Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Well, I'm back just in time for the Cyclones game against UNI tomorrow. The Panthers are 1-1 with a win over Wayne State and a tough double OT loss at Cincinnati. They have quite a few of the same guys that made the NCAA tourney and nearly ended Georgia Tech's final four run in the first round. All five starters scored in double figures against Cincy. I still think ISU wins this by 10 or so as long as Stinson and Blalock come to play. It sounds like they turned in a bit of a lackluster performance in the Cyclone Challenge last week against some inferior competition. ISU holds a 33-6 edge in the all-time series but it always seems to be tough to go into the Dome and play well.
Jared Homan was Big 12 Player of the week after averaging 13.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. He's 11 away from taking ISU's all-time block record from Kelvin Cato. Like Homan, Cato was a monster down low and set the record in his 2 years at ISU.
A few scores of interest tonight. Iowa won at Drake by 16 and scored 91 points. I watched the game on and off and Iowa looked pretty solid. I still think that will be ISU's toughest nonconference game but still very winnable. Benedict Haluska led Iowa with 21. Creighton squeaked by Xavier by 1 after blasting Mizzou earlier this year and the game against the Musketeers should be a tough one as well.
Jared Homan was Big 12 Player of the week after averaging 13.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. He's 11 away from taking ISU's all-time block record from Kelvin Cato. Like Homan, Cato was a monster down low and set the record in his 2 years at ISU.
A few scores of interest tonight. Iowa won at Drake by 16 and scored 91 points. I watched the game on and off and Iowa looked pretty solid. I still think that will be ISU's toughest nonconference game but still very winnable. Benedict Haluska led Iowa with 21. Creighton squeaked by Xavier by 1 after blasting Mizzou earlier this year and the game against the Musketeers should be a tough one as well.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Pressing Issue
Curtis Stinson 17 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 turnover
Yet, somehow taken off the Wooden preseason list because of an error in voting. What a joke.
I'm back in Kansas for Thanksgiving so there won't be any updates for a while. Have a good holiday.
Curtis Stinson 17 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 turnover
Yet, somehow taken off the Wooden preseason list because of an error in voting. What a joke.
I'm back in Kansas for Thanksgiving so there won't be any updates for a while. Have a good holiday.
More thoughts
Looking at what they did tonight and during the exhibiton games I really have to think that this guard group of Stinson, Blalock, and Carr is definitely comparable to the elite eight group of Tinsley, Nurse, and Horton. Stinson absolutley controlled the game. He scored any time he wanted to and dished out a lot of assists. Basically, the team will be running two point guards for most of the game which is a big advantage. I'm also really happy about the range that Homan showed. He wasn't afraid to knock down any shots from outside whether he had somebody close or not. We still got outrebounded which is a little bit of a concern for me but I think it's something that can be taken care of. This wasn't a bad Drake team and the Cyclones never let them in the game which is exactly what a tournament team should do. My player of the game has to be Stinson with his 17 points and 12 assists but I feel great about everybody that played tonight.
One of the things that I'm most pleased about it our defensive intensity. It was exactly the level we needed throughout the first half and most of the second. Morgan's zone can really help this team out in the conference if everyone is active and knows their role. They looked in midseason form already. With Mizzou getting their ass kicked by Creighton tonight and some other scores from recent weeks I think that the Cyclones have a great shot at 4th in the league or maybe even better. I'd feel ok with 5th but it seems like this team will improve so much over the next few months. Things are looking good.
One of the things that I'm most pleased about it our defensive intensity. It was exactly the level we needed throughout the first half and most of the second. Morgan's zone can really help this team out in the conference if everyone is active and knows their role. They looked in midseason form already. With Mizzou getting their ass kicked by Creighton tonight and some other scores from recent weeks I think that the Cyclones have a great shot at 4th in the league or maybe even better. I'd feel ok with 5th but it seems like this team will improve so much over the next few months. Things are looking good.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Cyclones 73 Bulldogs 46
Cyclones absolutley dominated Drake tonight. The press was a nonfactor throughout most of the night which was a good sign without Blalock. Stinson was even better than last year as he dropped 12 assists and at least 17 points. He was finding guys all over the place and you could tell that anytime he felt like scoring he had no problem doing just that. His outside shot looked better, as did Homan's. Most of the new guys looked pretty good too. Neal played some solid defense but missed a few open threes. Overall, we look really quick and played hard all game. I felt pretty good coming out of the game.
These are just my initial thoughts and I'll try to post some more before I head home for Thanksgiving.
These are just my initial thoughts and I'll try to post some more before I head home for Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Drake game tomorrow night
Preview from Cyclones.com
Injury report from the Trib. Basically, Stinson's shoulder still hurting a little bit but he'll play. Davis' shoulder is still acting up and will be out 2 weeks or so. Tasheed Carr's groin is really bothering him and he was pretty sore after the EA Sports game. He'll be needed tomorrow so hopefully he can go. Faulkner and George are both still battling their injuries. It sucks to be so banged up this early and especially since they seem to be the kind of injuries that can nag you for a season.
Tipoff is 7 and on TV across most of the state.
Injury report from the Trib. Basically, Stinson's shoulder still hurting a little bit but he'll play. Davis' shoulder is still acting up and will be out 2 weeks or so. Tasheed Carr's groin is really bothering him and he was pretty sore after the EA Sports game. He'll be needed tomorrow so hopefully he can go. Faulkner and George are both still battling their injuries. It sucks to be so banged up this early and especially since they seem to be the kind of injuries that can nag you for a season.
Tipoff is 7 and on TV across most of the state.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Finals
Kansas 68 Vermont 61
Davidson 84 Mizzou 81
Is there any reason for me to not believe that ISU can really surprise some people in the conference this year?
Davidson 84 Mizzou 81
Is there any reason for me to not believe that ISU can really surprise some people in the conference this year?
More love for Stinson
Love for Stinson from Seth Davis at SI. However, I think it's pretty dumb to say that J.R. Giddens proved himself last year while Stinson didn't. It seems pretty obvious considering Stinson is first team all Big 12 and Giddens is not (although plenty of his teammates are) but let's look at the stats.
Giddens 25.9 mpg, 11.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 bpg, 0.7 spg, .475 FG%
Stinson 35.1 mpg, 16.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 0.2 bpg, 1.7 spg, .479 FG%
Yeah, obviously Stinson is the one that still needs to prove himself this season. Give me a break. The KU bias really, really gets old.
Daily article on missing Blalock and possibly Stinson against the Bulldogs next week. Other than a few quotes from coaches and players there isn't much new info. Also, I typed Carr before but I meant Anthony Davis. Sorry for the confusion.
Giddens 25.9 mpg, 11.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.6 bpg, 0.7 spg, .475 FG%
Stinson 35.1 mpg, 16.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 0.2 bpg, 1.7 spg, .479 FG%
Yeah, obviously Stinson is the one that still needs to prove himself this season. Give me a break. The KU bias really, really gets old.
Daily article on missing Blalock and possibly Stinson against the Bulldogs next week. Other than a few quotes from coaches and players there isn't much new info. Also, I typed Carr before but I meant Anthony Davis. Sorry for the confusion.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Whoa, where have I been?
Sorry about the lack of updates but my internet has been down and I've been busy with other stupid crap. Anyway, a few things have happened. First, ISU rolled EA Sports without Stinson and Carr playing due to injuries. Stinson should be back by Drake but Carr might be out a few weeks. We'll also be without Blalock due to a one-game suspension for playing in an unsanctioned tournament in Boston over the summer. Pretty lame if you ask me but when do I expect anything the NCAA does to make any sense?
So, Drake is up on Tuesday. Dr. Tom Davis is going into his second year and there's a decent amount of optimism going into the season for them. They should try to press but ISU should be used to running against it assuming they're working on their own press in practice. I'd feel a lot better with Blalock running the point but, assuming Stinson plays, I still don't think ISU should lose this game in Hilton. That said, there seems to be a decent amount of feeling or fear among ISU fans and certain fat radio hosts in Des Moines that Drake will win this. Given Deace's history of making dumb predictions and saying anything to cause a little controversy I'm not too worried about it.
The Cyclones announced the signing of four members of next year's class. The link includes capsules on all four. There's definitely some size with 7 footer Kellen Lee, 6'10" Ross Mardsen out of Ames, and top 50 6'9" recruit Shawn Taggart out of prep school powerhouse Mt. Zion. Farnold Degand is a 6'3" guard out of Boston also sounds like a good talent. All four guys picked ISU over some fairly big name schools. It's nice to see that Morgan can really use his east coast connections to get these guys.
So, Drake is up on Tuesday. Dr. Tom Davis is going into his second year and there's a decent amount of optimism going into the season for them. They should try to press but ISU should be used to running against it assuming they're working on their own press in practice. I'd feel a lot better with Blalock running the point but, assuming Stinson plays, I still don't think ISU should lose this game in Hilton. That said, there seems to be a decent amount of feeling or fear among ISU fans and certain fat radio hosts in Des Moines that Drake will win this. Given Deace's history of making dumb predictions and saying anything to cause a little controversy I'm not too worried about it.
The Cyclones announced the signing of four members of next year's class. The link includes capsules on all four. There's definitely some size with 7 footer Kellen Lee, 6'10" Ross Mardsen out of Ames, and top 50 6'9" recruit Shawn Taggart out of prep school powerhouse Mt. Zion. Farnold Degand is a 6'3" guard out of Boston also sounds like a good talent. All four guys picked ISU over some fairly big name schools. It's nice to see that Morgan can really use his east coast connections to get these guys.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Joe Lunardi's Bracketology has ISU as one of the last four teams in the tournament as an 11 seed. Xavier is also one of the last four in and Texas Tech is one of the last four out. Both could be important games if ISU is on the bubble at the end of the year.
Short ISU Daily and Ames Trib previews. EA Sports, featuring Ed O'Bannon among others, beat K-State by 12 and took Virginia Tech to OT. Not a bad team and should provide a decent benchmark for where ISU is right now.
A couple of future opponents had some fairly close calls as Iowa beat Laval by 8 and KU beat the mighty Ichabods of Washburn University by 9. Of course Washburn was immediately elevated to national title contender by KU fans. Well, maybe they're not quite that bad but I did read claims that WU is better than half the teams KU will play this year and even better than ISU. I don't know about that and I'd still take ISU over Washburn by double digits no matter how they played KU and Purdue.
Gametime is 7 tonight against EA Sports All-Stars. It's in the game...
Short ISU Daily and Ames Trib previews. EA Sports, featuring Ed O'Bannon among others, beat K-State by 12 and took Virginia Tech to OT. Not a bad team and should provide a decent benchmark for where ISU is right now.
A couple of future opponents had some fairly close calls as Iowa beat Laval by 8 and KU beat the mighty Ichabods of Washburn University by 9. Of course Washburn was immediately elevated to national title contender by KU fans. Well, maybe they're not quite that bad but I did read claims that WU is better than half the teams KU will play this year and even better than ISU. I don't know about that and I'd still take ISU over Washburn by double digits no matter how they played KU and Purdue.
Gametime is 7 tonight against EA Sports All-Stars. It's in the game...
Friday, November 12, 2004
Eustachy and other stuff
There's been a lot of talk on the Cyclone Report board about Eustachy and I guess I fall in the group that still respects everything he did for ISU and is going to follow him wherever he goes. I'm not an IU fan that becomes a Texas Tech fan when Bobby Knight goes there but Eustachy will always be one of my all-time favorite coaches. He pulled a couple of classic moves in his first exhibition game at Southern Miss when he didn't play a player that missed two layups in pregame because he wasn't focused and subbed five for five when the team was losing. They went on a 17-2 run to take control of the game after that and those are the types of move that make his team win. Early season was always tough under him (see Drake 48-ISU 44 during the Elite 8 year) but he could get his teams tough, tough, tough when it came time for the conference (see a total of 2 conference losses on the road in overtime that same year).
A good piece from the Trib on Stinson's choice to come to Ames and the adjustment once he got here. It can't be easy for some of these guys to come to Ames but it really can help them like it did Tinsley, etc.
A good piece from the Trib on Stinson's choice to come to Ames and the adjustment once he got here. It can't be easy for some of these guys to come to Ames but it really can help them like it did Tinsley, etc.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Coach Eustachy update
Andy Katz wrote a great piece about Coach Eustachy at his new job coaching Southern Miss. It sounds like things are going well for him and I think things are working out well for everyone involved. At the time I was really opposed to his firing and felt that ISU was making a big mistake. Looking back I think it may have been the only thing to do and it would be so tough for him to continue there. That said, I still feel like he is the best coach that ISU has ever had and will have success wherever he goes but I feel great about having Coach Morgan lead the team. Considering what LE did while he was drinking I can only think that he will be that much better now that he can place more of his focus on basketball.
It's easy to put coaches on a pedastal and not imagine them having lives outside of basketball but he always seemed so down to earth. He seemed like a great guy and someone that you'd love to sit down with to talk basketball and whatever for a few hours. The only time I ever saw him off the basketball court he was at HyVee talking to his kids about what kind of cereal he wanted. Just a normal dad shopping on a Sunday afternoon. I wish him the best of luck at Southern Miss and I'll keep my eye on how they're doing.
It's easy to put coaches on a pedastal and not imagine them having lives outside of basketball but he always seemed so down to earth. He seemed like a great guy and someone that you'd love to sit down with to talk basketball and whatever for a few hours. The only time I ever saw him off the basketball court he was at HyVee talking to his kids about what kind of cereal he wanted. Just a normal dad shopping on a Sunday afternoon. I wish him the best of luck at Southern Miss and I'll keep my eye on how they're doing.
Dickie V, baby!
As obnoxious as Dick Vitale is, he sometimes manages to pull his lips from Coach K's ass for a few moments to recognize someone outside of the ACC. ISU was mentioned as a team to watch that is capable of pulling an upset at any time. Curtis Stinson deserves more love, baby! Oddly enough ISU has changed their logo to a green O and Oregon is now using Iowa State Cyclones in their logo. I obviously missed the announcement. My loyal reader(s) deserve better and I'll try harder.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Color scheme
I'm still playing around with the color scheme on this since I get the feeling it's a little hard to read. Don't fret.
Cyclones Pound Beavers
If you're expecting something classier than an obvious sexual innuendo you've come to the wrong place, heh.
Final score was 80-57. The starting lineup was Blalock, Stinson, Neal, Staple, and Homan.
ISU Daily recap
Register writeup
Cyclones.com story
Boxscore
I couldn't go to the game but listened to most of it on the radio. It sounds like the team can really get up the floor and I'd be surprised if many teams will be more athletic than ISU this year. Stinson led the team in scoring for the first of many times with 14. He also led with 9 boards, 8 assists and 5 steals. Not a bad game, eh? The newcomers looked good for the most part. Faulkner has been compared to Vroman athletically and put up solid numbers in just 12 minutes of play. It would be great if he could help out down low, especially if Reggie George's back continues to give him trouble. Clark and Carr should both provide a lot of minutes at the other guard spots and it wouldn't surprise me too much to see one of them starting over Neal at some point this season. It will be fun to see Clark unleash some monster dunks on some people this year (Haluska, please?).
Next game is Monday against EA Sports.
Oh, here's a story about Morgan recruiting prep school athletes. Today was signing day and ISU has a class of four led by top 50 recruit Shawn Taggart out of basketball factory Mt. Zion in North Carolina.
Final score was 80-57. The starting lineup was Blalock, Stinson, Neal, Staple, and Homan.
ISU Daily recap
Register writeup
Cyclones.com story
Boxscore
I couldn't go to the game but listened to most of it on the radio. It sounds like the team can really get up the floor and I'd be surprised if many teams will be more athletic than ISU this year. Stinson led the team in scoring for the first of many times with 14. He also led with 9 boards, 8 assists and 5 steals. Not a bad game, eh? The newcomers looked good for the most part. Faulkner has been compared to Vroman athletically and put up solid numbers in just 12 minutes of play. It would be great if he could help out down low, especially if Reggie George's back continues to give him trouble. Clark and Carr should both provide a lot of minutes at the other guard spots and it wouldn't surprise me too much to see one of them starting over Neal at some point this season. It will be fun to see Clark unleash some monster dunks on some people this year (Haluska, please?).
Next game is Monday against EA Sports.
Oh, here's a story about Morgan recruiting prep school athletes. Today was signing day and ISU has a class of four led by top 50 recruit Shawn Taggart out of basketball factory Mt. Zion in North Carolina.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Catching up on some links
We'll start with catching up on a few links.
First from the Register:
Interview with Coach Morgan touching on his east coast roots, Jimi Hendrix, and two of my favorite Hilton Magic moments. The first is the end of the Texas game when the crowd got into Boddicker's head and helped him miss those two free throws. Definitely one of the loudest moments I remember.
The second was watching Colorado completely melt under the pressure of 14,000 screaming fans. They were throwing the ball into the fifth row just about every other trip down the floor during our big run. Good times.
The article from Big 12 media day. This raises the questions, "will Jared Homan actually shoot some threes this year?" and "do we want him to?" He was 1-1 in the Shootout so maybe we do. From all accounts he has really worked hard this offseason and should be a force. Picking up a few points from him will really help offset the loss of Vroman and you know he's still going to be a monster on the boards and playing D.
Preaseason All-Big 12 First Teamer Curtis Stinson. Plan on him dominating the league this year.
Here are the Big 12 preseason selections.
2004-05 BIG 12 PRESEASON MEDIA SELECTIONS
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Preseason Player of the Year Wayne Simien, Kansas, G, 6-9, 255, Sr., Leavenworth, Kan./Leavenworth
Preseason Newcomer of the Year Taj Gray, Oklahoma, F, 6-8, 235, Jr., Wichita, Kan./Redlands (Okla.) Community College**
Preseason Freshman of the Year Daniel Gibson, Texas, G, 6-2, 190, Fr., Houston, Texas/Jones
Preseason All-Big 12 Media Team
Name, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl-Exp PPG RPG Hometown/Previous School(s)
Keith Langford, Kansas G 6-4 215 Sr.-3L 15.5 5.0 Fort Worth, Texas/North Crowley
Wayne Simien, Kansas F 6-9 255 Sr.-3L 17.8 9.3 Leavenworth, Kan./Leavenworth
Curtis Stinson, Iowa State G 6-3 215 So.-1L 16.2 6.0 Bronx, N.Y./Winchendon (Mass.) Prep
Joey Graham, OSU G 6-7 217 Sr.-1L 12.4 5.2 Brandon, Fla./Brandon/UCF
John Lucas, OSU G 5-11 152 Sr.-1L 15.1 2.8 Houston, Texas/Bellaire/Baylor Univ.
** - unanimous selection
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically by school):Kansas: J.R. Giddens, Aaron Miles; Missouri: Linas Kleiza; Oklahoma: Kevin Bookout; Texas: P.J. Tucker; Texas A&M: Antoine Wright; Texas Tech: Jarrius Jackson.
Obviously a very solid team and it speaks well to Stinson's talent and performance last year that he is the only non-senior on the team and the only player not on the two heavy favorites in the league.
Media Day info and quotes from the Big 12 site. Coach Mogan, Jared Homan, and Curtis Stinson all attended.
Predictions from the KC Star. ISU picked 6th at 9-7 in the conference. Stinson first team. Will Blaylock listed as one of the top three point shooters in the league this year. Jake Sullivan listed as one of the three all-time best in the Big 12. He is the only player to be in the top five in both three pointers made and percentage. His 44.3 career percent is amazing to me considering the struggles he had on the road during his last two years. I still feel that a lot of this perception comes from his unbelievable shooting at home which I had the pleasure to witness for four years.
ISU capsule from the Star.
That's about all I have to start out with but I'll see if I can get going on some more later. The exhibition season tips off tomorrow against Bemidji State.
First from the Register:
Interview with Coach Morgan touching on his east coast roots, Jimi Hendrix, and two of my favorite Hilton Magic moments. The first is the end of the Texas game when the crowd got into Boddicker's head and helped him miss those two free throws. Definitely one of the loudest moments I remember.
The second was watching Colorado completely melt under the pressure of 14,000 screaming fans. They were throwing the ball into the fifth row just about every other trip down the floor during our big run. Good times.
The article from Big 12 media day. This raises the questions, "will Jared Homan actually shoot some threes this year?" and "do we want him to?" He was 1-1 in the Shootout so maybe we do. From all accounts he has really worked hard this offseason and should be a force. Picking up a few points from him will really help offset the loss of Vroman and you know he's still going to be a monster on the boards and playing D.
Preaseason All-Big 12 First Teamer Curtis Stinson. Plan on him dominating the league this year.
Here are the Big 12 preseason selections.
2004-05 BIG 12 PRESEASON MEDIA SELECTIONS
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Preseason Player of the Year Wayne Simien, Kansas, G, 6-9, 255, Sr., Leavenworth, Kan./Leavenworth
Preseason Newcomer of the Year Taj Gray, Oklahoma, F, 6-8, 235, Jr., Wichita, Kan./Redlands (Okla.) Community College**
Preseason Freshman of the Year Daniel Gibson, Texas, G, 6-2, 190, Fr., Houston, Texas/Jones
Preseason All-Big 12 Media Team
Name, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl-Exp PPG RPG Hometown/Previous School(s)
Keith Langford, Kansas G 6-4 215 Sr.-3L 15.5 5.0 Fort Worth, Texas/North Crowley
Wayne Simien, Kansas F 6-9 255 Sr.-3L 17.8 9.3 Leavenworth, Kan./Leavenworth
Curtis Stinson, Iowa State G 6-3 215 So.-1L 16.2 6.0 Bronx, N.Y./Winchendon (Mass.) Prep
Joey Graham, OSU G 6-7 217 Sr.-1L 12.4 5.2 Brandon, Fla./Brandon/UCF
John Lucas, OSU G 5-11 152 Sr.-1L 15.1 2.8 Houston, Texas/Bellaire/Baylor Univ.
** - unanimous selection
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically by school):Kansas: J.R. Giddens, Aaron Miles; Missouri: Linas Kleiza; Oklahoma: Kevin Bookout; Texas: P.J. Tucker; Texas A&M: Antoine Wright; Texas Tech: Jarrius Jackson.
Obviously a very solid team and it speaks well to Stinson's talent and performance last year that he is the only non-senior on the team and the only player not on the two heavy favorites in the league.
Media Day info and quotes from the Big 12 site. Coach Mogan, Jared Homan, and Curtis Stinson all attended.
Predictions from the KC Star. ISU picked 6th at 9-7 in the conference. Stinson first team. Will Blaylock listed as one of the top three point shooters in the league this year. Jake Sullivan listed as one of the three all-time best in the Big 12. He is the only player to be in the top five in both three pointers made and percentage. His 44.3 career percent is amazing to me considering the struggles he had on the road during his last two years. I still feel that a lot of this perception comes from his unbelievable shooting at home which I had the pleasure to witness for four years.
ISU capsule from the Star.
That's about all I have to start out with but I'll see if I can get going on some more later. The exhibition season tips off tomorrow against Bemidji State.
Hilton Magic is back!
Hey, I decided to go ahead and go for it with this blog designed to follow Cyclone basketball this year. I'm not sure exactly what my plans are for it yet but I hope to post links to articles about the team and some of my thoughts. Feel free to email me with suggestions or comments.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
My Cyclone Hoops Blog
My good friend "Sellout" Ryan motivated me to start up a Cyclone basketball blog since he is doing the same for the Hawkeyes right now. We'll see if I get going on this thing.
