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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 13: Cameron Lard #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after dunking the ball as Marcus Garrett #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks watches on in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 13: Cameron Lard #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after dunking the ball as Marcus Garrett #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks watches on in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Starters

Point Guard- Nick Weiler-Babb, Senior

Weiler-Babb is a smooth PG who has excellent size at 6’5”. He excels at probing the defense and getting into the lane where he can find open teammates or finish at the rim. Iowa State moved him to the lead guard spot early last season and he flourished in his new role. His production and playing time increased dramatically from his sophomore to junior seasons as he went from 4.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg to 11.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.8 apg.  Weiler-Babb is not an explosive athlete and he is not a great shooter, but his vision and high IQ play makes him a top-notch PG.

Shooting Guard- Lindell Wigginton, Sophomore

Wigginton has generated significant buzz as an NBA Draft prospect and as a player who could become a household name in college basketball. The 6’2” combo guard averaged 16.7 ppg as a freshman but struggled with turnovers (3.0 turnovers to 2.8 assists). He also shot 40% from deep on 69 makes. Wigginton can flat out score the basketball and he is a great fit next to a big PG, like Weiler-Babb. If Iowa State is going to fulfill its top 25 potential, it needs Wigginton to take a step forward as a sophomore.

Small Forward- Marial Shayok, Senior

Shayok averaged 8.9 ppg in Virginia’s methodical offense and he could benefit from a change of scenery. The 6’6” wing is a solid all-around offensive threat who can shoot from the perimeter and is capable of playing multiple positions. This versatility is highly coveted and gives Coach Prohm another player who can create offense and defend his position. Shayok could easily average double figures in his lone season in Ames.

Power Forward- Talen Horton-Tucker, Freshman

The PF spot looks to be up for grabs and talented freshman Talen Horton-Tucker looks like a strong candidate to earn the opening day spot. He has an uncommon skillset as he is a playmaker and point forward type. Horton Tucker has a big body and is a good athlete which will allow him to play PF in a smaller and more versatile lineup. Even though he is not a great shooter, his playmaking will make him an interesting piece and a potential immediate impact player.

Center- Cameron Lard, Sophomore

Lard is a powerful and explosive big man who uses his size and strength to seal off his defenders in the paint. His energetic play also translates to the defensive end where he blocks shots and rebounds at a high level. Lard had a terrific freshman season as the starting center and averaged 12.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, and 2.2 bpg. He is one of the most overlooked players in the Big 12 conference.

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