SB Nation User Blog: HanelucaTC

More accolades for ISU volleyball

HanelucaTC — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:11:41 -0000

In addition to jumping two spots to finish the season with No. 5 national rank, the ISU volleyball team grabbed a large share of Big 12 honors.

Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch received Big 12 Coach of the Year and libero Ashley Mass unanimously won her second straight Libero of the Year award, which is pretty much the top defensive player. In addition to that Mass, setter Kaylee Manns and outside hitter Victoria Henson were named to the All-Big 12 First Team, outside hitter Rachel Hockaday received Honorable Mention and middle blocker Jamie Straube was a unanimous selection for the All-Freshman team.

I figured Manns would be in the running for Player of the Year, but I forgot about Destinee Hooker from Texas, who came away with the award. Either way, big ups to Kaylee for her spectacular career and huge part in turning around the volleyball program. Considering she is the only graduating senior who saw significant playing time, the future is looking bright for the Cyclones.

This has been a great team to watch all season and I can't wait to see what they can do in the postseason. Their bracket is pretty tough, but they've beat the likes of Nebraska and Texas before.

The rest of the teams can be seen at cyclones.com and the official release is available here.

ISU Recruit Dazzles in Shrine Bowl

HanelucaTC — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:23:29 -0000

Sorry to use the word "dazzle" in a headline, but that's really the only word I can think of to describe it.

Incoming receiver Josh Lenz from Dubuque put on a show in the fourth quarter of the 37th Annual Shrine Bowl to lead the North over the South 21-17 and break their three-game winning streak. Lenz tallied 67 receiving yards (including a 54 yard game-winning touchdown with 2:16 left), 62 punt return yards (including a 58 yard touchdown to give the North their first lead of the game) and 109 kick return yards on three returns. Oh, he also grabbed offensive MVP honors. Whew.

Lenz's TD's were a welcomed change in pace for the game, with the only scoring occurred in the first and fourth quarters. The only action in between was a handful of missed field goals by North's kicker which ultimately set the stage for Lenz's heroics.

Yes, I'm sure everyone is going to say "it's just the Shrine Bowl" and all of the other related criticism. I realize that Lenz will probably redshirt or see very little playing time until he can bulk up. However, Lenz showed that he has some big playmaker potential for the future. He runs a 4.5 forty according to Rivals and showed that speed and quickness in his two touchdowns by finding a seam and busting through it to go virtually untouched.

Incoming linebacker Jake Knott from Waukee was the only other ISU recruit that played in the game. While it's harder to judge his performance because he didn't bust any huge plays, Knott looked good in pass coverage and was usually right by the pile at the end of the play. I talked to him after the game and he was a really nice guy that seemed almost overwhelmed just to be playing in Jack Trice. Just wait until fall, my friend...

Ozzie the Wise

HanelucaTC — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:48:29 -0000

Amongst all of the tribulation and arguing that is happening on BCB right now, I would like to turn everyone's attention to some words spoken by our friends from the South Side. Namely their fearless leader, Ozzie Guillen.

Even after beating the Cubs 2 games to 1 in U.S. Cellular, Ozzie apparently felt it necessary to cry about something Cubs-Sox related. Ozzie's latest tirade is the same old dance but to a different tune. Joe Cowley from the Sun-Times informs us that the Cubs think of the Sox as "second-class citizens." Get your handkerchiefs ready.

‘‘I don’t care how many World Series we win or what we do, it’s always going to be like that, and I don’t change that,’’ Guillen said. ‘‘That’s the way it is. ...“Obviously, they’re more popular than we are for different reasons, but we don’t get down on that. We don’t care about it. We have to worry about what we can do for this side of the city and what is good for the city. But no matter what you do, when you do it and how you do it, this will always be a Cubs town, no matter what.’’

Ozzie says that they don't get down on that, they don't care about that and they have to worry about their side of the city. Fair enough. BUT WHY BRING IT UP IF IT'S SUCH A NON-ISSUE TO YOU?! I'll pause so everyone can wipe their tears away.

I normally get a chuckle out of Ozzie's comments because, honestly, most of it is funny. The whole thing about Wrigley Field making him puke is probably something most visiting managers think, but none of them say it. Ozzie loves to say these things because...frankly, I don't know. He loves to be hated?

The reason for this post is I'm just sick of Sox fans acting like they're such victims. Sure, the Cubs most likely do have a bigger fan base, but how many of them are the bandwagon, "loveable loser" sympathizers that don't even watch the games but join in the suffering and celebration alike? How many of them will drop the team like a bad habit if the Cubs don't make the playoffs this year?

Sox fans always bring up their World Series in 2005 when a Cubs-Sox argument starts up. Yes, you won one more recently than the Cubs. Instead of crying that nobody likes you, how about you just ENJOY the fact that you have won a world series in the last century? If I was a Sox fan, I would appreciate the fact that they are somewhat overlooked. It sure would keep a lot of unwanted attention away.

So there you have it. I just wanted to temporarily get away from us Cub fans tearing our own team down by focusing on the antics of the wacky neighbor to the south. I don't hate the Sox (that much) but I can't help but hate them when they act like the poor forgotten child. Stick with your own club and both sides will be much happier.

That being said, let's get some runs.

Villanueva a good fit for the Bulls?

HanelucaTC — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:40:00 -0000

As much as I've read about the need for more big man presence on BaB lately, seeing that Bucks will not match offers for F/C Charlie Villanueva intrigued me. If the speculation that Tyrus won't be in a Bull's uniform for much longer comes to pass, Villanueva looks even better to me.

I understand that the frontcourt would look pretty crowded with Noah, Miller, Johnson (maybe?) and Gibson, but I think bringing in Villanueva could prove to be a financially sound move and would provide some major offense off the bench that Noah lacks. Villanueva has been described as a "soft" defender but his 16 ppg and 6.7 rpg teamed with Noah's pesky defense could be a formidable match. I would offer some direct comparisons to Noah and Tyrus, but since Charlie is such a different player, I don't think it would accomplish anything.

I'm sure this will get plenty of negative comments, but this is something that jumped out to me as somewhat realistic. His expiring contract is less than Tyrus's but he produced a lot more and seems to be nearing his prime, noted by his increased scoring and rebounding. I won't go into the logistics of salary and all of that because I'm terrible on the business aspect of basketball (I'm sure tyger can offer some perspective), but I think Villanueva is a legitimate player and would be much easier to get than Bosh or Amare.

Besides, would you be able to say no to this face?!

ISU at USA Junior Track Championships

HanelucaTC — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:04:29 -0000

The 'Clones had a decent showing at the USA Junior Track Championships, which wrapped up the season for the team. I normally wouldn't concern myself with the JTC's but based on the success that the team had in Fayetteville, I'm intrigued to see the future of ISU track & field.

Freshmen Jordon Andreassen took third in the heptathlon, Kianna Elahi took sixth in the 400-meter and Dan Newhouse took 13th in the javelin throw.

From talking to coaches, I don't think it's too hard to qualify for the JTC's, but it's good to see that ISU track and field is competing at a high level, even if it isn't on the main track scene.

With three freshman placing in the event, I feel like there is a good base building up on the track team and it should be able to follow in the footsteps of the veterans like Lisa Koll and the young bucks like Betsy Saina and Hillary Bor.

ISU Men to play Duke in 2010

HanelucaTC — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:11:55 -0000

The ISU Athletic Department announced today that the men's basketball team will play Duke this upcoming season at the United Center in Chicago. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN on Jan. 6 2010. The official press release from ISU Athletics can be seen here.

Pollard is excited because of the extensive alumni base in Chicago, and McDermott seemed almost overwhelmed that ISU could book such a game. I think this is a great opportunity for Brackins to show what he is made of and for the team to get some solid competition and exposure going into Big XII play.

The game will be somewhat of a homecoming for Chris Colvin (Whitney Young) and Duke's Jon Scheyer (Glenbrook North), two former Illinois State champs and competitors in the Proviso West Holiday Tournament that has seen the likes of Kevin Garnett and Quentin Richardson. I'm already thinking upset, and looking at some of Duke's early-season blunders (Michigan last year) even though the game is months away.

There will be a slightly larger story tomorrow on iowastatedaily.com.

My only wish now is that the Clones would break out the yellow jerseys they used to sport when they were on national tv...

Brackins makes U.S. World University Games Roster

HanelucaTC — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:18:56 -0000

It was announced on Friday that Craig Brackins made the World University Games U.S. roster. While a lot of the big names in college basketball aren't on the list, there is still a lot of talent and to have Craig on there is a huge boost for ISU and Craig himself. The rest of the roster can be seen here.

Personally, after seeing what the Capital City League has to offer, I think Craig is going to really benefit from the University Games. Not only will he be playing with some great talent from other schools, he'll be playing against some (possibly better) talent from around the world, especially some of the European teams. What does everyone else think?

Capital City League

HanelucaTC — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:21:41 -0000

The first day of the League was Wednesday, June 17. I have to say that the league isn't exactly what I thought it would be, but I'm sure things will get more competitive as the tournament progresses. I would now like to break down each player's performance based on my marginal scouting skills. Vanderbeken, Garrett, Palo, Hamilton and Boozer won't be in this one, I couldn't make it to their game in time (sorry). Also, I don't think Antwon Oliver or Harrison Barnes played for some reason.

Dominique Buckley- Looked like the big brother figure. He hit a few shots but I was mainly focused on how he was constantly talking with Dendy and Gilstrap. He and Dendy tried an oop off an inbounds play but the throw was a bit too high. He played with a lot of energy but it lead to a few bad passes.

Scott Christopherson- I've never seen him play because he Redshirted last season, but he looked strong yesterday. He didn't shoot very much but he made the few he took. He had quick hands that lead to a few steals.

Chris Colvin- Colvin started off pretty cold. All of his early passes got tipped or picked off, he got the ball stolen a few times and he took a lot of bad threes. However, he settled in later when he started driving rather than shooting. He's very fast to the hoop and finishes nicely (unlike Diante who stops halfway and pulls up). All-around solid athlete and a good free throw shooter.

LaRon Dendy- I don't know if it was because he was one of the biggest guys there, but he was seeing a lot double teams took him out of the equation for the most part. However, I doubt he will see very many double teams in Big 12 play. He looked a little rusty on free throws but he showed a lot of strength in the post and usually got to the basketball despite the double teams.

Alex Dorr- A pretty unknown recruit out of Norwalk, but he had a nice shot. He put in a good portion of his team's first points but didn't shoot much for the rest of the game.

Marquis Gilstrap- Probably had the most impressive performance of the Cyclones I saw. He had a few Rashon-like dunks that came out of nowhere and woke the crowd up. He showed a good mid-range shooting touch, was very physical and finished strong after contact. Think Wesley Johnson except meaner.

LA Pomlee- Another Redshirt that I've never actually seen play, but after last night I understand why he Redshirted...