2006 Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Preview

2006 Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Predictions

Greg McDermott (221- 127 over 12 years) enters his first year as coach at Iowa State with one big task. He’s had to just about totally rebuild the Cyclones, which posted a 16- 14 record (6- 10 Big 12) last season. After losing six players with eligibility, he was left with only one scholarship player with more than 1 year of experience.

Junior college transfers Michael Taylor (Chipola Florida CC) and Corey McIntosh (Fullerton CA CC) will most likely start at the guard positions. Taylor can score off the dribble. McIntosh, who led his team to a 37- 0 record, was California Junior College Player of the Year. McIntosh is a fine point man who can also score. Freshman Dodie Dunson can hit threes and play off the boards.

Forward Rashon Clark (13.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 49.5 FG%, 76.7 FT%), now a junior, led the team in rebounding and was a potent scorer. He’s Iowa’s old man and must provide leadership. Clark can play defense with the best and should improve on his offensive output. Other front men include Jiri Hubalek (8.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.5 FG%, 72.7 FT%), Ross Marsden (2.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 53.2 FG%, 53.8 FT%) and Jessan Gray (4.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.3 APG, 46.8 FG%, 85.7 FT%), plus various freshmen. This group is a work-in-progress.

Coach McDermott will try to make the Cyclones play as efficiently as possible on both ends. That means no wasted passes or shots and getting the most out of every possession. He’ll really stress sound “D.” McDermott’s job would be much easier had All-Conference guards Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock not turned pro.

McDermott, a native of Iowa, may be the best thing that could happen to this team. He moved quickly to improve the Cyclones and brings a winning style and personality. This year Iowa will struggle, but the new guys will see plenty of playing time and next year the team should benefit from this season’s efforts. Don’t expect any post-season activity from the Cyclones in 2006- 07.

If you want more info on the 2006 Iowa State Cyclones College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Colorado Buffaloes and Nebraska Cornhuskers.