I go back to the 70’s and I don’t think we’ve ever had a better lineup 1-5. That includes the 2000 year and this year our supporting cast is better. If everyone stays healthy we can have a special year. Let’s go.
Best 1 through 5 ever
- Thread starter 83Clone
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It’s a fun discussion for sure. I’d argue some of Fred and Steve’s teams were better 1-5 than Eustacy had although it’s hard to beat the Tinsley/Fizer combo. In terms of overall balance offensively and defensively it’s also hard to argue with this year. On paper, last year may have been better but results this year so far suggest otherwise.
The Perdue win was big but long season before can judge this year
Couple of Fred's teams had better 1-5 offensively, but stunk defensively. Fizer, Tinsley, Stevie, Nurse, Horton team still #1 though.
Hard to say, but me thinks, most depth ever, much of which has yet to be revealed.
Batemon in particular.
Just read that he hit 15 out of 15 3's in hs. Hard to believe, but I believe everything Google-Wikepedia tells me! Fabulous young man as well, on and off the court.
Heise. 40+% from 3 last year.
He's been a tad bit absent (so far) but I'm thinking he'll shine when least expected.
Jefferson has improved immensely, both ends, tho I'd hope for more situational awareness when handling the ball. Nailing 3's at a pretty good rate.
MM has improved immensely, both ends. Given the "shoot at every op," I found questionable. Good to be waf, so far.
Buchanan. He's in a MUCH better Ames place. Dude is growing into this place. Strikes me as the end of season dude that can be a difference maker. He does the unexpected, when I least expect.
Tamin. His drives to the basket and ensuing "floaters," on or off the glass. Just f-ing WOW.
Pleta. Expecting unexpected moments.
All-important CHEMISTRY, minus "locker room bs."
So far, I don't see a hint of the latter.
If we're talking individual player talent, I'd stack the 1984/85 roster.
Barry Stevens (Sr)
Jeff Hornacek (Jr)
Jeff Grayer (Fr)
Sam Hill (So)
Gary Thompkins (Fr)
When past Cyclones are mentioned as comparables to Toure, I first think of Thompkins. Big physical guard who was a great defender.
Barry Stevens (Sr)
Jeff Hornacek (Jr)
Jeff Grayer (Fr)
Sam Hill (So)
Gary Thompkins (Fr)
When past Cyclones are mentioned as comparables to Toure, I first think of Thompkins. Big physical guard who was a great defender.
Man, you're as old as me!
Recall Tompkins. Not sure he lived up to pretty high ratings, o-wise?
Never-the-less, a team that could beat any team in the nation on any given night.
For those that are too young to have witnessed "the Jeff's " (Grayer n Hornacek), I'll leave it at that.
Grayer is by far and away, the greatest dunker the clones have ever witnessed.
Nobody previously or since, has had to drop his head when dunking, for fear of gashing his forehead.
Luv me Deonte Burton.
Him vs. Grayer in a slam dunk competition? Lol.
Recall Tompkins. Not sure he lived up to pretty high ratings, o-wise?
Never-the-less, a team that could beat any team in the nation on any given night.
For those that are too young to have witnessed "the Jeff's " (Grayer n Hornacek), I'll leave it at that.
Grayer is by far and away, the greatest dunker the clones have ever witnessed.
Nobody previously or since, has had to drop his head when dunking, for fear of gashing his forehead.
Luv me Deonte Burton.
Him vs. Grayer in a slam dunk competition? Lol.
You forgot toure. That dude is special.
The 2015 and 2016 teams had six guys who played in the NBA and a seventh (McKay) who was borderline. On 2015 you could even argue we had eight guys with NBA potential (Hogue).
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
At this point, I'd have to say yes, however, this team is in the conversation, and a lot of people could be swayed with a Final Four or better (including possibly me). In the end though, it's really hard to compare across eras.
Didn’t know until I looked up Gary’s stats that he died of a heart attack at age 50. Taught and ran basketball camps in the Phoenix area.
Wow, I didn't realize he had passed either. Way too young. He was one of my favorite players, must have been tough being a defensive stopper on Johnny's teams.
That 2000 line up was tough. All Americans. Big 12 POY's. Lottery pick. Reg season Big 12 titles. Elite 8. A stud SG that got hit by an actual truck and lived and played a couple of weeks later.
Recency bias is a real thing. But so is the "good ol days" mentality.
Recency bias is a real thing. But so is the "good ol days" mentality.
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Head to head I would take the 1999- 2000 team.
here is my breakdown
Tinsley over Lipsey
Milan over Horton although that is close
Fizer over Jefferson
Paul Shirley over Buchanon although different type of Centers
Nurse and Toure kind of a draw
In a game I would go with the 1999-2000 team at this point. Maybe later in the season I will change my mind
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
I didn't remember that until it came to mind that Toure reminded me of Gary in how physically and mentally ready he was right out of the chute.
Fizer went 4th in the draft and Tinsley played over a decade in the league. Like where your head is at but we don’t have that kind of talent on this squad.
99-00 still gets the nod, we'll see where this team ends up before I'm willing to crown them. I don't know who would stop Fizer or Tinsley and the rest weren't slouches either.
Agree that team is the bar until proven otherwise. The talent of Fizer and Tinsley is not debatable. And that's the the deepest we've gone (with all due respect to the '44 team that won one game to get to the Final Four). Would love nothing more than for this years team to knock them down a peg, though.
