CyHawk Basketball 2017: Previewing the annual rivalry game
By Doug Winkey
Cyclone Rotation
Point Guard – Nick Weiler-Babb – Weiler-Babb’s move to point guard has been incredible in the five-game win streak. He has averaged 14.2 points, 8 rebounds and 9.4 assists as the team’s floor general. He also shoots 46% from deep. Stopping him will be a high priority for Iowa’s guards.
Shooting Guard – Donovan Jackson – Jackson leads the team in scoring at 17.0 points an evening while drilling 43% of his three-point shots. He is undersized on defense, but his tenacity and quickness produce headaches for opponents. Expect lots of bombs from the senior.
Small Forward – Lindell Wigginton – The former five-star recruit might just be the team’s best player. Wigginton is averaging 15.1 points and has scored 20+ in the team’s last two wins. He also chips in 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Keep an eye on his first CyHawk basketball showdown to see how it affects him.
Power Forward – Jeff Beverly – The grad transfer from Texas-San Antonio isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, but Beverly will be needed against Iowa’s crop of forwards. The former Roadrunner is averaging 6.0 points and 3.9 boards. He isn’t much of a deep threat, but Beverly will likely to try to pull his defender away from the hoop to create slashing lanes. Otherwise, he will grind at his opponents and try to get them in foul trouble.
Center – Solomon Young – Young certainly hasn’t progressed much since last year, but that doesn’t mean he’s a non-factor. The sophomore still puts up 4.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while also altering opposing shots. His primary task will likely be keeping Cook from getting too out of hand.
Key Reserves: Cam Lard, Hans Brase, Terrance Lewis, Jakolby Long*
Freshman Cameron Lard is the story here. The 6’9″ youngster is turning into a major threat. He is averaging 8.8 points after reaching 14 in the past two contests. He also contributes 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Brase is mostly a veteran calming factor, but battles through possessions and hits the occasional three. Lewis’ inaugural campaign has underwhelmed, but he still possesses tons of potential.
Next: 68 reasons to be excited for college basketball
Long is a wildcard for this game. He has missed the previous two with a concussion, but is a good wing defender and shown tremendous ability to get hot from outside.