The Iowa basketball team opens exhibition play tonight against the Chicago all-stars. Coach Steve Alford has a veteran team but needs a replacement for point guard Dean Oliver. Freshman Pierre Pierce has a chance to earn the spot.Alford says the one position that needs to improve right now is center. The battle is between sophomores Jared Reiner and Sean Sonderlieter. He says if they don’t compete, he’ll find someone to take the position who is willing to work at it. Senior guard Luke Recker says how successful the Hawkeyes are this season will depend on their defense. Recker says this team has great potential, and has the ability to win the conference. If that’s the case, he says they also have the potential to win the national title.
