The latest loss to Illinois marked Fran McCaffery‘s final game as head coach, as he was fired following disappointing results. Unfortunately for the Iowa Hawkeyes, not only has the head coach departed from the program, but one of their top prospects has also confirmed he is joining the Transfer Portal, seeking new opportunities in NCAAB.
Less than a day passed between the Hawkeyes losing not only their head coach but also one of the team’s biggest stars announcing he will no longer continue with the program as they look ahead to the future.
Through a heartfelt statement on his social media, forward Owen Freeman announced his entry into the Transfer Portal and will no longer be part of the Iowa program. Undoubtedly, this is a significant loss for the Hawkeyes.
“I am forever grateful for my two years in lowa City,” Freeman stated. “Being able to play in the Black and Gold has been nothing but amazing. lowa City will always hold a place in my heart. With that being said, and with the recent coaching change, my family and I have decided it would be in my best interests to enter the transfer portal.”
Despite playing only 19 games last season, Freeman led in both points per game (16.7) and rebounds per game (6.7).
The firing of McCaffery
If there was anyone who held their position for a long time, it was none other than Fran McCaffery. However, after 15 extensive seasons, the experienced coach was fired just days ago by the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The news was reported by college senior writer Pete Thamel, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shared the news of the coach’s firing after several years in the position.
“Sources: Iowa is set to dismiss basketball coach Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons. He reached seven NCAA tournaments in his 15 years and is the school’s all-time leader in wins with 297. Iowa finished 17-16 this year,” the reported stated via @PeteThamel.
McCaffery, 65, holds the record for the most wins in Iowa’s history, but his win rate had been dropping for four straight seasons.