2008-2009 Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Preview:
The Iowa State University Cyclones men’s basketball team is one of the many exciting teams to watch in the very competitive Big 12 Conference this season. 2nd year coach Greg McDermott will try to lead the team to a high finish in the conference standings, a big run in the Big 12 Tournament and a bid to the NCAA dance. Don’t miss out on the “Hilton Magic” the Cyclones are famous for at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
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