Haven't given up in next season yet

**MNclone** · 03-13-2010, 04:20 PM

Here’s why;
There is no doubt that losing Hamilton really hurt, but we still have 5 players coming back with significant Big XII experience.

For the first time in a long time, we aren't counting on a newcomer to fill a gaping hole in our lineup.

Garrett really stepped up his game late in the season, and I think he is ready to take over the leadership of the team. Remember when Brackins fouled out at KSU. Diante put the team on his back and won the game.

Dendy finished the season making 11 consecutive buckets. I think he can have a nice season in the starting lineup.

Once Christofferson got over mono, he played some solid ball. Most players are out for a few weeks when they get mono. Chris playing through it was a testament to his toughness. I believe he can be a star for us in coming years.

Colvin made some freshman mistakes on the court, but he also showed flashed of brilliance. The big question will be whether he can make the switch to the 2 guard.

And we get VanderBeeken back. We really missed him this year, because all our big guys played primarily in the paint. Jamie's range should open things up inside for everyone.

**kingcy** · 03-13-2010, 04:22 PM

Dont forget Booz. Mac has done a good job in the past at getting the right JUCO for what he needs. Some of ISU's best teams have had JUCOs on them.

**Go2Guy** · 03-13-2010, 04:25 PM

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

**MNclone** · 03-13-2010, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by kingcy

Dont forget Booz. Mac has done a good job in the past at getting the right JUCO for what he needs. Some of ISU's best teams have had JUCOs on them.

yeah, I didn't want my post to get too long, so I just went with what I think will be the starting 5. I expect Carlos to contribute some solid minutes off the bench next season. Hopefully some of the others coming can give a boost as well, but at least we will be ok if none of them start from day 1 like we have expected of first year guys in the past.

**Drive4cy** · 03-13-2010, 04:28 PM

I do think our guard play will be significantly better next year, assuming we don't lose anymore players or have a decommit.

The problem is, our front court might be the worst in BCS conference basketball.

**CyCloned** · 03-13-2010, 04:29 PM

Maybe it is a case of just not having guys that want to play together to win, but I really don't see GMac making the remainders doing much next year.

**Wesley** · 03-13-2010, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Drive4cy

I do think our guard play will be significantly better next year, assuming we don't lose anymore players or have a decommit.

The problem is, our front court might be the worst in BCS conference basketball.

We may have fixed one problem, but the new problem will make it a long season as we wi9ll have to play games in the fifties again until we have a shooting star able to score 16-18 a game. We are missing a vital piece.

**enisthemenace** · 03-13-2010, 05:08 PM

Maybe I'm a dip****, but assuming there are no more defections (here's to keeping my fingers crossed), I am somewhat 'excited' about next year.

Granted, losing Ham hurts, there's no question about it. However, I like being guard heavy, with no real "star" (a.k.a. EGO).

I'm just hopeful nothing else bad happens in the off-season, and we add both Clayburn and Wilkens.

**enisthemenace** · 03-13-2010, 05:12 PM

Oh, and one more thing. I really hope our guys don't play in the CCL (please tell me I missed something, and they have discontinued this league). I think it's a joke (perhaps this is for a different thread).

**MNclone** · 03-13-2010, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley

We may have fixed one problem, but the new problem will make it a long season as we wi9ll have to play games in the fifties again until we have a shooting star able to score 16-18 a game. We are missing a vital piece.

I think Christopherson can do this. He was in double figures each of the first 5 games of the season, and finished avereraging 12 pts per game over the last 6.

**Dryburn** · 03-13-2010, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by MNclone

Here’s why;
There is no doubt that losing Hamilton really hurt, but we still have 5 players coming back with significant Big XII experience.

For the first time in a long time, we aren't counting on a newcomer to fill a gaping hole in our lineup.

Garrett really stepped up his game late in the season, and I think he is ready to take over the leadership of the team. Remember when Brackins fouled out at KSU. Diante put the team on his back and won the game.

Dendy finished the season making 11 consecutive buckets. I think he can have a nice season in the starting lineup.

Once Christofferson got over mono, he played some solid ball. Most players are out for a few weeks when they get mono. Chris playing through it was a testament to his toughness. I believe he can be a star for us in coming years.

Colvin made some freshman mistakes on the court, but he also showed flashed of brilliance. The big question will be whether he can make the switch to the 2 guard.

And we get VanderBeeken back. We really missed him this year, because all our big guys played primarily in the paint. Jamie's range should open things up inside for everyone.

If ISU is not counting on a newcomer to fill a gaping hole in the lineup, then please explain who is taking Ham's place that is not a newcomer. Dorr?

Also, if JVB is not going to play underneath, then exactly who is going to rebound? You said 5 coming back with significant Big 12 experience, but don't you mean 6? SC, Colvin, JVB (last year), DG, Dendy, and Boozer.

Even so......4 of the 6 coming back are guards. And the JC player coming in is a guard. The two redshirts from this year are guards. You have two freshmen frontcourt players coming in. So right now the team consists of 7 guards and 5 frontcourt players.

Another thing you have to take in to account....this year opposing teams were concentrating their defense on CB and MG, including double teams on CB most of the time. That won't be necessary any more. That was what initally concerned me about those guys leaving was the effect that would have on Ham inside. Guess we don't have to worry about that now? Point is.......teams will be able to concentrate on shutting down any improvement from DG, SC and JVB.

**Erik4Cy** · 03-13-2010, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by MNclone

For the first time in a long time, we aren't counting on a newcomer to fill a gaping hole in our lineup.

uhhhhh...what?

**CloneState1028** · 03-13-2010, 06:05 PM

If you're not counting on Phillips, Clyburn and Wilkins (If we get the last two) to make a huge contribution, I'm assuming you're expecting a 10-win team?

**SeattleClone** · 03-13-2010, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by MNclone

yeah, I didn't want my post to get too long, so I just went with what I think will be the starting 5. I expect Carlos to contribute some solid minutes off the bench next season. Hopefully some of the others coming can give a boost as well, but at least we will be ok if none of them start from day 1 like we have expected of first year guys in the past.

Carlos Boozer would definitely give us some solid minutes... but I'm looking for a good season from Charles...

**MNclone** · 03-13-2010, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Dryburn

If ISU is not counting on a newcomer to fill a gaping hole in the lineup, then please explain who is taking Ham's place that is not a newcomer. Dorr?

Also, if JVB is not going to play underneath, then exactly who is going to rebound? You said 5 coming back with significant Big 12 experience, but don't you mean 6? SC, Colvin, JVB (last year), DG, Dendy, and Boozer.

Even so......4 of the 6 coming back are guards. And the JC player coming in is a guard. The two redshirts from this year are guards. You have two freshmen frontcourt players coming in. So right now the team consists of 7 guards and 5 frontcourt players.

Dendy and VanderBeeken will start at the post replacing Ham and Brack.
7 guards and 5 frontcourt players seems like a decent mix in college basketball. Nothing wrong with going to a 3 guard line up if you have to.

The world isn't coming to an end just because Hamilton left.