Barta Concerned About Players Leaving

Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta showed unwavering support for men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter, moments after the coach acknowledged that four players are leaving his program.

Lickliter, who is 28-36 in his two seasons at Iowa, has had nine players leave his program since taking over in April 2007. Barta, who hired Lickliter, said he was concerned with the losses, but stands behind Lickliter.

“Absolutely,” Barta said when asked if he still supports Lickliter as coach. "Obviously, the last couple of days as Todd mentioned, in having to make adjustments in our strategy here going forward … I’ve never questioned his approach, his strategy, the foundation he’s building. I continue to fully support him.”

Sophomores Jake Kelly and Jeff Peterson—who combined for 49 starts—and juniors David Palmer and Jermain Davis will transfer following the semester. Kelly and Peterson were the team’s first and third leading scorers, respectively.

Davis, who started 11 games, will transfer to Division II Minnesota State-Mankato. Palmer graduates in May and plans to play one season of Division II basketball.

“Everybody who cares about the Hawkeyes the last couple of days have had has angst and concern,” Barta said. “I have, our coach, and everybody who cares the program- our fans have - but clearly this an adjustment, and we’re going to adjust.

“Sure, it concerns me, like it concerns Todd, like it concerns Hawkeyes fans, but after you talk through the situation, the concern is still there, but also we have a plan. Todd’s leading that plan, and I’m confident he’s on the right track.”