The YMCA Capital City League is back, and it may be better than ever this year; but that’s not just a promo.
For starters, the hype for Iowa State basketball is very high, maybe even higher than last season, despite the NCAA Tournament first round loss. Cyclone fans have been eagerly awaiting the start of next season, and well, the YCCL is as close as they will get to it this summer.
As most know, Iowa State turned over the head coaching reigns to Steve Prohm, formerly at Murray State, who said in his introductory press conference that he will let the players play with freedom.
As Cyclone fans are optimistic for the new season to begin, Drake fans will say it is anyone’s guess as to how well the year goes.
Drake will add a seven footer from Poland – Dominik Olejniczak (ADIO) who will make his YCCL debut.
YCCL Draft Results
Iowa State portion
1. Georges Niang
2. Monte Morris
3. Jameel McKay
4. Matt Thomas
5. Abdel Nader
6. Hallice Cooke
7. Deonte Burton
8. Daniel Edozie
9. Nick Noskowiak
10. Nick Babb
11. Kourtlin Jackson
12. Jordan Ashton
Drake Portion
1. Kale Abrahamson
2. Reed Timmer
3. Ore Arogundade
4. CJ Rivers
5. Casey Schlatter
6. Graham Woodward
7. Dominik Olejniczak
8. Kory Kuentsling
9. Billy Wampler
10. Johannes Dolven
11. Paul Pederson
Team Rosters
2015 YMCA Capital City League rosters. Who's the favorite?? pic.twitter.com/0uBCCbPK0J
— Cap City League (@CapCity_League) June 5, 2015
Hannah Homes
Player to watch: Deonte Burton – The transfer from Marquette has shown off his dunks many of times and may rival Jameel McKay and Kourtlin Jackson in the dunk competition this year.
Sleeper: Hallice Cooke – It takes simply a follow on twitter to figure out why Hallice Cooke can succeed at Iowa State this season. When asked by a fan if he can play like Melvin Ejim because he was wearing #3, he replied that he plays like Hallice. He has the right mentality.
Unique Storyline: Kale Abrahamson – The former Valley graduate returns to Drake for his second season in the YCCL, and he can pack a punch. Abrahamson had to sit out after transferring to Drake, so he will be ready to play come Wednesday.
Walnut Creek YMCA
Player to watch: Jameel McKay – If dunking is what fans want, they won’t need to look further than Jameel McKay. The 6’9″ forward isn’t afraid to have fun and start throwing it down.
Sleeper: Jordan Johnson – Johnson played last season when he was going into his senior year in high school and showed the he can still hang with the big boys. He will be attending SWIC to play basketball this season.
Unique Storyline: Nick Weiler-Babb – Nick Babb will transfer to Iowa State from Arkansas this season, following in his brother’s (Chris Babb) foot steps. Not only did Babb’s brother play at Iowa State, but he also transferred.
Pheonix Renewable Resources
Player to watch/Unique Storyline: Monte Morris – New head coach Steve Prohm has coached two point guards during his time at Murray State, one is and the other will be in the NBA. “I don’t want to be the guy left out,” Morris said.
Sleeper: Casey Schlatter – Schlatter heads into his second season of YCCL and his first playing for the Bulldogs. He was redshirted his first year, but the 6’10” forward can really play.
Renaissance Granite and Quartz
Player to watch: Reed Timmer – Timmer dropped multiple 40 point games during his breakout season in the YCCL last year, and then started at Drake as a freshman.
Sleeper: Abdel Nader – Nader can play, and he showed that with Iowa State last season. This will be a big year for the senior and it will start in the summer league.
Unique Storyline: Daniel Edozie – We all know Daniel Edozie did not get the playing time he had hoped for in his final year at ISU. It will be interesting to see Edozie back on the floor and to see just what he can do before trying to go pro.
ADIO Chiropractic
Player to watch: Georges Niang – The fan favorite of Iowa State always has fun when playing in the YCCL. Niang can score and is always able to entertain the fans.
Sleeper: Galat Toang – Toang is a YCCL veteran and can play a big role on this team. With as many different, unique threats on the court, he could find himself in many back door situations.
Unique Storyline: Austin McBeth – McBeth is as homegrown as they come. After being raised in Cedar Rapids, he played quarterback at Iowa Western and earned second team all conference. He transferred to Iowa State to play football when former Coach Fred Hoiberg asked him to suit up for the basketball team as well. McBeth is now back to showcase his talent.
Capital Orthopedics
Player to watch: Matt Thomas – Thomas showed late last season that he can be a sharp shooter for Iowa State. He played a major role on Senior Night scoring 18 points against Oklahoma and should be fully prepped for the season.
Sleeper: Ore Arogundade – Arogundade participated in last year’s dunk competition and gave the Iowa State players a run for their money. If he can get points on the board, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Unique Storyline: Nick Noskowiak – Noskowiak originally committed to Marquette, but switched his decision to Iowa State.
LWOS will have full Coverage of every YMCA Capital City League Game. Below is the full game schedule
2015 YMCA Capital City Basketball League SCHEDULE. June 19 we'll be at Valley HS instead. pic.twitter.com/lmvhANyxV7
— Cap City League (@CapCity_League) June 6, 2015
