Payne may leave - if Lickliter goes

Iowa point guard Cully Payne said after the game he may leave the program if Coach Todd Lickliter is dismissed.

"I don't know to be honest," Payne said. . It would kind of depend on what happens. I would not like for coach to get fired, my personal opinion. I'm behind him.

"Definitely committed to him and his staff."

There's intense speculation that Lickliter will be fired after a 10-22 season. Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta released a statement but would not comment to reporters after the game. Here's what he said.

“I'm so proud of our young men.  It's been a tough season, but the future is very bright with this group," Barta said. "With the season ending today, I'll do what I do at the end of every year.  I'll evaluate 2010 and make preparations for next season.”

Payne insisted on Lickliter returning.

"I know all 10 guys are totally behind coach," Payne said. "It's like I said, four guys are here, we've got four more coming in next year, that gives us gives eight guys that are kind of his guys. That's my opinion on it.

Four other players - Matt Gatens, Brennan Cougill, Aaron Fuller and Eric May all said they would return to Iowa regardless.

"I'm not even thinking or considering about going right now," May said. "Right now I haven't heard anything about ocahcing changes from administration. That's when I would take into consideration when administration is talking about it not just rumors."

"I plan to come back next year," Fuller said. "If Coach is here, great, if he's not, it's unfortuate. I hope the best for him. Our program is not where it needs to be at, and it's not my choice whether he stays or goes."