Iowa State Cyclones
Record: 26-7
Head coach: Fred Hoiberg (4th season)
Season summary: After starting the season on a 14-game winning streak, the Cyclones went on to have one of their best seasons in recent memory. They managed to hold their own in the Big 12, finishing 11-7 in conference play and winning the Big 12 tournament by defeating Kansas State, Kansas and Baylor. Of Iowa State's 26 victories, eight came against ranked opponents including Michigan, Kansas and Texas. The Cyclones lead Division I in assists and are tied for fifth in points per game with 82.9. They are led by forward Melvin Ejim, who beat out Andrew Wiggins and Marcus Smart for Big 12 Player of the Year by averaging 18.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He broke the Big 12 record for most points scored in a single game when he dropped 48 against cellar-dweller TCU.
How they make a run: If Ejim and impact transfer DeAndre Kane can dominate the rim and the boards and continue to create matchup problems, the Cyclones will be a very tough out.
How they falter: Opposing teams have a player athletic enough to keep Ejim from getting his looks and prevent the the Cyclones from getting out on the break by forcing them to slow down and run a half-court offense.Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
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