell he was going to lose Mo for the post season, if all it took was letting him recover a few more weeks....

 

[Random4598375]

MSU, you're on someone's payroll or you're delusional. I'm not hating, just saying...

Terry's burner.

 

[Random4598375]

I would love to know who your source is then, because I, and those that I have spoken with, are as certain as we can be.

The voices in your head aren't sources.

 

[kingstown]

PSU fan…he’s used to a program that skirts the

I would love to know who your source is then, because I, and those that I have spoken with, are as certain as we can be. On top of that, your stance makes Brands look like a straight up sub 83. You can say all you want about Brands stubbornness, but he is NOT stupid. Knowing he has NO ONE at 197 after him and he has intentionally been holding out starters ALL season, there is no way in hell he was going to lose Mo for the post season, if all it took was letting him recover a few more weeks....

Direct source. In what world is Brands not stupid? The only way he could take this program from where it was to where it is was by being stupid or lazy. He isn't lazy. Stupid is a fairly strong word and I wouldn't have used that to describe Brands other than you presented it as the only choice. I would more blame this on Brands fully knowing he needed him for a few key duals and believed Mo wasn't in so much pain that a cortisone shot wouldn't fix it, so they gave him a choice. Wrestle now or lose the payment owed for NIL money. He 100% would have wrestled these past few duals and been ready for the BIG tournament. The difference between how Dresser handled Rocky and Brands handled Mo is night and day. He has an ongoing disk issue.

 

[MSU158]

The voices in your head aren't sources.

To stick with your theme, don’t you have little boys to chase into the showers?

 

[MSU158]

Direct source. In what world is Brands not stupid? The only way he could take this program from where it was to where it is was by being stupid or lazy. He isn't lazy. Stupid is a fairly strong word and I wouldn't have used that to describe Brands other than you presented it as the only choice. I would more blame this on Brands fully knowing he needed him for a few key duals and believed Mo wasn't in so much pain that a cortisone shot wouldn't fix it, so they gave him a choice. Wrestle now or lose the payment owed for NIL money. He 100% would have wrestled these past few duals and been ready for the BIG tournament. The difference between how Dresser handled Rocky and Brands handled Mo is night and day. He has an ongoing disk issue.

We can agree to disagree then. I fully trust the MULTIPLE people I have spoken with. By all those accounts, Mo was trying to get another bag and was going to play the injury out into next season.

To me, that tracks exponentially better than not being willing to let him recover as much as possible to maximize the post season. This tracks even more considering THIS season Brands has let MOST of the starters sit for long portions of the season…

 

[HugoHugo]

We can agree to disagree then. I fully trust the MULTIPLE people I have spoken with. By all those accounts, Mo was trying to get another bag and was going to play the injury out into next season.

To me, that tracks exponentially better than not being willing to let him recover as much as possible to maximize the post season. This tracks even more considering THIS season Brands has let MOST of the starters sit for long portions of the season…

Brands has let MOST of the starters sit for long portions of the season?? What for? So they would be rusty come tournament time? So they could lose close scoring duals? Makes no sense if they were healthy to sit for long portions of the season - none. An intermittent match might make some sense, but not for an extended period of time if healthy.

I thought they were injured when they didn't wrestle for a long while - i.e. fingers, ankle, hip, neck, etc.

 

[MSU158]

Brands has let MOST of the starters sit for long portions of the season?? What for? So they would be rusty come tournament time? So they could lose close scoring duals? Makes no sense if they were healthy to sit for long portions of the season - none. An intermittent match might make some sense, but not for an extended period of time if healthy.

I thought they were injured when they didn't wrestle for a long while - i.e. fingers, ankle, hip, neck, etc.

EXACTLY. Other guys have sat due to injuries, illnesses, etc., but he wouldn't let the ONLY guy he has at 197 that could win a top 20 match? CTFO.....

 

[Stick Kitty]

We can agree to disagree then. I fully trust the MULTIPLE people I have spoken with. By all those accounts, Mo was trying to get another bag and was going to play the injury out into next season.

To me, that tracks exponentially better than not being willing to let him recover as much as possible to maximize the post season. This tracks even more considering THIS season Brands has let MOST of the starters sit for long portions of the season…

That makes sense so lets say its true. Mo was trying to get another bag...

It doesn't justify Brands. He is the head coach. He failed to properly recruit 197 and then because of such had to portal for 2 guys in consecutive years. Buchanan a home run but that was an easy one as he was top of the list. But with Mo its totally on Brands he needed to resort to a D3 kid because he whiffed on other portal guys like Elam. Then its also on Brands that he gets a guy with character issues who was more about money. Proper vetting doesn't matter when desperate...

I guess I am saying stop acting like Brands is the victim with the Mo situation when he painted himself directly into that corner because his recruiting is and has been subpar and he is only surviving the portal because of Bob. Live by the sword.....

I love that Bob gives money but at some point isn't the checks just delaying the inevitable. The next staff needs to get back to flat out recruiting. Brands was using the portal as a crutch to mask other failures. Its almost swinging into its replacing recruiting for the current regime.

I respect the 27 class on paper and exited about a few kids but it could flat out fall on its face just the same. This program doesn't have time to let this current staff go that many years down the road. Just cant trust it will work out. I also don't trust the current staffs eye for talent anymore. The next staff can re recruit them to stay if they want them.

Brands era is done...just a matter of buyout terms and when. The fact Beth isn't extending Terry and M* out to mirror Toms speaks volumes. If Toms contract was any shorter he would be done in about a month from now. That's his only saving grace for returning next season.

 

[HugoHugo]

EXACTLY. Other guys have sat due to injuries, illnesses, etc., but he wouldn't let the ONLY guy he has at 197 that could win a top 20 match? CTFO.....

Not talking about Mo - just commenting on your post about Brands letting starters sit for long periods of the season (I assume you meant when healthy).

Otherwise, it really wouldn't be up to Brands, it would be in the hands of the UI medical staff. Right?

 

[Hawx224]

I’m in the move on from Brands camp, but it’s kind of sad how it’s become a sh*t on them for everything free-for-all here lately, especially with the PSU fans egging it on. Yes, the product on the mat is 100% on them, but from everything I’ve heard as well, they are not at fault in the Bassett or Mo situations. The problem is those situations hurt far more when the program is already at a low point

 

[Random4598375]

To stick with your theme, don’t you have little boys to chase into the showers?

Just embarrassing. Basically admitting you have no intelligent argument.