Steve Prohm
A veteran guard court is expected to lead the way for the Iowa State basketball team this season. Senior Monte Morris returns for a team that lost several key players off last year’s team that finished 23-12 and made a second straight appearance in the Sweet-16. Morris spurned the NBA Draft and is the Big 12 preseason player of the year.
“Monte has been terrific”, said second year coach Steve Prohm. “He had a great summer and understands he has to be a leader of this basketball team both on and off the floor. He is defending better and has improved his aggressiveness and his ability to make shots.”
Sharpshooter Matt Thomas returns as does Naz Mitrou-Long, who redshirted last season with a hip injury, and Prohm says Deonte Burton is poised for a big senior year.
The key will be improvement on defense and Prohm says they must do a better job of preventing easy baskets.
“Defensively we will play different”, added Prohm. “We will pick up some three quarter court pressure, switch up at times and play some zone. I think our team lends itself to be more versatile,”
The Cyclones open with an exhibition game on November 6 against the University of Sioux Falls.