Looking at Iowa's draw, I think they have a real chance to make some noise.
They're the higher seed against Davidson and then would likely face Gonzaga on Sunday. Just like I would have preferred Purdue to be in Gonzaga's bracket, I think Iowa will give the Zags fits. Gonzaga has a bruiser inside which the smaller schools can't match up against plus a tall forward (transfer from KY) that's a scorer. Iowa can counter with Woodbury and any combination of Oleseni, White or Uthoff. Gonzaga isn't that deep in the guard area and doesn't have a scorer like Newbill to cause them problems. Playing in Seattle won't be fun though.
If they get by Gonzaga, they'd likely face Iowa State, a team that they've already played earlier this year and a game which was close until a 2nd half run by the Cyclones. Iowa won't be favored but should match up fine against them this time around. After that, a game with (likely) Duke awaits. Iowa has already beaten UNC this year on the road, so they shouldn't have any jitters about playing Duke in a neutral court, and away from the state of North Carolina.
On the other hand, Iowa is 0-4 in games on neutral courts this year.
They're the higher seed against Davidson and then would likely face Gonzaga on Sunday. Just like I would have preferred Purdue to be in Gonzaga's bracket, I think Iowa will give the Zags fits. Gonzaga has a bruiser inside which the smaller schools can't match up against plus a tall forward (transfer from KY) that's a scorer. Iowa can counter with Woodbury and any combination of Oleseni, White or Uthoff. Gonzaga isn't that deep in the guard area and doesn't have a scorer like Newbill to cause them problems. Playing in Seattle won't be fun though.
If they get by Gonzaga, they'd likely face Iowa State, a team that they've already played earlier this year and a game which was close until a 2nd half run by the Cyclones. Iowa won't be favored but should match up fine against them this time around. After that, a game with (likely) Duke awaits. Iowa has already beaten UNC this year on the road, so they shouldn't have any jitters about playing Duke in a neutral court, and away from the state of North Carolina.
On the other hand, Iowa is 0-4 in games on neutral courts this year.
