As the college hoops curtain rises, the Green Bay Phoenix are set to clash with the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Green Bay is hungry to rebound from last season’s 3-29 finish, facing an Iowa State team that’s poised to build on their solid 19-14 record. With both squads hitting the hardwood undefeated, Monday’s showdown promises a fresh start where every dribble and dunk writes a new chapter.

Coach Wicks and the Revitalized Green Bay Phoenix

The Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball team is at a pivotal juncture. Head Coach Sundance Wicks, appointed on March 14th, has been tasked with reigniting the Phoenix’s flame. With an almost entirely new roster, Wicks has retained the services of Clarence Cummings III, Ryan Wade, and Amari Jenkins. These returnees will provide the backbone for a squad enhanced by a blend of experienced players and talented freshmen.

Noah Reynolds, a tenacious left-handed guard, is a noteworthy addition. Having previously been with Wicks at the Cowboys, Reynolds boasts a 47.3% shooting average, having netted an impressive 14.1 points per game before injuries sidelined him. Rich Byhre, a D2 All-American, brings his formidable presence in the post and a sharpshooting prowess, making him a threat from beyond the arc. Elijah Jones, a versatile player at 6-7, hails from the NJCAA national champion team at John A. Logan College and is set to make waves in the Horizon League. Foster Wonders, a sharpshooter from Southern Illinois, and Preston Ruedinger, an All-MVC freshman team member from Valpo, further bolster the Phoenix’s offensive prowess.

The squad welcomes Will Eames, a sixth-year senior familiar to Wicks, and six promising freshmen, including top Wisconsin prospects Marcus Hall and Mac Wrecke. Their upcoming schedule, though road-heavy, presents ample opportunities to build momentum. Key matchups include Big 12 clashes against Iowa State and Oklahoma and home games against St. Thomas and Western Illinois.

 Iowa State’s Quest for NCAA Dominance Begins

Iowa State Cyclones are set to storm the court for the 2023-2024 NCAA basketball season, fresh off a respectable 19-14 overall record last year. While the team saw a fair share of departures, like the sharpshooting Jaren Holmes and defensive stalwart Osun Osunniyi, they’re reloading rather than rebuilding.

The Cyclones’ backcourt will miss the offensive prowess of Holmes, who put up an impressive 13.3 points per game, and Gabe Kalscheur, another double-digit scorer. The absence of these guards creates a vacuum but also an opportunity for Tamin Lipsey. The sophomore guard averaged 7.3 points and four rebounds and led the team with 4.4 assists per game last season. He’s expected to be the new floor general, dictating the pace and delivering clutch plays.

In the paint, Tre King and Robert Jones bring senior leadership. King’s versatility and Jones’s inside presence will be crucial for a team that averaged 67.6 points per game while allowing just 62.6, the latter being top-tier in the nation. Iowa State shot 44.3% from the field last season and held opponents to a 42% clip, showcasing balanced play on both ends of the floor.

New blood comes in the form of freshmen forwards Omaha Biliew and Kayden Fish, adding depth to the frontcourt. Transfer guard Keshon Gilbert from UNLV and Curtis Jones from Buffalo could be game-changers, infusing fresh skill sets into the Cyclones’ lineup.

The stats paint a vivid picture; while the Cyclones ranked low in offensive categories—67.6 points per game (276th in the nation)—their defense was commendable. They allowed just 62.6 points per game, ranking 19th nationally. Field goal defense was also a strong suit, standing at 42%, good enough for 69th in the nation.

David’s Pick – Green Bay Phoenix

It’s a battle of revitalization against consistency. The Green Bay Phoenix, under Coach Wicks, is undergoing a transformative resurgence. Their additions, like sharpshooting Noah Reynolds and D2 All-American Rich Byhre, elevate their offensive capabilities. The Phoenix’s blend of experienced players and dynamic freshmen promises to shake up the Horizon League. Meanwhile, Iowa State, although defensively solid, lost vital offensive players and may need time to find their rhythm. With Phoenix’s road-heavy schedule and matchups against Big 12 giants, they have a golden chance to prove their worth. This season, expect the Phoenix to outshine the Cyclones and open the season with a win.