Iowa basketball coach Todd Lickliter says a total of four players are leaving the program. Jermain Davis is heading to Minnesota State at Mankato while fellow junior David Palmer is also headed to the division two ranks.
Sophomore guard Jeff Peterson is on his way out as is Jake Kelly who most likely will end up at Indiana State. Lickliter says every player that comes to Iowa, they want the same thing, for them to complete their career at Iowa.
But he says they also know that sometimes change is good, so they are going to honor the requests. Lickliter says despite the departures he is still optimistic about the future of the program.
"I’m very excited about the future, I love the guys we got here, I’m excited about the two recruits," Lickliter says, "we’ve talked about championships, we’re pursuing ’em and we’re on the right track. Sometimes it’s a little dark before the dawn. We’re going to get through and move forward."
Lickliter says Kelly expressed a desire to be closer to him. His mother was killed in a plane crash this past year. Lickliter says Kelly’s father and Jake have been very upfront about it. Lickliter says he would love for Kelly to stay, but it would be selfish. Lickliter wants to assure Hawk fans that the wheels have not come off of the program.
He says if Hawkeye fans are hurting, it’s because they are "so loyal and they love their Hawkeyes." Lickliter says that will inspire and drive the team.