My MBB Predictions

Can't win every road game. These are pretty unscientific picks guys. Realize that.

This is what's cool about this year's team. There isn't a game on the schedule that is a sure loss. We have the talent to beat anybody on any night.

Just curious because I've had a couple conversations about how good Missouri will be...whether the success was a flash in the pan or something that can be sustained.
 
At this point, I see them going 19-12 or 20-11. At that record, they would need at least one win in the Big 12 Tourney to squeak in as a 10 seed.

As optimistic and hopeful as I am about this team, I really need to see them play some quality opponents. Rebounding is still a really big concern. The health of Dendy is another question mark. And, I think Gilstrap needs to step up and be that second consistent double figure (14-15 points) scorer next to Brackins.

Other question marks remain on the depth at point guard (can Colvin/Buckley give quality minutes in the conference), free throw shooting (hasn't been good so far) and post defense -- have Brackins/Hamilton improved and can Dendy defend guys like Aldrich and A&M's big man (forgot his name, the dude that looks like he is 60).

I love the optimism and, fortunately, this year it seems to be warranted. However, the highlighted statement above is important because playing tin cans early can give you a false sense of security.
 
I think the predictions were as reasonable as can be expected at this point. Its only been a few games against not-so-great competition, but the team has looked pretty good. If this team plays to its potential, I can see this, with hopefully another victory or two thrown in there. Its asking for a little more, but not unreasonable. If we can play to this potential, I could see making it to the conference finals. After Duke & Texas we should know a lot more.
 
I see us losing 10 games. 8 that we should and 2 because of the "we are iowa state" factor. If the Big 12 is as tough as everyone says, we're looking at a 6-8 seed.
 
(deep breath)
I think i love this team. It reminds me of the 2000-2002 era in terms of makeup (all american, quality point, support players in post and snipers from 3). And the chemistry seems to be really really good.

(where were we picked before the 2000-2001 (Elite 8) year?)

Chris' record is probably within range. i'll touch on a couple variations
- We beat Kansas once. Prob at home, but we play them tougher than most @ the Phog.
- We'll beat Notre Dame. I promise. Its not about individuals...but i just think Brackins will own the 'higher rated' Luke Harangody. I think Craig's gotta get a little meaner this year and Mac will challenge him to go out and make Luke his bi***.
- We'll lose @ Colorado. Because we never win there. And we're going to lose a couple we should win.

Net, i think we finish no worse than 4th and i wouldn't be at ALL surprised if we finish much better.
 
22-9 is VERY ambitious. The Cyclones are playing really athletic basketball right now and it is going to be a fun year. The key is Hilton Magic. The past few years it has not been the best, but this is not last year. Hilton Magic will be jumping and I see one maybe two losses at home. Somewhere between a 6-7 seed for NCAA tourney. GO CYCLONES11
 
Any predictions for you cybsball20? As one our more level-headed posters I'd be interested in your take.


I haven't seen enough of the other teams or even kept up with them as much this year to make a good prediction, but I think this is a 20-23 win team... If some things bounce the right way and people stay healthy, maybe as many as 25.
 
I may be way too optimistic here, but I think we can get to 25 wins.

However, that's contingent on the return of Hilton Magic as another poster stated. It's sad to see how sparse the crowds are, particularly the student section, relative to when I was in school and when I was growing up and started going to games (late 80s thru the 90s). I've followed attendance reporting at ISU for years, and our recent policy switch to counting all tickets sold (including season and student tickets unused) inflates our attendance numbers.

Truthfully, and it pains me to say this, we really haven't had an imposing and loud crowd for a couple seasons. I think part of that is in fact Cyclone Alley. You must be a member to sit in the lower deck and the red shirts deprive some sense of originality. Plus, everyone just screams "oooooo" on defense rather than whistling, banging on the seats, etc. IMO, screaming, whistling, etc. are much more annonying than a steady and unoriginal "oooooo." That said, I commend the students who are there and making noise. I guess I'm just an Old Timer that's jealous I can't be in there making as much noise as possible. Still, I think it will return and people will get loud again if we can have some of the early season success I'm hopeful for (wins against Notre Dame, Cal, etc.).

But, realistically, I think we'll have between 21 and 22 wins. If I had to bet, it would be 22.
 
Chris, I see you have us losing to Missouri.

Why??? Just curious, have to run, but look forward to reading it later.

I would agree to predicting a loss to Mizzou on the road. We can beat them, for sure, but I'd still predict a loss on the road until we can beat good teams on the road.
 
That's why none of the players and coaches are making predictions. Fans don't have to look at things "one game at a time", that's the fun part!

This. One game at a time is not applicable to fans and I get tired of hearing that directive.
 
I may be way too optimistic here, but I think we can get to 25 wins.

However, that's contingent on the return of Hilton Magic as another poster stated. It's sad to see how sparse the crowds are, particularly the student section, relative to when I was in school and when I was growing up and started going to games (late 80s thru the 90s). I've followed attendance reporting at ISU for years, and our recent policy switch to counting all tickets sold (including season and student tickets unused) inflates our attendance numbers.

Truthfully, and it pains me to say this, we really haven't had an imposing and loud crowd for a couple seasons. I think part of that is in fact Cyclone Alley. You must be a member to sit in the lower deck and the red shirts deprive some sense of originality. Plus, everyone just screams "oooooo" on defense rather than whistling, banging on the seats, etc. IMO, screaming, whistling, etc. are much more annonying than a steady and unoriginal "oooooo." That said, I commend the students who are there and making noise. I guess I'm just an Old Timer that's jealous I can't be in there making as much noise as possible. Still, I think it will return and people will get loud again if we can have some of the early season success I'm hopeful for (wins against Notre Dame, Cal, etc.).

But, realistically, I think we'll have between 21 and 22 wins. If I had to bet, it would be 22.

as a student, cyclone alley is annoying for the factors you listed above, but that is not why hilton magic hasn't been around the last couple of years. we haven't had a good product to to put on the floor. We have had about 2 good players at anytime on the court, but not this year.
 
I think the Drake game proved that we have shooters who if they get hot can carry us through a lot of games. Craig is such a tremendous talent that he will draw a lot of attention all year and Lucca and Scott on the outside being able to shoot, coupled with Gilstrap. This team could be dangerous and could surprise some people.

I'm really trying hard not to be too optimistic, but I really think this team has a chance to be better than 22-9 and surprise some people. I really don't think a good run in the big 12 and a 24,25 win season headed into the NCAA tournament would surprise me right now.
 
as a student, cyclone alley is annoying for the factors you listed above, but that is not why hilton magic hasn't been around the last couple of years. we haven't had a good product to to put on the floor. We have had about 2 good players at anytime on the court, but not this year.

I'm looking to crank it up when the Big 12 teams come calling. If we roll into conference play with only one or two loses excitement will be back. I wish I had the time to be part of Cyclone Alley Committee, instead I'll just have to settle for filling one of my friends head with ideas.