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Iowa State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Cyclones

By Brad Cavallaro

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points to the crowd after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners 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: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points to the crowd after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners 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 – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones argues a call by the referee in the first half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Steve Prohm of the Iowa State Cyclones argues a call by the referee in the first half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Iowa State had a disappointing 17-18 season as they slipped to the bottom of the Big 12. This season looks much more promising for the Cyclones, but can they return to their previous stature in the conference?

After making six straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2012 to 2017, Iowa State suffered a rare rebuilding season. The Cyclones’ roster was gutted after losing their top four scorers and they fell to the bottom of the Big 12 Conference. Three of those players (Monte Morris, Naz Mitrou-Long, and Deontae Burton) are now in the NBA which shows the severity of these departures.

It was not surprising that Iowa State posted a 4-14 Big 12 record given all the players they lost, but this rebuild should not last any longer. The Cyclones have the personnel to move back into the top half of the conference and anything short of an NCAA Tournament berth should be considered a disappointment.

Multiple Iowa State players were thrust into major roles last season which gave them invaluable experience and playing time to make an even bigger impact this season. Freshmen Lindell Wigginton and Cameron Lard joined the starting lineup immediately which undoubtedly furthered their development.

The Cyclones also found their answer at PG as Nick Weiler-Babb went from seeing minutes off the bench at the wing positions to a legitimate Big 12 starting lead guard. This is the major benefit of a rebuilding season; players get on-court experience that will pay off down the road.

These returning players combine with the 28th ranked recruiting class to form a deep and experienced roster that is poised to make a major leap in the standings. This is not to say Iowa State did not lose any important players. Donovan Jackson was the team’s second-leading scorer at 15 ppg and the best three-pointer shooter at 40% (95 makes).

Jeff Beverly and Hans Brase were brought in to fill holes in the frontcourt but failed to live up to expectations averaging 4.7 and 2.4 ppg respectively. Both big men dealt with injuries as well. Lastly, Jakolby Long transferred after two seasons of limited action.

This article will preview Iowa State and analyze their starters, reserves, and non-conference schedule. It will conclude with some major questions and a prediction of where the Cyclones will land in the Big 12 and nationally.

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