For a lot of reasons, the comparison of Brackins with former Cyclone Marcus Fizer is inevitable. They have similar games and are perhaps the two most talented big men in the last ten years for Iowa State. And when the comparison is made, most come to the conclusion that Fizer was way ahead in his development at this stage in his career than Brackins. With that in mind, let's compare the numbers. 

As a sophomore, Brackins is averaging 18.8 points and 9.8 rebounds. Fizer averaged 18.0 points and 7.6 rebounds. 

Brackins is shooting 48 percent from the floor, and 30 percent from three. Fizer shot 45 percent from the floor as a sophomore and a paltry 21 percent from deep. 

So, Brackins at this stage is averaging more points, more rebounds, shooting better from the field and from distance. 

It's easy to forget how erratic Fizer was as a sophomore, as he had to force a lot of shots with a lack of other options around him. The only legit outside threat was Mike Nurse. 

The next year was a completely different story as Tinsley and Horton entered the fray and changed the balance on the floor completely. 

Fizer put up 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds as a junior. And shot 58 percent from the floor and 33 percent from deep. A thirteen percent jump in percentage is astounding, and he can thank his work in the weight room for being able to hold deeper position in the post and also Tinsley with giving him much better looks on the floor. 

I don't expect Brackins to have that kind of jump from year two to year three, but he is in rare company with the amount of production he is having as a sophomore. There are great things ahead for Craig.