Basketball talent....

[TheBigLug]

Iowa fan here. There's a lot of talk on the basketball board about this Cyclone team making the NCAA tournament this year.

I'd like to hear some opinions on why you think this Cyclone team is so talented.

Also, how much more talented is this ISU team compared the Hawkeyes, give your reasons why.

 

[bpmcclain]

Royce White - Yahoo! Sports

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Chris-Allen-33326

Anthony Booker - Yahoo! Sports

1 5 star, 2 4 stars. We definately have talent; the question is whether they will develop good chemistry

 

[Frak]

I think that the team CAN make the Dance, but I don't know if they WILL. On paper, it's a great looking team. They lost so many close games last year that you would hope that with added depth, they could pull a few of those out. If just a few go the other way last year, ISU is an NIT team and then the NCAA talk wouldn't be so far fetched. To me, it all comes down to PG play. How good is McGee and Sledge? I think that they have the front court and wing players to be pretty good.

As for iowa, I just don't see many players outside of Basabe that I'd trade a starter for. Cartright is OK, but better than Chris Allen? Gatens and May are streaky and farily one-dimensional. I like some of iowa's depth in Marble and Brommert, but that's about it.

 

[TheBigLug]

Royce White - Yahoo! Sports

Chris Allen - Yahoo! Sports

Anthony Booker - Yahoo! Sports

1 5 star, 2 4 stars. We definately have talent; the question is whether they will develop good chemistry

I think stars get kind of muddled as the years pass by. Chris Allen seems to be a solid starter type of player. Superstar no, but just a player that's going to give you a veteran effort every night.

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

The reason for Hawkeye optimism is that this years team should be the most athletic team Iowa has had for several years.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

I think stars get kind of muddled as the years pass by. Chris Allen seems to be a solid starter type of player. Superstar no, but just a player that's going to give you a veteran effort every night.

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

Uhhh I don't think any of our fans expect White to be the best big man in the nation next year. I think he will do great and he will put up some really good numbers but that is a pretty steep comparison and I don't think it is accurate at all.

And if you want to know why we think our team is talented go read CW's most recent Cyclone Roundup. I think there are like 3 articles about ISU's talented transfers. In one of them Allen, White, and McGee are all rated in the top 12 newcomers of the Big 12.

 

[awd4cy]

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

Based on what? From when he played at SIU two years ago? Booker did not fit in with their system. I have seen him practice and he was very impressive and he has a lot of size and strength and is an animal down low. Many people aren't expecting much from Booker but they are going to be very suprised.

 

[CloneState1028]

The reason for Hawkeye optimism is that this years team should be the most athletic team Iowa has had for several years.

Which, I'm sorry, isn't saying anything at all. Iowa has been beyond brutal for a few years now.

 

[HawkFanISUalum]

Which, I'm sorry, isn't saying anything at all. Iowa has been beyond brutal for a few years now.

Hey, there's nowhere to go but up right? (at least I hope!) :smile:

 

[CyDude16]

Hey, there's nowhere to go but up right? (at least I hope!) :smile:

You guys didnt have any 2000 attendance games this past year if I recall... Thats a start.:yes:

 

[ajk4st8]

I think stars get kind of muddled as the years pass by. Chris Allen seems to be a solid starter type of player. Superstar no, but just a player that's going to give you a veteran effort every night.

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

The reason for Hawkeye optimism is that this years team should be the most athletic team Iowa has had for several years.

DIdnt that 'athletic' team lose 20+ games for the second year in a row? Then you lost your top big man? Am I missing something?

Not only do we have all these 7 guys coming in... 4 transfers.. 1 juco.. two HS kids.. We add them to some nice players already. I think Iowa fans should remember Scott Christopherson and Melvin Ejim after last years games.

 

[CyDude16]

I think stars get kind of muddled as the years pass by. Chris Allen seems to be a solid starter type of player. Superstar no, but just a player that's going to give you a veteran effort every night.

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

The reason for Hawkeye optimism is that this years team should be the most athletic team Iowa has had for several years.

So you guys are hoping for 14 wins?

Iowa will be bad once again.

And to answer your original question, it's called a search button there are plenty of threads about the team next year. Mix in with talented transfers, good players coming in, and return of solid contributors should allow the team to hopefully dance next year.

 

[AllIowaTeams]

Which, I'm sorry, isn't saying anything at all. Iowa has been beyond brutal for a few years now.

I have no desire to get into a ******* match, but this statement is kind of ridiculous coming from an Iowa State fan. If Iowa has been beyond brutal then ISU has been nearly as brutal. I like that an Iowa fan has optimism (which so many on this site ragged on Iowa fans for not being into the bball program), and now we're being told why we, as fans, shouldn't be optimistic. Amusing, but I digress...

Anyways, to the original point I am pretty impressed with the overall lineup that CFH has put together. Outside of White there probably isn't anyone that has a chance of being a superstar, but most of the players on the team are legitimate Big 12 players who will contribute. I was definitely disappointed when ISU landed Niang. I was hoping Fran could pull him in, but CFH had the head start and obviously did a great job selling the program. Gibson was also a great get. I was kind of annoyed when Fran banked the scholarship and didn't go after him. It's not like Iowa can afford to just bank schollies because they're going to land 5 stars to fill those schollies.

I am a fan of Booker unlike the poster above. Yes, he's very raw offensively, but he has all the tools to be a great defender and rebounder, and a guy who can bang down low with anyone. I think some on here overestimate Allen's impact, although I definitely think he'll be a solid role player. Some on here seem to think he will be the best player on the team, and I'm sorry but I watched him for 3 years in the Big 10 and he's a role player. Iowa played against him 8 times, and I watch as much Big 10 bball as possible, so I'm not just throwing things out here.

I think McGee has all the tools to run the point for the Clones. Sledge will need a year or 2 before he will be able to ball in the Big 12 (IMHO), but I think McGee is the type of guy who will easily fill the void. Will he be as good as Garrett? No, probably not, but McGee will also have a lot more talent around him so he won't have to. Ejim is what he is. A solid 3 already with upside. He will create matchup problems for the other team most nights. Honestly, the only player who I don't like at all on ISU is Railey. He just doesn't strike me as having what it takes. His shot is ugly. He looks awkward running the floor. But with White, Booker, and Gibson he shouldn't need to put in a ton of minutes.

If people disagree with me I expect and understand that. I would just ask for constructive responses instead of the typical Wer or Cyphillis response that is akin to a 4 year old throwing a temper tantrum, and using words they don't understand.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

I have no desire to get into a ******* match, but this statement is kind of ridiculous coming from an Iowa State fan. If Iowa has been beyond brutal then ISU has been nearly as brutal. I like that an Iowa fan has optimism (which so many on this site ragged on Iowa fans for not being into the bball program), and now we're being told why we, as fans, shouldn't be optimistic. Amusing, but I digress...

Anyways, to the original point I am pretty impressed with the overall lineup that CFH has put together. Outside of White there probably isn't anyone that has a chance of being a superstar, but most of the players on the team are legitimate Big 12 players who will contribute. I was definitely disappointed when ISU landed Niang. I was hoping Fran could pull him in, but CFH had the head start and obviously did a great job selling the program. Gibson was also a great get. I was kind of annoyed when Fran banked the scholarship and didn't go after him. It's not like Iowa can afford to just bank schollies because they're going to land 5 stars to fill those schollies.

I am a fan of Booker unlike the poster above. Yes, he's very raw offensively, but he has all the tools to be a great defender and rebounder, and a guy who can bang down low with anyone. I think some on here overestimate Allen's impact, although I definitely think he'll be a solid role player. Some on here seem to think he will be the best player on the team, and I'm sorry but I watched him for 3 years in the Big 10 and he's a role player. Iowa played against him 8 times, and I watch as much Big 10 bball as possible, so I'm not just throwing things out here.

I think McGee has all the tools to run the point for the Clones. Sledge will need a year or 2 before he will be able to ball in the Big 12 (IMHO), but I think McGee is the type of guy who will easily fill the void. Will he be as good as Garrett? No, probably not, but McGee will also have a lot more talent around him so he won't have to. Ejim is what he is. A solid 3 already with upside. He will create matchup problems for the other team most nights. Honestly, the only player who I don't like at all on ISU is Railey. He just doesn't strike me as having what it takes. His shot is ugly. He looks awkward running the floor. But with White, Booker, and Gibson he shouldn't need to put in a ton of minutes.

If people disagree with me I expect and understand that. I would just ask for constructive responses instead of the typical Wer or Cyphillis response that is akin to a 4 year old throwing a temper tantrum, and using words they don't understand.

Great post. First of all, this is the first post I've ever seen from you where you sound like you might actually be a fan of both Iowa and ISU as you tend to just defend Iowa all the time instead of actually posting constructive stuff like that post. That is good to see.

Second, that was a very well thought out response with reason to back up your opinions and valid arguments. Most of the people in this thread so far were di*ks to the OP which I think is pretty uncalled for. He never said anything inflammatory or anything.

Finally, when it comes to your actual opinoins I think Allen will be much more than a role player just because of what FH did with Garrett. Garrett just looked like an average/role player before FH came to ISU and then he had a phenomenal year. Allen has said that FH told him he would play a similar role to what DG played. I think that alone will allow him to be a star on our team. I doubt Allen as a JR had very much freedom on an MSU team coached by Izzo with loads and loads of talent. As a 5th year SR at ISU in this offense I think he will shine.

I'm not super high on Booker, but I think he will be a solid post a lot like Godfrey was, maybe a little better. I think Railey is a player that could be good as a Junior or Senior but isn't quite there yet. Probably could've used a redshirt year.

 

[cyfanatic13]

I have no desire to get into a ******* match, but this statement is kind of ridiculous coming from an Iowa State fan. If Iowa has been beyond brutal then ISU has been nearly as brutal. I like that an Iowa fan has optimism (which so many on this site ragged on Iowa fans for not being into the bball program), and now we're being told why we, as fans, shouldn't be optimistic. Amusing, but I digress...

Anyways, to the original point I am pretty impressed with the overall lineup that CFH has put together. Outside of White there probably isn't anyone that has a chance of being a superstar, but most of the players on the team are legitimate Big 12 players who will contribute. I was definitely disappointed when ISU landed Niang. I was hoping Fran could pull him in, but CFH had the head start and obviously did a great job selling the program. Gibson was also a great get. I was kind of annoyed when Fran banked the scholarship and didn't go after him. It's not like Iowa can afford to just bank schollies because they're going to land 5 stars to fill those schollies.

I am a fan of Booker unlike the poster above. Yes, he's very raw offensively, but he has all the tools to be a great defender and rebounder, and a guy who can bang down low with anyone. I think some on here overestimate Allen's impact, although I definitely think he'll be a solid role player. Some on here seem to think he will be the best player on the team, and I'm sorry but I watched him for 3 years in the Big 10 and he's a role player. Iowa played against him 8 times, and I watch as much Big 10 bball as possible, so I'm not just throwing things out here.

I think McGee has all the tools to run the point for the Clones. Sledge will need a year or 2 before he will be able to ball in the Big 12 (IMHO), but I think McGee is the type of guy who will easily fill the void. Will he be as good as Garrett? No, probably not, but McGee will also have a lot more talent around him so he won't have to. Ejim is what he is. A solid 3 already with upside. He will create matchup problems for the other team most nights. Honestly, the only player who I don't like at all on ISU is Railey. He just doesn't strike me as having what it takes. His shot is ugly. He looks awkward running the floor. But with White, Booker, and Gibson he shouldn't need to put in a ton of minutes.

If people disagree with me I expect and understand that. I would just ask for constructive responses instead of the typical Wer or Cyphillis response that is akin to a 4 year old throwing a temper tantrum, and using words they don't understand.

Whoa. Great post.

 

[Rural]

There's a lot of justified optimism at ISU but that doesn't get you anything. You still have to go out and do it.

I can confidently predict that Iowa will have their worst team in history.

 

[Hawks]

There's a lot of justified optimism at ISU but that doesn't get you anything. You still have to go out and do it.

I can confidently predict that Iowa will have their worst team in history.

How do you figure that?

 

[Hawkeye11en1]

There's a lot of justified optimism at ISU but that doesn't get you anything. You still have to go out and do it.

I can confidently predict that Iowa will have their worst team in history.

Can I be your bookie?

 

[Jambalaya]

I think stars get kind of muddled as the years pass by. Chris Allen seems to be a solid starter type of player. Superstar no, but just a player that's going to give you a veteran effort every night.

I'm not impressed with Booker at all.

White seems to be the big question mark. Is he going to put up Jared Sullinger kind of numbers or is he going to be less than advertised?

The reason for Hawkeye optimism is that this years team should be the most athletic team Iowa has had for several years.

you Hawk fans are two years removed from a Cully Payne/Jon Lickliter backcourt, and you're poo poohing a transfer Mich St guard who played in the Final Four??

The absence of Chris Allen was the reason MSU failed this year---per Tom Izzo in so many words.

but hey.....keep thinking the Cully Payne's and Eric Mays of the world are wonderful:twitcy:

 

[Jambalaya]

I have no desire to get into a ******* match, but this statement is kind of ridiculous coming from an Iowa State fan. If Iowa has been beyond brutal then ISU has been nearly as brutal. I like that an Iowa fan has optimism (which so many on this site ragged on Iowa fans for not being into the bball program), and now we're being told why we, as fans, shouldn't be optimistic. Amusing, but I digress...

Anyways, to the original point I am pretty impressed with the overall lineup that CFH has put together. Outside of White there probably isn't anyone that has a chance of being a superstar, but most of the players on the team are legitimate Big 12 players who will contribute. I was definitely disappointed when ISU landed Niang. I was hoping Fran could pull him in, but CFH had the head start and obviously did a great job selling the program. Gibson was also a great get. I was kind of annoyed when Fran banked the scholarship and didn't go after him. It's not like Iowa can afford to just bank schollies because they're going to land 5 stars to fill those schollies.

I am a fan of Booker unlike the poster above. Yes, he's very raw offensively, but he has all the tools to be a great defender and rebounder, and a guy who can bang down low with anyone. I think some on here overestimate Allen's impact, although I definitely think he'll be a solid role player. Some on here seem to think he will be the best player on the team, and I'm sorry but I watched him for 3 years in the Big 10 and he's a role player. Iowa played against him 8 times, and I watch as much Big 10 bball as possible, so I'm not just throwing things out here.

I think McGee has all the tools to run the point for the Clones. Sledge will need a year or 2 before he will be able to ball in the Big 12 (IMHO), but I think McGee is the type of guy who will easily fill the void. Will he be as good as Garrett? No, probably not, but McGee will also have a lot more talent around him so he won't have to. Ejim is what he is. A solid 3 already with upside. He will create matchup problems for the other team most nights. Honestly, the only player who I don't like at all on ISU is Railey. He just doesn't strike me as having what it takes. His shot is ugly. He looks awkward running the floor. But with White, Booker, and Gibson he shouldn't need to put in a ton of minutes.

If people disagree with me I expect and understand that. I would just ask for constructive responses instead of the typical Wer or Cyphillis response that is akin to a 4 year old throwing a temper tantrum, and using words they don't understand.

Fred is a HUGE threat to HawkVille...based on the 4-yr old Hawkeye fan message board comments the last 12 months.

ISU now has a strong New England/NYC connection and punking Franny McCaffrey's territory big time.

The window for beating Iowa State in MBB closed quickly for Franny---where a ROOKIE head coach beat Iowa @ CARVER last year......

get used to it

 

[TheBigLug]

There's a lot of justified optimism at ISU but that doesn't get you anything. You still have to go out and do it.

I can confidently predict that Iowa will have their worst team in history.

Wow. I can confidently predict that you will be wrong with that prediction.

The Iowa basketball program is in good hands and will be on the upswing this year.

I have strong opinions on the strengths of ISU and Iowa basketball. The reason I started this thread was to get feedback on ISU's team that helps me weigh my own opinions.