IOWA CITY (AP) — After years of mediocrity, Iowa re-energized its weary fan base last season with 18 wins and a spot in the NIT.

The optimistic Hawkeyes are hoping that this will be the year they return to the NCAA tournament and become nationally relevant again. This is the most anticipated season in years at Iowa, which hasn’t won 20 games or reached the NCAA tournament since a first-round exit in 2006.

The Hawkeyes have a promising core of emerging players like Devyn Marble and Aaron White that will be augmented by a standout freshman class, including a pair of likely starters in center Adam Woodbury and point guard Mike Gesell.