Running laps around the top of Carver with 40 lb weights on their ankles, running stairs, running the mile, more running and more running… Rusty and the coaching staff are working these boys, they are working them hard.
Iowa ’s strength and conditioning coach, Rusty Burney, has brought a new level of intensity to the Hawkeye basketball team off the court. From weight training to run conditioning, the Iowa players were engaged in a pretty intense off-season workout regiment. The hard work put in off the court should pay dividends on the court.
Players like Anthony Tucker and Aaron Fuller have bulked up, while guys like Brennan Cougill have slimmed down. If you haven’t seen the players since last year or even the PTL, you’ll be excited to see what Rusty has been able to do. It’s hard to imagine, but, yes, Jarryd Cole is bigger and stronger than last season (he has reportedly added 30-35 lbs since he stepped on campus as a freshman).
The main goal of an elite S&C program for basketball is to make the core stronger. This works twofold for this Iowa team. The core of the player itself, as well as the core of the team, is strengthened. Through team workout sessions, each player works with other members of the team building muscle, as well as camaraderie.
Strength is not only found in the physical state, it can be found in the intangibles, as well. This Iowa team has its other strengths, such as drive, passion for the game, and heart. The guys on this year’s squad want to be here, they want to win, and they will give everything they have to this team, its coaches, and its fans.
While the added physical strength gained over the last half year will help the Hawkeye basketball team endure and prevail over the course of a long basketball season, the strengthening of the other intangibles may end up being the bigger asset.
Get ready Hawk fans, this year’s Iowa Basketball team will be bigger, faster, and stronger than in years past… and better than you expect.
Tags: Hawkeye Basketball, Iowa Hoops Will Be Better, Justin VanLaere
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I’ll believe it – when I see it!
so many parallels could be drawn between the early years of Ferentz’s program and Lickliter’s. This is for sure the most important one. Alot was made of coaches comments about his teams lack of strength last season and their inability to rebound. Hpefully this will help them compete on the glass this season. i see this season like the 2001 campaign for the football team.