To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Iowa State and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five:
G: Monte Morris
G: Naz Long
F: Abdel Nader
C: Jameel McKay
Who is lost: The Cyclones will lose two key players from this season, wing scorer Bryce Dejean-Jones and forward Dustin Hogue. Dejean-Jones was a welcome addition after transferring from UNLV, and his ability to create his own shot from the perimeter was a major key. Hogue’s versatility and motor were an ideal fit for coach Fred Hoiberg’s system, and he was capable of posing matchup problems for bigger or slower frontcourt players. Big man Daniel Edozie also will depart.
Who is added: As has been customary under Hoiberg, Iowa State will add several transfers. Former Oregon State guard Hallice Cooke sat out this past season, and he will bring outside shooting and the ability to play both backcourt positions. Deonte Burton joined the Cyclones in December after leaving Marquette. His athleticism and strength will fit in well for Iowa State, which has done well with traditionally undersized players. Junior college transfer Darien Williams also will enter the fold, and he brings size.
What it means for next season: Morris and Niang should both be back, and that means Iowa State will still be a force in the Big 12. Morris is one of the more underrated point guards in the country, and his ability to run the Cyclones’ up-tempo offense without turning it over is impressive. Niang is a unique player who creates matchup problems all over the court, and that won’t change moving forward. Long is one of the best perimeter shooters in the conference, and he’s capable of filling it up when he gets hot. McKay came on strong in the second half of the season, and his length and aggressiveness provide a nice foil to Niang. Nader could move into the starting lineup, but Cooke and Burton will certainly push for minutes on the wing. Iowa State could also get a boost if Matt Thomas regains the shooting stroke he possessed back in high school.
Trending: Up. As long as Hoiberg remains in Ames and rejects the advances of NBA teams, Iowa State is going to be one of the hottest programs in college basketball. He plays an attractive style, stockpiles talent via transfer and allows players the freedom to best utilize their skills. As a result, the Cyclones have been inching closer to Kansas in the Big 12 pecking order. That will continue in 2015-16.