Thursday, February 28, 2008

Iowa State vs. Kansas, post-game

Iowa State currently ranks 137 on the RPI standings. Perhaps a little misleading? The Cyclones' schedule has included games with Drake, whose bounced around the Top 25, Baylor, who is rapidly rising in the Big 12, Nebraska who knocked off Kansas State, No. 18 Texas A&M, No. 12 Texas and No. 6 Kansas. Wednesday they might have faced the best of them all in the Jayhawks.
"I think they are the most complete team in the country," McDermott said.
With their loss last night, ISU has dropped 10 straight games to ranked opponents. With the Big 12 tournament just around the corner, the Cyclones will most like get a crack at, at least one more. Can they end the streak this season?

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

How bad do they need this?

The Cyclones have lost nine games in a row to ranked opponents. They let an overtime win slip away from them against Texas on Feb. 9. ESPN will be there tonight. It's expected to be a sellout and the last time before the Big 12 tournament the Cyclones get some heavy coverage. How bad do they need this win?
I'll be blogging periodically from press row throughout the game tonight.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What a win against Kansas would mean

Sean Haluska has only been around a half a season, but the junior college transfer from Carroll has no doubts about what a win against No. 6 Kansas could do for his struggling Cyclones' team.
"Anytime you beat a ranked opponent it's just going to give your team a boost of confidence and that could very well be the case Wednesday," Haluska said.
The Cyclones' last win over Kansas? Feb. 17, 2001 at Hilton Coliseum where Iowa State defeated the Jayhawks 79-71. Iowa State finished the season 25-6 (13-3 in the Big 12).
Senior Rahshon Clark was on that squad.
"That'd be a huge win," Clark said of tomorrow's game. "That'd be a great confident builder."
There are no Big 12 regular season title hopes on the line for Iowa State this season, but what do you think a win tomorrow night could do?

Monday, February 25, 2008

Up and Down Times of the Haluska family

Sean Haluska isn't the only member of his family having success. The Cyclones' junior guard's younger brother Blake Haluska is averaging 12.7 points per game for Carroll who is one victory away from punching a ticket to the Iowa High School state basketball tournament.
Sean, who scored a career high 15 points on Saturday against Texas Tech, said he is feeling as confident as he's ever been. The 6'3, 200 pound guard started the season missing his first 26 shots from 3-point range to open the season.
"I wasn't shooting the ball with confidence at the beginning of the year and these past few games I've just been a lot more confident," Sean said.
Both of Sean's parents will be in town Wednesday when the Cyclones host No. 6 Kansas. The one Haluska who won't be there? Older brother and former Cyclone and Hawkeye Adam Haluska was traded to the Houston Rockets last week. Several media outlets have reported he could be released as early as today.
"It's pretty interesting how the NBA life goes day-to-day," Sean said. "Your not sure where you're going to be. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Cyclones at the NFL Scouting Combine

Alvin Bowen’s dream has always been to play in the NFL.
This past weekend, he’s taken a step closer to fulfilling that as the former Cyclone linebacker has participated in the NFL’s annual Scouting Combine.
“For the most part everyone says they love the way I play,” Bowen said in a telephone interview from the combine. “I play with a passion; it’s what they love to see.”
So far, the 6’3, 224 pound linebacker has met with officials from the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Bowen, who led the nation in tackles per game in 2006, was a second-team All-Big 12 selection after recording 99 tackles in 2007.
Now, he’s showing teams how he does it.
“Not only have I gotten to show my face but I’ve got to sit down, talk with scouts,” he said. “They get a feel for me.”
Bowen, is joined by former Cyclone teammates wide receiver Todd Blythe and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin as the only Iowa State players participating in the Scouting Combine.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Getting Craig Brackins on track

Two weeks ago, Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott said he wasn't ready to send freshman Craig Brackins to the bench. Saturday, he did for the entire second half of Iowa State's 60-52 win over Nebraksa. Brackins, who is averaging 10.9 points per game, in 27.6 minutes of playing, but against the Cornhuskers, played a season low seven minutes. Is it time to bench him?

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Catching up with Mike T

I spent about fourty five minutes last week doing a telephone interview with former Cyclone guard Mike Taylor. Taylor, who was dismissed from the Cyclones after numerous off the court violations. The most striking part of our conversation? What Taylor had to say about ISU coach Greg McDermott removing him from the team.
"I'm thankful that coach Mac (McDermott) and everybody tried to get me on track and everything," Taylor said. "It just wasn't the time for me."
This weekend it was. Taylor was back in town while the Iowa Energy hosted his Developmental League team, the Idaho Stampede.He scored 23 points in the Stampede's 108-100 victory over the Energy.
In conversations that I had with McDermott, he said nothing but good things about Taylor and even classified his leaving as "on good terms."
They must have been. I ran into Taylor during the Cyclones' victory over Nerbraska Saturday. He was high fiving McDermott during timeouts, sitting with Lucca Staiger by the Cyclones' bench and even saying, "hi" to ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. While my story about Taylor ran in last week's Iowa State Daily, enclosed are some things that didn't make it in.
On his relationship with current Iowa State players and coaches: "I still talk to everybody because we were a family then and nothing changed," he said. "I'm still going to support Iowa State.
On what he's learned from his off the court issues: "I've learned that just everything you do, it's business, it's professional, it's the way you must carry yourself besides all the basketball," Taylor said.
On possibily returning to Ames to finish his degree: "I'm trying to work something out," he said. "I don't know yet. I really enjoyed my time here, I really enjoyed my time at Iowa State. Coach McDermott has a great program, everybody there is great and good and I really enjoyed it. So, I wouldn't mind coming back and getting a degree from Iowa State."
Probably one of the most productive conversations I've ever had.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Call it inspiriation from the half-time ceremony or whatever, the Cyclones' open the half on a huge run and led Nebraska by three. Happy homecoming to Mike Taylor who is sitting behind the Cyclones bench. Taylor, who was dismissed from the Cyclones this summer, is in town this week for the Idaho Stampede to play the Iowa Energy.
Nebraska 27, Iowa State 30

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, 1st half

The Cyclones' end a nine minute scoring drought with a basket from Wesley Johnson. Maybe Fred Hoiberg will stay on the court after the half-tiem ceremony.
Nebraska 24, Iowa State 11.

Nebraska at Iowa State

The injury bug must still be in the Cyclones' lockeroom. Sophomore guard Wesley Johnson is not starting today's game against the Cornhuskers.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Big Signing Day

After coach Gene Chizik’s signing day press conference Wednesday, I ran into Steve Malchow, senior associate athletic director of communications.
“It’s like Christmas,” Malchow said.
On this holiday, Malchow, Chizik, and the Cyclones got a big gift. Sedrick Johnson, a 6-4, 180 pound wide receiver, sent in his letter of intent to play for Iowa State just minutes before the clock hit the noon hour.
In July Johnson had verbally committed to Texas A&M. By January he was on campus visiting Iowa State during the Cyclones’ men’s basketball game against Oklahoma State. Braving the negative temperatures, Johnson apperarently liked what he saw.
From watching his highlight tapes, there’s plenty to like about him as well. As a junior, Johnson hauled in 38 passes for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished his senior year catching 41 passes for 633 yards and 12 touchdowns. It’s those stats that brought coaches From Florida, TCU, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, and Nebraska to Johnson’s house.
“Through a lot of heavy pressure on him and other coaches trying to do their job well, we were very fortunate he made the decision to come to us,” said offensive coordinator Robert McFarland.
Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving….....for at least four years.

Adding to his legacy

On Tuesday, senior Rahshon Clark added another piece of history to his resume. The senior forward connected on his 100th career three-pointer, making him the only player in Big 12 history with 1,000 points, 100 steals, 100 blocks, and 100 three-pointers. Am I surprised by this accomplishment? No. On Monday, I watched Clark workout for about a half an hour before practice began. He shot his threes, he worked on him jump shot, and even rebounded for junior Bryan Petersen while the guard worked on his long range shooting. Small things like that is what lead to big accomplishments like Tuesday's.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Wesley Johnson Injury Status

It's still a guessing game whether or not Wesley Johnson will play tomorrow night when the Cyclones' host Texas A&M. The sophomore was not listed in Monday's starting lineup provided to the media. Instead, freshman Diante Garrett was listed as the starting guard. Johnson, who reinjured his ankle against Colorado is listed as day-to-day.
"It might be ok today and not good tomorrow," said Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott. "We'll just have to wait prior to game time and see how functional he is and if we think he can help us then he'll play. If we feel like it's a negative to have him out there, then he won't."

Wesley Johnson Update

While Wesley Johnson watched Saturday's game in street clothes, he might be doing the same thing Tuesday. Following the Cyclones' lost to Nebraska, coach Greg McDermott said the guard was still day to day.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Iowa State vs. Nebraka

Hubalek is heading to the bench with four fouls and still over six minutes remaining. Can Alex Thompson and Corey Johnson hold down the lane for awhile?
Iowa State 43, Nebraska 48

Iowa State vs. Nebraska, half-time

Forget about the score, the most dissupointing thing for Cornhusker fans, Cyclone Alley. I just spoke with a representative from the club who estimated over 200 fans made the trip for the game. They have plenty to cheer about. It's tied at half time 29-29.

Iowa State vs. Nebraska, 1st half

Looking for someone to pick up the scoring with Johnson gone. The Cyclones have made it to the first media timeout with a three point. Senior Jiri Hubalek has nine points already.
Iowa State 12, Nebraska 9

Iowa State. vs. Nebraska

Without Johnson in the lineup, the Cyclones have replaced him with freshman Diante Garrett. Should be a good test for the first year point guard.

Iowa State vs. Nebraska

Hoping for a little Cyclone power in Nebraska? They'll have to do it without their leading scorer Wesley Johnson who made the trip but is in street clothes. I'll be blogging periodically from press row during the game so check it out.