Iowa State Basketball: Backcourt stability set to guide Cyclones in year two

Two transfers later, and Iowa State basketball’s back court looks locked in for the ’16-17 season.

In the past week, Iowa State saw guards Jordan Ashton and Hallice Cooke transfer. These were the second and third players off the bench last season and were likely to stay at those rotation spots for the upcoming year.

While the frontcourt situation in Ames is still something of a mess, the perimeter is set to roll through Big 12 competition.

Let’s take a look at what is in stock:

Point guard:

Monte Morris’ return for his senior year means that the Cyclones will have one of the contenders for Big 12 POY, as Morris is one of the best returning point guards in America. The senior-to-be was second on the team this past year at 13.8 ppg and chipped in 3.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists.

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He took a step back in both 3pt shooting (down from 39% to 36%) and turnovers (up to 1.6 from 1.1), but he played nearly 200 more minutes this past year. If anyone can handle the rock in his stead, he will have much more of an opportunity to regain his footing in a couple areas. So, don’t be surprised if Morris plays some off-guard next season with a lead guard coming in to support him.

Speaking of which, prepare to meet Donovan Jackson in 2016-17. The 6’2″ guard from Iowa Western Community College averaged 13.6 points, 2.1 boards, and 2.3 assists for the Reivers before breaking his wrist.

He was recently cleared to resume basketball activities and his experience will hopefully allow ISU to utilize two point guards on their attack – a strategy that is increasingly common and effective in college basketball.

If I had to guess right now, I’d say he averages between 15-25 minute per game.

Shooting guard:

Naz Mitrou-Long is the likely starter here by virtue of seniority. He sat out all but eight games this past year due to complications from hip surgery. In his last full season, the shooting guard put up 10.1 point per game while shooting 39% from range. If he finds that stroke again, it will only magnify his existing leadership skills on the floor.

The emotional center of the team also doubles as an emergency point man when needed. He will contribute in more areas than just the box score.

When Long went down last year, Matt Thomas stepped up in his place. The former ESPN 100 recruit finally hit his stride in averaging 11.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, and 1.7 apg. Every one of his primary offensive statistics more than doubled from his sophomore to junior year. He also shot 43% from three and has made 165 tres in his career. Lastly, Thomas turned into the closest lock-down defender the Cyclones had.

He’ll likely slide over to small forward in the starting lineup, but he is primed to continue his upward trend alongside Morris and Mitrou-Long.

Rounding out the shooting guards is incoming freshman Jakolby Long. One of the most talented players in Oklahoma, Long averaged 24.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in propelling his Mustang High to the state semifinals.

He has the size (6’5″, 210 lbs) to be a terrific defender right away if need be. Given the two guys I just described, I don’t see Long playing more than 10-15 minutes per night, but the 100th best recruit in America will be under the tutelage of more experienced Big 12 backcourt players.

Small forward:

Deonte Burton is technically a swing man, but will probably shift down to the four position and give ISU four perimeter players in the starting lineup. Wherever he plays, Burton is in line to be ISU’s next matchup nightmare in the mold of greats Georges Niang and Royce White.

The 6’4″, 240 pound wing put up 9.7 and 3.9 after gaining eligibility in December. He was inconsistent through much of the year, but put up a 23 point, 14 board double-double against TCU and hit 47% of his three point attempts all season. It will be interesting to see how teams try and matchup against Burton when there are so many talented guards next to him.

The primary backup at the three looks to be Nick Weiler-Babb, a former Arkansas Razorback who sat out ’15-16 per NCAA rules. At 6’5″, 201 he has a solid frame for a sophomore and won’t be intimidated in Big 12 play after being a bench player in the SEC.

It’s hard to know what he can do on offense, but he is a long, athletic wing who should cause havoc at every opportunity on defense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 20-25 minutes a game from this kid.

With Weiler-Babb and Long, you could even see ISU slap on a press more often with two highly-determined guards pestering opponents down the floor.

If you’ve kept track, ISU has seven guys for three-ish spots. Coach Steve Prohm has said in the past he doesn’t like playing more than 7-8 guys, but between the wealth of incumbents and the complicated frontcourt situation, there is an opportunity to experiment with lineups in the non-conference portion of the schedule.

Next: Iowa State season review

A long summer lies ahead so things are far from set right now, but the Cyclone guard rotation looks talented as any in the country right now.

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