Under coach Tim Floyd, the Iowa State Cyclones had a successful two-season span from 1995 to 1997, compiling a combined 46-18 record, with two NCAA Tournament appearances and a 1996 Big Eight Tournament title. A big reason for this was Kelvin Cato.
Kelvin Cato was a dominant shot-blocking center for Iowa State (1995–1997), leading the team to two NCAA Tournaments and the 1996 Big Eight Tournament title. He set the school record for single-season blocks (118 in 1996-97), single-game blocks (11), and finished with 189 total blocks in his two-year career.
Highlights at Iowa State:
Total Blocks: 189 (second-most in school history).
Single-Season Blocks: 118 (1996-97, school record).
Single-Game Blocks: 11 (school record).
1996-97 Season: Led the Big 12 Conference in blocks (4.1 bpg).
Accolades: Named to the Iowa State Men's Hoops All-Century Team.
Cato was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft. Immediately following his selection, his draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He ended up playing 10 season in the NBA, playing for 5 different teams. Cato averaged 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over his NBA career.
Will we ever see a Cyclone that dominant in the paint? Time will tell.
I am a big Iowa State sports card fan. One of the more interesting ones is the 1997 Collector's Edge Kelvin Cato card. On the front of the card it actually features Stevie Johnson from Iowa State, instead of Kelvin. If you don't have, you need one for your collection.
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| 1997 Collector's Edge #18 Kelvin Cato card, with Stevie Johnson on the Front. |
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