Royce Thoughts/Stats

**BryceC** · 03-01-2012, 10:30 AM

Another insane game by Royce last night. Good FG%, basically could get to wherever he wanted to on the floor, threw out 9 assists. Royce is without a doubt having one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the program. In the last 4 games he’s averaging 11.5 PPG, 8 APG, and 8.25 RPG. That’s just a pretty unreal stretch for a college player.

If Royce averages 5 APG the rest of the season, he will have a top 10 all time ISU total assists season. If he gets 31 more rebounds he’d have a top 10 all time ISU total rebounds season. That has to be one of the most unique stats of any player in our history.

Right now he’s averaging 13, 9, and 5 for the season. I went back and checked to see the last times we’ve had a player average at least 10, 5, 5, and Stinson did it his junior year, averaging just over 19, 5, and 5. Tinsley did it in 2000 averaging 11, 5, and 6. I can’t find anybody else. Pretty elite company.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether he will go pro or not. I don’t know and IMO nobody else does. However, if I’m Royce, I go. Another year under the microscope and people start looking more closely at how tall he is, his shooting, and all his other flaws. Right now he’s an incredibly intriguing prospect. Seeing what has happened with PJII and Sullinger I just think he’d be best served going now. Of course I could be wrong but if he gets good info that somebody will take him in the first round I’d be all over it.

That said, I’d love to see a Norvel Pelle commitment to relieve the sting a little bit.

Random Stat time: I found this while scouring the internet, from some random ESPN blog a while ago. I don’t know if it still holds up (it was about 4 weeks ago) but honestly it’s pretty amazing. Shows how good of coaching this team has.

Key stat:The Cyclones are the best team in all of college basketball in plays after timeouts, ranking first in points per play (1.14), adjusted field goal percentage (65.1) and scoring percentage (49.4).

**Cyclonepride** · 03-01-2012, 10:32 AM

My main fear: the NBA drafts on potential. He has it. My main calming factor: Royce is a different sort of dude. I don't know that the immediate pay check is the most important thing in his life.

**khaal53** · 03-01-2012, 10:38 AM

Assists have only been tracked since 1973 but here's a few players that have almost been in the same stratosphere as Royce as far as assist and rebounds per game go:

Tinsley, 99-00: 11 pts/g, 6.59 a/g and 5.11 reb/g
Stinson, 05-06: 19.43, 5.53 a/g and 5.17 reb/g
Stinson, 03-04: 16.18, 4.33 a/g and 6.03 reb/g
Ivy, 74-75: 28.35 pts/g, 3.73 a/g, and 5.19 reb/g
Hoiberg, 93-94: 20.22 pts/g, 3.59 a/g, and 6.7 reb/g

**acgclone** · 03-01-2012, 10:43 AM

I've come to terms with Royce leaving. He's given us one heck of a season so if its in his best interest to go, I wish him well.

I would love to have him back because I do think he could improve his game dramatically. I think with another year, Fred could improve his shot, his FT shooting, and his decision making 9on court) which at times shows his relative youth/inexperience.

**Die4Cy** · 03-01-2012, 10:50 AM

Next year Royce would get a lot of publicity he just hasn't gotten this year. He might be a consensus Big 12 POY. He does have things he can improve upon, but he's a special talent.

Smart money says he stays another year. Next year's team is deep and will allow him to showcase his abilities as much as, if not more than this years' team has. I think he comes back unless we go to the Final Four on his back this year.

Just me.

**Clone5** · 03-01-2012, 10:54 AM

Two things that I think will determine if he stays or goes will be the depth of this year's draft class and if scouts think his game can translate to the NBA. Because this year should be a very deep draft class, especially in terms of big men, and because it will be difficult for his style of play to transfer to the NBA, I think he will be staying for one more year.

**Pat** · 03-01-2012, 10:57 AM

While there's still plenty of (tournament!) time left for Royce to make noise, he's still not listed as a potential lottery pick on most mock drafts... in fact, on most, I don't believe he is listed at all. I know that, as Cyclone fans, we're all used to gut-punches, but I think we're getting ahead of ourselves in this case.

**ISUCubswin** · 03-01-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Clone5

Two things that I think will determine if he stays or goes will be the depth of this year's draft class and if scouts think his game can translate to the NBA. Because this year should be a very deep draft class, especially in terms of big men, and because it will be difficult for his style of play to transfer to the NBA, I think he will be staying for one more year.

Totally agree. And while I feel he would be drafted, it could very easily turn out where he hires an agent and doesn't get drafted and has to go overseas,which I doubt he would do with his Anxiety issues (not intended to sound mean, just think it would be hard for him)

Will Blalock thought he was good enough for the NBA and didn't get drafted. All I'm saying is if I'm Royce, the only way I'm leaving this year is if I know for a fact I'm a first round pick.

**Clone5** · 03-01-2012, 10:58 AM

If he isn't a guaranteed first round pick it would be very very wise for him to stay in school.

**Tre4ISU** · 03-01-2012, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

My main fear: the NBA drafts on potential. He has it. My main calming factor: Royce is a different sort of dude. I don't know that the immediate pay check is the most important thing in his life.

I think that too, but on the other hand, I don't think he just wants to play ball for 15 years. I think he wants to play for a few years to build enough money to make a music career.

He is probably the most unique player i have seen. As a Gtown fan, he reminds me a lot of Greg Monroe. Big guy who passes the ball well and can take over a game whenever he wants. They are both passive in terms of scoring at times though. I do wish that when Royce can get to the rim at ease (last night) he would be a little more aggressive when we need it. I think he needs another year to develop not only a consistent mid range shot, but to also simply get back into the flow of basketball. He has been great but there are certainly times when you can tell he hasn't played a lot at this level yet.

**serverguy** · 03-01-2012, 11:00 AM

Royce has a very long ways to go before he is ready. Look at past players from Iowa State that have left early. How many of them have truly made it in the NBA? Most of them have lasted for a few years, but have not had great careers.

**Clone5** · 03-01-2012, 11:01 AM

How many moves that Royce did last night to score would work in the NBA? Most of the time he was using his size and quickness advantages to get to the rim. He won't have very many guys guarding him in the NBA that he'll be able to push into the lane or beat off the dribble.
I am not in anyway trying to say he won't be a good NBA player. He will definitely find a way to be effective but I just don't see his game translating all that well.

**Cyclonepride** · 03-01-2012, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Clone5

How many moves that Royce did last night to score would work in the NBA? Most of the time he was using his size and quickness advantages to get to the rim. He won't have very many guys guarding him in the NBA that he'll be able to push into the lane or beat off the dribble.
I am not in anyway trying to say he won't be a good NBA player. He will definitely find a way to be effective but I just don't see his game translating all that well.

True, but how many passes made your jaw drop?

**ISUCubswin** · 03-01-2012, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

True, but how many passes made your jaw drop?

My favorite was the one that almost knocked Bubu out of the stadium and Bubu was able to recover and put it in.

I was laughing for at least a minute.