Iowa State Cyclones 2011-12 Men's College Basketball Preview
It will be up to ISU head coach (and former NBA journeyman) Fred Hoiberg to have a complete season in his second tour of duty in Ames. Last year, the Cyclones started off with a bang, going 13-2 before collapsing in the second half and limping to a 16-16 record. However, Hoiberg has brought in a group of transfers he believes can finish the year strong.
The main incoming player, however, may be their freshman guard, 5’9 shooting guard Tavon Sledge. He will start and lead players like power forward Royce White and small forward Chris Allen (in from Michigan State, where he played in two Final Fours). With this combination of fresh faces, ISU’s season is looking to change direction in 2011-12.
IOWA STATE CYCLONES INFORMATION:
Location: Ames, Iowa
Stadium: Hilton Coliseum
Conference: Big 12 Conference
Rivals: Iowa Hawkeyes
Mascot: Cy
Notable Alumni: Jeff Grayer, Barry Stevens
Iowa State wasn’t known for basketball until the coming of Johnny Orr in 1980, although the Cyclones did make a Final Four appearance in 1944. Orr coached a long list of great Cyclone players including Jeff Hornacek, Fred Hoiberg, Loren Meyer, and Victor Alexander. The term “Hilton Magic” is said to have originated in 1983 with a last second game-winning shot to beat Missouri. Under coach Larry Eustachy, Iowa State managed two consecutive regular season Big 12 Conference titles in 2000 and 2001, also winning the 2000 conference tournament.
Though Johnny Orr's first season in Iowa was unspectacular (the Cyclones went 9-18), Orr's presence was soon felt in following seasons. Improving to a 13-15 record in the 1982-83 season, the Cyclones started reaping the benefits of a new commander. In 1983-84, Iowa saw its first winning season since the 1977-78 season under coach Lynn Nance. The Cyclones played in the National Invitational Tournament that season. The apex of the Orr era was witnessed in the 1984-85 season, when the Cyclones dribbled their way into the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in team history. The Cyclones would repeat the appearance in 1985-86, earning a spot in the Sweet Sixteen before falling to North Carolina State.
The Iowa State Cyclones play their home games at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The Coliseum holds just over 14,000 spectators and is truly a premier event center, providing special acoustic treatments, easy access through large entryways, and state of the art video and sound capabilities. Watch an even at the Coliseum and witness “Hilton Magic” for yourself. Buy Iowa State Cyclones tickets today and don’t miss any of the action!
See Also:
Iowa State Cyclones Big 12 Tournament tickets
Iowa State Cyclones NCAA Tournament tickets
Iowa State Cyclones Final Four tickets
Iowa State Cyclones Football tickets