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Iowa State Basketball: 5 Early Predictions For 2014-15 Season

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By @mattytheole

Iowa State Basketball: 5 Early Predictions For 2014-15 Season

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Coach Fred Hoiberg has built the Iowa State Cyclones into one of the Big 12’s top programs during his four years at the helm. Despite the losses of two key players during the offseason, the Cyclones figure to once again contend for a possible Big 12 title and another NCAA Tournament berth in 2014-15. Here are five early predictions for Iowa State heading into the new season.

5. Iowa State Will Lead the Big 12 in Scoring Offense

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5. Iowa State Will Lead the Big 12 in Scoring Offense

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Last season, the Cyclones averaged a Big 12 Conference-leading 83.1 points per contest. While Iowa State lost the potent duo of Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane during the offseason, the addition of some big-time transfers should help the Cyclones continue to score points at a prolific pace.

4. Bryce Dejean-Jones Will Be the Best of Iowa State’s Transfers

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4. Bryce Dejean-Jones Will Be the Best of Iowa State’s Transfers

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A high-scoring threat from the perimeter, Dejean-Jones’ style of play fits Hoiberg’s offensive philosophies perfectly. After averaging 13.6 points per contest at UNLV last year, Dejean-Jones’ addition to Iowa State’s lineup provides the Cyclones with another versatile offensive threat that could pave the way to a Big 12 Conference title.

3. Georges Niang Will Be In Conversation For All-American Honors

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3. Georges Niang Will Be In Conversation For All-American Honors

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One of the most skilled frontcourt players in the country, Georges Niang figures to have a big season after averaging 16.7 points per contest as a sophomore. Versatile and aggressive, Niang will emerge as the Cyclones’ go-to player this season. If Iowa State lives up to expectations, he’ll be prominently mentioned for postseason accolades.

2. Iowa State Will Go Undefeated At Home

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2. Iowa State Will Go Undefeated At Home

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The Cyclones went 15-1 at the Hilton Coliseum last season with their only loss coming against Kansas on Jan. 13. With the Jayhawks needing to replace four key players from last season, Iowa State should be favored in each of their 16 home contests in 2014-15. It would not be at all surprising if the Cyclones ended the year without a home loss on their record.

1. Iowa State Will Make a Run to the Sweet 16

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1. Iowa State Will Make a Run to the Sweet 16

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Since coming to Iowa State, Hoiberg has reinvigorated the Cyclones' program. Iowa State should breeze to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014-15. Once there, don’t be surprised if the Cyclones stay awhile. There is enough depth and talent on Iowa State’s roster to make some serious noise once the Big Dance rolls around.

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