Merrill Holden averaged 8.1 points and 5.0 rebounds for Louisiana Tech last season. Photo by Donny Crowe/La Tech Communications
Iowa State’s perimeter might be one of the strongest in the nation.
The Cyclones have a likely preseason All-American point guard in Monte Morris and two proven sharpshooters in fellow seniors Naz Mitrou-Long and Matt Thomas.
Add in athletic specimen Deonte Burton, who will play a hybrid inside-out role, and ISU clearly has much of its minutes and production locked up already in the starting lineup.
That’s where Merrill Holden comes in.
The Louisiana Tech graduate transfer is expected to start at center for the Cyclones and provide a big — literally — boost to its frontcourt as they go guard-heavy.