More Unsolicited Advice for Next year

[PolkCityClone]

We are not dying to love Brock. We are hoping he realizes that he shouldn't be a walk on next year.

 

[Howie3310]

I love how Mac is ALWAYS standing. He'll sit for maybe half a minute and boom he's up. He's almost always on the court too, you know that EA Sports slogan, "it's in the game" well he is...literally.

 

[rkthompson]

Did anybody else find this quote hilarious or is this just my warped sense of humor? If you take away the the most important part of the post I think his point is right on. Homan couldn't jump but was tough inside with the left handed block and played hard and tough. Why can't Ross do that?

"Ross Mardsen - Most important player for next year's team. His contribution is critical. Maybe grow your hair out and get a tattoo. I don't know if you were sick or soft but I suggest looking up Jared Homan and offering to be his prison wife during the off season."

 

[ajjohnson]

This year was a mulligan...I get that. Next year is the first official year of the McDermott era. It pains me to admit that considering the state of Big 12 basketball and what McDermott gets paid.

First of all, no more 22 point losses on our home court to teams less talented than we are and no more wood shed beatings regardless of team and rank. No more excuses. The NCAA tournament is probably not a realistic expectation next year but separating ourselves from bottom feeders is. Hell, the NIT actaully means something now.

Michael Taylor - O.K. He may be the only guy capable of creating his own shot and there may be a little Troy Davis factor involved but enough. No more shots five seconds into the shot clock that we can get at anytime in a possession. Turnovers have to go whether he is playing his natural position or not. Make the team better not the margin of loss. BTW, thanks for the effort this year.

Rahshon Clark - This guy has to be a bigger part of the offense. This is on both him and the coach. Too much natural ability for a good coach not to utilize. He needs to slash and shoot. He did little of either this year. His leadership and defense deserves recognition but ISU needs more from him.

Wesley Johnson - The only way this kid's potential will be reached is if he hits the weight room and develops an inside game. His game is great for a freshman but not a sophmore. Learn how to bang and quit camping out at the three point line. In case you haven't noticed teams are willing to give you that shot.

Cory McIntosh - Signs of improvement but your job will be up for grabs. Get stronger and learn how to count to five. Keep improving your dribble penetration and you'll be a hero.

Ross Mardsen - Most important player for next year's team. His contribution is critical. Maybe grow your hair out and get a tattoo. I don't know if you were sick or soft but I suggest looking up Jared Homan and offering to be his prison wife during the off season.

Jiri Hubalek - Most improved player of the year. Great to see him buy into McDermott which is a credit to both Jiri and McDermott. Offense has to go through him and he needs to deliver. Continue to get tougher.

Dodie Dunson - If you are going to be a specialist then you have to be special. Move into a gym this summer.

Cory Johnson - Get bigger and get meaner.

Brock Jacobsen - C'mon man. You gotta make a few shots. We are dying to love you.

All Newcomers - Unlike the rest of my Belove Cyclone family you are nothing until you prove it on the floor. There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to this team. ISU is a point guard and power forward away from competing. Get in there and beat some guys out.

Greg McDermott - Honeymoon over big boy. Invest in this program. Live and die by wins and losses. Get a techinical. Insult a ref. Physically abuse a player. Date a cheerleader. Start acting like your existence depends on a win over Iowa and Kansas. And for crying in a bucket, no more purple or any other none ISU colors. Your shirt ties are red and gold only.

This seems a bit on the negative side. Trust me, I drink ISU kool aid by the keg. I just think this team and coach has tons of potential. That and I've had a few pops tonight and I am sick of living in enemy territory.

I agree with a lot of this post. Most people would disagree but I think Brackins is clearly the most important player. We need a superstar that can be the go to guy when we need a big play or someone to draw a doubleteam. Counting on a freshman to be that guy is not good but unfortunately that is where this program is right now. It sounds like Brackins with his inside outside game could be that matchup problem we desperately need (like a Julian Wright). He is our highest rated recruit ever for a reason.

I think Thompson will be an important addition, but it isn't realistic to count on him to be the all big 12 type player we need, he averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds on 35% shooting his SECOND year. He will be a good addition, but not the player to put the team on his back and carry it to the tournament. Summer leagues are great, but they are not division 1 college basketball. Many Hawkeyes dominate the Prime Time league and go on to big ten mediocrity. Not saying Thompson won't be a positive addition, but I don't think he is the can't miss savior most do either.

I also think people saying Kansas isn't one of our most important games shows just how far the expectations have fallen. If we want to win a big twelve title (regular season or tournament) or make any noise at all in the NCAA's we damn well better circle those dates on our callender and man up for those two games, not cover our eyes while they deliver a 40 point *** kicking!

 

[cyclonenum1]

This year was a mulligan...I get that. Next year is the first official year of the McDermott era.

The NCAA tournament is probably not a realistic expectation next year but separating ourselves from bottom feeders is. Hell, the NIT actaully means something now.

Wesley Johnson - The only way this kid's potential will be reached is if he hits the weight room and develops an inside game. His game is great for a freshman but not a sophmore. Learn how to bang and quit camping out at the three point line. In case you haven't noticed teams are willing to give you that shot.

Ross Mardsen - Most important player for next year's team. His contribution is critical. Maybe grow your hair out and get a tattoo. I don't know if you were sick or soft but I suggest looking up Jared Homan and offering to be his prison wife during the off season.

Cory Johnson - Get bigger and get meaner.

Greg McDermott - Honeymoon over big boy. Invest in this program. Live and die by wins and losses. Get a techinical. Insult a ref. Physically abuse a player. Date a cheerleader. Start acting like your existence depends on a win over Iowa and Kansas. And for crying in a bucket, no more purple or any other none ISU colors. Your shirt ties are red and gold only.

Why are some ISU fans so free to pass out mulligans to our coaches and our teams? I, for one, am sick of mulligans. I know that McDermott took over a tough situation but that is not really unique. In fact, it is often the situation when a coaching change happens.

Look at Billy Gillispie at A&M...when he came to College Station they were coming off their 11th straight losing season...7-21 overall and 0-16 in the Big 12. His first team went 21-10 (8-8) NIT, his second team went 22-9 (10-6) NCAA, and this year's team went 25-6 (13-3) NCAA. I am not knocking McDermott...I am knocking our fan base for being accepting of mediocrity! We should demand excellence...NCAA invites every year and deep runs in the tournament every few years!

Also, this "analysis" above is ridiculous.

Wesley Johnson...yes he needs to develop his upper body strength but he is not a 4 or a 5...he is 3! He is not a "banger" and shouldn't be asked to do that...Texas sure didn't use Durant as a banger did they? Wesley is our best player and we need to have him play a position where his strengths can best be utilized.

Ross Marsden is the "most important player" for next year's team? Wow...I'm really not certain how to respond to that.

Cory Johnson...I hope when you say "get bigger" you are hoping he grows about 4 or 5 inches before next season. This kid does not have the athleticism to play in the Big 12 as far as I'm concerned. No skills to play the perimeter and too small to play inside. Maybe with very hard work he may be able to be a small role player by the time he is a junior or senior...a wasted scholarship in my opinion.

McDermott...he needs to be himself and not try to be "Bobby Knight Jr." as you suggest. It's always bad to try and be someone that you are not...it never works. I'm OK with his neckware being non-ISU colors by the way. Just try not to wear the colors of that night's opponent!