Positive signs program is on the rise

**pdxclone** · 11-13-2012, 04:03 PM

I know it is only two games into season #3 of CFH’s tenure but beyond the obvious W-L record and notice the next recruiting class is receiving, is the number of minutes the bench is playing. Three “backups” played as many minutes as the starters. And if Babb was playing, that is a 9 deep rotation of players averaging double-digit minutes. In looking at the Top 25 last night, Indiana, ND, UNLV, Memphis, Michigan, and Gonzaga all had 8-9 play double digit minutes.

Even if the rotation shortens during Big 12 play, the young guys are getting valuable game time experience that practice cannot give. This is how top programs stay on top, the next guy up has already played significant minutes. Plus, sometimes players have off nights and the top programs don’t drop off when putting in the backup.

Another sign is the balance of the classes after this year. It is less disruptive to have ~3 players per eligibility class when losing players to graduation or transfer.

**akellar** · 11-13-2012, 04:05 PM

I don't think there is any question that the program is headed in the right direction.

**pdxclone** · 11-13-2012, 04:09 PM

Trying to preempt the meltdown thread after the first loss of the year.

**Farnsworth** · 11-13-2012, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by pdxclone

And if Babb was playing, that is a 9 deep rotation of players averaging double-digit minutes.

Originally Posted by pdxclone

Trying to preempt the meltdown thread after the first loss of the year.

These two posts do not support each other. Your sample size is 2 games against 2 craptastic teams, one of which we won by almost 60, so of course everyone was able to get double digit minutes. Sounds like you are getting ahead of yourself, which only helps create a bigger meltdown later.

**Bret44** · 11-13-2012, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Farnsworth

These two posts do not support each other. Your sample size is 2 games against to craptastic teams, one of which we won by almost 60, so of course everyone was able to get double digit minutes. Sounds like you are getting ahead of yourself, which only helps create a bigger meltdown later.

FARNSY! Don't get in the way of a good meltdown. It keeps the world sane. And gives certain posters something to do with their lives.

**State43** · 11-13-2012, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by pdxclone

Trying to preempt the meltdown thread after the first loss of the year.

You mean we will lose a game?

**Farnsworth** · 11-13-2012, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Bret44

FARNSY! Don't get in the way of a good meltdown. It keeps the world sane. And gives certain posters something to do with their lives.

We should have had a promotion where they drew seat numbers to have people come down from the stands and play 10 minutes. We Could of had 30 players in double digit minutes last night.

**oldman** · 11-13-2012, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by pdxclone

I know it is only two games into season #3 of CFH’s tenure but beyond the obvious W-L record and notice the next recruiting class is receiving, is the number of minutes the bench is playing. Three “backups” played as many minutes as the starters. And if Babb was playing, that is a 9 deep rotation of players averaging double-digit minutes. In looking at the Top 25 last night, Indiana, ND, UNLV, Memphis, Michigan, and Gonzaga all had 8-9 play double digit minutes.

Even if the rotation shortens during Big 12 play, the young guys are getting valuable game time experience that practice cannot give. This is how top programs stay on top, the next guy up has already played significant minutes. Plus, sometimes players have off nights and the top programs don’t drop off when putting in the backup.

Another sign is the balance of the classes after this year. It is less disruptive to have ~3 players per eligibility class when losing players to graduation or transfer.

Another thing I really like is there doesn't seem to be much if any real drop in talent from the subs coming in.

**Cycl1** · 11-13-2012, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Farnsworth

These two posts do not support each other. Your sample size is 2 games against 2 craptastic teams, one of which we won by almost 60, so of course everyone was able to get double digit minutes. Sounds like you are getting ahead of yourself, which only helps create a bigger meltdown later.

Wernstrom!!!!

**Go2Guy** · 11-13-2012, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by akellar

I don't think there is any question that the program is headed in the right direction.

Yup; might be a drop off next year with what 6-7 leaving, but things look real bright with Fred.

**Erik4Cy** · 11-13-2012, 05:03 PM

Depth=wins. Football and basketball programs are both getting to be as deep as I've ever seen them. I think the school and athletics just in general overall are improving. Lots of recruiting tools and reasons to come to Iowa State for sports. Football would even be better w/o the injuries. Good time to be a Cyclone for sure.

**Cydkar** · 11-13-2012, 07:20 PM

The recruiting class sure fizzled after the first 2 commitments. I hope that is a 1 year stumble.

**gogagig** · 11-13-2012, 07:49 PM

If this year is not the greatest year in the history of ISU basketball, then I am going to stop all my donations to ISU athletics. And I am going to email JP, obviously.

**scyclonekid** · 11-13-2012, 08:22 PM

Well I would say selling out Hilton is a good start and having Fred and staff here. Again its heading in the right direction and yes there will be some bumps along the way.

**SyracuseCyclone** · 11-13-2012, 08:27 PM

This will sound confusing. BUT...I'll try.

Basically it seems like every good (relatively) young or up and coming coach in college basketball goes quickly from the greatest thing since sliced bread to overrated. Sean Miller, Bill Self (lost today), Brad Stevens (bad loss today), Shaka Smart (bad loss today) have all looked like the class of their profession then appear overrated. I have a feeling that we might avoid this with Hoiberg and he will be consistant going forward.

Hope that makes sense.