AMES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa State guard Naz Mitrou-Long has been granted a hardship waiver by the Big 12, making him eligible to play as expected in 2016-17.

Mitrou-Long played eight games as a senior last year before lingering pain from offseason hip surgeries became too much to overcome. Mitrou-Long, who averaged 12 points a game in 2015-16, ended his season at the eight-game point so he’d be eligible for the hardship waiver.

Mitrou-Long’s return will bolster one of the nation’s deepest backcourts. Star point guard Monte Morris made the somewhat surprising decision to return to Iowa State, and Matt Thomas emerged as a key player last season in Mitrou-Long’s absence. The Cyclones are also expected to bring in coveted junior college point guard Donovan Jackson.