Iowa State freshman Cameron Lard, who missed the summer and fall semesters because of academic issues, has been in Ames for almost two weeks, and the expectation for him is still the same as it was before he arrived: Just get settled in.

Lard, a 6-foot-9 forward, is settling into a workout program with strength coach Pete Link, but has only stood and watched during practice. Iowa State coach Steve Prohm said he is just trying to get Lard acclimated to school and basketball at Iowa State.

“I’m just trying to get him adjusted here — academically, socially and basketball-wise,” Prohm said. “He’s really just observing practice right now. The way that we’re going through practice, we’re going so fast to where we can’t just throw him in.”

Lard said he doesn’t have a problem with waiting.

“It’s been good,” Lard said. “Just getting here and getting used to the atmosphere and being with the team. It’s been good so far.” 

Lard finished three classes at Pro Vision Academy in Houston, Texas, in the fall. He said he found out he wouldn’t be eligible to come to Iowa State via a phone call from the coaching staff before the fall semester. 

“It would have been great if I would’ve been able to [come to Ames in the fall],” Lard said. “But there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Lard said he didn’t think about attending a junior college to get his grades up before coming to Division I basketball. He was committed to come to Iowa State. 

He said his motivation to finish up classes in Houston stemmed from his desire to play for the Cyclones while watching them play from his couch. 

“Basketball,” Lard said about his motivation. “Getting here was the only thing I was focusing on.”

He later added: “It was kind of difficult [to watch Iowa State] because it made me just want to dedicate myself and just get it done.”

Prohm made it seem like it’s highly unlikely Lard would see playing time this season. Before Lard arrived in Ames, some fans were calling for him to see the court. 

“It’s just day to day with that,” Prohm said. “I don’t want to overhype guys or underhype guys. He just needs to get here and get better and continue to get after it, and that’s what I want. He’s already getting good relationships with the guys. Our guys have done a good job of welcoming him.”

Iowa State’s struggles in the post have been the largest contributors to the team’s woes to start Big 12 play. The Cyclones have lost to No. 2 Kansas and then-No. 2 Baylor by a combined five points. And in four games this season against ranked teams, Iowa State has lost by a combined nine points. 

The Cyclones own a horrid -11.5 rebounding margin in conference play, which ranks last in the Big 12 by more than eight rebounds per game. 

Lard’s size had given Iowa State fans hope that Lard could help Iowa State in the post. But it seems like those fans will have to wait until the 2017-18 season. 

“I think the future is real bright for him,” point guard Monte Morris said. “He’s long, lanky and can play above the rim. He’ll bring excitement to Hilton for sure.” 

Meanwhile, Lard will continue to watch from the sidelines while getting caught up to the fast style of Iowa State play. 

“I know they can go out there and handle their business,” Lard said. “It’s a good program, so I know they can go out there. Just get ready for next year for them.”