IOWA CITY (AP) - New Iowa basketball coach Todd Lickliter is already hearing the question -- What will the Hawkeyes look like next season?

Athletic director Gary Barta has made it clear he wants to see improvement in the Hawkeyes' 17-14 record under then-coach Steve Alford. His move to New Mexico has left Iowa in yet another rebuilding mode.

Lickliter, who was introduced Tuesday as Iowa's new coach, says he's looking forward to getting to know his players and working together.

The player most important to Iowa's success in the near-future is forward Tyler Smith, who will be the team's cornerstone next season.

The rest of Iowa's roster, which won't include Adam Haluska, the Big Ten's leading scorer, or guard Mike Henderson, is a mixed bag at best.

Iowa has three players who have signed letters of intent to play for the Hawkeyes next season. Jake Kelly, Jarryd Cole and Dairese Gary are all still committed to Iowa.