The Iowa State Cyclones are set to embark on a pivotal road trip to Utah, facing off against BYU on February 3 and Utah on February 6. This journey, known as the Wasatch Mountain Swing, presents an opportunity for the team to bond and strengthen their camaraderie during a challenging stretch of the season.
Building team chemistry is crucial, especially as the Cyclones navigate the demanding landscape of college basketball. Freshman guard Jamarion Batemon emphasized the importance of spending quality time together, stating, “Just enjoying each other’s presence off the court makes it so much better on the court when we’re doing what we love to do.” The Cyclones have consistently highlighted their strong group dynamic as a key to their success.
As they prepare for this unique trip, head coach T.J. Otzelberger noted the significance of getting away from campus. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. The team has already experienced extended bonding time during their participation in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas earlier in the season. However, this trip provides an even more immersive experience, allowing the Cyclones to focus on each other without the typical distractions of home.
February is often regarded as the “dog days” of college basketball, a period when enthusiasm may wane as teams settle into the season. The Cyclones, who have been together since June, face heightened expectations as they are currently ranked among the top ten teams in the nation. With the excitement of the season’s start fading and the madness of March still on the horizon, this trip comes at a time when team unity is vital.
The physical distance of over 1,000 miles from Ames, Iowa, may serve as a welcome change for the players. They have the chance to engage in activities together, from watching games to enjoying meals, fostering connections that can enhance their performance on the court. Otzelberger emphasized the importance of these interactions, saying, “You can watch a game together, you can go do an activity together, go have a meal. I think that only strengthens and enhances those bonds and relationships.”
In a shift from previous road trips where the team often stayed in their hotel, Iowa State has opted to dine out during this journey. The new approach allows players to bond over meals at local steakhouses, which Otzelberger believes will enrich their experience. “If you can’t bond over dinner at a steakhouse on the athletic department’s dime, when could you?” he remarked.
This road trip represents more than just games; it is akin to an offsite retreat where team members can recommit to each other. “We know as we move forward in this point in the season how important being that together team, being that connected team on and off the court really is,” Otzelberger stated.
With these games looming, the Cyclones are poised to leverage their camaraderie to achieve success in what promises to be an intense and challenging week. As they take to the court, their strengthened relationships may be just the edge they need to secure victories against BYU and Utah.
