Picture this: wrapping up your college basketball journey with unfiltered joy on the hardwood, soaking in every moment like it's your last chance to shine. That's exactly what Iowa State Men's Basketball standout Nate Heise is aiming for in his final season, and it's sparking some real excitement as the Cyclones gear up for their exhibition showdown against Creighton this Friday. But here's where it gets fascinating – is 'fun' the secret ingredient to unlocking peak performance, or could it clash with the high-stakes drive to win? Let's dive in and explore how Heise is embracing this mindset, and why it might just redefine his legacy.
Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger has been rallying his seasoned senior guard, Nate Heise, to channel pure delight, boundless energy, and heartfelt appreciation throughout this curtain-closing chapter as a college athlete. And from what we've seen so far, Otzelberger's words are resonating deeply with Heise, helping him shift his perspective in a big way.
'As I step into my last year,' Heise shared, reflecting on the dual paths he once navigated, 'you can view it as a daunting repeat of past efforts or seize it as the ultimate chance to savor the experience.' Heise, who stands at 6-5 and transferred from Northern Iowa, is eager to bring that zest and more to Friday's 7:30 p.m. exhibition game against the No. 23-ranked Creighton Bluejays in Omaha. For those new to college sports, an exhibition game is like a friendly warm-up match that doesn't count toward official records, allowing teams to test strategies, build chemistry, and showcase skills without the pressure of league standings. 'Some days, I swung between those two mindsets,' Heise admitted, 'but not anymore.'
Over the summer, Heise had several heart-to-heart discussions with Otzelberger about maximizing this farewell season. As a junior, Heise dazzled with a scorching 7-for-9 (78 percent) from beyond the arc in postseason action, positioning him as a potential game-changer for the No. 16 Cyclones as they chase a fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth under Otzelberger. The key? Playing with fierce determination rather than hesitation, regardless of his specific role or playing time on the court.
'When you really break it down,' Otzelberger emphasized, 'this is the pinnacle of enjoyment in the game.' The coach, set to clash with his former mentor and current Creighton head coach Greg McDermott not only in this Friday exhibition but also in a meaningful matchup about a month later in Las Vegas, stressed the fun factor. 'I hear from players who've moved up to professional levels that these college days are the most exhilarating – the times when you're closest to your fans, teammates, and the pure thrill of the sport. So, for Nate Heise, I want his senior year to be all about that joy. Imagine watching him out there with a grin, fueled by competitiveness and camaraderie – I want him to be the ultimate example of someone who made the most of his final run, leaving everyone saying, "That guy epitomized fun on the court."'
Of course, how much enjoyment Heise and the Cyclones will experience against McDermott's squad depends on their execution and adherence to Otzelberger's rigorous standards. 'Winning is paramount,' the coach declared. 'In practice, every drill is a battle to come out on top. Everything we tackle aims for victory, even in a game that won't affect our record.' After all, in Heise's view, success and enjoyment go hand in hand – winning amplifies the fun, and fun fuels the wins. He'll kick off the game as a starter alongside promising freshman guard Killyan Toure, steady junior Milan Momcilovic, reliable junior Blake Buchanan, and veteran senior Joshua Jefferson. Notably, standout point guard Tamin Lipsey is sidelined for at least a couple of weeks due to an MCL sprain, adding an extra layer of challenge and opportunity for the team to gel.
'I'm feeling optimistic about our progress and truly love the vibe of our squad,' Heise said, soaking in the moment. 'I'm just embracing it all.'
This focus on fun as a pathway to success is intriguing, isn't it? Some might argue it's a smart way to reduce stress and boost creativity on the court, like how athletes in other sports, such as soccer stars celebrating each goal, turn pressure into playfulness. Others could see it as risky – does prioritizing enjoyment dilute the intense focus needed for high-level competition? And this is the part most people miss: balancing personal fulfillment with team goals might just be the edge Iowa State needs. What do you think? Is 'fun' the underrated key to athletic excellence, or does it sometimes distract from winning? Do players like Heise inspire you, or do you believe pros should stay all business? Share your takes, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – I'd love to hear your perspectives!
Rob Gray (https://cyclonefanatic.com/author/robgray/)
Rob, a proud Ames native, has been part of the Cyclone Fanatic team since August 2014, after a long career at Iowa's top newspapers. He spent a decade at the Des Moines Register and, following a short time in public relations, joined the Cedar Rapids Gazette as an Iowa State correspondent three years ago. Rob excels at crafting engaging feature stories for CF, bringing fans closer to the heart of the game.
