The Hyball is a weekly basketball column.

Me = the hardcore band. GIA = Denny's.

How the heck has everybody been? After my second straight year abstaining from Iowa football -- a decision that continues to be validated, in perpetuity -- I am ready to swoop back in for what promises to be an incredible basketball season.

For those new to this column, it is typically more slanted toward the guys, but after last year's national championship game run and Big Ten Tournament title, my goal is to give a bit more ink to the gals this year.

It will not be difficult.

"We are winning the national championship" - Me, to literally no one

But it's got that feel already, doesn't it? Last year's squad was special. A forever team. It felt damn near impossible to simply hit Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V and get it all back again. And it's early -- we'll see where it all shakes out in the end, but this team is passing the vibes check with bright black* and gold colors.

(* - is bright black an oxymoron?)

So as CC and the Sunshine Gang take flight, I'm ready to get the metaphorical popcorn ready and do this one more time.

“The only way it makes sense to endure a job you hate is if you get to live twice."

11/6 - No. 3 Iowa 102, Fairleigh Dickinson 46: Honesty still just thinking about that Molly play. Other asides from this one:

- 60 points in the first half

- Hannah Stuelke making The Leap

- Sharon Goodman getting the start!

- Kylie Feuerbach back from injury

11/10 - No. 3 Iowa 80, No. 8 Virginia Tech 76: This column typically runs on Thursday at noon, but the delay this week was good because it allowed us to discuss this aesthetic beauty. Definitely came out of this one a Georgia Amoore believer, even as Caitlin Clark bested her with 44. Sydney Affolter pulled down *14* rebounds. She is 5'11". One potential area of concern: Gabbie Marshall with her second straight game scoring 0 points; something to potentially look out for.

But all in all, absolutely divine -- and a much-needed win for a team that isn't playing another ranked opponent in out of conference play. Last year's team took a few on the chin in OOC play, losing to Kansas State, UConn, and NC State. They'll get a chance to avenge that K-State loss soon enough.

11/12 - No. 3 Iowa at Northern Iowa: With the Chicago Bears idle and the Iowa women playing, might see points on a Sunday for the first time in a long time.

lol "might"

RIP, Caitlin Corner.

We're calling them Dunkeroonis now?

It was fun to see the men kick into gear as well. Really dig a lot of the returning pieces, and, as always, a lot is gonna depend on the bigs. Pay Pay Sandfort's stroke remains pure as fresh fallen snow.

Gotta keep this week's theme going.

Less plane crashes and more step backs, though.

Though an Iowa graduate, I did grow up a fan of the Michigan Wolverines and, like an absolute monster, still root very hard for both programs and feel 0% bad about the sports bigamy. Though this year's squad loses Hunter Dickinson to Kansas and Jett Howard/Kobe Bufkin to The Association, fans are excited for new blood in the program. After all, despite the pro talent, last year's team didn't make the tournament.

Head coach Juwan Howard begins this season on the shelf following a heart procedure, and with no ranking to be found and way lower expectations, this squad can really only overachieve from here. I mean, what's the worst thing that could happen? Not making the tournament again? They definitely seemed to have an extra edge in their first game after being picked to finish 11th in the conference.

Sophomore PG Dug McDaniel might be my favorite player on the men's side.

Sizzle and steak.

Way back in the day, The Hyball originated as a football-focused column called The Hybrid. After 15 years or so, college football broke my soul, and I retired it forever. In much better condition now: my mental health.

Well, until...

Just... thee stupidest thing to happen in the sport in a long time. Despite being a Michigan football fan, I am pretty anti-Harbaugh, so you know it's bad when I find myself defending the dude. The only real upside is it does add juice to the remaining slate of Big Ten games.

Also I of course find the name Connor Stallions funny. I'm a monster but not that much of a monster.

Seriously can't believe my White Sox let JB go. Actually, no, wait -- I can. Doing Stupid Shit is their front and center motto.

RIP, Bobby Knight.

Bobby Loesch is a weekly contributor to Go Iowa Awesome. Find him on Twitter @bobbystompy, Instagram @bobbystompy, or email at bobbyloesch [at] gmail.com.

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