Long and Young Embrace Summer Program

AMES, Iowa – Jakolby Long and Solomon Young arrived on campus in early June, both ready to take on Division I college basketball.

If only it were that easy.

But that is one benefit of the summer bridge program that allows freshman student-athletes to arrive on campus earlier than the average student. The program, which isn't new by any means, gives the student-athletes an opportunity to get a few classes behind them, practice with their new teammates and hit the weights, is a benefit that was recognized early by Long and Young.

The duo, who returned to their respective homes Aug. 5 for a short break before the fall semester begins, saw great value in the weight program specifically. Combine that with relatively new NCAA rules that allow for on-court instruction during the summer, and Long and Young will have an increased comfort level with their coaches and teammates when classes being in earnest next week at Iowa State.

"I do think I've really taken a step forward both physically from the weight room to the court," Long said. "On the court, I really felt like I was starting to understand what to do in certain situations. It was good to be able to focus on getting better every day."

Long, a Mustang, Oklahoma, native, spent most of his career to this point playing for his father, Terry. The Longs experienced great success at Mustang High School, winning a state title Jakolby's junior year and finishing 20-7 last season. As a senior, the younger Long was named the player of the year in class 6A, Oklahoma's largest classification.

He recognizes the impact playing for his dad had on him.

"It was a great experience, but sometimes it was hard," Long said. "I'm thankful for that opportunity. He pushed me and showed me what it would take to play at the college level."

For Young, who arrived at Iowa State measuring in at 6-8, 235 pounds, the weight program was as much about a previously undiscovered method of caring for his body.

"I was fortunate to come in at a pretty good spot physically," Young said. "I spent a lot of time lifting weights during my senior year before I came to Iowa State, so I think I was pretty prepared for it. A real benefit for me has been the focus on stretching. To walk away from a demanding workout and not get stiff and sore is really important in your development."

The Sacramento, California, native has seen a couple of areas in which the college game differs from anything he's experienced to this point of his playing days.

"I've really seen two areas that have been a surprise to me," Young said. "The guys you are competing with are a lot stronger and there is also a lot more thinking at this level. You can have all the talent in the world, but you've got to be able to handle the physical and mental part of the game. If you can't process things, it is going to be a lot harder to score against these guys."

With a summer behind them, there is one common theme for both rookies as they head into their initial collegiate season. A better understanding of what it will take.

"I want to help my team and teammates in any way I can," Young said. "Play hard, give great effort. I'm looking forward to it."

"I think I have a good understanding of what it takes to win," Long said. "It isn't just doing things right sometimes, it is doing things right all the time. The goal is to win championships."

Players Mentioned

Jakolby Long

Solomon Young

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics