I know all of us are disappointed by this season. I was one of the ones who scoffed at those "experts" back in October who had the audacity to pick us 7th or lower in the Big 12. However, I still see a glimmer of hope for this team. Here is the sugar to support the kool-aid
1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.
2. Big Ham- Our most consistent player through the year, and has only gotten better. If his progress from year 1- year 2 continues into next year, look out.
3. Our progress throughout the year- Hear me out here. I'm talking rebounding, defense, and free throws. Those are things everyone complained about, and we have gotten much better at those as the year has gone along. Our shooting woes aren't necessarily things you can "fix". The other things were and there was major progress there throughout the year.
4. Gilstrap and Brakins- Anyone who says they don't want these guys next year at ISU have absolutely no clue about basketball. If either is, it is a great thing for ISU. If not, we have proven we can play with teams without them after their combined shooting percentages the last few games have been dismal.
5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. Ham, Dendy, JVB returning inside. Also a solid recruiting class with players that can contribute right away.
I know it can be easy to get down about this season. I known many will say there needs to be a change, but I still feel there will be bigtime strides that will be made with the quality players coming in.
1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.
2. Big Ham- Our most consistent player through the year, and has only gotten better. If his progress from year 1- year 2 continues into next year, look out.
3. Our progress throughout the year- Hear me out here. I'm talking rebounding, defense, and free throws. Those are things everyone complained about, and we have gotten much better at those as the year has gone along. Our shooting woes aren't necessarily things you can "fix". The other things were and there was major progress there throughout the year.
4. Gilstrap and Brakins- Anyone who says they don't want these guys next year at ISU have absolutely no clue about basketball. If either is, it is a great thing for ISU. If not, we have proven we can play with teams without them after their combined shooting percentages the last few games have been dismal.
5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. Ham, Dendy, JVB returning inside. Also a solid recruiting class with players that can contribute right away.
I know it can be easy to get down about this season. I known many will say there needs to be a change, but I still feel there will be bigtime strides that will be made with the quality players coming in.
