Colvin to McDermott: Lesson learned

AMES - Chris Colvin's attitude and performance have undergone sweeping changes.

Last month at this time, Iowa State's freshman guard was on the bench and in the doghouse, suspended for unspecified conduct detrimental to the team. He was reinstated early because of injury, dismissal and defection - and has returned to the lineup a better player and teammate, his coach said.

“What we hoped the suspension would accomplish has been accomplished,” Coach Greg McDermott said. “He values more his opportunity to play college basketball and wear the Iowa State uniform. Those are the changes that I wanted to see.”

Colvin's role has changed in concert with the roster. The Cyclones (13-11, 2-7 Big 12) have just eight scholarship players heading into Saturday night's game at No. 1 Kansas (23-1, 9-0).

Colvin has improved since returning to the active roster Jan. 20 at Texas Tech.

“(The suspension) was very tough but I had to do it,” he said. “I feel more confident. I'm just doing the things that coach asks me to do and working hard in practice. That's what's getting me more minutes.”

He's been able to give starter Diante Garrett some relief in bringing the ball up the floor and generally upped his level of play.

“Chris is getting better every game and every practice,” McDermott said. “He has an understanding of what we want him to do and is executing that. Since he came back off the suspension, his assist-to-turnover ratio has been much better. Most importantly, Chris has a way about him of getting his teammates easy baskets.”

Craig Brackins has been the biggest beneficiary. “I think Chris is a big reason that Craig has bounced back the way that he has,” McDermott said.

Colvin can drive the lane better than any of ISU's guards - and dish it.

“I'm a pass-first guy. I like to get everybody involved,” Colvin said.

He's averaging 3.5 assists the last four games, with several of those to going to Brackins, who is averaging 21.8 points during that span.

Colvin scored a career-high 11 in a Jan. 27 loss at Oklahoma.

“He's been looking for his teammates and looking for his shot,” Brackins said. “This is the best he's played since he's been here. He wants to be here and it shows.”

That was a concern for some once the suspension hit.

A number of players have left the program in McDermott's four seasons. The highest profile transfer, Wesley Johnson, cited a strained relationship with the coach. Colvin, who was a top-100 national recruit out of Chicago, had some believing a harsh suspension might give him reason to quit the team.

“I'm here to stay,” Colvin said. “I love this group of guys and coaches.

Dendy's return

Forward LaRon Dendy is expected to rejoin the Cyclones for Saturday's game at Kansas, according to team spokesman Mike Green. Dendy missed Wednesday's 65-56 loss at Missouri while attending his great-grandmother's funeral in Greenville, S.C.