Basketball Season Begins as No. 8 Cyclones Host Chicago State in Opener
No. 8 Cyclones Ready to Tip Off
The highly anticipated basketball season is finally upon us as the No. 8 Cyclones prepare to host Chicago State in their season opener. The Cyclones are entering the 2023-24 campaign with high hopes, having been ranked among the top teams in the nation in preseason polls.
Led by experienced coach TJ Otzelberger, the Cyclones boast a talented roster featuring several key returning players and promising newcomers. Senior guard Caleb Grill and junior forward Jaren Holmes are expected to lead the way offensively, while sophomore center Osun Osunniyi will anchor the defense.
The Cyclones will face a tough test in their opener against Chicago State, a team that finished last season with a 14-15 record. The Cougars are led by senior guard Jahsean Corbett, who averaged 17.5 points per game last season. However, the Cyclones will be heavily favored to win their season opener at home.
Cyclones Aiming for Strong Start
After reaching the Sweet 16 last season, the Cyclones are eager to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament this year. A strong start to the season will be crucial for building momentum and confidence.
The Cyclones have a favorable schedule early on, with four of their first six games coming at home. They will also face several non-conference opponents ranked outside the top 100, giving them an opportunity to pad their record and build chemistry.
If the Cyclones can start the season with a strong record, they will be well-positioned to compete for a conference championship and make a deep run in March.
Keys to the Game
Here are some keys to the game between the No. 8 Cyclones and Chicago State:
- Cyclones must control tempo: The Cyclones need to dictate the pace of the game and prevent Chicago State from getting into a rhythm offensively.
- Grill and Holmes must lead offensively: Grill and Holmes are the Cyclones' leading scorers, and they will need to have big games against Chicago State.
- Osunniyi must dominate inside: Osunniyi is one of the best defensive players in the country, and he will need to use his size and athleticism to shut down Chicago State's post players.
- Cyclones must limit turnovers: The Cyclones have a tendency to turn the ball over, and they can't afford to do so against a team like Chicago State.
If the Cyclones can execute these keys, they will be in a good position to win their season opener and start the season on a strong note.
