Iowa State men’s basketball: Impact of Jameel McKay’s waiver denial
By Doug Winkey
If you’ve been paying attention to recent basketball news you undoubtedly seen that the NCAA denied Cyclone transfer Jameel McKay’s waiver to play at the beginning of the season. What I want to do is break down the Iowa State front court in his absence.
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It was unlikely he would receive his waiver due to the strict nature of transfer rules, but McKay’s absence shouldn’t produce too many problems overall. He will sadly miss what is potentially the best non-conference position match up against former Cyclone Calvin Godfrey on Dec. 14 against Southern, but he will return to battle Drake in Des Moines.
While McKay sits, the center position will largely be occupied by Dustin Hogue, who is already experienced being the primary big in the rotation. Hogue will also start the season fresh off his offensive explosion at Madison Square Garden during the NCAA tournament.
Depending on how things shake down with off season suspensions and Fred Hoiberg’s inclinations, Georges Niang will probably take the power forward spot and show off his new physique in the post. After the mainstays it becomes a little unfamiliar; Daniel Edozie will likely come off the bench to absorb fouls and grab rebounds similar to last year.
The player most fans will want to see though is the Greek giant Georgios Tsalmpouris. Tsalmpouris has recently been playing with the Greek national under-18 team where he helped his team to a victory over Bosnia as a reserve. The 7-footer, as the tallest Cyclone in recent memory, may be counted on early to at least be a body underneath against relatively soft competition. The early season will be a good test of his current skill level against American competition.
Outisde of Tsalmpouris, the team will look largely the same as last year while we await McKay’s eligibility, minus the already legendary Melvin Ejim. Between Hogue, Niang, Edozie, and the Colossus, Iowa State should be fine until late December.