The Iowa State men’s basketball team will host Bradley on Sunday which will mark the start of a crucial three-game stretch towards the end of the non-conference schedule. Earlier today, CycloneFanatic.com stopped by the practice facility to chat with Craig Brackins to discuss all things Cyclone basketball. Here’s the Q&A.
What have you guys been working on?
CB: We’ve been working on a lot of our sets, trying to get better timing with all of our stuff, defensive strategies and some things. We’ve been working on our press a little more, that we were doing towards the beginning of the year. Stuff like that.
Did that win against Iowa give you guys some positive momentum going forward?
CB: It felt good that we came out and started playing with a lot more energy. I think that we got after it more on defense and on offense. We played with a little more swagger, if that’s what you want to call it.
Are you done with finals?
CB: Nope. I have two more on Friday. I have a test and a project.
How much have you been practicing as a team throughout this week?
CB: Every day except Tuesday. We’ve practiced a lot. They’ve been like 2 ½ hour practices. We’ve been getting after it pretty good.
Have you guys been focusing on your team getting better…when do you start looking ahead to Bradley?
CB: Probably today. We did a little bit on Bradley yesterday but it was more about ourselves.
Are you guys making progress?
CB: I think that we are. Everybody is feeling good. We’re getting a better vibe with each other.
Are you looking forward to Big 12 play starting?
CB: Yeah, we are looking forward to it. I am taking one game at a time. Conference (games) are always fun though.
Is this where you guys need to start making your push?
CB: This is where we need to be start getting comfortable with everything, especially with ourselves. We need to be 100 percent confident with everything. That’s how I see it.
Do you need to start making your NCAA kick now?
CB: We just have to keep playing games and getting wins. I really don’t know what else to say about that. It’s within us. If we play like we did the last game and at the beginning of the season, that is our push right there.
Is this where you thought you’d be right now, with three losses?
CB: Everybody thinks unbeaten. Nobody like to lose. But where we are right now is a good state. The team is good. Everybody is on track. We aren’t losing anybody. There is nothing going on within the team and that’s what you can always hope for.
