Joe Modderman is bidding a fond farewell to Iowa State this year. The Cyclone guard’s goodbye is coming in the form of a transfer from ISU’s basketball team to Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich.

The decision to leave Iowa State was based mostly on a quest for more playing time.

“The main thing is playing time, and to be depended on for more minutes,” Modderman said.

Another factor in Modderman’s decision was that Allendale is his home town. “It’s a chance to go to my home town and play more minutes,” Modderman said.

In his final season with the Cyclones, Modderman averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds, while playing an average of 13 minutes a game.

Modderman was hindered by a stress fracture in the tibia of his left leg, and was forced to missed preseason practice and the first five games of the season.

The 6-9 junior will be playing for a familiar face at Grand Valley State. Head Coach Jay Smith was the head assistant at Michigan University when Modderman graduated high school.

Smith heavily recruited Modderman for the Wolverines, and now the two will finally have a chance to work for the same team.

An interesting twist to Modderman’s departure is that at season’s end Modderman called Smith.

“I just called him and asked if he had a scholarship open,” Modderman said.

Despite having been heavily recruited by Smith, Modderman did not receive any guarantee of playing time or a position.

“I’ll have to earn my minutes,” Modderman said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Modderman thinks that Grand Valley State has the potential to win many games next season.

“At Grand Valley, there is an opportunity to play hard and win every game,” Modderman said.

When Modderman leaves, it will be with many great memories and no regrets.

“I was recruited by Coach Orr and his staff and I loved playing for him, and Coach Floyd as well,” Modderman said.

Modderman has taken part in some memorable seasons, but the one that will stick out most will be his last one with the Cyclones.

“The Big Eight tournament win was the biggest game for me,” Modderman said.

Modderman also attributed the fans of ISU with making his career with the Cyclones a pleasurable one. “I will miss the fans, there is great fan support here at ISU,” Modderman said.