Andy Katz chat

**gocubs2118** · 05-20-2008, 01:52 PM

Alex (Chicago): Andy, can Iowa State ever catch a break? With the recent news of Wesley Johnson transferring, do you think Greg McDermott is the right coach for the job?

Andy Katz: (2:47 PM ET ) Losing Johnson is crushing news for the Cyclones. I'm not sure the Cyclones will recover from this in the near future. The Big 12 is a tough mountain to climb and Iowa State is already seemingly locked in the bottom half. Losing Johnson is a major step back. McDermott didn't forget how to coach at Iowa State. He took NIU to the NCAAs. But recruiting to Iowa State isn't easy. We'll have to see.

**Jeremy** · 05-20-2008, 01:54 PM

He said it how it is. There is no way to sugar-coat the loss and it will be felt for a long time. If we don't rebuild in the next two years, this could be one of the bullets on the reason list if McD gets booted.

**isucyfan** · 05-20-2008, 01:54 PM

NIU??

Duh.

**ISUFan22** · 05-20-2008, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

He said it how it is. There is no way to sugar-coat the loss and it will be felt for a long time. If we don't rebuild in the next two years, this could be one of the bullets on the reason list if McD gets booted.

I agree - this is going to define Greg's tenure at ISU. Overcome it and win - he's a genius and able to succeed in the face of adversity.

Continue to lose and - well - you know...

**gocubs2118** · 05-20-2008, 01:56 PM

IMO, the first season we will be competitive will be the 2010-2011 season and thats if we get Harrison Barnes. If we don't, I don't even want to think where we will be at that time. Probably looking for a new coach.

**BryceC** · 05-20-2008, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

IMO, the first season we will be competitive will be the 2010-2011 season and thats if we get Harrison Barnes. If we don't, I don't even want to think where we will be at that time. Probably looking for a new coach.

Missing on Barnes would be another bullet point for some fans.

**mwitt** · 05-20-2008, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

Missing on Barnes would be another bullet point for some fans.

If we lose out on Barnes and do not have a lot of progress on the court, there will be a lot of people calling it the final nail in the coffin.

**cybsball20** · 05-20-2008, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by mwitt

If we lose out on Barnes and do not have a lot of progress on the court, there will be a lot of people calling it the final nail in the coffin.

I am also worried about the Dykstra early commitment backfiring...

**gocubs2118** · 05-20-2008, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by mwitt

If we lose out on Barnes and do not have a lot of progress on the court, there will be a lot of people calling it the final nail in the coffin.

That will be the final nail in the coffin for me.

**ISUFan22** · 05-20-2008, 02:03 PM

It should be a bullet point for damn near all fans if we can't get Barnes. I mean, the guy is all but in our back pocket if you attend spring workouts and see that he attends most of our home games.

However, I'd venture to guess this week isn't one of those good weeks in the days of recruiting Barnes.

**CarolinaCy** · 05-20-2008, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I am also worried about the Dykstra early commitment backfiring...

Yes, this worries me too. He's so young we don't know if he'll be the next Raef Lafrentz or the next Greg Helmers (some of you may have to look him up).

**BryceC** · 05-20-2008, 02:06 PM

IMO 2010 is a long way away and I'm a lot more concerned about what happens prior to him stepping on the floor. But I am also of the opinion that we will not get him, so I honestly don't concern myself with it all that much.

**CyGuy33** · 05-20-2008, 02:07 PM

If he misses on Barnes, how can he improve? You have to get quality players at this level. This kid is good and in your back yard. To miss on him at this point would be the final nail, they could start doing what they did with Johnny Orr and playing a song when Mac comes out. Not "Here's Johnny" but "Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Goodbye"

**isuno1fan** · 05-20-2008, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

IMO 2010 is a long way away and I'm a lot more concerned about what happens prior to him stepping on the floor. But I am also of the opinion that we will not get him, so I honestly don't concern myself with it all that much.

I tend to take this approach with all things Cyclone. Expect the good not to happen and when it does you are pleasantly surprised.

**cyfanatic** · 05-20-2008, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

IMO, the first season we will be competitive will be the 2010-2011 season and thats if we get Harrison Barnes. If we don't, I don't even want to think where we will be at that time. Probably looking for a new coach.

If we are looking for a new coach we might be looking for a new AD as well! Fund-raising and facilities upgrades are nice...but the AD is most responsible for hiring coaches that put a winning product on the court/field. That is what pays the bills. If GMac is let go that is a direct reflection on the job performance of JP. If things are bad on the court and FB is only winning 4-5 games by that time...JP won't be as popular around here.