On basketball . . .

Whether it's Mutiny on the Hawkeye or the record or the attendance or the recruiting, three years is more than enough time to produce a ember of hope in a college basketball program.

There's no ember. Four freshmen aren't going to lift the Hawkeyes to an NCAA tournament bid next spring. Don't even say NIT. Don't say it. It's not even a door prize. It's an insult.

Three years is more than enough time. For whatever reason, Todd Lickliter hasn't worked and it's time for a change.

Would've been nice for a real statement Thursday from athletics director Gary Barta yesterday. But I think his actions spoke loudly and clearly. Rather than sit in on Lickliter's press conference, he disappeared into the suites Conseco Fieldhouse. He didn't stand by the man he hired in April 2007.

Here's our webcast on the subject. KCRG's John Sears, Gazette columnist Mike Hlas and I discuss the topic thoroughly.

Even though Alford left a crater, three years is more than enough time to produce an ember of hope.