Cyclones Meet The Media

AMES, Iowa?Iowa State head men's basketball coach Greg McDermott introduced his 2007-08 Cyclone hoops squad at the school's annual media day today. Improved team chemistry and depth were just a couple of items McDermott discussed about his second squad.

“In general, I couldn't be more pleased with the attitude of this particular team,” McDermott said. “There was a team chemistry that developed this summer when the guys were here on campus together that I hadn't seen a year ago. This summer was encouraging to see some of the guys like Jiri Hubalek, Rahshon Clark and Wesley Johnson take over leadership roles. They did a great job getting all of our newcomers, all of eight them, to feel comfortable with our team.”

ISU will no doubt be forced to play a bunch of newcomers this year, but McDermott also has the luxury of returning a number of players who are already Big 12-battle tested. The Cyclones return three starters from a year ago in Hubalek, Clark and Johnson. All three give ISU an experienced and polished frontcourt.

“We have asked Wesley to do a lot in his time at Iowa State,” McDermott said. “Last year he played primarily at the power forward spot out of necessity. That is not his natural position. He is more of a wing player. We have been really pleased with the development of his ballhandling skills. His ability to get his shot without running a play for him has improved, he has gotten stronger and his defense has improved.”

Johnson, a sophomore from Corsicana, Texas, was one of the biggest surprises of the Big 12 last season, averaging 12.3 points and 7.9 rebounds. He has a chance to become a major force in the Big 12 Conference.

“In high school I played a lot of guard because I was a lot shorter then,” Johnson said. “I am very excited to move back to the wing spot. I am hoping to create a matchup problem with a shorter player guarding me. On the defensive side, I hope to use my length as an advantage to stop players from scoring.”

Fans can see the Cyclones for the first time on Thursday (Nov. 1), as ISU plays host to Dubuque in its first of two exhibition games at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.

Players Mentioned

Rahshon Clark

Rahshon Clark

Jiri Hubalek

Jiri Hubalek

Wesley Johnson

Wesley Johnson

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics