Iowa State Cyclones
Record: 25-8, 12-6 Big 12
Head coach: Fred Hoiberg (5th season)
Season summary: The Cyclones repeated as Big 12 tournament champions, but they certainly didn't make it easy on themselves. Iowa State trailed by double-digits in each of its three games, but stormed back to beat Texas on a Monte Morris buzzer-beater, survived Oklahoma after the Sooners missed a last-second lay-up and outlasted Kansas in a thrilling championship game. Hoiberg is one of the nation's best offensive coaches, and with weapons up and down the roster, the Cyclones can score with anyone.
6-foot-8 forward Georges Niang broke his foot in Iowa State's Round of 64 matchup last March but has returned with a vengeance, capable of shooting from the perimeter, driving the lane and posting up in the paint. The junior leads the Cyclones at 15.5 points per game, one of five players to average double-figures. Morris, Naz Long, Dustin Hogue and UNLV transfer Bryce Dejean-Jones give Iowa State one of the quickest backcourts in the tournament,
How they make a run: Hot shooting at a breakneck pace helps the Cyclones whirl their way toward Indianapolis.
How they falter: Iowa State scores a lot, but also gives up plenty of points. If they get down big again facing a solid defensive team, the Cyclones might not be able to make up enough ground.
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