Up Close With Tyrus McGee

AMES, Iowa - Tyrus McGee's Cyclone career has arrived. The 6-2 sharpshooter, who was named First-Team NJCAA All-America last year, is eager to embark on his Iowa State tenure after a successful prep and junior college career.

McGee averaged 20.1 points and made 115 3-pointers while earning Jayhawk East Player of the Year honors for Cowley County C.C. (Kansas) last season. McGee made a school-record 195 3-pointers in his two seasons at Cowley. His outstanding junior college career was an encore to his stellar prep career where he averaged over 34 points per game in his final two seasons in high school (Stringtown, Okla.)

Iowa State fans are hoping McGee continues his progression in a Cyclone uniform. McGee recently sat down with cyclones.com to talk about everything Iowa State.

What is your relationship with Coach Hoiberg like?
"He was the one that came to me, so that allowed me to get to know him and get closer to him. Mostly assistant coaches from other schools were recruiting me, so it was cool to have him being so active in my recruitment. I took my visit to Ames and really liked it. Coach Hoiberg is a great person and a great coach."

How much of an honor was it being named First-Team NJCAA All-American?
"It meant a lot to me. Like everyone says, hard work pays off. It's not easy at all. I was in the gym every day working on my game. It was something I really strived for when the season started."

Is there a secret to how you became such a great outside shooter?
"When I was in high school, I stayed in the gym 24/7. I shot as much as I could. I had a friend that would pass me the ball and I would just shoot, shoot and shoot until I got tired of shooting. I would go in twice a day, and ever since then I've been going to the gym daily to shoot. Now it just comes natural to me."

How many hours per day do you work on your shot?
"Probably about four hours per day."

Are you ready for the Capital City League?
"I'm excited. It's a big difference to go from JUCO to the Big 12. Everyone is bigger and more physical so this should help with that adjustment. I'm ready for it."

Growing up in Oklahoma, did you follow Big 12 basketball?
"I followed Big 12 basketball a bit, but when I was younger I watched more NBA because I could watch Michael Jordan."

Coach Hoiberg has talked about you playing the point this year. Are you comfortable with that?
"I think I'm very capable. I just have to slow down and learn to pace myself so I don't force anything. I played point guard all through high school and some last year."

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Tyrus McGee

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