Cyclone Roundup: Kane on campus, Thursday night football?

After a week in Mexico and a couple of personal days off, I’m back in the saddle. 

Join me as I "catch up" on the Cyclone/Big 12 world around us in today’s roundup. 

Kane is on campus

There has been a lot of chatter about Marshall transfer DeAndre Kane visiting Iowa State this week since I have been gone. 

As far as I know, the 6-foot-4 guard arrived on campus last night. He could be in for an eventful visit too, as severe weather is expected to threaten the Ames area all day long and flash flooding is a scary concern for the entire region. 

Kane averaged 15 points and seven assists per game last season for the Thundering Herd. My friend Brent Blum tells me (he would know) that Kane was one of the top players in all of Conference USA during the 2012-13 season. 

Kane would be eligible to play immediately next season. Pitt and Memphis appear to be Iowa State’s competition. 

My quick opinion is a novice one but this is a guy who would make an Iowa State program lacking a point guard A LOT better next season. A LOT better. Like, enough better to compete for third in the league better. You get the point. 

This isn’t LeBron James but that isn’t what Fred Hoiberg needs at this point. Hoiberg needs a guy who can distribute the basketball but still be a threat to score at the same time. That is Kane. 

Stay tuned. 

What if…

Kane commits? 

Iowa State would be at 14 scholarships for next season. It’s darn-near June. 

It’s something to think about…

Thursday night football? 

Something we’ve been speculating for a while and yes, it is still speculation. But college football television guru Matt Sarzyniak tweeted this yesterday afternoon:

Matt Sarzyniak ‏@mattsarz19h

Seems more likely now, based on Pac-12, of the following: Texas-Iowa St. (10/7 ESPN), USF-UH (10/31, ESPN 7pm), OU-Baylor (11/7, FS1)

Hoiberg hitting the links

Per the Principal Charity Classi Twitter page, Fred Hoiberg will participate in today’s Pro-Am. "The Mayor" will tee off at 9 a.m. today with Casey Blake. 

Lots O’ Links

*** More details of college football’s new playoff are starting to emerge. News from yesterday’s Big 12 meetings. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram 

*** Those bullies from the SEC… — K.C. Star

*** The Alamo Bowl is about to jump the Cotton Bowl in the Big 12’s pecking order. — AP

*** Don’t expect any Big 12 expansion any time soon. That’s according to West Virginia’s AD at least. –— West Virginia Illustrated  

*** Some insight on the continuity within Paul Rhoads’ coaching staff from Steve Malchow. — Cyclones.com 

*** The top prospect in Kansas’ 2013 recruiting class (football) has been arrested and charged with robbery. Think he will ever see the field? — K.C. Star

*** Ladies and gentlemen…I give you the American Athletic Conference!!!!! (applause appreciated) — Sports Illustrated