IOWA CITY, Iowa– The Sweet Sixteen curse has been lifted. For the last two-and-a-half decades, Iowa fans have desperately clung to the hope of reaching that coveted second weekend. Countless heartbreaks in the first two rounds led a large portion of the fan base down the dreary path of apathy. That’s the most dangerous path.
Apathy implies acceptance. There is no true emotional investment when apathy sets in. Anger at least provides emotional fuel that can spark change if channeled appropriately. Iowa has enjoyed plenty of fun seasons with supremely talented players. Two-time National Player of the Year Luka Garza emerged as one of the most dominant post players in Big Ten history.
Keegan and Kris Murray, sons of former Iowa standout Kenyon Murray, had two of the most impressive individual seasons of the 21st century. Jordan Bohannon delivered countless heroics in big moments. A Big Ten Tournament title. There were plenty of highs. But the true turning point for the program came when Iowa fell to Richmond in the opening round of the 2022 tournament…