himself as the leading rim
protector in the conference with
2.4 blocks per game. Maintaining
the same offensive system will
allow McKay to be effective on
high pick-and-rolls, putbacks,
and offensive rebounding as the
lone post threat in the Cyclones
perimeter based halfcourt sets.
The fourth returning starter
is 3-point specialist Naz Long.
Long hit 39 percent of his shots
from the outside, finishing second
in the conference in 3-pointers
made, and leading in true
shooting percentage. With Morris
penetrating and Niang drawing
defensive attention all over the
court, there should be plenty of
looks again for Long. Whether he
will be ready for the start of the
season after offseason hip surgery
is another question.
Iowa State is blessed to not
only have Niang, but also another
playmaker in junior point guard
Monte Morris, who is one of the
most reliable ball handlers and
distributors in the nation. According
to KenPom.com, Morris was 21st in
the nation in offensive rating (point
produced per 100 possessions) while
leading the Big 12 in assists and
assists-to-turnover ratio. Prohm
has had success in the past with
current NBAers Isaiah Canaan
and Cameron Payne directing his
offense. Morris will have the same
opportunity to thrive.
The frontcourt defense will be
led by reigning Big XII Defensive
Player of the Year Jameel McKay.
The athletic 6-foot-9 senior played
only 25 games last season after
sitting out following a transfer from
Marquette, but established
“...a new boss
needs to step in
and shepherd an
experienced
group...”
Helping out Long on the
wings will be returning junior
Matt Thomas and transfer guards
Deonte Burton (Marquette) and
Hallice Cooke (Oregon State). They
won’t need to create much offense
with all of the firepower around
them, but they will, at minimum,
be expected to knock down open
shots and play solid defense. Fans
are still waiting for an anticipated
breakout from Thomas. Cooke
and Burton, bringing ample high
level playing
experience, look
to continue
the Cyclones’
success with
transfers.
Time will tell
if Prohm will use the
same methods to success as
Hoiberg. For the time being, with
so much veteran talent returning,
staying the course appears to be
the best way to point the Cyclones
toward the ultimate goal of being
the last team standing in April.
Photo: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports
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