Vanderbeken Showing Improvement

AMES, Iowa- Junior Jamie Vanderbeken has always been able to make shots. The 6-11, 245-pound forward from Belleville, Ontario was recruited by the Cyclone coaching staff primarily for that reason.

But as most basketball fans know, there is more than basketball than just scoring baskets. You have to be able to get it done on the defensive end too. The learning curve is rather large for a newcomer in a major conference to come in immediately and be successful. It usually takes time to adjust, especially for a player who virtually never played man-to-man defense in his career.

“Jamie played zone defense throughout his high school and junior college career, so he did not have a lot of the fundamental parts that some other players have when they arrive,” ISU head coach Greg McDermott said. “He really had to relearn the game from a defensive standpoint. Jamie has a great feel for the game and a good understanding of the game. Once he gets it, he usually has it. It was just a matter of applying that intensity level everyday and practice.”

A better grasp of ISU's defensive principles has meant more minutes for the junior college transfer.

Vanderbeken is averaging 5.5 points per game in his first season in Division I basketball, but has been one of ISU's most consistent players recently. In his last three games, Vanderbeken has scored in double figures in all three, averaging 13.3 points and shooting 63.6 percent (14-22 FG) in that span. He is averaging 14.4 minutes per game this year, but has played over 20 minutes in the last three contests.

“I have been getting in the gym and getting shots up and I have found my rhythm lately,” Vanderbeken said. “With Craig (Brackins) demanding double-teams, there will be opportunities for other players to get open and hit shots and I have been able to knock them down.”

Vanderbeken was an all-Region XIV selection last season at Tyler Junior College, averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds to help guide his squad to a 25-3 record. He knew the transition from junior college to Big 12 basketball wasn't going to be a piece of cake.

“Coach McDermott has been on me all year about defense,” Vanderbeken added. “I know if my defense is not up to par, I won't be on the court as much as I want to. I have been able to focus better on the defensive end in the last month.”

The smooth-shooting big man, who is the first Canadian ever to suit up in a Cyclone uniform, is connecting on 50.6 percent (44-87 FG) of his attempts from the floor and 39.6 percent (21-53 3FG) from 3-point range this season. McDermott is a firm believer that those high shooting percentages don't happen by chance.

“Jamie has been spending some extra time in the gym outside of practice shooting the basketball,” McDermott said. “His effort in practice as the season has progressed has continually improved. As a result, he is playing with more confidence and good things are happening when he is on the playing floor.”

Getting To Know Jamie Vanderbeken:
Why Did You Choose Iowa State?: Positive atmosphere, relationship with coaches, fan support and major conference.
Favorite Food: Sandwiches
Favorite Movie: Con Air
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite Actor: Nicholas Cage
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
The Best Athlete I Have Played Against: Kevin Durant
Person I Would Like To Meet: Maria Sharapova
Fun Facts: Is a self-proclaimed, “Internet Freak,” spending much of his free time surfing the web...chose No. 23 because he was born on Aug. 23.