There Can Be Only One

 As you have no doubt heard by now, Charles Boozer will no longer be part of the Iowa State program after the incident last weekend.  Such a disappointment after riding a wave of joy with the announcement of Coach Hoiberg being hired last week.  Regardless of the outcome of Boozer's potential legal battle the guy clearly loved being a Cyclone and he handled his exit with class and accountability.

The Hoiberg announcement got me thinking about the past.  I think everybody felt nostalgic in the face of having the golden boy return home.  Another thing that I was nostalgic for was the days of ISU being led by a senior Hoiberg and Meyer, or a senior Horton, Shirley, Rancik, Tinsley, Johnson, etc.  It seems like those days left with Tinsley when he cut out of Ames two days after the NCAAs.  The dam had a few cracks with the slew of transfers under Eustachy at the end.  It had some leaks with the revolving door under Wayne.  It burst wide open with McDermott with seemingly half the team heading for the exit after each season.

As it stands right now Diante Garrett will be a senior next year and will be a guy we really count on.  He and Antwon Oliver are the only guys who even have the chance of completing four years at ISU that were recruited under McDermott.  It seems like miles away from Freddy and Loren playing Big Country and the Cowboys only 15 years ago.  Like the Highlander quote I jokingly titled this article after, apparently there really can only be one.

College basketball has changed in that time.  I hope Hoiberg has been around enough young guys in the NBA I'm sure he understands that.  It's my hope that Grayer, who has spent a good portion of his life mentoring young men, can let these guys know how unique of an opportunity it is to play basketball in Ames.  Those outside of the state really don't understand it, but the fans love these players.  That's why we're so disappointed when a real fan favorite like Boozer is now on the way out the door, even though it's probably best for both parties.

Hoiberg faces a lot of uphill battles but he and his staff knows what this place can be like if you win.  If he can change the culture of guys leaving and bring in the talent capable enough to win I'm convinced he can do wonderful things here.  I just hope the players are on board because they really might miss out on some great times with a fanbase that truly wants them to succeed.