A little perspective

[CYEATHAWK]

I dont need to overthink and overanalyze it, this win was fun and I am expecting more down the line.

THIS!!! End of discussion.

[bawbie]

There are almost an infinite amount of differences from last year, I don't get why people keep saying this.

1) Expectations. Last year many people, myself especially, thought the team had the talent to be very special and were talking tourney before the season. This year people are expecting 10 wins and hoping for .500.

2) Chemistry. As Chris said in his writeup, chemistry is easy to spot. This team has it. It's also incredibly difficult to create when you don't have it, and last years team didn't. Listen to the guys talk post game, it's all about the team and the other guys. They are unselfish, and they preach unselfish play. I think the guys sitting out play into this too, as that is an unselfish act.

3) Hard work, hustle, effort. I don't think I've ever seen a team play this hard. It is absolutely amazing. It is the complete opposite of last year. The coaching staff preaches it, the players can't stop talking about it, and it's completely infectious. And it ALL starts with Jake. He's the leader, and he's a great one. I'm completely amazed by the way he played last night while sick.

4) TEAM Defense. I don't know how, but this team has clicked on a complete team defense VERY VERY quickly. I'm sure the practice squad has something to do with it, but they know when to help, they know when not to help. It also has everything to do with #2 and #3 above. Hustle and hard work get you along way, and the chemistry means they don't want to let the other guy down.

I'm sure this team will struggle at times, especially if someone gets hurt. They'll have nights where nothing will fall. But hard work, hustle and defense don't slump, and they will be fun to watch because they will play hard regardless.

So get over your emotional baggage from last year, it's gone and the coach is gone. Get out and enjoy this team, this type of effort and chemistry doesn't come along very often!

[clonestar12]

I went and looked at some threads that opened up around this time last year. Overall, the 6-0 start last year had many, many posters optimistic. Some where even talking NCAA tournament.

Point being: Don't get ahead of yourselves. Much work needs to be done if this team is going to compete with the big boys. Some of you are setting yourself up for a meltdown........again.


We pounded a couple of teams early on last year. People got their hopes up and elevated the team to some pedestal that didn't exist. So keep this in mind when this team struggles against some of the monsters.


I have no doubt that Fred is going to make this all right again. I see a future where I'm traveling to NCAA tournament games again. I'm having fun instead of worrying about what kind of creative way ISU will lose. I'm glad McDermott isn't here anymore. I wish the students would go to some games. I still hate KU. Dinosaurs rock.

The biggest difference between this team and last years` team is the preparation that this team goes through each week. This team plays against a scout team that most likely has more talent than a majority of the teams they will play against this year. Because of this, I believe you will see improvement in the win column.

[bos]

There are just so many +'s about this program right now. We have some talented youth, seniors, scout team members, and guys on the way all in a short 1st year. I miss ISU bball and it was good to see some glimmers of that.

[pulse]

I hold the opposite point of view. Some of you are throwing up the classic defensive shield, "woe is us. we shouldn't expect to be very good. 15 wins and I'd be super happy." Jeesh I guarantee people who expect more are happier than you are. Even if we don't have a ton of success people who expect more don't 'meltdown'. The people who complain always complain no matter what. They aren't the people who have faith that the team is better than some of you who go the opposite way to keep yourself from being disappointed by expecting the worst.

I think 15 wins is the minimum we should win, and if we don't so be it. I'll still enjoy the season. I don't see the team consistently failing in the 2nd half like last year's team.

[CYEATHAWK]

There are almost an infinite amount of differences from last year, I don't get why people keep saying this.

1) Expectations. Last year many people, myself especially, thought the team had the talent to be very special and were talking tourney before the season. This year people are expecting 10 wins and hoping for .500.

2) Chemistry. As Chris said in his writeup, chemistry is easy to spot. This team has it. It's also incredibly difficult to create when you don't have it, and last years team didn't. Listen to the guys talk post game, it's all about the team and the other guys. They are unselfish, and they preach unselfish play. I think the guys sitting out play into this too, as that is an unselfish act.

3) Hard work, hustle, effort. I don't think I've ever seen a team play this hard. It is absolutely amazing. It is the complete opposite of last year. The coaching staff preaches it, the players can't stop talking about it, and it's completely infectious. And it ALL starts with Jake. He's the leader, and he's a great one. I'm completely amazed by the way he played last night while sick.

4) TEAM Defense. I don't know how, but this team has clicked on a complete team defense VERY VERY quickly. I'm sure the practice squad has something to do with it, but they know when to help, they know when not to help. It also has everything to do with #2 and #3 above. Hustle and hard work get you along way, and the chemistry means they don't want to let the other guy down.

I'm sure this team will struggle at times, especially if someone gets hurt. They'll have nights where nothing will fall. But hard work, hustle and defense don't slump, and they will be fun to watch because they will play hard regardless.

So get over your emotional baggage from last year, it's gone and the coach is gone. Get out and enjoy this team, this type of effort and chemistry doesn't come along very often!

Good lord.........hide the kids and small animals. I agree with every word of your post! Good job out of you!

[CycloneYoda]

I hold the opposite point of view. Some of you are throwing up the classic defensive shield, "woe is us. we shouldn't expect to be very good. 15 wins and I'd be super happy." Jeesh I guarantee people who expect more are happier than you are. Even if we don't have a ton of success people who expect more don't 'meltdown'. The people who complain always complain no matter what. They aren't the people who have faith that the team is better than some of you who go the opposite way to keep yourself from being disappointed by expecting the worst.

I think 15 wins is the minimum we should win, and if we don't so be it. I'll still enjoy the season. I don't see the team consistently failing in the 2nd half like last year's team.

I actually predicted that this team will win 17 games, and go 6-10 in conference play. I still stand by these numbers, which compared to others' predictions, is more optimistic.

I just don't want to see the meltdowns when they hit a wall or two.

[pulse]

I actually predicted that this team will win 17 games, and go 6-10 in conference play. I still stand by these numbers, which compared to others' predictions, is more optimistic.

I just don't want to see the meltdowns when they hit a wall or two.

Just accept that you will. What you ask is impossible in this forum. Like I said, the people who complain always complain no matter what.

[CycloneYoda]

Just accept that you will. What you ask is impossible in this forum. Like I said, the people who complain always complain no matter what.

"Patience is a virtue and you lost your virtue long ago."

-Guns N Roses

[Bobber]

I actually predicted that this team will win 17 games, and go 6-10 in conference play. I still stand by these numbers, which compared to others' predictions, is more optimistic.

I just don't want to see the meltdowns when they hit a wall or two.

Would be very similar to the last few years records. To do this well with a 10 man rotation would be great.

I agree.

[cyclone13]

We haven't really played a good team yet. Creighton and UNI will be a good barometer how good the team is.

[CloneFan65]

When ISU is predicted to finish dead last in the Big 12 and performs better this season against better competition than last year's team, then I think it's OK to be excited for the season. I haven't heard anyone expecting us to win the Big 12 or go to the NCAA tournament even, so I don't see any reason for fans to come on here and be so negative. I swear we could beat Kansas State by 20 and there would be ISU fans that would complain about it. We have a new coach that likes to play an exciting brand of basketball, and we have a group of athletes on the team that have bonded in a short amount of time and play hard for 40 minutes. Can't we be allowed to sit back and enjoy the ride this season. It seems like the two groups that downplay ISU victories the most are Hawkeye fans and Cyclone fans.

[bawbie]

We haven't really played a good team yet. Creighton and UNI will be a good barometer how good the team is.

Yesterday people were saying that about Drake (that they'd be a good barometer for this team). Not so much today.

Also, if Creighton is a good team than Northern Arizona is a good team, because that was a very even game on Creighton's home court.

[simesclone]

There are almost an infinite amount of differences from last year, I don't get why people keep saying this.

1) Expectations. Last year many people, myself especially, thought the team had the talent to be very special and were talking tourney before the season. This year people are expecting 10 wins and hoping for .500.

2) Chemistry. As Chris said in his writeup, chemistry is easy to spot. This team has it. It's also incredibly difficult to create when you don't have it, and last years team didn't. Listen to the guys talk post game, it's all about the team and the other guys. They are unselfish, and they preach unselfish play. I think the guys sitting out play into this too, as that is an unselfish act.

3) Hard work, hustle, effort. I don't think I've ever seen a team play this hard. It is absolutely amazing. It is the complete opposite of last year. The coaching staff preaches it, the players can't stop talking about it, and it's completely infectious. And it ALL starts with Jake. He's the leader, and he's a great one. I'm completely amazed by the way he played last night while sick.

4) TEAM Defense. I don't know how, but this team has clicked on a complete team defense VERY VERY quickly. I'm sure the practice squad has something to do with it, but they know when to help, they know when not to help. It also has everything to do with #2 and #3 above. Hustle and hard work get you along way, and the chemistry means they don't want to let the other guy down.

I'm sure this team will struggle at times, especially if someone gets hurt. They'll have nights where nothing will fall. But hard work, hustle and defense don't slump, and they will be fun to watch because they will play hard regardless.

So get over your emotional baggage from last year, it's gone and the coach is gone. Get out and enjoy this team, this type of effort and chemistry doesn't come along very often!

This team runs and plays defense and is fun to watch. I totally agree with you.

[greatshu]

FH put in a style of play that our current players needed. Its so nice to see that everyone is helping out each other, especially on defense. If guards gets beat out on perimeter, big comes and close out the driving lane. guards are also helping big rebounds. Very nice job FH.