ISU’s Solomon Young working on offense

WEST DES MOINES — Solomon Young finds himself in a unique position.

At 19 years old and going into just his second year with the Iowa State men's basketball team, he's already a veteran. His 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game don't have the look of a typical returning difference maker, but reality can be different from perception.

Young knows he'll be asked to do a lot of the same things he did last year — rebound, run the floor and be physical on defense. Year 2 is about taking on a little more responsibility.

'Improve my overall game and trying to expand my game with some outside range,' Young said of his goals. 'My jump shot is actually coming along really well.'

It isn't likely for Young to be asked to take a lot of outside shots, but the ability to do so is a bonus. From college to the NBA, basketball is seeing a shift with its big men being able to do a little bit of everything. If Young can even marginally do that, the Cyclones are better off.

Young, who averaged 17.5 minutes per game, saw his playing time fluctuate greatly. Sitting out with a broken hand for four games didn't help matters. A breakthrough in an overtime win at Kansas — he played 32 minutes, grabbed six rebounds and was a defensive force — thrust him into the starting lineup.

His 18 points and 12 rebounds at Kansas State showed Young's potential. Things clicked through the end of the season and the Sacramento, Calif., native grew into his role. Taking another natural step in that progression is crucial.

'He's got strength, he's got toughness, he understands how we want to play defensively,' said Iowa State Coach Steve Prohm. 'If we can continue to get him better (offensively), that's the step he needs to take.'

Developing a go-to move around the basket is on the priority list, so Young has taken it upon himself to get into the gym any chance he can.

Jakolby Long and Hans Brase have been nursing injuries and Lindell Wigginton has been playing overseas, so Iowa State hasn't had many chances to scrimmage this summer, Young said. The positive is a lot of individual work has occurred and Young is a beneficiary.

'(I learned last year) the little things will always matter,' Young said. 'It all comes down to the last couple plays. That's why being in the gym, being focused can make those tough shots.'

Even in May, Prohm was starting to see the fruits of that labor. Young played in 30 games, started 12 — the Cyclones were 10-2 in that stretch — and likely will be a Day 1 starter this season.

'Now he can make trail 3s, pick and pop 3s, his skill set fundamentally is sound, driving the ball from the elbow and top of the key,' Prohm said. 'And also not just score, but to make others better.'

Young came to Iowa State with a Big 12-ready frame, but he's been tweaking it this summer. The 6-foot-8 forward has grown from 240 to 248 and has settled on a weight he feels will allow him to do everything the coaches have asked.

'(Prohm) says he just wants me to chisel down and find a good weight to stay at,' Young said. 'Last year I think I was under weight so I'm just trying to pick up some more weight.

'I think right now where I'm at is a good weight.'

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