Iowa State Cyclones
Big 12 (26-7, 11-7)
Iowa State is having a heck of a season. Fred Hoiberg has done a wonderful job with that program. In his fourth season, he looks to have the Cyclones in a position to make a run in the tournament. They are one of the best offensive teams in the country, not just in terms of scoring, but in terms of efficiently running an offense. They led the country in assists this season while averaging over 83 points a game. Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane make a wonderful front court-back court combo.
Big Wins: 11/17 Michigan (77-70), 2/1 Oklahoma (81-75), 2/18 Texas (85-76)
Bad Losses: 2/10 at West Virginia (77-102), 3/1 at Kansas State (73-80), 3/4 at Baylor (61-74)
Coach: Fred Hoiberg (4 seasons at Iowa State)
Why They Can Surprise:
With their offense, Iowa State can compete with anybody. They are so fast and athletic that they can measure up to any other teams that like to run the court. Ejim leads the way for four players averaging over 10 points per game (he averages 18.1). Their ability to share the ball can wear a defense down. If one player has an off game, there are other avenues for the Cyclones to take. Kane is a top-level point guard that can run an offense and score if he needs to. He has had some spectacular highlights this year. But Ejim can take over a game. He had 48 points against TCU this season. He just knows how to find the basket. Another thing to consider is the fact that Iowa State is a streaky team. They tend to string a bunch of wins in a row, which is obviously a perfect formula for a major tournament.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The Cyclones problems start away from Ames. Despite being a good team, they are 3-6 on the road in the Big 12. They just are not as crisp, and their defense is a bit more lax on the road. In the tournament, neutral courts may create an equal playing field for their opponents. If they find a team that can run and has some length, the Cyclones might also be in trouble. They lost twice to Kansas this season, a team fairly similar in athleticism. They also lost to Texas, a long team that is solid in the frontcourt. That appears to be the recipe that gives them fits. Most defenses have not shut down the Cyclones this season. It may become a possession game. Should their opponents be able to keep the ball in their own offensive end with some clutch rebounding, it could create problems for Iowa State.
Probable Starters:
DeAndre Kane, Senior, Guard, 17.0 ppg, 5.8 apg, 6.7 rpg
Georges Niang, Sophomore, Guard, 16.5 ppg, 3.6 apg, 4.4 rpg
Monte Morris, Freshman, Guard, 6.2 ppg, 3.8 apg
Melvin Ejim, Senior, Forward, 18.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg
Dustin Hogue, Junior, Forward, 10.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Matt Thomas, Freshman, Guard, 5.8 ppg, 1.2 apg
Naz Long, Sophomore, Guard, 7.0 ppg, 1.2 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 82.5 (7th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 73.5 (264, 9)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.7 (58, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 40.9 (59, 4)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.2 (26, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.9 (188, 6)
Free-Throw Percentage: 68.9 (203, 7)
Rebound Margin: 1.0 (161, 7)
Assists Per Game: 18.6 (1, 1)
Turnovers Per Game: 10.4 (27, 2)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 NCAA Second Round win over Notre Dame
2013 NCAA Third Round loss to Ohio State
2012 NCAA Second Round win over Connecticut
2012 NCAA Third Round loss to Kentucky
2005 NCAA Round of 64 win over Minnesota
2005 NCAA Round of 32 loss to North Carolina
2004 NIT First Round win over Georgia
2004 NIT Second Round win over Florida State
2004 NIT Quarterfinal win over Marquette
2004 NIT Semifinal loss to Rutgers
2003 NIT Opening Round win over Wichita State
2003 NIT First Round loss to Iowa
2001 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Hampton
2000 NCAA Round of 64 win over Central Connecticut State
2000 NCAA Round of 32 win over Auburn
2000 NCAA Regional Semifinal win over UCLA
2000 NCAA Regional Final loss to Michigan State
*all team stats through 3/9
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
