Cyclones are Sweet | Jimmy Rogers Speaks | Iowa State WBB | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #60

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Cyclones are Sweet | Jimmy Rogers Speaks | Iowa State WBB | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #60

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Summary

Opening & Overall Structure Levi Stevenson opens the show, introducing himself and noting his role with CF After Dark.The episode covers three main Iowa State topics: football (shortest segment), men's basketball (Sweet 16 run), and women's basketball (transfer portal news).Levi interacts with live chat comments throughout (e.g., from Carter, Redbird, Duke).Tone is candid, fan-oriented, and appreciative of the new football coaching era's straightforward communication. Football Segment: Jimmy Rogers' First Spring Media Availability Spring practice begins Thursday, March 26, 2026.Rogers held his first media session before practice. Levi plays and discusses clips (courtesy of Jake Brand).Key quotes from Rogers: Excited to see players "compete" and "do football things" after meetings/walkthroughs.Growth seen in winter workouts: team relationships, getting faster/bigger, movement efficiency.Emphasis on building chemistry with many new players (transfers and returners); noted players spending spring break together.Things "moving in the right direction" — now comes down to execution. Levi contrasts Rogers' frank, matter-of-fact style with Matt Campbell's vague/platitude-heavy answers. Praises Rogers for being honest and direct (even on self-reflection questions).Additional notes: Defense (led by Tyler Babbitt/Roll?) appears ahead or on pace; Rogers expressed full trust in offensive coordinator Tyler Roll (formerly with Lions/Bears influence) and said offense is progressing well due to Roll's detail-oriented approach.Rogers takes a "CEO" style like Campbell: coaches the coaches more than micromanaging players.Recruiting/staff: Discussion of retaining players like Francois (from Minnesota); hiring a new recruiting/social media staffer from Wisconsin.Spring showcase planned for ~April 25 (practice + scrimmage elements, open to public, no full spring game).Positive on roster chemistry despite turnover; building relationships is priority early. In-state 2027 RB recruit Isaiah Hansen (Newton HS) highlighted — Levi shares tape impressions: tough runner, good vision, speed (4.4 camp time), stiff arm, MVP at a St. Louis camp. First 2027 commit under Rogers. Men's Basketball: Sweet 16 vs. Tennessee (Friday, ~9-10 PM CT in Chicago) Iowa State (2-seed) faces Tennessee (6-seed) after beating Kentucky convincingly without Joshua Jefferson (ankle injury, progressing but questionable).Levi's take: ISU can win without Jefferson by replicating the Kentucky game plan (force turnovers, transition buckets, efficient FTs/jumpers). Tennessee is very slow (306th in pace), rebound-heavy but star-reliant on Jacoby Gillespie (solid but streaky 3PT shooter ~34.5%, struggles vs. elite defenses).Weaknesses: Poor 3PT team overall, not efficient from 2, turnover-prone, mediocre FT shooting.Iowa State's elite defense (top-5) should feast; KenPom projects a close but winnable game (~4-pt favorite). Strategy talk: Use Mulder sparingly for fouls/rebounding if needed. Avoid letting Tennessee dictate slow pace.Broader tournament outlook: Levi "called his shot" earlier — potential loss spots were 2nd round (pre-injury), Elite Eight (Michigan), or Final Four/Natty. Still believes in a deep run (possibly to Indy). Michigan matchup preferred over Alabama (pace/shooting variance).Optimism high despite Jefferson's status; depth and defense carry the team. Women's Basketball: Transfer Portal Fallout Big (and painful) news just before/during the show: Addie Brown entering the transfer portal (one year eligibility left). Described as a "really big loss" — second-best player on the team when healthy.Other transfers mentioned (multiple players entered today, creating roster uncertainty).Context: ISU had a strong regular season (top-10 at times) but struggled in postseason (e.g., recent first-round NCAA exit). Brown's back injury limited her this year.Levi's analysis: Hard to blame Brown for leaving — she could land big NIL money at a blue-blood (Maryland, South Carolina, etc.).Raises big questions for Audi Crooks (elite scorer but defensive liability — doesn't leave paint, doesn't contest drives well) and Jada Williams (strong transfer year). Will they stay?Program at a crossroads: Bill Fennelly is a legend (Mount Rushmore of ISU WBB, possibly broader), has the fire to continue, and has a lifetime deal. But has he adapted to NIL/modern game?No calls to fire him — he deserves to choose his exit. But tough questions needed on roster building and competitiveness.Crooks' offense is historic (fastest to 2K points, great touch/passing), but defense is a major weakness that teams exploited. Needs fixing (effort/stamina/system?).Roster uncertainty: Can they retain core and add shooters around Crooks? Or was this year's group their best shot? Other Notes & Wrap-Up Wrestling quick hit: Tough NCAA Championships — team finished 8th (below expectations due to injuries). Yonger Bastida reached finals but lost 5-0 to NC State's Isaac Trumble (still a huge...

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