Clone Chronicles: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Cowboy Altitude for Wyoming Fans!

Does Alex Thompson Deserve to Start over Craig Brackins?

This would have seemed like a rather odd question one month ago, much less at the beginning of the season, but it seems to be a legitimate one at this point. Lately, and especially in the last two games, we've seen Craig get his lunch handed to him on defense while providing next to nothing on offense. This all raises a question over whether Alex Thompson deserves to be getting starts over Brackins.

Craig is a great offensive weapon. There's no doubt about that. When he's on, he has one of the sweetest shots on the team, both down low and from behind the arc. The problem is that that shot is not there right now, with Craig hitting some sort of (freshman) wall. Compounding that is the fact that he's not real good on defense. He's likely never had to work real hard on D in high school or prep school, but his lack of ability in the post is glaring. Thompson is the opposite, as he's our best post defender (depending on what sort of day Jiri is having), and he's pretty decent passing, but his offense has been suspect at best. Let's look at both guys' last five games...

@ KState - CB 10 pts (4-17), 5 rebounds; AT 0 pts (0-0), 2 rebounds
Colorado - CB 10 pts (4-11), 7 rebounds; AT 2 pts (1-5), 1 rebound
@ Nebraska - CB 14 pts (5-8), 7 rebounds; AT 3 pts (1-2), 1 rebound
Texas A&M - CB 2 pts (1-6), 0 rebounds; AT 5 pts (2-3), 5 rebounds
Texas - CB 3 pts (1-9), 3 rebounds; AT 0 pts (0-1), 2 rebounds

Is this simply a case where appearances are deceiving? It's hard to argue that with the exception of the Nebraska game, Craig has had a bad stretch, but does Alex deserve to be getting the starts over him? And what of Cory Johnson, who's been sick recently. He's got one of the better offensive touches on the team, and God knows that's where we are hurting. What are your thoughts?

0 recs  |  Comment 1 comment |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Clone Chronicles

Around SB Nation

Comments

Display:

Brackins Vs. Thompson
If we were going for the NCAA Tournament this year I think Alex Thompson would be a better option but considering we are kind of already playing for next year it's very important Brackins gets experience.  Along with Lucca and Johnson, Brackins will be one of our go to guys next year.  It is a great argument though, hopefully Craig finds his game again soon.  

by Fizer on Feb 13, 2008 7:54 PM CST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Clone Chronicles, where we discuss all things Iowa State, and try to have some fun along the way.
Start posting about the Cyclones »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Cyhawk1s_small
In Defense of Farmageddon
Cyhawk1s_small
Remember The Eustachy Era In Glorious Web-Embedded Video Form
Farmer_small
Respect

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Boise State running back Doug Martin (22), right, runs towards Virginia Tech safety Eddie Whitley (15) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010 in Landover, Md.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) +9 updates

Virginia Tech Strikes Back, Recaptures Lead Over Boist State 27-26

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2009, file photo, Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen yells on the sidelines against Virginia during the first half of an NCAA college football game in College Park, Md. Friedgen's job status appeared shaky after the Terrapins lost a school-record 10 games this season. But after meeting for two consecutive days with athletic director Debbie Yow, Friedgen was given the go-ahead to make plans for a 10th season as coach at his alma mater. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) link

Maryland Holds Off Navy With Goal-Line Stand In Final Minute

TCU safety Alex Ibiloye, right, and safety Tejay Johnson, center rear, combine to knock Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers (1) out of bounds just shy of the end zone in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. TCU won 30-21. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Inside The Pac-10: Beavers & Huskies Fall Short; Ducks And Wildcats Devastate

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Clonechronicles_small Mark Kieffer

Editors

Iowa-state-logo_small CrossCyed

Authors

059_59_small BryceC

Stilogo_small Paul Conrad