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Iowa State Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 season

By Lukas Harkins

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: An Iowa State Cyclones cheer on her team in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: An Iowa State Cyclones cheer on her team in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – JANUARY 18: The Iowa State Cyclones fans storm. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – JANUARY 18: The Iowa State Cyclones fans storm. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

“Hilton Magic” takes more victims

There might not be a tougher placer to play a road game in the country than Hilton Coliseum. A raucous atmosphere filled to capacity for every game, this building is nearly impossible to win at even in a down season for the Cyclones. Yet, with Iowa State expected to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid, you can expect that this place will be rocking for all 40+ minutes of every game played. It seems as if “Hilton Magic” comes out at least once per year and adding a few more victims this season could go a long way.

While Kansas looks to be once again the clear favorite to win the Big 12, they are not alone as a top-tier team in the country. Programs like Kansas State, West Virginia, and TCU are all projected to be potential top-25 teams in the country and they are all potential victims for Iowa State to take down in Hilton. Iowa State has one of the most passionate fanbases in the country and they show up in droves for every game, no matter the opponent.

Domination at home, regardless of the opposition, can go a long way in a conference as deep as the Big 12. If Iowa State keeps up their tremendous play at Hilton, then they can finish higher in the conference than many are expecting.

Next: Top-5 rising Big 12 sophomores

With a future led by a top-30 recruiting class in the country and an elite duo of rising sophomores, it is time to put sunglasses on in Ames because the future is bright. Now, let’s see if the Cyclones can exceed expectations during this year and get back to the NCAA Tournament. It will not be easy to go from a 13-win team to one competing in the Big Dance but there is enough talent on this roster to *possibly* make it happen.

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