Greg's Annual Letter to the Students

**Bader** · 12-05-2008, 02:33 PM

I just got an email with a letter from Coach McDermott thanking the students for their support and talking about the team, as he has done the last three years. I cannot imagine having a better person as a coach of our team and believe Greg can get things going for Cyclone basketball and Hilton Magic again!

Go Cyclones!

December 5, 2008

Hello Iowa State Student and Cyclone Fan,

First and foremost I want to THANK YOU for supporting, not only our basketball team, but all of our athletic teams in an incredible way!!! The enthusiasm and support of the Iowa State student body and Cyclone Alley is second to none.

As the Fall semester comes to a close, I want to encourage everyone to finish the semester strong and extend my personal well wishes to you as you take your final exams. I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and safe travels to and from home.

Just a reminder that tomorrow our Cyclone men's basketball team will be hosting Oregon State University on national TV (ESPNU) at 1:00 p.m. in the "Big 12 / Pac 10 Hardwood Series. Last year we won a thriller in overtime at Corvallis, Oregon. We expect another great game. On Tuesday, we will be hosting Drake at 8:00 p.m. as the in-state rivalry series continues. Again, this will be a nationally-televised game on ESPNU.

Our young team is off to a good start (5-1). With 11 of our 15 players being freshmen and sophomores, our expectations deserve some caution. However, our team's passion and willingness to improve gives all of us encouragement for things to come. Many of you had a chance to witness a record breaking "3" point performance by the Cyclones in the World Vision Classic. Iowa State made an all-time team record 15 threes vs. UW-Milwaukee. Although we are a young team, our goal is to play with great effort, hustle and enthusiasm. I want our team to demonstrate the same "PASSION" that you, our student body, demonstrate every game.

There is nothing that makes me prouder than representing Iowa State University, our alums, our fans and especially our students. I hope you share my excitement and appreciation for this great University and the opportunities granted us all. Cherish this special time and special part of college life … Hilton Magic!!!

I want to thank you again for your past support and invite you to continue to support the Cyclones as we finish our non-conference schedule and head into the Big 12 part of our season. I hope to see you at Hilton Coliseum tomorrow and Tuesday as we host two very good teams on a national stage!!

Go Cyclones!

Greg McDermott
Head Men's Basketball Coach
Iowa State University

**CycloneErik** · 12-05-2008, 02:39 PM

This is my borken record post. This man impresses me more and more as a coach, and as a man, every single day/week/game. I could not be any more proud that we have him as our coach.

I was really hesitant back when we hired him. I loved him at UNI, but I didn't think here would be a good fit. I'm convinced that I was wrong, and he convinces me more with everything I see from him. We got a good one!!

**kg-cyclone** · 12-05-2008, 02:46 PM

I think the big thing is...he understands that it needs to be a family atmosphere. EVERYBODY is part of ISU, so let everybody be involved as much as possible. It's fun and it leads to success.

**Cardinal&Gold11** · 12-05-2008, 02:49 PM

I've had a chance to meet Greg quite a few times, and he is a great person, and an excellent basketball coach. I couldn't be more proud to have him as our coach. I will be at every home game and some away games cheering this team on. Let's show our support this saturday. Let's beat OSU tomorrow!!!

**Lenny25** · 12-05-2008, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

This is my borken record post. This man impresses me more and more as a coach, and as a man, every single day/week/game. I could not be any more proud that we have him as our coach.

I was really hesitant back when we hired him. I loved him at UNI, but I didn't think here would be a good fit. I'm convinced that I was wrong, and he convinces me more with everything I see from him. We got a good one!!

I could be a little more proud if he won more.

**cybsball20** · 12-05-2008, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Lenny25

I could be a little more proud if he won more.

Same here... Warm and Fuzzies don't go far for me, I want to see some W's and certainly don't want to hear about us being a young team when every team in the league is young...

**saf** · 12-05-2008, 03:45 PM

Good letter. Am I the only one that thinks his signature looks like "Hog" McDermott? LOL

**cyismydog** · 12-05-2008, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by kg-cyclone

I think the big thing is...he understands that it needs to be a family atmosphere. EVERYBODY is part of ISU, so let everybody be involved as much as possible. It's fun and it leads to success.

And that's one of the reasons I love Coach Mac so much. How many other coaches would let a 14-year old watch their practices? Especially if he's not a recruit, and just loves basketball?

**markshir** · 12-05-2008, 04:03 PM

How do we know you aren't a secret spy for Lickliter moonlighting as just a kid who loves basketball? Maybe Greg's family focus will come back to haunt him.

**hobbsfan27** · 12-05-2008, 04:04 PM

Looks good, does Gene do this?

**CYKOFAN** · 12-05-2008, 04:06 PM

Coach Mac is a good guy, as are a lot of other coaches. I'll be more of a fan when he starts knocking off highly ranked teams at Hilton to bring back the magic.

**Cyclone62** · 12-05-2008, 04:58 PM

As nice as that letter is, once the end of season record is closer to .750 than .500 I'll be happier with him.

**scyclonekid** · 12-05-2008, 05:12 PM

I still think this season will be more like last season. I know it is a rebuilding process and we are getting better just not hitting on all cylinders yet, but that day will come hopefully sooner than we all think. I like this team and once everything starts to gel the cyclones will have good victories. Coach Mac is a good coach and teacher of the game which is what Iowa State needs right now.

**kingcy** · 12-05-2008, 05:25 PM

He is a good guy from everything I know. Good guys dont always win, I hope he can get it done at ISU, it will be a sad day if he gets let go. He almost ran over me at a FB with a golfcart as he zoomed by he had a little smirk on his face.

**drlove** · 12-05-2008, 05:29 PM

Great letter. I hope our students continue to come out and support all the teams.

I do wish he would have touched on the idea of being great fans and doing it the right way by doing away with some of the obscenities.