COACH MAC BREAKS DOWN ISU MEN’S ROSTER

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By KELLY BEATON

Waterloo (IA) Courier Sports Writer

AMES – Greg McDermott seems to carry a little more stress on his shoulders these days than he did while stalking the Northern Iowa sidelines.

But McDermott’s 2009-10 Iowa State Cyclones may very well reduce his anxieties, considering the underrated talent this team possesses.

During Thursday’s media day press conference, McDermott broke down his current Cyclone roster. Here’s what he had to say …

POINT GUARD:

- Diante Garrett, 6-4 JR: McDermott didn’t say much about Garrett, but, after the Milwaukee native started all 32 games last year, producing 9.8 points per night and a team-high 161 assists, you can bet he’ll see heavy minutes.

- Chris Colvin, 6-3 FR: “Has a lot of natural ability,” McDermott noted of the Chicago native, a respected ball-handler. “He has a chance to be a special player.”

SHOOTING GUARD:

- Lucca Staiger, 6-5 JR: Staiger gained invaluable experience in the off-season, playing for a German national team. McDermott said he returned to Ames “lighter, leaner, and stronger.”

- Scott Christopherson, 6-3 SOPH: This Wisconsin native is a wild card player, after transferring from Marquette. “Very tough, very hard-nosed, and very passionate,” said McDermott.

SMALL FORWARD:

- Marquis Gilstrap, 6-7 SR: This suburban Atlanta native possesses crazy game and a story to match, after knee injuries and family issues robbed him of most of his first two years in college. “He’s extremely dedicated to do as much as he can with that one year,” said McDermott. “He can slash and score.”

- Charles Boozer, 6-3 JR: McDermott said that, although Boozer struggled shooting the ball at times last season, his intensity is an asset off the bench. “He’s the guy that’s gonna dive into the third row for a loose ball,” said the coach.

POWER FORWARD:

- Craig Brackins, 6-10 JR: “We have one of the premier players in the nation at that position,” said McDermott. ‘Nuff said.

- La Ron Dendy, 6-9 JR: This juco recruit may have been raved about the most among his Cyclone teammates, who praised his athleticism and toughness. “He can impact the offensive glass,” said McDermott, adding that Dendy should play right away.

- Jamie Vanderbeken, 6-11 SR: Vanderbeken, who McDermott said has a slight, undisclosed injury at the moment, spent all afternoon shooting 3s at Hilton Thursday. That tells you all you need to know about his game. “He stretches the defense,” said the coach. “We just hope we can get him healthy.”

 CENTER:

- Justin Hamilton, 6-11 SOPH: “Justin’s work ethic matches anyone I’ve ever coached,” said McDermott of Hamilton, a surprise 18-game starter last season.

- L.A. Pomlee, 6-8 RS-FR: “Really has transformed his body. He’s big, he’s strong, he can block shots,” said McDermott of Pomlee, who has put on 25 pounds since last season and currently weighs 240.

In addition, McDermott indicated that freshmen Antwon Oliver and Bubu Palo are likely redshirt candidates.

Readers: Now it’s your turn. Sound-off with your opinion by clicking on the blue “comment” link below …

OFF THE BEATON PATH: According to Lindy’s College Basketball, former Cyclone Wesley Johnson, who averaged around 12 points per game in two seasons in Ames, is the No. 1 transfer in the nation. Johnson will toil at Syracuse this winter.

How good would his 6-foot-9 frame look next to Craig Brackins on the low block these days?