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Iowa State Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 season

By Lukas Harkins

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: An Iowa State Cyclones cheer on her team in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: An Iowa State Cyclones cheer on her team in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 15: Shayok #4 of the Virginia Cavaliers shoots. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 15: Shayok #4 of the Virginia Cavaliers shoots. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /

Transfers find immediately productive roles

Even though two of Iowa State’s best players are rising sophomores, the roster will still have a few experienced veterans. Of course, the previously mentioned Weiler-Babb will take on a leadership role as a senior but a couple of transfers are coming in as well. Both of these players sat out last season due to transfer rules but should play immediate roles during this upcoming season. Considering the youth that is sprinkled throughout the roster (more on that recruiting class soon), these players could serve as valuable additions due to their on and off the court impacts.

G Marial Shayok (Virginia)

2016-17 stats (20.6 mpg): 8.9 ppg | 2.4 rpg | 0.9 spg on 44.5/32.8/79.6

On the surface, Marial Shayok will add a much-needed defensive presence to the wing for Iowa State. One of the better perimeter defenders in the country, Shayok brings plenty of defensive skill over from Virginia. In addition, though, he is more than capable scorer offensively. He averaged nearly 10 points game as a junior for the Cavaliers and should be a solid scorer given more opportunities and the fact that he has had a whole offseason to work on developing his 3-point shot. Oh, it also doesn’t hurt that Iowa State plays at a much faster pace than UVA.

F Michael Jacobson (Nebraska)

2016-17 stats (24.0 mpg): 6.0 ppg | 6.2 rpg | 0.9 bpg on 39.1/17.4/64.9

With Lard, Weiler-Babb, Solomon Young, and Zoran Talley all coming back this season, Iowa State has plenty of rebounding. However, there can never be too many players capable of skying in and snagging boards. Despite not being a tremendously dangerous offensive threat, Michael Jacobson is an outstanding rebounder and sound defender as a 6-foot-8 forward. He could provide some nice minutes as a reserve or starter for the Cyclones.

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