Every March, when the brackets are revealed, the experts share their predictions for the Final Four, Cinderella runs and the breakout stars of the tournament. The experts (read: out-of-work coaches) are guided by a short list of cliches, and at the top of that list: strong guard play and senior leadership are what separate the good teams from the great ones.
All of that CBS studio folk wisdom bodes well for an Iowa State team expected to feature three guards that have been at the center of the most successful run in program history. Naz Mitrou-Long, Monte Morris and Matt Thomas enter their final season in Ames with impressive resumes:
- 204 combined wins
- 11 combined NCAA Tournament wins
- 2 Sweet 16 appearances
- 3 NCAA Tournament appearances
- 2 Big 12 Tournament championships
For a program with relatively middling success, Iowa State and its fans would normally shower such an accomplished group with over-the-top praise.