Why I'm still (trying) to be positive

**galactawitz** · 02-22-2010, 08:39 PM

I know all of us are disappointed by this season. I was one of the ones who scoffed at those "experts" back in October who had the audacity to pick us 7th or lower in the Big 12. However, I still see a glimmer of hope for this team. Here is the sugar to support the kool-aid

1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.

2. Big Ham- Our most consistent player through the year, and has only gotten better. If his progress from year 1- year 2 continues into next year, look out.

3. Our progress throughout the year- Hear me out here. I'm talking rebounding, defense, and free throws. Those are things everyone complained about, and we have gotten much better at those as the year has gone along. Our shooting woes aren't necessarily things you can "fix". The other things were and there was major progress there throughout the year.

4. Gilstrap and Brakins- Anyone who says they don't want these guys next year at ISU have absolutely no clue about basketball. If either is, it is a great thing for ISU. If not, we have proven we can play with teams without them after their combined shooting percentages the last few games have been dismal.

5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. Ham, Dendy, JVB returning inside. Also a solid recruiting class with players that can contribute right away.

I know it can be easy to get down about this season. I known many will say there needs to be a change, but I still feel there will be bigtime strides that will be made with the quality players coming in.

**ajk4st8** · 02-22-2010, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by galactawitz

I know all of us are disappointed by this season. I was one of the ones who scoffed at those "experts" back in October who had the audacity to pick us 7th or lower in the Big 12. However, I still see a glimmer of hope for this team. Here is the sugar to support the kool-aid

1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.

2. Big Ham- Our most consistent player through the year, and has only gotten better. If his progress from year 1- year 2 continues into next year, look out.

3. Our progress throughout the year- Hear me out here. I'm talking rebounding, defense, and free throws. Those are things everyone complained about, and we have gotten much better at those as the year has gone along. Our shooting woes aren't necessarily things you can "fix". The other things were and there was major progress there throughout the year.

4. Gilstrap and Brakins- Anyone who says they don't want these guys next year at ISU have absolutely no clue about basketball. If either is, it is a great thing for ISU. If not, we have proven we can play with teams without them after their combined shooting percentages the last few games have been dismal.

5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. Ham, Dendy, JVB returning inside. Also a solid recruiting class with players that can contribute right away.

I know it can be easy to get down about this season. I known many will say there needs to be a change, but I still feel there will be bigtime strides that will be made with the quality players coming in.

We are bringing in one new guard. I hope hes better than Dedric and Tinsley... we need that to have a chance.

**Drive4cy** · 02-22-2010, 08:48 PM

Returning depth is a big concern of mine. Particularly in the front court. And that's assuming Dendy comes back, which is probably 50/50.

I agree, we did make progress throughout the year. The only problem is, so did everyone else. Agreed on Big Ham.

**Go2Guy** · 02-22-2010, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by galactawitz

5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. .

.............from a team that finishes second to last in conf.

**Wesley** · 02-22-2010, 08:54 PM

The talent has always been on this team. That is why we are so disappointed. We should be 7-5 or 8-4 in the league right now. We always seemed like we missed easy free throws, threw the ball out of bounds at critical times, and look lost at end of games. I do not know why DG just does to take over the game and pass the ball to any of the other four players. He has the tools. He just needs to take control of the ball and not dump it to CB or MG. He needs to become the go to guy. He can shoot the short jumper if needed. He is tall. He has long arms. He just needs to become more gritty and step up. He shoots better than Colvin and Ham/Dendy can tap in the rebounds if he misses a layup. The key is DG to take over. As far as inside shooting goes, let Ham take more shots and MG and CB go for the rebounds. Why not?

**kkise** · 02-22-2010, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by galactawitz

I know all of us are disappointed by this season. I was one of the ones who scoffed at those "experts" back in October who had the audacity to pick us 7th or lower in the Big 12. However, I still see a glimmer of hope for this team. Here is the sugar to support the kool-aid

1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.

2. Big Ham- Our most consistent player through the year, and has only gotten better. If his progress from year 1- year 2 continues into next year, look out.

3. Our progress throughout the year- Hear me out here. I'm talking rebounding, defense, and free throws. Those are things everyone complained about, and we have gotten much better at those as the year has gone along. Our shooting woes aren't necessarily things you can "fix". The other things were and there was major progress there throughout the year.

4. Gilstrap and Brakins- Anyone who says they don't want these guys next year at ISU have absolutely no clue about basketball. If either is, it is a great thing for ISU. If not, we have proven we can play with teams without them after their combined shooting percentages the last few games have been dismal.

5. Returning Depth- Even if we lose Brakins and Gilstrap, we have a lot of experience returning. Garett, Colvin, Scotty, Buckley, Boozer are all guards with experience. Ham, Dendy, JVB returning inside. Also a solid recruiting class with players that can contribute right away.

I know it can be easy to get down about this season. I known many will say there needs to be a change, but I still feel there will be bigtime strides that will be made with the quality players coming in.

Agree on one and two. Diante's jump shot looks better and we've needed it. There's a fine line between winning and losing; we've ended up on the wrong side. As disappointed as I've been with the losing, I like the effort out our guys.

**Cloned4Life** · 02-23-2010, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by galactawitz

1. Diante Garrett- I am shocked at how well he has played the 2nd half of the Big 12 season. He has really turned it on, and I now think he will be a great Big 12 point guard in his senior season. Never thought I'd say that. Always loved the way he worked, but didn't think the tools were there.

Way, way, way too much koolaid. I think I'm watching different games then you. Is Hilton still at the corner of Lincoln Way/University? Maybe I'm DVR-ing the wrong channel too?