WBB: Iowa State runs away from Butler in 27-point win

[Connor_Ferguson]

Iowa State's group of freshman impressed on Monday and they had some rough stretches, too.

That's all expected, but a 27-point win in game 1?

“I would have said that probably you guys were out too late last night,” Bill Fennelly said.

WBB: Cyclones run away to blowout win in season opener

Iowa State Cyclones's center Isnelle Natabou (0) drives to the basket between Butler Bulldogs forward Sydney Jaynes (32) and guard Jordan Meulemans (23) during the first quarter at Hilton Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK AMES

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[loyalsons4evertrue]

Who knows if Butler is any good, but I'll take a 27 point win vs a Big East team with a bunch of freshman playing....this is good for them to get some experience.....next game is going to be tough as they play Drake in Des Moines.....those games even with our studs were always battles.

TLDR, a lot of promise by our freshman, Kelsey Joens is really, really good.

 

[isucy86]

There is a lot to like about the freshman class. All appear to be Big12 ready players and could make-up a starting 5 for years to come.

Other than timing of Ryan's return, the nice thing is with Belanger, Diew and Natabou, the freshman can be brought along according to their current abilities. The biggest gap for the freshman isn't their offensive skills, but ability to be P5 defenders for a NCAA Tournament caliber team.

We played more zone than what I expected for game 1. Will be curious if that is doue to the young roster and more size/athleticism than ISU historically with Natabou, Crooks, Bristow, Brown and Diew.

 

[Connor_Ferguson]

There is a lot to like about the freshman class. All appear to be Big12 ready players and could make-up a starting 5 for years to come.

Other than timing of Ryan's return, the nice thing is with Belanger, Diew and Natabou, the freshman can be brought along according to their current abilities. The biggest gap for the freshman isn't their offensive skills, but ability to be P5 defenders for a NCAA Tournament caliber team.

We played more zone than what I expected for game 1. Will be curious if that is doue to the young roster and more size/athleticism than ISU historically with Natabou, Crooks, Bristow, Brown and Diew.

A big part of Fennelly's adaptation to this team is that he's said he's willing to try everything and you'll likely see him try a lot of things that he hasn't typically ran in past seasons. Kinda like the limited press we saw in the Truman State game

 

[acoustimac]

If you haven’t listened to Natabou’s comments in the post game…do it. She is a treat. What a fantastic mindset!

 

[kcdc4isu]

If you haven’t listened to Natabou’s comments in the post game…do it. She is a treat. What a fantastic mindset!

I loved the comment by noah about the shoe gear that at her old school she got $50 and the bus to a sports store here she gets 5 pair.