MBB: Official: Cory Johnson to Transfer

Jeremy · 03-27-2008, 05:20 PM

ISU Press release

Cory Johnson, a 6-7 sophomore from Duluth, Minn., will transfer from the Iowa State men’s basketball program according to head coach Greg McDermott.

“I simply want to earn more playing time,” Johnson said. “My time at Iowa State has been terrific. It was my personal dream to participate in intercollegiate basketball at the highest level. Playing at Iowa State and in the Big 12 Conference was a great experience. At the same time, I want to find a school where I can be a key contributor in the team’s lineup.”

Johnson’s departure will not affect the school’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) because of his academic success at Iowa State in concert with a new NCAA rule for transfer students. Johnson will be a “1-1” in APR parlance for the spring semester.

“Cory has been a real asset to the Iowa State men’s basketball program with his strong work ethic on the court and in school,” McDermott said. “One thing you can count on with Cory is extreme effort. In fairness to Cory, I can also understand his desire to see more time on the court. I’m obligated to give him the right advice and help him identify a school that suits his desires athletically and academically.”

Johnson played in 27 games this season and averaged 2.7 points while shooting 65.1 percent from the field. Johnson scored a career-high 13 points on two occasions. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

cyismydog · 03-27-2008, 05:22 PM

I thought something like that might happen. Best wishes and good luck to Corey.

rbrook · 03-27-2008, 05:23 PM

It's not the end of the world guys. We will be OK.

tube1 · 03-27-2008, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

“I simply want to earn more playing time,” Johnson said.

What's wrong with earning playing time at Iowa State? If he wants more playing time, so be it. But to go somewhere else to 'earn' playing time? I hope he isn't looking to go somewhere where he will just 'expect' playing time.

mjones34 · 03-27-2008, 05:25 PM

Can't blame him. Good luck to him. He would have to play ahead of a lot of people for more playing time.

rbrook · 03-27-2008, 05:25 PM

If he would decide to go to a lower level college, maybe he can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

D1 in the Big 12 is a tough place to play.

cyclonedefender · 03-27-2008, 05:26 PM

he didnt play so its fine

Clone9 · 03-27-2008, 05:29 PM

I'm sorta upset about this one. I thought he would be a great hustle guy in his senior year, which would have been the year I'm predicting we make a run at the Big 12 title and a sweet 16-type year. With guys like Wes as a senior and Craig and Diante as Juniors, that sort of senior leadership doing all of the dirty-work kind of guy is priceless. That's how I saw Cory and I wish he would have stayed.

BryceC · 03-27-2008, 05:31 PM

I can't blame the kid, and I'm going to miss him. Just lacked the athleticism in my opinion. Good luck to him and I think he could be a real contributor at another school. Maybe he and Vette can hook up at Wartburg next year and own some people. ;)

Regardless, McD is establishing an Alford-esque record of transfers and defections.

Cydar · 03-27-2008, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by rbrook

If he would decide to go to a lower level college, maybe he can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

D1 in the Big 12 is a tough place to play.

That is what Joe Modderman did. He was third in the voting for Mr. Basketball in Michigan before coming to ISU. He ended up transferring to Grand Valley State where he as an All-American.

Incyte · 03-27-2008, 05:36 PM

I kept waiting for the game to "slow down" for him but it never did. Things just never "clicked" for him. It's too bad, he has a great work ethic.

He's the type of kid that might be very successful in the MVC. I wonder if he could end up at UNI. I hope not because I don't want to play against him.

Balls · 03-27-2008, 07:18 PM

I think this is a tough lose. He had 2 years in Greg's system and would have provided depth. He also had the ability to at least change things up quickly off the bench when we stalled. I think his offense was pretty good but lacked defense, thus a liability. But when we did lack offense he often could come in and get something going.

Not like losing a starter, but Cory was definitely a key back-up which teams need to compete at the Big 12 level.

Any rumors of anyone else? I thought during the season that maybe Boozer might get frustrated and would be the most likely to transfer. Hope the rest of the team sticks around to gain some stability and to set the tone that "leaving" isn't just an easy choice if things don't work out exactly as hoped.

Bobber · 03-27-2008, 07:22 PM

This frees up a scholarship...

Classic case of a good Rival ranking not being accurate. He was like a top 150 player wasn't he?

Sorry to see him leave. He kept his nose clean and sure looked like he worked hard. It's too bad he'd always foul 20 seconds after getting in the game.

cyclonedefender · 03-28-2008, 01:16 AM

I really hate it when guys leave

candg4ever · 03-28-2008, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by BryceC

Regardless, McD is establishing an Alford-esque record of transfers and defections.

A pretty unfair comparison, to say the least. Even if coach Mac told him what was, or wasn't, in his future, he is being honest with a young man who has a desire to contribute more than he probably could've here. I'm not knocking CJ's work ethic, he was probably our hardest worker on the court, but some would use that as motivation to improve their game and position on the depth chart, others look for greener pastures.

Our other loss this year, Vette, had nothing to do with the school or coaching staff, just a kid feeling out of place. He and his father had nothing but the highest praise for ISU and the coaching staff.

You certainly can't hold McDertmott to blame for the mass exodus when he was hired, can you?