Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger says this season has been another step in the right direction for the program. Otzelberger took over a program that went winless in the Big 12 in 2021 and led the Cyclones to the Sweet 16 a year ago. They head to Greensboro with a 19-13 record and open the NCAA Tournament Friday against the winner of tonight’s First Four game in Dayton between Pitt and Mississippi State.

The Cyclones reached as high as seventh in the national polls during the season.

One reason for the immediate turnaround was a group of transfers who bought in to what Otzelberger was selling. One of those is senior guard Gabe Kalscheur, who began his career at Minnesota.

Kalscheur says he felt the ISU program was poised to enjoy immediate success under Otzelberger.

Kalscheur says he chose Iowa State because of the winning culture Otzelberger was building.