2024 ISU MBB State of The Program

[cyclones500]

The NCAA discontinued the 0-1-2-3-4-5 digits only rule for uniform numbers.

0 or 00 (one or the other at the same time on the roster but not both because their statistics program can't distinguish between them) through 99 are now legal uniform numbers in college.

Pierce is going to be the first Cyclone to take advantage of that with #7.

I also noticed the uniform design has not changed.

I was aware of some of that, but not all of it.

You know who would've been a good "99"? Robert Jones.

 

[Sigmapolis]

I was aware of some of that, but not all of it.

You know who would've been a good "99"? Robert Jones.

How long until somebody wants #69...

I'm buyin' that NIL jersey.

 

[qwerty]

I was aware of some of that, but not all of it.

You know who would've been a good "99"? Robert Jones.

How long until somebody wants #69...

I'm buyin' that NIL jersey.

The hard part is finding enough officials with 10 fingers per hand to report the fouls to the bench.

 

[t-noah]

I know there are a number of postseason threads, but I've done a "state of the program" end-of-season summary every year for the nearly 20 years CF has been around. This is the easiest update I've ever had to write. Warning - You should know by now these are long posts. Also, I'm a realist, not a pessimist or optimist - despite how the following will read.

Current Overall Status = Great, 2nd Most Wins in School History
Direction of Program = Steep Trend Upwards

TJ came into a gutted program coming off a ****-show 2-22 season with no momentum. He came in with a plan of how to turn things around the quickest while pouring a foundation for the future. Little did he know that his first years would be during one of the all-time highs of Big 12 MBB, already the best conference in the land, and a changing conference landscape. Not only was there a crater to dig out of, it was at the base of a mountain we also needed to ascend. Oh yeah, NCAA athletics just so happened to be entering massive turmoil and change like never before.

Iowa State has some advantages - rabid fans, amazing home court environment, historically above average success over the past 20 years, and energy surrounding the program.

Iowa State also has some disadvantages - bottom of the league NIL support, location - to some degree, and recency bias against us.

I first talked to TJ on the phone in 2006 and have been in love with him ever since. He is Iowa State at his core, not just on the outside. He is a man of integrity, self-directed mandate to do things the right way, and genuinely open and honest even with kids that sometimes aren't used to that. He knows Iowa State better than any coach coming into a head coaching position could ever know a program and it's needs. The unique passion he has makes him sitting across the table from recruits a walk in the park.

TJ knew the only way to jump-start the program was to be excellent at the one thing that he would be able to get the right players for in quick order. Defensive talent is within Iowa State's NIL budget, the Portal has plenty of proven hard workers that you know what you're getting from the get-go, and he knew offense was the most expensive and least attainable short-term prospect.

With arguably the biggest turnaround in MBB history in his first year, he proved that Iowa State can be a contender, and immediately. The focus on defense meant that we could keep almost any game within reach, even with below average scoring abilities. The guys he brought in were hard working, passionate players hungry for development. Their passion to raise us out of the ashes has lead the teams to be some of the most beloved in program history, even without a ton of high-level talent.

As time has progressed, Iowa State has maintained that focus on defensive intensity as it's still aligns with the immediately impactful players we can get. But, each year we've brought in more and more scorers - both via the Portal and via HS recruiting. That, despite a Portal that is built to make play makers incredibly expensive and in short supply. However, the early success and trajectory has given offensive players a reason to at least take our phone calls.

With NIL what it is, Iowa State will always have a very difficult time getting the Top 20-30 scorers in the Portal in any given year, they're just too expensive. What Iowa State has shown is that because of our 5-star culture, our fanbase, and our on-court success, those Portal players just a tier down have a reason to consider taking less money to play at a place they know will set them up for life-long success and give them every opportunity to develop for the NBA if skills align.

We've missed out on some huge difference makers solely because of a lack of NIL funding, players/scorers that could have gotten us to the Final 4. But, we've also been able to attract guys like Omaha, Milan, Rock, etc that could have gotten very high 6-digit figures to go elsewhere but took our low 5 digit offers because of the intangibles listed above. Those are the guys that are bought into the passion and want to develop for the prospect of longer-term financial and life success.

As we come out of the third season of Otzelberger-mania, the transfers and recruits look better each and every recruiting cycle. Our disadvantages are being offset in many cases by our advantages - and more so every year. That's the recipe for success at Iowa State, and TJ knew it... despite a ton of doubters. Yeah, we still struggle on offense, but you can see the leaps and bounds we're making. A team that was picked to finish 7th in the conference finished the year 4th in the nation. A team that can go 10 minutes without scoring was one of the best teams in the country, yet again.

Looking ahead, the Big 12 continues to look like it will be the best league in the land, and potentially get even tougher. At the same time, our recruiting classes are Top 10 in the country and we've maintained a Top 5 defense. Offense will come, but it is much harder to get and develop so will continue to take iterative steps. Believe in the process and progress. It won't happen overnight, but it's not because it isn't a focus or goal of the staff - so don't doubt their realization of our ceiling without scorers.

So as we look ahead and what appears to be the brightest future we've ever imagined, let's take a look at a couple things before cynics continue to doubt the process. Despite a 2-22 season the year before, TJ has accomplished...

• 3 NCAA Tournament Appearances
• 2 Sweet Sixteen Appearances
• Only ISU Coach To Reach 2 Sweet Sixteens (in 3 years no less)
• A Top 5 National Ranking (at the fricken end of the season)
• 2nd Most Wins In a Season (29 wins) in School History
• Best Conference Finish In Years
• Beat Overall #1 Team In Country Twice (and once by nearly 30pts)
• Top 10 Recruiting Classes
• One of 4 Finalists For 2023-24 National Coach of the Year

Again, as we enter the off-season, remember that despite the season coming to an end, we've done more in the first three years under TJ than almost any other school in the country that isn't a top-tier blue blood. That after a 2-22 season. That with a huge NIL disadvantage. That despite the toughest league being at it's all-time high. That without a Top 100 offense.

I've written these posts for almost 20 years and the past 3 years they've basically written themselves. Yeah, they're long winded and sound incredibly optimistic for a realist - but it's important to recognize how far we've truly come, how good we are compared to our historical averages or highs, and where the program looks to be headed.

Trust The Process. Trust The Progress. Soak It In. Enjoy It. It's Just Getting Started.

One additional note; While none of us like having to, now is the time to consider giving to the We Will Collective. Our advantages have gotten us where we are, but we need to keep building our NIL infrastructure to reach our true potential.

On a more personal note; April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Please also consider donating to the Michael J Fox Foundation to support Parkinson's research. There are more charities than ever needing funds, but this one is especially close to home.

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I was hesitant to read the OP here. I mean, pretty long-winded for a relative newbie like this Jer fellow.

I'm used to reading and commenting on Jeremy's posts though. I will make an exception here.

Kidding aside, thanks for the great post 'Jer', you show good potential here at CF! As far as your comments, all were well stated and I agree!!

And, Jer, you did change your handle, yes? Or am I just thinking it always used to be Jeremy? I do see shadows and ghosts from time to time.

 

[nfrine]

I was hesitant to read the OP here. I mean, pretty long-winded for a relative newbie like this Jer fellow.

I'm used to reading and commenting on Jeremy's posts though. I will make an exception here.

Kidding aside, thanks for the great post 'Jer', you show good potential here at CF! As far as your comments, all were well stated and I agree!!

And, Jer, you did change your handle, yes? Or am I just thinking it always used to be Jeremy? I do see shadows and ghosts from time to time.

Is Jer a Gen Z?

 

[t-noah]

Is Jer a Gen Z?

I believe he is a Gen J.

I've said before that J is my favorite Cyclone. It's true, for me anyway. This site is simply amazing, IMO, and it all started from his work and formatting.

 

[cyclones500]

I was hesitant to read the OP here. I mean, pretty long-winded for a relative newbie like this Jer fellow.

I'm used to reading and commenting on Jeremy's posts though. I will make an exception here.

Kidding aside, thanks for the great post 'Jer', you show good potential here at CF! As far as your comments, all were well stated and I agree!!

And, Jer, you did change your handle, yes? Or am I just thinking it always used to be Jeremy? I do see shadows and ghosts from time to time.

I had noticed that change a while back. It's like a screen-name reinvention.

At some point down the line, I expect him to change it to Emy.

 

[t-noah]

I had noticed that change a while back. It's like a screen-name reinvention.

At some point down the line, I expect him to change it to Emey.

Or, MyNameIsJerEh?

And Jer is the only one allowed to do it! Not fair!

 

[t-noah]

I had noticed that change a while back. It's like a screen-name reinvention.

At some point down the line, I expect him to change it to Emy.

And I sincerely hope Jer doesn't change who he is, unless it is for his betterment. I like him for who he is! But also (somewhat) understand mental health issues. Peace to all.

 

[Sigmapolis]

The Poster Formerly Known as Jeremy

 

[Jer]

I switched it a couple months back. Over the nearly 20 years here, there have been countless times where people have put my personal or home information on social media to attack me and it’s lead to threats, attempted vandalism (picked up on camera all 3 times), etc. Was really bad again late last year when a post about CC trended big time on Twitter and people doxed me for weeks.

I also removed the founder tag. I can’t undo 20 years of having my full name out there as I’ve never been anonymous like everybody else, but can try to build some distance… hopefully.

 

[RagingCloner]

I switched it a couple months back. Over the nearly 20 years here, there have been countless times where people have put my personal or home information on social media to attack me and it’s lead to threats, attempted vandalism (picked up on camera all 3 times), etc. Was really bad again late last year when a post about CC trended big time on Twitter and people doxed me for weeks.

I also removed the founder tag. I can’t undo 20 years of having my full name out there as I’ve never been anonymous like everybody else, but can try to build some distance… hopefully.

Sorry you had to deal with that.

On another note, it’s amazing the mental fragility of hok fans regarding anything CC related

 

[t-noah]

I switched it a couple months back. Over the nearly 20 years here, there have been countless times where people have put my personal or home information on social media to attack me and it’s lead to threats, attempted vandalism (picked up on camera all 3 times), etc. Was really bad again late last year when a post about CC trended big time on Twitter and people doxed me for weeks.

I also removed the founder tag. I can’t undo 20 years of having my full name out there as I’ve never been anonymous like everybody else, but can try to build some distance… hopefully.

Also sorry you had to deal with any of that. It shouldn't be that way. People can be so hypocritical and hateful and mean.

Kindness starts with ourselves and is a choice. We can choose it or not. Keep in mind that you have some of your best fans (and CF family) right here.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[Cyclonepride]

Looks weird having that few non-conference games with the expanded league schedule.

 

[NetflixAndClone]

people already complaining about the OOC schedule being weak. Except they forget that Maui is loaded and that teams don't want to come to Hilton for the automatic loss.

 

[cyclones500]

About the level of fillers I expected.

Side note: It's weird seeing "IU Indianapolis" -- IUPUI is splitting to separate schools beginning in July.

 

[CycloneErik]

people already complaining about the OOC schedule being weak. Except they forget that Maui is loaded and that teams don't want to come to Hilton for the automatic loss.

It was loaded just with Maui.
Marquette is just awesome. Hilton needs my presence for that one.

 

[alarson]

My only complaint with the schedule is that the big 12 isn't putting a couple of the early conference games before break (which is what we've seen the big 10 do).

Instead we'll likely have a couple early conference games during the holidays, which means more games where the students aren't present.

I don't really have a problem with the noncon itself. Maui is a big step up as is marquette. Not every game needs to be vs p5, and you need so many games to fill out the home slate.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Buddy and myself are making roadie to Iowa city. If ever there was a year we should get a W over there it's this year.