Garrett Optimistic About Season

AMES, Iowa- Iowa State junior point guard Diante Garrett has already seen a lot in his two years as a Cyclone. Entering his third season as one of ISU's playmakers in the backcourt, Garrett is considered a seasoned veteran on this year's team.

The Milwaukee, Wis., native started all 32 games as a sophomore after a rookie season where he was one of ISU's first subs off the bench. Garrrett posted solid numbers in 2008-09 when he averaged 9.8 points, ranked third in the Big 12 in assists (5.0 apg) and had four double-digit assist efforts. He's been through his share of highs and lows in his two years in Ames, but he envisions better days for the Cyclones.

“The first couple of years we were not as athletic as we are right now,” Garrett said. “We have more guys who are athletic, play defense and are good jumpers that can help us in the Big 12. We have always had guys that could shoot, but now we have guys who can shoot and are athletic.”

Finding the open man was something Garrett did well last year. He ranked 36th nationally in dimes and tallied five or more assists in 17 of 32 games. He also distributed the ball efficiently, ending the season with a respectable 1.66 a/t ratio. Garrett doesn't want his assist totals to dip.

“I am trying to keep getting those numbers up,” Garrett said. “I know if I am getting a lot of assists I will be helping the team. That is all that matters.”

Garrett's optimism soared this summer when his teammate Craig Brackins decided to return to Ames for his junior year while spurning the NBA. Brackins, an All-Big 12 First-Team choice last year and preseason All-American, is the fourth-leading returning scorer in the country after averaging 20.2 points last season.

Including Brackins, the Cyclones return most of their crew from last year and have added into the mix some talented newcomers.

“I think we have filled in a lot of the pieces that were missing,” Garrett said. “Hopefully that will help us get more wins and get to the NCAA tournament. We have been with all the new guys since the beginning of the summer so we have been hanging out and getting into the gym. That has helped our chemistry.”

Garrett played in the Capital City League in Des Moines this past summer and was performing well until an unfortunate injury occurred. Garrett broke a bone in his right foot in a pick up game and had to take it easy the rest of the summer. He has made a great recovery and is now participating in full workouts with the team.

“Everything is going well,” Garrett said. “When I was hurt, I was watching everyone play and I wanted to be out there. It has been fun to get back out there after not being able to play with my teammates for awhile.”

Players Mentioned

Craig Brackins

Craig Brackins

Diante Garrett

Diante Garrett

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