Basketball

Up-tempo style the key for ISU in signing DeAndre Kane

On your mark. Get set. Go!

A track meet is what DeAndre Kane wants. In playing basketball for Iowa State and head coach Fred Hoiberg, a track meet is what he will get.

Kane, a 6-foot-4 combo-guard who is transferring from Marshall, signed a financial aid agreement with Iowa State on Friday morning and will be immediately eligible to play next season for the Cyclones (one year of eligibility).

“Marshall was great. I’m not knocking Marshall. It was great. The coach was great,” explained Kane, who has no hard feelings towards the Thundering Herd. “I liked the offense but sometimes I felt like it was a little slow. It wasn’t for me. I won’t knock Marshall but here it is way faster.”

Iowa State led the Big 12 Conference in scoring last season, averaging over three points per game more than any other team. 

“It is what I like to do – get up and down,” said Kane. “That played a big part in my decision. 

Kane averaged 15.1 points per game as a junior for the Thundering Herd last season, tacking on seven assists per contest as well. During his first two years at Marshall, Kane primarily was a shooting guard. Last season, he was a point guard, which is what he is expected to play a lot of under Hoiberg.

“Right now coach wants me to be the point guard. I am a combo guard and can play the one or the two,” said Kane. “Whatever coach wants me to play I will do and accept the role. I like to pass the ball and get my teammates the ball.”

Kane averaged over 15 points per game in all three of his years at Marshall. He’s averaged over four rebounds per game every season as well. Kane chose Iowa State over Pitt and Memphis but had a slew of other opportunities as well.

*** CLICK HERE to view his career stats at Marshall *** 

Iowa State’s recent success with transfers played a role in the decision too. 

“They’ve had seven transfers in three years. All of them have been successful,” said Kane. “They can handle them. Royce White was drafted in the first round as a transfer and Will Clyburn is getting a good opportunity along with the rest of those guys.”

Iowa State assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih was the point man on Kane’s recruitment.

Kane said that he will be moving to Ames in only a few weeks to begin his career as a Cyclone. 

@cyclonefanatic