The Iowa State men’s basketball team must have the most transfers of any school in the NCAA. In fact, four of the five starters transferred from other programs.
The players didn’t exactly come from sisters-of-the-poor schools either. Schools include Marquette, Michigan State, Penn State, Minnesota and Southern Illinois.
There is definite talent in the group but growing pains are part of the process. Getting all the players to buy into the new team is more challenging than it seems. But if anyone can do it, Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg has the credentials. Hoiberg became an outstanding player for the Cyclones and was a serviceable player in the NBA. He also has experience as a NBA executive.
Iowa State should cause some teams in the Big 12 Conference fits. Texas experienced that first hand last night when the Cyclones outlasted the Longhorns in Ames.
One thing that scares me about Iowa State is Royce White. White is a 6-8, 280-pound center that brings the ball up the court. He doesn’t do it occasionally but frequently. In my opinion, guards were made for that purpose not centers. White should be content to stand under the basketball, catch the ball and do his work.
White also needs to spend more time practicing free throws. When you cannot even hit the basket, rim or anything, then you realize you have problems.
But in the final analysis, Iowa State is a fun team to watch this year even if it seems like eating at a buffet with all the different players.
No comments:
Post a Comment