The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) -- One of Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg's first acts with the Cyclones was to make point guard Diante Garrett a focal point of his offense.

It seemed like a shaky plan because Garrett had never averaged 10 points a game. No one could have seen, though, just how much Garrett would thrive playing for Hoiberg.

The senior from Milwaukee has flourished in Hoiberg's up-tempo system, averaging career highs with 17.5 points and 6.5 assists while leading the way for an attack that's second in the Big 12 at 84.3 points per game.

Garrett is sporting a much-improved jump shot this season and has been a more confident player than he was in his first three seasons with the Cyclones.

Iowa State (6-0) plays at Northern Iowa (2-2) on Wednesday.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)