2010 Recap

Not a lot was expected out of Iowa State last year. Nearly every person figured they could be last within the Big 12 conference with just two players back from the 2009-10 season, however the Cyclones ended up being sort of a surprise. Typically, it can be difficult for folks to become thrilled about a .500 season, nonetheless it was the first time Iowa State did not possess a losing record since the 2005-6 season.

In Fred Hoiberg's first year, Iowa State totally altered their identity. Heading from a slow it along and grind it out group to one which ran more and spread the floor.  That modification of pace helped the Cyclones rank fifth within the conference and 39th within the country in offense at 74.8 points every game.

Iowa State also shot the three-ball very effectively last season, nailing 275 (8.6 for each game) of their shots from behind the line. That was sufficient to lead the Big 12 and rank 13th within the nation.

2011-12 Overview

Only two starters return for Iowa State this year, but the real key may be the addition of four transfers. Last season this group was called the best scout team in the country and helped keep each practice competitive. Now Chris Allen, Chris Babb, Royce White, and Anthony Booker might be ready to prove themselves on the floor.

Last season Iowa State wasn't extremely deep, so they performed a much more conservative half-court defense. With a lot more talent on this year's roster you can wager they will probably be far more aggressive in utilizing pressure to force turnovers.

Backcourt

Iowa State is going to have to seek out a solution to replace Dainte Garrett's numbers. He was a quality point guard who notched his name all through Iowa State's record books for both assists and points.

There's still a good deal of talent in the Cyclone backcourt. Scott Christopherson is really a incredibly talented shooter who has made 131 career 3-pointers already. He drained 86 last year, ranking second inside conference and 33rd in the nation at 2.8 each contest. His 44.1 three-point percentage was good for 11th in the nation and he has buried a 3-pointer in 34 consecutive contests. Christopherson doesn't turn the ball over, works hard, and should not need to log countless minutes this season thanks to the Cyclones's bench.

You are going to most likely see Iowa State making use of a great deal of 3-guard sets as a result of having so much talent in the backcourt. Transfers Chris Allen, Chris Babb, and Tyrus McGee are strong shooters. Allen and Babb have been Big Ten starters and each averaged just below 10 points per game back in 2009-10. McGee is coming through from Cowley Community College.

Chris Allen brings three years of experience from his time at Michigan State. He's performed in 14 tournament games and two Final Fours. He can not simply shoot from the outside, but can also be a defensive stopper.

Chris Babb made 69 3-point baskets in his final season at Penn State and averaged 10.2 ppg in Big Ten games.

Tyrus McGee nailed 115 three-point shots last season at a 48.7% clip. He was a NJCAA First-Team All-American and may play both at the two and at point.

Two extra players watch out for are Bubu Palo and Tavon Sledge. Palo played all 32 games last year and proved capable of playing the one spot. Sledge will be the player with the most potential. He is incredibly fast and was ranked as the 3rd best participant in New York City after averaging 25.3 points and 5.2 assists in his senior year.

Frontcourt

Mevlin Ejim and Jordan Railey both ought to see time as returning letterman while Royce White, Anthony Booker, and Percy Gibson will all make an impression as newcomers.

Ejim had an incredibly productive freshman season last year for the Cyclones. The Canadian put up 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was only the 12th freshman in Cyclone history to average double figures. Despite his hefty production, Hoiberg thinks Ejim will probably be even far better this year. Ejim is far more of a small forward, but was forced to move to the paint last season thanks to the Cyclone's lack of depth.

Royce White was a very highly touted recruit two seasons in the past, but failed to perform a game with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and then he sat out last year soon after transferring to Iowa State. White is robust and is an superb passer. He'll be beginning at power forward and may be the star of this team.

Percy Gibson was one of the best big men in Michigan last season, putting up 21.2 points and 12 rebounds for each game. Booker was a top-50 player coming out of high school, but only averaged 6.4 points and 4.1 boards as a freshman for Southern Illinois.