Which of our current players needs to improve the most for next season?

**ISUChippewa** · 03-12-2009, 09:43 AM

I will qualify this question by saying I didn't see too many games this last season, mostly because I live in Colorado. I thought about getting ESPN's Full Court, but due to my busy work schedule and well....also due to our performance (or lack thereof) I didn't get it for this season.

I do think that this off-season will be very important for one Diante Garrett. By looking at the box scores, it seems to me like he can be a solid and effective Big 12 guard, as he did have a few pretty good games, but then just as often he would put up a sub-par performance and hurt us with poor shooting and a bad assist-to-turnover ratio. I would like to see some consistency from him.

Thoughts?

**wcamnclone** · 03-12-2009, 09:46 AM

I think Justin Hamilton. Because we need to have another big guy that can score down low to take some pressure off of Brackins down low. I also think Diante just needs to develop a consistent shot he can knock down and he can be dangerous.

**GeronimusClone** · 03-12-2009, 09:47 AM

Justin Hamilton, Vandercanadian and Staiger finding game other than beyond three-point line.

**jay moe** · 03-12-2009, 09:47 AM

DG and Ham need to improve the most, as well as Luccas ball handling.

**CycloneYoda** · 03-12-2009, 09:48 AM

Brackins. If that guy can average 37ppg and 16rpg, we will be just fine.

**rd4isu** · 03-12-2009, 09:49 AM

The entire back court without question. Our guards (and everyone else for that matter) should eat, sleep and breathe strength training.

**ce1** · 03-12-2009, 09:49 AM

I'd say getting Diante's game to the next level is the most important. Here's why...

when Diante is slashing/scoring and his mid-range (not 3-point) shot is falling, it changes the way teams defend ISU. It opens up Brackins (and even Hamilton). It sets up our 3-point bombers (Staiger, Eikmeier, JVB). In short, what ISU is capable of doing offensively becomes much less one-dimensional.

The real question, i think, is this...Does Diante have the talent/desire to take his game to the next level?

**GeronimusClone** · 03-12-2009, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by rd4isu

The entire back court without question. Our guards (and everyone else for that matter) should eat, sleep and breathe strength training.

I can think of one that should just leave, make room for someone with ability.
McD should also be in this improvement thing. He needs to learn how to turn one good half of basketball into an entire game.

**bawbie** · 03-12-2009, 09:50 AM

I think some combination of DG, Buck and Colvin need to be a Big 12 quality PG.

If Brackins stays, then we need Gilstrap to be a good wing.

If Brackins leaves, then we need Gilstrap to be a stud scorer and we need JVB to step into the 4 spot and put up 12 and 8 every night. And learn how to play defense.

But more than anything else we have to learn how to stop dribble penetration in the last 10 minutes of games.

**BryceC** · 03-12-2009, 09:51 AM

I'd say Buckley and Hamilton. Buck needs to be on the court next year because he's one of the few guards we have with any weight. If he can improve his defense and decision making he's a good enough shooter to keep guys honest on the perimeter and he's got the quicks and handling ability to get by them.

Hamilton needs to be another option beside Brackins. Defense can still get better and he was very efficient but most of his points came on wide open offensive rebounds and tip slams. It would be nice to get Dendy (if he's good) to provide some more depth in the frontcourt.

**iccyfan** · 03-12-2009, 10:04 AM

I'll cast another vote for Garrett and / or Buckley. Watching the Big XII this year was fun as there are many teams who feature PG's who can play solid d while also penetrating to score or dish. I don't want to write off Garrett after two years, but his ballhandling, defense, mid-range game and finishing ability all need to improve.

**jaretac** · 03-12-2009, 10:08 AM

If Brackins returns, I would go with DG. It may seem like an odd choice, but we need people with good ball handling that can drive to the basket without turning it over.

If Brackins doesn't return, I would go with Hamilton.

For either situation, Boozer would also have to be in the mix.

**IcSyU** · 03-12-2009, 10:13 AM

My gut says DG. If he could become consistent at all he'd be a heckuva weapon. Next I'd probably say Justin Hamilton. He's only been playing basketball for a couple years and really has the potential to shine in the future.

**necromancy** · 03-12-2009, 10:17 AM

I think the guards MUST improve for us to improve in the conference. In particular, DG needs to be able to finish his shots. He can get to the hole OK, but is very poor at getting his shot in. Not sure why that is. Seems like a weird problem.

The player I'm most excited to see improvement in is Hamilton. I think he's just going to get better, and better, and better...

**cybsball20** · 03-12-2009, 10:23 AM

I'm going with Buckley simply because I don't think that DG can improve his jumper and distance shooting enough to be a legitamate multi-threat. IF Buckley can improve a little bit all around he will be a better guard than DG.