An Early Start For Cyclone Newcomers

AMES, Iowa--“The Gang's All Here,” as the old adage says. The future of Cyclone basketball is getting an early start thanks to ISU's bridge program which allows newcomers to take six credit hours in the summer. The program will pay huge dividends for Cyclone basketball, as all eight rookies (Charles Boozer, Craig Brackins, Marcus Brister, Diante Garrett, Sean Haluska, Bryan Petersen, Lucca Staiger and Clayton Vette) are getting acclimated to college life without the pressure of basketball practice weighing on them.

“With the eight new guys on campus working with our returnees, it is invaluable, in the standpoint of getting these guys acclimated to campus life,” ISU assistant coach Jeff Rutter said. “They are taking classes, getting in the weight room and working on their skill development while getting the chance to play with one another. All of these activities will help develop team chemistry, community and togetherness. You can't put a price tag on that.”

The camaraderie between the future stars of ISU hoops has already surfaced. The class, which has been ranked in the top-30 in a number of recruiting services, competed with each other for the first time in a pick-up game in a sweltering State Gym last night. On the cusp of ISU's 100^th anniversary of men's basketball, it was fitting that these up-and-coming Cyclone heroes unveiled their skills to each other on the sacred court of State Gym, a place where Louis Menze built a basketball dynasty in the 1930s and 40s.

“Me, Booz, Vette and Lucca are all in the same room and we are all getting along great,” Brackins said. “We check on each other and we have already gotten real close. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people. We are working hard. We have good chemistry and I think the sky is the limit.”

Brackins, a 6-10 power forward from Palmdale, Calif., is arguably one of the highest-rated recruits to ever sign with the Cyclones. Brackins, who was rated as the 17^th-best player nationally in the final 2007 Rivals.com rankings, averaged 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last year at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.

“Everything is going great, but I am a little tired getting used to the weights,” Brackins said with a laugh. “I started summer school last week and am taking two classes, and they are going really well. I can hardly wait to start playing in the Capital City League. It will be really exciting to get some competition. We have been playing against ourselves and now it is time to play against some other guys.”

Garrett, a 6-4 guard from Milwaukee, echoed his teammate's sentiments on the importance of an early start to their respective Cyclone careers. Garrett, who was ranked in the top-150 nationally by Rivals.com, was one of the top players in Wisconsin last season, leading his Vincent High School squad to the state championship game.

“I am really enjoying being here and adjusting to everything so far. I have not gotten homesick yet,” Garrett joked. “I am ready to start playing in the Capital City League to show what I have. I am ready to show everyone I can play basketball.”

Garrett also came away impressed with the Cyclone veterans.

“They (ISU returnees) are great players,” Garrett added. “They are a lot stronger and know more about the game. We are all going to learn a lot from them.”

Fans can watch all of the newcomers and the Cyclone veterans in the Capital City League. League play begins tonight (June 15-17-20-24-27-29, July 6-8-11-13-15). All games are played in the evening at Valley Southwoods (625 S. 35^th St., in West Des Moines).

An Early Start For Cyclone Newcomers

Players Mentioned

Charles Boozer

Craig Brackins

Diante Garrett

Sean Haluska

Bryan Petersen

Lucca Staiger

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An Early Start For Cyclone Newcomers

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Players Mentioned

Charles Boozer

Craig Brackins

Diante Garrett

Sean Haluska

Bryan Petersen

Lucca Staiger

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