Iowa will face Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten post-season tournament Thursday, but Hawkeye coach Todd Lickliter took a little time Monday to talk about the weekend boys’ state tournament. Iowa’s schedule allowed Lickliter to watch his son John play on the Iowa City High team that won the Class 4A state title.
Lickliter says things sometimes do have a way of working out, with the Hawkeyes being off and the boys’ tournament moved up a week, to allow him to see his son play. Lickliter talked about seeing his son in John’s final high school game. "Somebody asked which is harder, coaching or watching John, coaching is definitely harder, I just enjoy watching him play," Lickliter says.
Lickliter is an Indiana native and was asked how Iowa basketball compares to his home state. He says high school basketball is very similar in every state, with some teams better than others, and things are very cyclical. Lickliter says he talked with his son and they believe the City High team could compete with anyone. John Lickliter started the championship game 0-4, but hit a key three-pointer in the second half and finished with 11 points. John plans to walk on at Iowa and play for his dad.