There was a different feel to things Monday when the Iowa basketball team hosted its annual media day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Some of it was to be expected. It’s the start of a new season and nobody has lost a game at this point. The return of a healthy Jarryd Cole should also help the Hawkeyes’ inside attack.

But the feel extended beyond the normal. Coach Todd Lickliter and his staff seem more comfortable with the collection of players they are teaching as Iowa starts practices. One year’s experience in the system the Hawkeyes are using has helped. Returning players are clearly more comfortable with what is being asked of them and have spent the offseason working to correct deficiencies. Coaches are clearly more comfortable with their knowledge of the players and the talent they bring to the table.

Seven newcomers have provided an attitude adjustment as well. Beyond the infusion of youthful enthusiasm, each has brought a willingness to learn and blend into the Iowa system. They are allowing Lickliter and his staff to teach in a learning environment that should allow the Hawkeyes to progress.

More than one returning player mentioned Monday that last season a willingness to learn did not always exist. That’s understandable. The players that filled Iowa’s roster a year ago weren’t recruited to run the system they were asked to run. In some instances, that led to freelancing which only added to the frustration felt by players and coaches alike.

“This year, we’re together. We’re tight,” guard Jake Kelly said. “That’s only going to help in the long run. I think we all understand that a little better. Especially the returning guys, we’ve seen what it’s like when everybody isn’t all working toward the same thing and the results aren’t pretty. We’re determined to change that this year.”

This entry was posted on Monday, October 13th, 2008 at 6:26 pm and is filed under Hawkeyes Basketball. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.