Hilton Magic: You’re Not In Kansas Anymore

Published: 1st Feb 12 1:08 pm
Tweet
Alex Boler
College Basketball Writer
RANT It!

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State Men’s Basketball hasn’t seen regular national coverage since their 2000 NCAA Elite Eight run led by NBA draftees Marcus Fizer and Jamal Tinsley. That year the Cyclones were a 32-5 overall, won the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament championship, and had a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Was that the last reference to Hilton Magic?

Iowa State Basketball (16-6, 6-3) upset the #5 Kansas Jayhawks over the weekend 72-64, and quickly turned around to beat Kansas State on a buzzer beater shot, 72-70. Beating out both Big 12 powers from the same state of Kansas, within 4 days of each other, was the first time ever in the programs history. The “Hilton Magic” seems to be back in Ames, Iowa thanks to the play of sophomore transfer Royce White. Royce White registered his fourth 20-point game, 17th double digit scoring effort, tied a career high with 10 field goals, and is averaging 14 points and 9.5 rebounds a game after the Cyclones last game.

“I’ve said it all along — they’re definitely an NCAA tournament team,” Kansas coach Bill Self said afterwards. “Fred (Hoiberg) has done a nice job in a short amount of time, and they’ve got a matchup that not too many people have.” Referring to Royce White.

So how can we answer the question: What is Hilton Magic?

Hilton Magic is this year’s Iowa State Men’s Basketball.

Connect with Rant Sports
Get more Traffic

Leave a Rant

Agree? Disagree? Have a different opinion? Let us know what you think...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!