Can Iowa State Contend For a Big 12 Championship in 2011-12?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Big 12 conference has been one of the toughest basketball conferences for the past couple of years. Kansas has emerged as a national powerhouse, with Kansas State and Baylor on the rise. With that, the Big 12 hoops conference looks stronger than ever this upcoming season.

Already looking ahead into next season (2011-12), it assume it will be a huge scramble at the top of the Big 12.

The last time the Iowa State Cyclones advanced in the NCAA Tournament was back when Curtis Stinson was scoring 17 points per game, while grasping other players like Jared Homan and Will Blalock.

However, during the last decade, the Cyclones achieved three Big 12 Tournament wins, one NCAA Tournament and two NIT appearances.

Luckily for the Cyclones, in the year 2011, they'll possess a tough roster that can actually compete at a high level in the Big 12. Coach Fred Hoiberg has acquired Royce White, the transfer from Minnesota, and Chris Allen, the transfer from Michigan State.

Not to mention, Coach Hoiberg has done an exceptional job with recruiting. The Cyclones acquired a 6-foot-6 wing threat in Elgin Cook, a decent lead guard in Tyrus McGee, and frontcourt presence Anthony Odunsi.

With the notion that Scott Christopherson, Jordan Railey, Eric McKnight and other standouts from Iowa State return after this season, Iowa State will have a talented roster to compete with any team in the Big 12.

With Chris Allen in the backcourt, he could bring you leadership and scoring. Playing under a Coach like Tom Izzo has progressed Allen's game a lot. He can bring that same intensity to a hungry Iowa State team, if not more.

Not to mention, hoisting players like Elgin Cook and Royce White on the wing, will present a lot of problems for opposing defenses. Cook and White collectively could score on every possesion. With such high basketball I.Q's, it'll be tough trying to outsmart both of them if you are the defense.

Point guard prospect McGee will have a huge impact on their 2011 roster. He was an All-State point guard in High School, but switched to the off-guard position during his tenure with Cowley County CC.

However, that will not stop him from coming to Ames, Iowa and helping right away. McGee is the band-aid to the Cyclones point guard problems.

He can shoot lights out from three, shooting an unprecedented 44 percent last season, and lead an offense. According to GoCyclones.com McGee has been working on his point guard skills.

Now just imagine a starting rotation that would feature McGee, Allen, White, and Cook. These four players collectively could establish ground in the Big 12, and possibly compete for the conference title.

With such a talented roster on paper, the Cyclones will have to put it together nicely for it to work. Basically saying, the Cyclones will need to establish depth, leadership and most importantly, an offensive attack.
The Cyclones will have enough talent to compete in the Big 12, but the real question is will they contend?


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Iowa State Picks Up a Juco Point Guard

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Iowa State Cyclones got a potential guard to address their point guard issues. Tyrus McGee, a junior college point guard gave Iowa State the thumbs up on the scholarship offer.

He is 6-foot-2, 180 which is ideal size for a college point guard. Not to mention, he is equipped with a decent three point shot, and has the tendency to lead his team in the right direction.

Iowa State continues to be placed in the right position to excel in 2011-12. Coach Fred Hoiberg nabbed Chris Allen, Royce White, Elgin Cook, Anthony Adunsi and now McGee.

With this nucleus of players, watch out for the Cyclones in 2011-12.

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Iowa State Is Royce White Worth The Risk?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

If you didn't get the memo, Royce White signed with Iowa State. Yes, it's the same White that was caught shoplifting at the Mall of America and charged with fifth degree misdemeanor assault. 

White was considered one of the best wing-threats in the nation coming out of high school. Instead of going anywhere in the country, White decided to stay home in Minnesota to play with the Gophers.

However, after getting in trouble, suspended, and quitting the team, his image took a turn for the worst.

But I assure you, White is a totally different person than he was a year ago. In fact, he learned how to play the piano in his free-time. I don't know how much that matters to you, but it does show you that he wants to stay out of trouble.

As for Iowa State, they hit the jackpot here. This is the same team that lost Greg McDermott to Creighton, Craig Brackins, and Marquis Gilstrap left for the draft; Justin Hamilton and Dominique Buckley transferred; not to mention, early May their guard Charles Boozer was arrested for allegedly slapping and kicking a women. 

So with that in mind, why would the Cyclones take a chance on White?

The Cyclones needed an elite player after both Gilstrap and Brackins left for the NBA draft. So why not go after White?

White is a 6-foot-8 wing threat that will create havoc next season.

With Diante Garrett returning, I expect him to step up big time with White as his wingman. Last season he had a 2-1 assist/turnover ratio. This season, I think he will average more assist and have a better ratio.

Despite the fact that the Cyclones have been through a lot this off-season, things have settled down and the newly acquired Head Coach Fred Hoiberg is digesting the challenge of being Iowa State's Head Coach.

Taking a chance on Royce White will pay off big time in the end. A lot of people are sleeping on the Cyclones ability to win next season. But with a decent coach like Fred Hoiberg, White and Garrett they'll be competitive.

They will not be a push over like everybody is expecting.