Is this a potential top 25 team or am i drinking to much koolaid

**GoSTATE71** · 11-18-2009, 10:06 PM

What does it take for this team to get into the top 25...I know im looking way to far forward but im just really excited to see if this basketball team is for real.

After drinking alot of koolaid i believe we'll be 12-1 or 11-2 at worst entering the duke game (losses against California/notre dame) would this game be hyped up or would be people just look at it as just another duke game that they should win by thirty?

thoughts, opinions?

**cyclonedave25** · 11-18-2009, 10:09 PM

If we are 12-1 (loss to Cal or ND) heading into the Duke game, I believe we will be ranked. At 11-2 (losses to Cal and ND), we will be getting votes and be on the fringe of the top 25.

**ajk4st8** · 11-18-2009, 10:11 PM

We could be... but after beating 3 really bad teams, its so hard to tell based on how we have played so far.

KoolAid is great and Ill have another glass.

**jhill** · 11-18-2009, 10:14 PM

Too early to tell, in my opinion. I think the key will be Gilstrap stepping up and becoming a legitimate, consistent scoring threat. I also think that Dendy needs to get back on the court sooner rather than later.

If both of those happen, I think the Clones can be good enough to get Top 25 consideration.

**IceCyIce** · 11-18-2009, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

If we are 12-1 (loss to Cal or ND) heading into the Duke game, I believe we will be ranked. At 11-2 (losses to Cal and ND), we will be getting votes and be on the fringe of the top 25.

I can agree with this. For us to break the top 20 we will need to beat ranked teams and win on the road.

**CyCrazy** · 11-18-2009, 10:16 PM

Little early but we might be knocking on the door with a few big 12 wins

**khaal53** · 11-18-2009, 10:17 PM

My best guess if things go according to prediction will be that we are ranked by Christmas.

**cybsball20** · 11-18-2009, 10:19 PM

I think it we may get votes, then drop off for a while after that rough stretch of Duke, Kansas, Texas, then reappear just before the Big XII tourney

**3GenClone** · 11-18-2009, 10:27 PM

I think we could be receiving votes in the polls by the time we play Iowa. We need a strong performance in the Chicago Invitational and need to beat UNI and Cal and I think we're looking at sitting in the 20s by the time we play Duke.

**Hindy** · 11-18-2009, 11:26 PM

If the wheels don't come off the bus this team could and should win 2 or 3 post season games.

**CrossCyed** · 11-18-2009, 11:37 PM

If we can beat Notre Dame in Chicago, that'd be a big first step.

**helechopper** · 11-18-2009, 11:38 PM

I think GMac is a solid enough coach & great enough game manager to beat Cal, ND and Duke. I believe we can really start to steamroll if we just get over that first hump (Cal I think it is). Success breeds success. Plus, there can't be a more hungry nor deserving team in the nation than ISU.

**CrossCyed** · 11-18-2009, 11:44 PM

I think SLU and ND will be the first big humps...

**demoncore1031** · 11-18-2009, 11:47 PM

so where will be ranked after we beat duke???

**Dryburn** · 11-18-2009, 11:50 PM

It is still early, but here I think are the keys to this season:

1) Keep everyone as healthy as possible.

2) Gilstrap needs to slow his offensive game down a little bit, and just relax. He is very athletic, and that will get the attention of other defenses, but if he doesn't score more, they will learn he is not a threat.

3) Field goal shooting has been good, with both 2 pt. and 3 pt. shooting above 50 per cent. Doubtful they can maintain that against better defenses, but it might be possible. Against better defenses they may just have to be more selective with their shots.

4) Rebounding is still a concern. They had a good margin against Drake, but it has to improve against better competition. Use your butts, and grab the ball! Stop tipping it around.

5) Free throw shooting has not been very good at all (65%). Those points could become critical in Big 12 games or road games. This has always seemed to be a weak point. So far, the opponents have scored 8 more points off free throws

6) I think the defense has been good so far. They have averaged over 6 blocks per game, and over 7 steals. Also, the opponents shooting has been below 40 per cent, although opponents have shot over 42 per cent from 3 pt. range.

7) Turnovers could still be cut down, although about 14 a game is not terrible.

I think overall the guard play has been outstanding so far. This team has dished out 60 assists in 3 games and that is amazing.

I think this can be a very special team. There are more offensive weapons than ISU has had in a very long time. Hopefully, they will continue to improve as the season moves along. If they can continue to show improvement and gel even more as a team, with everyone understanding and accepting their roles, it could be a great year. Getting everyone healthy would be nice too.