In each of the last three seasons, Iowa State has finished higher than its preseason projection by the league’s coaches. If all goes to plan, that again will be the case in the 2014-15 season.
In a surprising release that was sent out by the Big 12 on Thursday morning, Iowa State was picked to finish fifth by the league’s coaches.
2014-15 Big 12 Preseason Poll
1. Kansas (6) 78
2. Texas (2) 74
3. Oklahoma (1) 67
4. Kansas State 53
5. Iowa State 51
6. Baylor 36
West Virginia 36
8. Oklahoma State 27
9. TCU 15
10. Texas Tech 13
Below is Iowa State’s press release on the poll.
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State men’s basketball team has been picked to finish fifth in Big 12 preseason poll, as voted on by the league’s coaches.
The Cyclones went 28-8 overall and 11-7 in the Big 12 in 2013-14, finishing in a tie for third in the league. ISU returns three starters, but will have to replace Big 12 Player of the Year Melvin Ejim and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year DeAndre Kane.
Among Cyclone returnees is preseason All-Big 12 pick Georges Niang, who averaged 16.7 points as a sophomore. Dustin Hogue (11.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg) and Monté Morris (6.8 ppg, 3.7 apg) also return for the Cyclones, as do key reserves Naz Long (7.1 ppg) and Matt Thomas (6.8 ppg). Iowa State also adds a trio of transfers expected to play a major role this season. Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year Bryce Dejean-Jones, who led UNLV in scoring with 13.6 points per game last season, and Abdel Nader join the Cyclones. Jameel McKay, a transfer from Marquette, will be eligible on Dec. 20.
Kansas was selected as the preseason favorite to win the league, followed by Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas State.
In each of the last three seasons, ISU has finished above its preseason poll projection.
Iowa State plays an exhibition on Nov. 7 against Viterbo, with the regular season opening on Nov. 14 against Oakland.
