For the second consecutive season, head coach Fred Hoiberg has led the Iowa State Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament. This is the first time since 1997 that Iowa State has made consecutive appearances in the big dance.
So what should you know about the Cyclones?
1. Iowa State is one of the most exciting teams in the nation. Four players average double-figures and six post at least 9.0 points per contest. As a result, the Cyclones are fourth in the nation in scoring offense.
2. If you’re looking for a cinderella, Iowa State might be your squad. They own four wins against tournament teams, including victories against Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Furthermore, they took Kansas to overtime—twice. They may not play defense, but ISU can light up the scoreboard against the best of them.
3. The Cyclones are led by two powerful transfer. Power forward Korie Lucious played three seasons at Michigan State and leads the team with 5.7 assists per contest. Note that Lucious made it to the Final Four in 2010, playing at least 30 minutes in every game from the Sweet Sixteen on.
Will Clyburn, meanwhile, came to ISU from Utah. Amongst Big 12 players with a usage rate higher than 24 percent, Clyburn is sixth in offensive rating—numbers of 15.0 points and 7.1 rebounds are a major reason why.
4. Iowa State may not play defense as a team, but Chris Babb is one of the best individual defenders in the nation. It doesn’t hurt that Babb can light it up from beyond the arc, as evidenced by his multiple games with five three-point field goals.
5. The key to Iowa State’s offense is their ability to move the ball. Although turnovers have been an issue, the
Cyclones still manage to dish out 16.0 assists per game. That’s could for 14th in the nation and has led to their rankings of first in field goals made and 10th in three-point field goals made.
Sign up for the SheridanHoops/Sportsbook Bracket Challenge. $100,000 first prize.