My realistic take on the Iowa State Cyclones

You can?t go wrong with Fred Hoiberg. He has quickly become one of my favorite coaches not only in college basketball, but in all of basketball.

I love the way he is able to get his to team play an unselfish brand of basketball, but still maximizes his players? talents and, at times, lets them play how they want.

Today, the Iowa State Cyclones will take on the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers in a first round matchup in the NCAA Tournament.

There is no question that the Cyclones are the clear favorite to win the game. After compiling a record of 25-8 and claiming the Big 12 Conference Tournament title with a victory over their rival, the Kansas Jayhawks, the Cyclones are preparing to go further than they did last year.

After losing in the Sweet 16 to Connecticut, the eventual national champion, many thought the Cyclones would have a year of regression, especially after losing DeAndre Kane and Big 12 Player of the Year Melvin Ejim.

But the Cyclones did the exact opposite.

Sophomore point guard Monte Morris improved from his freshman season. He finished the regular season averaging 11.8 points per game, 5.2 assists and he is shooting over 50 percent from the field.

After having four players average double-figures in points last season, the Cyclones had five players average double-figures this season. This team also shares the ball. The Cyclones have totaled 534 assists this season (12th-most in the country) and I expect that total to rise, especially if they enjoy an extended tournament run. It will be nearly impossible to catch last season?s total of 667 assists (first in the nation), but it?s always hard to finish first.

The Cyclones? defense has taken a step forward this year. After giving up an average of 74.4 points per game last season, they are only allowing 69.3 points this season. Hoiberg?s dribble-drive spread offense is still producing a crazy amount of points, too. The Cyclones are 14th in the country in points per game with 78.4.

Hoiberg has also brought the ?how-has-this-guy-not-graduated-yet-he-has-been-around-forever?? syndrome back to me. I experienced the same thing watching Michigan State play Minnesota every year when I was growing up. Alan Anderson, Maurice Ager, Draymond Green, Kalin Lucas, and Adreian Payne were around for, what seemed like, 10 years. I can?t believe Georges Niang, Jameel McKay and Naz Long are only juniors. I feel like those three have been at Iowa State for years. It might be a form of psychology working against my brain. The more times you see a team play in big games on national television over an extended period of time, the longer you think they?ve been there.

When watching the Gophers, I have a different complaint that goes something like, ?When does this guy graduate or can the coaching staff just cut him??

Anyway, I really like Iowa State?s chances to make a legitimate run in the tournament. It shouldn?t have any problem winning today?s game.

On Saturday, the Cyclones will get the winner of Southern Methodist University and UCLA. Again, I don?t see the Cyclones having much of an issue with either of those teams.

In the Sweet 16, the Cyclones would likely face Gonzaga, but don?t rule out Davidson making a run. The Wildcats are a very good basketball team. However, I have Iowa State playing Gonzaga and I have the Cyclones moving on to the Elite Eight!

Unfortunately, that?s where the shoe doesn?t fit anymore. I think the Duke Blue Devils are just too much for the Cyclones.

Even if I am right in my prediction, I am noticing a trend with the Cyclones. Two years ago, they made it to the second round. Last year, it was the Sweet 16. This year, it could be the Elite Eight or even further.

For the sake of my bracket, I would like the Blue Devils to win. However, I wouldn?t be mad to see the Cyclones beat them.

Let the madness begin.