Lucca interview on channel 5

gocubs2118 · 03-10-2008, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

There will be a lot of pressure on this kid, especially at first. I mean, the staff and fans went to bat for him - made a huge deal about his suspension. "Free Lucca" was a common chant until 3-4 weeks ago.

While I do have high hopes for him, I'm not expecting anything other than a "freshman" on the court next year with good size and excellent shooting abilities.

The nice thing will be, he should have a great understanding of the system. He'll need to be able to take what he knows mentally and put that into live game speed. You can't simulate game speed...that will be an adjustment for him. And having not been in game speed for almost 2 years could show signs of rust.

I don't know if pressure is the right word. I do think there is going to be a lot of spotlight on Lucca. I hope we have a lot of people at our first exhibition game so we can give Lucca a big Hilton welcome.

cardinal&gold · 03-10-2008, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

There will be a lot of pressure on this kid, especially at first. I mean, the staff and fans went to bat for him - made a huge deal about his suspension. "Free Lucca" was a common chant until 3-4 weeks ago.

While I do have high hopes for him, I'm not expecting anything other than a "freshman" on the court next year with good size and excellent shooting abilities.

The nice thing will be, he should have a great understanding of the system. He'll need to be able to take what he knows mentally and put that into live game speed. You can't simulate game speed...that will be an adjustment for him. And having not been in game speed for almost 2 years could show signs of rust.

If he turns out to be an all-Big 12 stud, then that'll be gravy. I just want to see the guy have a chance to play ball. The only expectations I have of him are to play with hustle and enthusiasm. He seems like a stand-up man of integrity, so I don't think any of us will be disappointed in that regard.

Lucca is a Cyclone. That's all that matters.

isucyclone4 · 03-10-2008, 05:27 PM

first time his name is announced in Hilton whether it be in the starting lineup or his first basket, etc. I would DEF. wanna be there. It's gonna be loud.

ISUFan22 · 03-10-2008, 05:27 PM

Spotlight. Pressure. Two very similar things that can either slow a kid's progress or fuel his fire. I hope for the latter. :)

And I agree C&G - frankly we're lucky to still have the kid.

I just can't wait for that first shot of his to fall. Man, Hilton might explode.

BryceC · 03-10-2008, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by isucyclone4

first time his name is announced in Hilton whether it be in the starting lineup or his first basket, etc. I would DEF. wanna be there. It's gonna be loud.

I hope they announce him last at least for the first few games next season. Just because people will be going nuts for him.

ISUFan22 · 03-10-2008, 05:30 PM

My hope is he doesn't get a start until one of our big games in Hilton when the place is full. Selfishly from a fan perspective, I don't want his first start and first big game to come against Sister Mary of the Poor.

cardinal&gold · 03-10-2008, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by isucyclone4

first time his name is announced in Hilton whether it be in the starting lineup or his first basket, etc. I would DEF. wanna be there. It's gonna be loud.

I would kill a man to be there in person to see that (well, not literally).

dustinal · 03-10-2008, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by superdorf

It was part of the McD show which would be on clone zone... i think they replay it on mediacom 22, but i have a dish.

I believe they also make those shows available on Mediacom OnDemand, for those who have it.

CyValley · 03-10-2008, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

This I was not aware of. So he'll be overseas in the summer? I gather we won't see him in the Cap. City league?

That may not be a bad thing for a number of reasons.

Just last Monday, I think it was, Mac was asked if he had any fears that Lucca would not return for the start of fall classes. Mac said that Lucca would have stayed here this summer if he had asked Lucca to do that, but he thinks the European competition will be the best thing for him.

Mac said, essentially, that he has no fears that Lucca won't return. Lucca's a Cyclone now, Mac said, and can't wait to play in front of Hilton crowds.