Basketball Preview: We’re Talking UMKC

The Cyclones spent Thanksgiving break in the Bahamas, but return to action in the friendly confines of Hilton Coliseum. Ames-native Javan White will play in Hilton Coliseum for the first time in his college career as the UMKC Roos visit between two games against the 16 ranked Seton Hall Pirates.

Last Time Out

Seton Hall’s prolific scorer Myles Powell struggled in the first half, shooting a miserable 20%, and the Cyclones led at half by one, 33-32. Then Powell would shoot the lights out, kind of literally, in the second half. As the generator at the Atlantis resort struggled to keep the game afloat, Powell would end up with 24 points. Seton Hall was able to a capitalize on a 10-0 run late in the second half that would put the Cyclones away 84-76. The Cyclones ended the tournament 1-2, both losses coming to teams ranked in the top 16.

About UMKC

The Kangaroos are a team built on upperclassmen, as alll six players averaging over 20 minutes per game are either seniors or juniors. The ‘Roos haven’t seen many close games. Although, 5-4 they’ve only had one game decided by 5 points or less.

UMKC plays a few different of Big 12 teams in the preseason, including Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Kansas. Oklahoma State beat UMKC 69-51 earlier this season, and will play against Kansas on December 14th.

UMKC is predicted to finish near the bottom of the WAC this year, usually ending up at eighth or ninth in the nine-team conference, as first-year head coach Billy Donlan looks to improve on an 11-21 finish last season under Kareem Richardson.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Player to Watch

As tempted as I was to pick UMKC freshman guard Zion Williams (A mere ‘on’ away from being a number one pick this year), all eyes will be on Ames High graduate Javan White.

White, a 6’10 post player, started his college career at Oral Roberts before transferring to Clemson for his junior year. After limited playing time and a step back in stats from his sophomore campaign at Oral Roberts, White transferred once more to UMKC.

Since at UMKC, he’s already tallied more points and rebounds in nine games than he did all of last season for Clemson. White is shooting 46% from the field and 28% from three this season while averaging a stat line of 12.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, including two 20+ point performances this season.

What Will Happen

Iowa State’s team will look similar to the one we saw against Alabama. Offensive opportunities will open up in the fast break, and Iowa State should get off to a solid start back at Hilton.

Look for the Cyclones to get some of their swagger back after failing to capitalize on a big win at the Bahamas. Halliburton was put at the 10th spot in ESPN’s latest mock draft, and even though he questionably got left off the all-tournament team last week, he looked like an absolute star. Halliburton has flirted with triple doubles throughout the season; against UMKC he gets his first one. I’m going to take Iowa State by a wide margin.

Iowa State- 73

UMKC- 55

Pick Three

1. Halliburton gets his first triple double of the season 18-10-11
2. Javan White gets a double double in his return home.
3. Kangaroo Jack v. Buddy Donnie from Tampa is half time entertainment

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (4-3) v. UMKC (5-4)

Where: Ames, Iowa- Hilton Coliseum

When: Wednesday, Dec. 4th 7 p.m. (CST)

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/TuneIn Radio Talent: John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Analyst)

TV: Cyclones.TV

Webcast: WatchESPN

Sirius/XM/Internet: NA/375/375 (internet)

Sirius/XM/Internet:

Live Stats: statbroadcast.com