Iowa notes: May sits, Basabe strides, Saturday celebration

IOWA CITY - Eric May did not play Wednesday night because of a recurring back injury, Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said.

May, who had started every game this season until Sunday, played five minutes against Indiana. He practiced on Monday but did not practice Tuesday.

"He just said he didn't think he could get anything done," McCaffery said. "I appreciate his honesty. A lot of guys would have suited up and tried to go. I would have put him in there because he's always played well against these guys. He didn't feel like he could go, so we'll give him some rest."

May, a junior from Dubuque, averages 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, 19.3 minutes a game this year.

Basabe makes strides

Sophomore forward Melsahn Basabe came off the bench for the second straight game Wednesday against Minnesota and played a key role for the Hawkeyes.

Basabe, a sophomore, scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds in 25 minutes for Iowa. He also had two steals.

"I thought he was terrific both halves," McCaffery said. "His energy level was really good. We needed an athlete in this game. This is a very athletic team. They're bigger than we are. We needed the length of Mel and his athletic power. And he gave it to us in a big way."

Basabe's point output was his most since scoring 10 on Jan. 10 at Michigan State. His 25 minutes are his most since playing 26 against on Jan. 14 against Michigan.

Saturday's events

Iowa will honor the 1986-87 team Saturday as part of "Letterman's Day" festivities. That squad finished 30-5, won 18 consecutive games and was the only Iowa team ever ranked No. 1 during the season. Eight players were NBA draft picks, including first-rounders Roy Marble and B.J. Armstrong.

The group will be available for autographs from when gates open at 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Saturday on the concourse at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Former Coach Tom Davis also will be honored.

Marble's new book titled "Two Decades and Counting: The Streak, The Wins, the Hawkeyes, Thru the Eyes of Roy Marble," which is written by Brian D. Meeks, will be available as well that day. Marble will sign books from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Black and Gold Shop in Coralville before heading to the arena.

Iowa's current players will wear throwback uniforms for its 2 p.m. game against Penn State.