By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams
AMES — Iowa State basketball had a special guest in town to take in Saturday’s 69-46 win over Texas A&M.
Georges Niang, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward out of the Tilton School (N.H.) signed with Iowa State back in November and after watching Iowa State jump out to an 18-7 start to year two of the Fred Hoiberg era in Ames, the future Cyclone couldn’t be more excited to get to town.
I spoke with Niang before the big win. Here’s how our conversation went.
Niang on what he’s seen from the Cyclones this season…
“I knew that they had the potential to do really well but they are exceeding everybody’s expectations. I expected them to win just because of the fact that Coach Hoiberg gives them the confidence to do what they do. They have a lot of talent. They can play with the best of them. When you have good players and you put it together as a team, you’re going to win games.”
Niang on what he’ll bring to the table next season for Iowa State…
“Someone who can come in and bring and inside and outside presence and another big body. I’ll do whatever it takes to get minutes, whether if it is five seconds or 25 minutes. I’m just looking to come in and contribute right away.”
Niang on what he’s been working on during his senior season…
“Definitely my on the ball defense and on the ball skills. I’ve been working on getting stronger and faster and just getting ready for the collegiate level. It’s a whole new level of basketball.”
Niang on looking ahead to the 2012/13 Cyclones…
“I’m really excited for how good we can potentially be but we have to work on our games individually and become close as a team. We all know that. Winning is a common goal with all of us. I’ve talked to these guys and I think that’s the biggest thing. We all want to win so badly. I feel like that is going to take us to the next level.”
Niang on potentially playing beside Royce White…
“I really hope that he does stay. He makes life so much easier. He gets people lay-ups here and there. If he doesn’t want to shoot, shoot, I’ll shoot.”
Niang on playing with point guard Korie Lucious…
“He’s been to those Final Fours. He knows what it takes to get to that level and to be successful. I’ll try to learn from him and see what he has to say.”
Niang on Lucious being a leader…
“At shoot around today, it was a little low key and he was pumping everybody up. He’s definitely in everybody’s ear in a positive way. That’s a good thing when its your point guard and floor general.”
