Julie Vanloo enjoys visit to Iowa State

Women’s basketball coverage for the 2010-11 season at CycloneFanatic.com is brought to you by our good friends at Wilson Toyota in Ames.

By Ian Smith, CycloneFanatic.com Contributor

Julie Vanloo enjoyed the full Iowa State experience on Monday night.

The Belgium recruit decked out in Cardinal and Gold, wore a Cyclones foam finger and even ate a Clone Cone.

Does that mean she’s coming to Ames next fall? Maybe, but Iowa State’s blowout victory over Cal State Northridge only helped those chances.

“The fans are amazing,” Vanloo said. “When I play, there is just one little section that watches us. It’s really impressive.”

A true point guard, Vanloo stands at 1.72 meters tall – or almost 5-foot-7. The choice for her is between playing collegiate basketball in the United States or professionally in Italy, France or other places. If she ends up in America, chances are good it’ll be in Ames.

“If I come to the States, it’s probably going to be Iowa State,” Vanloo said.

If that happens, Cyclone fans should be excited. Vanloo – who would be a class of 2011 recruit – averaged 16 points per game in the U17 World Championships last summer when she played for the Belgium.

“I’m good at organizing my team,” Vanloo said. “I’m really fast. My first step is really good, so I’m good at driving to the basket. I’m an all-around player, but my driving to the rim is the best.”

Her performance at the U17 World Championships helped her team to a fourth-place finish and drew the attention of Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly. Vanloo started receiving mail from the Cyclones and there was enough interest to get her on an unofficial visit.

After a 15-hour flight due to delays, Vanloo liked what see saw in Ames. Iowa State’s practice facility especially stood out.

“It’s impressive because we don’t have that in Belgium – the practice facility, with the logos and the colors,” she said. “Everything is so big. I really like it.

Vanloo, who is 17, also enjoyed Ames.

“It’s calm, it’s easy,” she said. “They are not a lot of people. All the people are friendly. I really like it here.”

What about on the court? Vanloo was interested in seeing how Iowa State plays, particularly the point guard.

“I’m going to see if I’m able to handle everything,” Vanloo said. “I’m going to look at the crowd and enjoy it. After (Monday), I’m going to know what it’s like to be here.”

There’s no timetable for a decision, but Iowa State certainly gave her a lot to think about on the flight home.