MEN'S BB: Fantastic ESPN Story about Former Iowa Hawkeye Jake Kelly

ESPN's Dana O'Neil writes about Jake Kelly's transfer from Iowa to Indiana State. In the article, people unfamiliar with the situation will come to understand why Jake left, as well as what type of man Coach Lickliter is.


Photo courtesy of Bob Kelly

Iowa fans were there Jake when he lost his mother, I would encourage them to support him with the Sycamores, as well. This Hawk fan will be.

Good luck, Jake!

Men's BB: It's (Sort of) Official, Jake Kelly Leaving Iowa

I've been pimped Doc's articles via Twitter the past 24 hours in regards to the news of transferring players, if you missed them, head to Scott Dochterman's blog.

His latest article talks about the players leaving, esp. Jake Kelly. Looks like he is right in line with everything.

All that talk looks to have become the truth. Although nothing "official" has been released yet, the Terre Haute News has talked to Bob Kelly (Jake's dad, not the comedian, but that's not to say Jake's dad doesn't have a sense of humor) and he revealed that Jake has asked for his release from the Iowa Basketball program.

Now Todd Lickliter doesn't necessarily have to honor the release request, however with what we saw happen with Tyler Smith and his family situation it's likely he'll grant it. Then again, I can't help but think Coach Lickliter is pleading with Jake to stay on with his squad.

I have been hoping that we haven't seen the last of Jake Kelly in an Iowa Hawkeye uniform, but it looks like nothing but bad news for Hawk fans.

MEN'S BB: Several Hawkeye Players Rumored to Be Leaving (Including Jake Kelly)

Several stories have come out last last night and into today reporting that Iowa will be losing several of their players from this year's squad. Jake Kelly transferring to Indiana State?

Rob Howe from Hawkeyenation was in talks with Jake:

When asked the same question on Wednesday, Kelly responded with “I really can’t say right now.”

He was then asked if there was a possibility he might transfer, and he said “I’d really rather not talk about it right now.”

Kelly then said he would be able to say something on the subject soon. He confirmed that he would likely discuss it by early next week at the latest.

Does NOT sound good for Iowa's chances to keep him at Iowa. He's gone by all indications.

Doc had a write up on this morning, as well.

It's also rumored that a couple more guys will be leaving, further depleting the roster.

Not good. Not good at all, folks.

Ouch.

So now it's likely that Lickliter has lost his best player in back to back years due to transferring out.

It's also been reported that 2010 verbal commit, Chanse Creekmur from Marshalltown, has decommitted from Iowa, as well.

MEN'S BB: Tragedy Strikes Hawkeye BB Family, Jake's Mom Has Died

Jake Kelly's mother, Julia, died this past weekend when the Cessna 206 she was riding in crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Julia was 47 years old.

Read more HERE

Tampa Bay Online article HERE

WTWO REPORTS (VIDEO)

Again, thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly family.