Practice One Week Away For ISU Men

AMES, Iowa- Basketball practice officially starts Oct. 12, but for most of the Iowa State men's basketball team members, it can't start soon enough.

The team continued their individual workouts this week in preparation for the 2007-08 season. The Cyclone newcomers and the experienced veterans are both ready to get started.

“I have been here since the summer and I can't wait for the season to start,” freshman guard Diante Garrett said. “There is outstanding competition at all of the positions and everybody is starting over competing for playing time. I am ready right now to get out in front of the Hilton crowd. Wesley (Johnson) keeps telling me how hyped it is going to be to play in Hilton and I can't wait.”

Jiri Hubalek is ready for his last go around as a senior and leader of the Cyclones. Hubalek improved immensely last year while learning to play in the post. He worked hard in the offseason gaining weight and strength and now boasts 15 pounds of added muscle to better handle the battles down low.

“I used the summer and the time in preseason conditioning to get ready for the first day of practice next week,” Hubalek said. “I am up to 241 pounds, which I think is really good for me. Everyone kept telling me I needed to gain weight and get stronger. With our strength coach Andy Moser we focused on what had to get done and we got it done. I can feel it already when I am playing pickup games how much stronger and more confident I am.”

Players Mentioned

Diante Garrett

Jiri Hubalek

Jiri Hubalek

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