Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Iowa State's Royce White Turns Heads

The Iowa State basketball team has a host of transfers this season, but one stands out literally and figuratively: Royce White.

White, a 6-8, 270-pound sophomore from the Minneapolis, MN area, is simply a talent. The most amazing thing about this guy is he brings the ball down the court like a point guard and he does it well. He appears like he enjoys passing the ball and getting an assist as much as he does scoring. White is still raw in basketball terms. Wonder what he will display when he receives more experience?

White brings a presence to the Iowa State squad and his teammates respond with their own increased play. White is the hands down leader of this team.

He leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 13.4 and 9.6 per game respectively. He also paces the Cyclones in assists with 73. The nearest teammate has 45. What other big man in the country can boast that whopping assists total and lead?

But his game is far from perfect. He is painful to watch shooting free throws. His form is frankly terrible. His free throw stats reflect as much—53 percent. Can you say Shack O’Neil? White also leads the team in turnovers. Although he has high assist numbers, his assists-to-turnover ratio is about equal. That’s bad.

But the bottom line is White has people in the Big 12 Conference talking about him and Iowa State. Many view the Cyclones as a dangerous team with White the main reason.

Oklahoma State and head coach Travis Ford will have a front row seat tonight as the Cowboys battle Iowa State in Ames. White will certainly have their attention.

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