Fran McCaffery's Inherited Mess Gets Worse

Some might say it was another ordinary week for the Iowa basketball program.  A new assistant coach was hired, a recruit decommited and a starting forward decided to transfer. 

Welcome to Iowa, Fran McCaffery!

The week started off on a good note for the new Hawkeye head coach.  McCaffery named Andrew Francis an assistant coach on his staff. Francis was an assistant at Siena before the hire.

"I am very happy to have Andrew be part of the Hawkeye basketball family," announced McCaffery. "I've worked closely with Andrew for three years and he is the complete package. He's a tremendous coach and excellent recruiter."

The new hire excitement didn't last long, though, as the following day McCaffery has to announce a pair of defections.

First came mention of Cody Larson, a 6'9" forward from Sioux Falls, SD who asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent.  Larson is a highly touted athlete and was arguably the top recruit slated to enroll at Iowa.

"Cody Larson has asked for a release from his National Letter of Intent but still has great interest in the University of Iowa," McCaffery explained Friday. "Cody would like additional time to familiarize himself with myself and the new coaching staff."

Then, as had been long rumored, McCaffery announced that Iowa sophomore Aaron Fuller had decided to transfer to another school closer to his family in Arizona.

"Aaron Fuller has asked and been granted a release from his scholarship. Aaron expressed his desire to move closer to home and his family. We support Aaron on his decision and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. Aaron accomplished some great things while wearing a Hawkeye uniform and the Iowa basketball program appreciates his hard work and effort."

Rumors speculate that McCaffery's decision not to hire Lickliter assistant coach Chad Walthall is a reason for the recent player defections.  More defections are rumored to be on the way.

This news might sound devastating to some, but it does free up a few scholarship opportunities for the new head coach to make the most of.  It is late in the recruiting game, but there are a few talented Juco players that would entertain offers for immediate playing time in the Big Ten.

It's too late for McCaffery to pull a Dana Altman, right?

The Hawkeye: Larson granted release from scholarship
New Iowa basketball coach McCaffery adds ex-Siena assistant
KCRG:  Incoming Hawkeye Basketball Recruit Released from Scholarship
Hawkeye Insider:  Fuller Leaving, Larson Not Coming
Daily Iowan:  Larson released from letter of intent; Fuller leaving Iowa program
KWWL:  Fuller Leaves Hawkeye Basketball Program
DMR:  Aaron Fuller leaving Hawkeyes; recruit Cody Larson granted release
BHGP: Ben Brust Leaving Iowa Too, Because Hey Why Not
Gazette: Fuller transferring from Iowa
Roosevelt's Larson parts ways with Hawkeyes
Thoughts on Aaron Fuller giving Iowa Hawkeyes basketball the brush
DMR: Aaron Fuller’s gone, but Fran McCaffery will be fine as long as it doesn’t become a pattern
Hawkeye Nation: The Mean Season

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