Update

Thats what we do...Jump to conclusions and then reality sets in and we jump to conclusions about who will start over who next year....

I am no exception, I don't see him starting next year...

People were slamming me for putting him on such a high horse. The guy had not seen one shot, defender or dribble in division 1 basketball but since he could shoot lights out with nobody on him everyone thought he would be a stud.

I will say this again regarding the incoming recruits, unless they are REALLY special they are not really going to contribute to a winning basketball team next year in Ames. Brackins IS gone and there is not a lot of Big 12 talent currently on the roster. Year 4 of the McDermott era will once again be post season free, it is disgusting.
 
People were slamming me for putting him on such a high horse. The guy had not seen one shot, defender or dribble in division 1 basketball but since he could shoot lights out with nobody on him everyone thought he would be a stud.

I will say this again regarding the incoming recruits, unless they are REALLY special they are not really going to contribute to a winning basketball team next year in Ames. Brackins IS gone and there is not a lot of Big 12 talent currently on the roster. Year 4 of the McDermott era will once again be post season free, it is disgusting.

Your right about him never seeing a D 1 basketball player but from what was posted on here and what I read about, he played some great competion over in Germany last summer. I don't see that as an excuse...

If Brackins is gone, I bet we see a more athletic team on the floor next year...
 
Whoa - GMac spent a lot of time talking him up also. Fans took their cue from him...

Please show me "One" Greg McDermott quote that has said that he expected Lucca to be a "Savior".....:skeptical: Just not true...

In fact he (Mac) has said numerous times what you and twojman have said, Lucca has never played at this level and it will take him time to develope.
 
Please show me "One" Greg McDermott quote that has said that he expected Lucca to be a "Savior".....:skeptical: Just not true...

"Savior" is your word, not mine. Please don't embellish my post.
I do recall many times GMac aluding to Lucca's talent, scoring ability (not just shooting), and what a big loss it was for Lucca not be able to play last year. All big exagerations...
 
Please show me "One" Greg McDermott quote that has said that he expected Lucca to be a "Savior".....:skeptical: Just not true...

In fact he (Mac) has said numerous times what you and twojman have said, Lucca has never played at this level and it will take him time to develope.

Why are you twisting words? That seems like everyone's hobby around here :skeptical:
 
"Savior" is your word, not mine. Please don't embellish my post.
I do recall many times GMac aluding to Lucca's talent, scoring ability (not just shooting), and what a big loss it was for Lucca not be able to play last year. All big exagerations...

My apologies on "Savior"....:wink:

“I hope he’s able to gain some game experience this summer playing with the Junior National team in Germany to make up for what he missed last season,â€￾ McDermott said. “Until you get him on the floor, under the bright lights and in front of the crowd, we’re not going to know exactly what to expect from Lucca. He has done the things he needed to do to improve his game. Defensively he has come a long way since he first arrived on campus, and his ball-handling and strength has improved. We just have to get him some game experience so he understands what it is like to play at this level.â€￾

McDermott Looks Ahead To 2008-09 - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports

twist this how ever you would like....:skeptical:
 
I really hope sustained confidence makes a big impact on the court next year. When our guys were confident, played good D and made good passes - we made our shots and it looked like we could play with a majority of the teams in our league last year; but if we started getting rattled, gave up some unforced TO's or forced a couple bad shots, it was downhill from there and our FG% took a nose dive.

Confidence was a 1st half player last year (primarily on the offensive end) and we need him to step up the whole game next year to have success. Hopefully Gilstrap and Dendy will bring in some experience and leadership to help in the confidence department b/c that's what this team needs more than anything IMO.

It's important that Mr. confidence follows us on a couple road trips next year too - not just under the Hilton lights. Hard work, trust and leadership can really help in this department.
 
My apologies on "Savior"....:wink:

“I hope he’s able to gain some game experience this summer playing with the Junior National team in Germany to make up for what he missed last season,â€￾ McDermott said. “Until you get him on the floor, under the bright lights and in front of the crowd, we’re not going to know exactly what to expect from Lucca. He has done the things he needed to do to improve his game. Defensively he has come a long way since he first arrived on campus, and his ball-handling and strength has improved. We just have to get him some game experience so he understands what it is like to play at this level.â€￾

McDermott Looks Ahead To 2008-09 - Iowa State University Athletics Official Web Site - www.CYCLONES.com - The home of Iowa State Cyclone Sports

twist this how ever you would like....:skeptical:

Good post...IMO, Lucca did a nice job of living up to expectations.

One thing I would like to see is Lucca lose a few pounds...
 
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Good post...IMO, Lucca did a nice job of living up to expectations.

One thing I would like to see is Lucca lose a few pounds...

I agree - I think Lucca did a descent job in his 1st year playing Big XII ball. Those with realistic expectations probably feel the same.

Obviously, Lucca's got a lot of things he can work on to get better, but let's give him a chance to improve after his first year playing before he's labeled a bust, shall we? He's still the same guy that pledged his loyalties to ISU and the fans by gutting out a rough freshman year and a difficult situation. He could have easily gone home to start making $$ and continue playing right away, but he didn't - he stayed b/c he loves ISU and wants to make this team better. He's got my respect and support. THREE LUCCA!!
 
"Savior" is your word, not mine. Please don't embellish my post.
I do recall many times GMac aluding to Lucca's talent, scoring ability (not just shooting), and what a big loss it was for Lucca not be able to play last year. All big exagerations...

It was a HUGE loss for Lucca to lose his freshman season. He lost an entire year of playing Big 12 competition! What are you smokin? Gmac did a lot to temper people's expectations of Lucca, especially when Lucca got hurt.

Lucca can/will be good if he a) gets 100% healthy and b) gets the time he needs to further development the rest of his game.
 
I agree - I think Lucca did a descent job in his 1st year playing Big XII ball. Those with realistic expectations probably feel the same.

Obviously, Lucca's got a lot of things he can work on to get better, but let's give him a chance to improve after his first year playing before he's labeled a bust, shall we? He's still the same guy that pledged his loyalties to ISU and the fans by gutting out a rough freshman year and a difficult situation. He could have easily gone home to start making $$ and continue playing right away, but he didn't - he stayed b/c he loves ISU and wants to make this team better. He's got my respect and support. THREE LUCCA!!

I don't know. That sounds a lot like supporting our players and program. That seems like a lot to ask.:jimlad:
 
I love how everyone thought of Staiger as the second coming and now I see posts about him being a situational player. Amazing...
LOL. I love how EVERYONE makes generalizations. Staiger is what I thought he would be- a role player. When it came out that he was going to start, I was hopeful that was because he was more than I expected. After a couple games it was clear it was because we had no other option.
From your posts it seems you are a leader of the rollercoaster fan club.
 
I agree - I think Lucca did a descent job in his 1st year playing Big XII ball. Those with realistic expectations probably feel the same.

Obviously, Lucca's got a lot of things he can work on to get better, but let's give him a chance to improve after his first year playing before he's labeled a bust, shall we? He's still the same guy that pledged his loyalties to ISU and the fans by gutting out a rough freshman year and a difficult situation. He could have easily gone home to start making $$ and continue playing right away, but he didn't - he stayed b/c he loves ISU and wants to make this team better. He's got my respect and support. THREE LUCCA!!

I love Lucca and the fact that he stayed. He deserves all our support. Hopefully he'll improve into an all B12 type player.

Who was going to pay him to play? He is a starter on a B12 team (depending who you ask) that shoots three pointers. I'm really not trying to be an *******, just wondering how he could earn his way to a basketball paycheck. Really, that's where the expectations came from. If this guy is good enough to play pro ball, he should be a pretty good B12 player. That's what I thought, anyway.
 
I love Lucca and the fact that he stayed. He deserves all our support. Hopefully he'll improve into an all B12 type player.

Who was going to pay him to play? He is a starter on a B12 team (depending who you ask) that shoots three pointers. I'm really not trying to be an *******, just wondering how he could earn his way to a basketball paycheck. Really, that's where the expectations came from. If this guy is good enough to play pro ball, he should be a pretty good B12 player. That's what I thought, anyway.

Yeah, he could go back to Germany and get a paycheck.

Two things: Needs to lose a few pounds. The most difficult part aside from injury was adjusting from international basketball to big12 basketball.
 
Does anybody know if a decision has been made as to whether or not the team will be playing a few exhibition games in Europe prior to classes starting late summer? I heard GMac talk about it on KXnO's Coach's Call-in Show during the season but they didn't know if the necessary money was going to be there or not. The newcomers wouldn't be eligible to go but I think this would be huge for us. Drake went on a late summer trip prior to their great year in 2008 and UNI went on a late summer trip prior to their great year last year.
 
Who was going to pay him to play? He is a starter on a B12 team (depending who you ask) that shoots three pointers. I'm really not trying to be an *******, just wondering how he could earn his way to a basketball paycheck. Really, that's where the expectations came from. If this guy is good enough to play pro ball, he should be a pretty good B12 player. That's what I thought, anyway.

He was going to get paid in Germany, his family acknowledged this and wanted him to come home his freshman year.

I'm guessing the quality of play in Deutchland isn't great. I didn't even know they had leagues there.
 
Does anybody know if a decision has been made as to whether or not the team will be playing a few exhibition games in Europe prior to classes starting late summer? I heard GMac talk about it on KXnO's Coach's Call-in Show during the season but they didn't know if the necessary money was going to be there or not. The newcomers wouldn't be eligible to go but I think this would be huge for us. Drake went on a late summer trip prior to their great year in 2008 and UNI went on a late summer trip prior to their great year last year.

That would be cool to see. Sure it would be a great experience for those guys.
 
I guess sometimes stats can be an accurate guide. Lucca averaged 13.3 ppg at Decatur Christian high school in Illinois. Some people must have thought that translated to 15 ppg in the Big 12.
 

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