UA-59049186-1 Four Reasons the Cyclones are Destined For the Elite 8 or Higher - Good if it Goes

Four Reasons the Cyclones are Destined For the Elite 8 or Higher

We need to be talking about Iowa State basketball. With former Cyclones coach and player Fred Hoiberg leaving Ames for the NBA, Steve Prohm in his first year has turned his team into a top 15 contender in the country. Aside from Big12 basketball being a standout conference year after year with dynamic teams such as Kansas, West Virginia and Baylor, it’s time to give credit to the underdogs. The Cyclones have proven they have what it takes to make a great run in March against the better ranked teams. Standing at 16-5, ranked 5th in the Big12, the Cyclones are averaging at 83.3 points per game and allowing opponents an average of 73.5 per game.

1) Depth on the Bench

Aside from leading scorers Georges Niang, Monte Morris and Jameel McKay, Iowa State heavily relies on their bench to step up when the big men are in foul trouble or cannot find the means to score. Redshirt Junior Deonte Burton has played 12 games and shoots over .500 from the field and .476 from three point range. Iowa State is not known for being the best three point shooting in their conference but they have the ability to score behind the arc when need be. Redshirt Sophomore Hallice Cook shoots and average of .625 from the field, averaging 12 points in 12 games. Impressive for guys who are backing up the starters. 

2) Schedule

We know how tough the Big 12 conference is. If you want to stand out as a team, wins against better teams increases your ranking in the polls and confidence in the team as a whole.  Three top 10 teams have faced close losses against the Cyclones in the past month; Iowa, Kansas and number one Oklahoma. Their schedule is not getting any easier with match ups coming in February against West Virginia twice, Kansas and Baylor. If Iowa State can keep upsetting the top teams in the country, people will have no choice but to fear them.

3) Defensive Effort

The Big 12 named their defensive player of the year and it was none other than 6’9″ McKay. Even through his leg injury early on in the season, he averages 9.3 rebounds per game and totals at least one block per game. Besides the fact McKay is able to get back on defense quickly, his paint presence paired up with a 6’8″ Niang is frightening enough.

4) Finishing in the Paint

Unlike Oklahoma who is dangerous behind the arc, the Cyclones will kill you in the paint. Aside from Niang and McKay who will post up at any point, guards Morris and Matt Thomas are some of the best transition scorers in the country. I’ve never seen so many “and 1’s” before…Even if Freddy Kruger was in the pain threatening to cut an arm of his opponent off, the referee will still end up counting the bucket. I’ll bet my whole hand on that. Going forward, opponents will have to increase their defensive paint presence if they want to stop Iowa State from scoring.

Coach Prohm has done an excellent job so far of keeping his team in a rhythm they are comfortable with. They are not looking to be the best three point shooting team or have the best recruiting class. Prohm works with the team he has and knows they are special with what they already have, and that’s good chemistry. No tricks, no special formula, no upper hand advantage. Iowa State is just a team who wants to win and a little bit of faith goes a long way. See you in the Elite 8 Cyclones.

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