INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Iowa coach Fran McCaffery would have liked to say goodbye to his seniors with the audience present on Thursday evening.
Instead, his second-half ejection made that scenario unfold within the intimacy of the Hawkeyes' changing area.
McCaffery was issued two technical fouls for disputing calls when there were 13 minutes and 33 seconds left in the game. A 106-94 second-round Big Ten Tournament defeat against No. 24 Illinois —a moment he dearly wishes won’t be his final one as the Hawkeyes' coach.
“Definitely,” he responded when questioned about missing the opportunity to express his gratitude towards Payton Sandfort particularly in front of everyone at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “However, I will continually stand up for my teammates; that’s part of my role, and we shared several deeply moving experiences in the locker room.”
Truly, it turned out to be a night full of emotions.
Sandfort equaled his personal best of 30 points during this game, hitting an impressive eight three-point shots, which tied the tournament’s one-night record set twice earlier. However, McCaffery was absent from witnessing that achievement as well since he had walked through the tunnel considerably ahead of both his team members and support staff.
As Sandfort left the match for the last time, he was overcome with emotion and shed tears. This display of feelings was commended by Illinois' coach Brad Underwood, who noted that it demonstrated Sandfort’s deep-seated enthusiasm and dedication to basketball.
It’s uncertain whether this marks the last time Hawkeye supporters will witness Sandfort or McCaffery play. Participating in the NIT could still happen, yet the more pressing issue revolves around McCaffery’s prospects following his 15-year tenure in Iowa City.
"I do,” McCaffery said calmly when asked if he expects to return next season after posting his worst record, 17-16, in seven seasons.
However, for a brief time on the court, the passionate McCaffery was unable to control his temperament.
Following Tre Whit’s two successful free throws which gave the Fighting Illini a 69-60 advantage, Iowa set up their offensive play. However, when McCaffery exited the coaching area and spoke to the nearby referee, he received his first technical foul. Shortly after, he was issued a second one.
McCafferty didn't believe the initial one was justified.
I believe I highlighted the unfair inconsistency, it seemed like a ratio of five to one," McCaffery stated. "It didn’t strike me as particularly severe.
He was not questioned regarding the second technical issue.
As Iowa's players gathered on the court, McCaffery made his way to the team's locker room. In response, Kasparas Jakucionis sank all four of his foul shots, extending Illinois' lead to 73-60. The Hawkeyes managed to rally momentarily, recapturing some lost steam, but they quickly faltered once more following McCaffery's exit.
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