Pay attention if the ESPN2 camera scans the Iowa State bench during Wednesday’s 8 p.m. game against Duke at the United Center in Chicago and there is a good chance you will see former UW-Parkside men’s basketball coach Jeff Rutter.

Rutter is in his fourth season on the staff of the Cyclones. Coach Greg McDermott brought Rutter with him from Northern Iowa. Rutter left Parkside in 2003 for Northern Iowa after seven seasons in Somers.

A 10-3 start

The 10-3 Cyclones are off to their best start since McDermott went to Ames from Cedar Falls, about 25 miles away as the crow flies.

“It has been a good start,” Rutter said. “We have the most talent right now on our team since we arrived at Iowa State four years ago. But like most teams we’re still a work in progress. We’re going to develop a greater defensive mentality and just strive for more consistent execution on the offensive end. If we can continue to improve in those areas we have a chance to have a very special year.”

Wisconsin ties

Iowa State has three players with Wisconsin ties, including Marquette transfer Scott Christopherson. The Cyclones plan to redshirt Antwon Oliver, a freshman from Racine Horlick and Milwaukee Vincent product Diante Garrett has started every game.

Rutter said ESPN approached Iowa State last July, saying Duke was looking for an opponent for a neutral site game in Chicago. Iowa State will get a guarantee and ESPNU will air its game Saturday against North Dakota State.

“On top of that, it’s a great opportunity for our team to measure itself against one of the nation’s elite programs,” Rutter said. “It’s also another good test to have preparation for Big 12 play.”

A tough league

Rutter got used to going through the brutal Great Lakes Valley Conference. Now he is in the Big 12, with Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, among others.

“It’s the same hair we were pulling out when we were trying to win games at Parkside,” he said. “I think it’s all relative. It’s a grind. There’s no easy nights. Your team has to be at their best each and every night out.

“But again, that’s part of the fun of it. You’re constantly playing tough games and meaningful games, and you’re being challenged. I think that in itself is one of the things I like about it the most.”

Rutter has family in West Allis. His brother teaches and coaches in South Milwaukee. His wife, Shari, is from Arcadia. Their son, A.J., is a sophomore at Gilbert High School and is playing varsity basketball.

Thoughts of Parkside

Rutter has not forgotten the folks at Parkside.

“(Coach) Luke Reigel and I, we still keep in touch,” Rutter said. “Always really pulling for Luke and the guys. To no surprise, Luke’s done just a terrific job there. Pulling for him.

“And I do speak with Dr. Lenny Klaver (Parkside’s Vice Chancellor for University Relations & Advancement) on a regular basis. He’s actually from the state of Iowa, Webster City in fact, right up the road from Ames.”