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Iowa State Basketball: Iowa State Cyclones 2015-16 Season Preview

By Doug Winkey

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Iowa State Cyclones

2014-2015 Record: 25-9 (12-6 Big 12)

Postseason:  NCAA Tournament – Second Round (Loss 59-60 vs. UAB)

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For the first time in five years, the Iowa State Cyclones won’t have its iconic head coach, Fred Hoiberg, on the sidelines.  His replacement is former Murray State head coach, Steve Prohm.  The former Racer inherits a roster many are putting in the top-10 for preseason rankings and a dark horse contender to win it all, assuming they can finally upend Kansas’ conference dominance.

There is a lot of continuity between Hoiberg’s style and Prohm’s, but the real trick will be seeing what nuances are added to an already complete squad.

Departures

G – Bryce Dejean-Jones

F – Dustin Hogue

F – Daniel Edozie

Key Returners

G – Monte Morris

G – Nazareth Mitrou-Long

G – Matt Thomas

F – Abdel Nader

F – Georges Niang

C – Jameel McKay

Newcomers

G – Hallice Cooke (Transfer from Oregon State)

G – Nick Weiler-Babb (Transfer from Arkansas, will sit out ’15-16)

G – Deonte Burton (Transfer from Marquette, will be eligible for second semester)

F – Simeon Carter ( #76 PF 247Sports)

F – Brady Ernst (#83 PF 247Sports)

Projected Starters

G – Monte Morris

G – Matt Thomas

F – Abdel Nader

F – Georges Niang

C – Jameel McKay

Key Reserves

G – Hallice Cooke

G – Nazareth Mitrou-Long

G – Deonte Burton

F – Simeon Carter

Key Non-Conference Games

Nov. 19 vs. Colorado (neutral site game) – The Iowa State Cyclones kick off the regular season against an old Big 12 opponent, the Colorado Buffaloes.  CU finished towards the bottom of the Pac-12 last season, but they will still have the motivation to shock the world on opening night.  I look at this game as one to watch to see how ISU has implemented Prohm’s principles and how the new, faster shot clock affects a team already known for pushing the tempo.

Dec. 22 at Cincinnati – This game will be a true contrast in styles.  The Bearcats ranked near the bottom in most offensive stats, while being among the best defensively as they finished a solid 4th in the American Conference . Mick Cronin’s squad will try and slow the Cyclones down on their home floor before conference play begins.

Key Players

Matt Thomas – With Nazareth Mitrou-Long sitting out the beginning of the year after hip surgery, Thomas could be in line to start at the shooting guard spot.  He hasn’t yet hit consistency in his play over his first two seasons, but with a new coach and the potential to start, this could be a breakout year for the former star recruit from Wisconsin.

Abdel Nader – Four of the starting spots are pretty much accounted for aside from the small forward position. Nader has the right mix of size and athleticism to lock down a starting slot, but he’ll have to improve his consistency as well to hold off the dynamic Deonte Burton and keep opponents from keying on the other four players.

Season Outlook

I’ll be the first person to admit I am excited for this season.  The Iowa State Cyclones returns almost every player of true importance, and adds new blood to help continue the high-flying ways Cyclone fans have come to expect.  A conference championship and national title run wouldn’t shock me at all.  Don’t expect anything below a top-3 finish in the Big 12 and at least one win in the NCAA.

Next: Kansas State Wildcats 2015-16 Season Preview

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