Iowa men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery has always embraced the history of Hawkeye basketball. The team continues to honor the memory of Chris Street. It has retired the jersey of the late, great Roy Marble. And this week McCaffery brought back one of the greatest Iowa players of all time to inspire this year's Iowa squad.

The mid to late 1980s was a great time to grow up an Iowa Hawkeye fan. Perhaps no player evokes fond memories quite like B.J. Armstrong. Who could forget those Iowa teams that featured Armstrong, Roy Marble, and Ed Horton? The 6'2" point guard from Michigan was the leader of those Iowa teams under Dr. Tom Davis. They almost made it to the Final Four in 1987 and went to the Sweet Sixteen the following year. After his career at Iowa ended, Armstrong went on to play for another juggernaut. The Chicago Bulls.

Facebook via Basketball Republic
Facebook via Basketball Republic
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Armstrong was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and became a crucial piece of the Bull's first three-peat team. B.J. also spent time with Golden State, Charlotte, and Orlando. He played one final season for the Bulls and retired in 2000. After his playing career, Armstrong has worked as a player rep for stars like Derrick Rose and other NBA players. This week, Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery invited Armstrong back to Iowa City to talk to this year's Iowa team.

Facebook via Iowa Men's Basketball
Facebook via Iowa Men's Basketball
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Armstrong has literally seen it all. The heights of the college basketball world. He made it to the NBA and won multiple titles. What current player wouldn't want to listen to what B.J. was preaching? Hopefully, his lessons and inspiration can help this year's Iowa team fly even higher!

 

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