In what was perhaps the most unforeseen upset of the NCAA Tournament, the Iowa State Cyclones were downed by UAB in the first round. Needless to say, such a result didn’t sit well with ISU faithful.
Good thing for them is that nearly the entire core of a team that won the Big 12 Tournament is returning, putting ISU right in the middle of every title conversation for next season.
Key Losses: Bryce Dejean-Jones (graduation)
Possible Losses: No announcements made
Key Returners: Georges Niang, Monte Morris, Naz Long, Jameel McKay, Abdel Nader
Key Newcomers: Hallice Cook (transfer), Deonte Burton (transfer), Darien Williams (three-star, power forward), Nick Babb (transfer, sit-out)
Breakdown: Few teams across the country bring back as much firepower as the Cyclones, and it’s why Iowa State is seen as the prohibitive favorite in the Big 12, and a true national title contender. Niang should be a preseason Wooden Award candidate, and first team All-American. Alongside him on the wings and in the frontcourt will be McKay and Nader, both of whom showed flashes of high-level play down the stretch a year ago. Morris, Long, and Cook will anchor the perimeter, providing shooting, play making ability and experience. Fitting in Williams might be difficult, but it’s always nice to have a big man who can come off the bench and knock down shots from almost every spot on the floor. A wildcard could be Burton, as he becomes eligible after the first semester of school ends, due to his mid-year transfer from Marquette. Overall, this could be Hoiberg’s deepest team yet–not to mention, the most purely talented. Their stunning first round loss to UAB in the 2015 NCAA Tournament should fuel this group over the offseason as well.
