Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger will go up against his former team when the Cyclones play South Dakota State on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Omaha. Otzelberger spent three seasons as coach of the Jackrabbits from 2016 to 2019.

Otzelberger on playing against coaches and a program he is familiar with.

Cyclone fans flooded Kansas City last week for the Big 12 Tournament and now have a short trip to the NCAA Tournament.

After crushing top ranked Houston to win the Big 12 Tournament Otzelberger says the Cyclones are focused on the next challenge.