Ever since Fred Hoiberg took over at Iowa State, he has been sending multiple players to the pros, four of which, are excelling in the NBA Development League.
This follows Friday Night’s Maine-Iowa matchup, which pitted three former Cyclones on the floor at the same time, two of which were in the starting lineups.
The four of whom played at Iowa State were Chris Babb – Maine, Diante Garrett – Iowa, Chris Allen – Iowa, and Bubu Palo – Texas.
Bubu Palo is the only former Iowa Stater starting his rookie season in the D-League, the rest have played a full season to date. Palo was a controversial player at Iowa State and decided to transfer his senior season to a Larry Eustachy (coached at ISU) coached Colorado State team. Apparently, Eustachy told him they didn’t have any room any more very late in the recruiting process. So, Palo packed his bags and went to the D-League, signing and making the cut with the Texas Legends. Even coming off the bench, Bubu has been a force to be reckoned with this season. He’s averaging 6.9 points per game, scoring a season high 18 in a game against Rio Grande Valley.
Speaking of success coming off the bench, another former cyclone has seen that same method payoff. Chris Allen started off the season in Sioux Falls, and even scored 22 points against the Iowa Energy in his first appearance all season. On Friday, the Energy resigned Allen as he scored 19 points in his first two games. Through five games in the league, Allen has 9.5 points and added 2.0 assists.
We can’t forget about the other player who donned the cardinal and gold in college and plays for the team in the same state. Diante Garrett has displayed some miraculous games this season, understandably as he played in the big leagues with Utah prior to being traded and sent down to Iowa. “It feels good to come back, and see all the fans that were there for me in college that are still here for me right now,” Garrett said. “It feels good to be back in my hometown.” Garrett has averaged a strong 16.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game this season, and if he continues is performance, then he may be on his way to a call up soon. “I think if I keep working and keep developing on my game and getting better I think I’ll get that call up,” Garrett said.
Another Cyclone starter in Chris Babb got to return to Iowa on Friday when his Boston affiliated Maine Red Claws visited the Energy. “It’s awesome playing in the state, Iowa loves me and I love them back, they take care of me when I’m here, and they welcome me with open arms,” Babb said. “It’s hard to repay that, but when they come out two years later and still support me, it says a lot.” Babb is averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game. The lowest he’s scored all season is six points and has scored in double digits all but four times.
Cyclone fans continue to see success in the pros, and with the group of guys they have in the development league, it shouldn’t be too long until the Cyclones dominate in the NBA.
*Please note: All statistics were compiled from dleague.nba.com and the NBA D-League Official App.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @cfchangs9. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?