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Additions and subtractions: Iowa State Cyclones
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Coach Greg McDermott can count on no subtraction in the middle and a big addition on the wing. Last Spring All-Conference forward, Craig Brackins, announced that he would return for his junior year. All of a sudden the talk in Ames went from rebuilding again to challenging for the upper division of the Big 12 and a NCAA tournament birth.
The emergence of Brackins this past season is a testament to the teaching of the Iowa State coaching staff and his work ethic. He went from a solid Big 12 player to an NBA lottery pick in less than two years. Added to the mix this year will be the versatile Maquis Gilstrap. The junior college transfer from Gulf Coast CC gives the Cyclones something they lacked this past season. He is a playmaker on the glass and his ability to score the basketball will take some of the pressure off Brackins. Also, the frontcourt will be stocked with more experience than at any time in the McDermott era. Justin Hamilton and Jamie Vanderbeken gained valuable game experience this past season. Look for Hamilton’s ruggedness inside to be the perfect complement to Brackins ability to score on the block or the perimeter.
In the backcourt the Cyclones will be bolstered by transfer Scott Christopherson. He has a lead guard mentality and will push Diante Garrett for minutes. However, with Garrett’s ability to score off the bounce they could play together in the backcourt. Freshman Chris Colvin, who was ranked as a top 100 recruit by many scouting services, will push for playing time.
The Cyclones will go from competitive to challenging the tope teams in the league. With star talent like Brackins and Gilstrap it will be up to the guards to be more consistent. The backcourt doesn’t have to be flashy. They just need to be solid for this team to take the next step up in the standings.
