A veteran guard court is expected to lead the way for the Iowa State basketball team this season. Senior guard 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. (click on the left side of each audio bar to listen)

That’s ISU coach Steve Prohm, who enters his second year at the helm. 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.

Prohm says the Cyclones still want to push the tempo on offense but this team will have a different style on defense.

Prohm says the Cyclones need to do a better job of limiting easy baskets.

The Cyclones open with an exhibition game on November 6 against the University of Sioux Falls.

(Learfield Sports)