Iowa State Daily, March 2014 Iowa State Daily, 2014

3-16-2014 Iowa State Daily (A Piece of History March 16, 2014) Iowa State Daily

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Iowa State Daily, 2014 at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Iowa State Daily, March 2014 by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A PIECE Sunday, March 16, 2014 OF HISTORY BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP ISU 74 BAYLOR 65

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily 2 | SPORTS | Iowa State Daily | Sunday, March 16, 2014

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily ISU coach Fred Hoiberg holds up the Big 12 Championship trophy after the Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in the final round in Kansas City, Mo. This is Iowa State’s first conference champion- ship title since 2000. CUTTING DOWN THE NET Iowa State defeats Baylor 74-65, claiming first Big 12 Championship title since 2000

By Dean.Berhow-Goll since playing for CIA Bounce in Canada when @iowastatedaily.com he was 16. My teammates believed “I had to match Brady,” Long shouted as KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Melvin Ejim waited in me, we all bought into he broke in a Big 12 Champion hat and pulled four years. For DeAndre Kane, five. For Georges it tight onto his head. “I believed in my guys. We Niang, it’s been two years and for ISU coach Fred the system and now we’re stayed confident, we believe in each other and Hoiberg — he’s waited about 23. champions.” that’s all it is, we believed we could pull through.” Regardless of the number of years, it’s been From that 0-of-13 start that stemmed into a long time since anyone on this ISU Deandre Kane a 1-of-17 start, Iowa State finished the game team has cut down a net, and every member did shooting a combined 23-of-31, which is nearly just that after a 74-65 win against Baylor in the Championship game in New England. The same 75 percent from the field. Add that second half to Big 12 Championship game March 15. goes for Niang, except his title came in AAU the last 20 minutes the Cyclones played against “Fred’s brought in players that have been playing for Boston Amateur Basketball Club. Kansas March 14 and the second-half offense a part of winning programs to this team,” Ejim DeAndre Kane cracked a rare smile remem- for Iowa State poured in 95 points on 40-of-56 said. “Guys who competed at many different lev- bering back to when he was 18 years old play- shooting at a 71 percent clip. els and all of us came together for one goal and ing in Pittsburg while he was surrounded by his “To find a way to shoot 50 percent for the we were able to make it happen.” brothers in Kansas City in championship hats. game, it was a testament out these guys and how For a the pair of ISU freshman, it was only “It’s been forever, it was at state. Now we’re we didn’t lose our composure,” Hoiberg said. a year. In the Wisconsin high school state title cutting down the nets in Kansas City with my “Again great job by our guys playing very well game, Matt Thomas cut down a net playing for brothers at Iowa State. I couldn’t be more happy. and poised down the stretch.” Onalaska. Monte Morris won the state title at I wanted to win and coach gave me a second And finally after three grueling games, Flint Beecher in Michigan, but this is the first chance, he believed in me. ISU’s four-year starter, who’s exited the Big 12 time the freshman has cut down a net in his life. “My teammates believed in me, we Tournament with a loss each year, put a Big 12 “We didn’t even cut down the nets,” Morris all bought into the system and now we’re Championship cap onto his head and pulled on screamed over the ISU fight song. “This is my champions.” a t-shirt with the same logo. first time doing it. This feeling right here is amaz- After starting 0-of-13, Iowa State was be- He finally got to cut down his piece of the ing, I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.” fuddled by Baylor’s 1-1-3 zone that had helped net. Hoiberg barely remembers any part of the them win 10 of its last 11 games coming into “These guys stepped up,” Ejim said. last time he cut down a net. Saturday night’s championship game, and the “Georges played amazing, Naz hit big shots, “It was high school, my senior year,” ISU offense was in need of a spark. DeAndre was killing, Dustin’s an animal. Hoiberg said, preparing to cut down this one That’s where Long came in. Without his Everyone on this team stepped up today and this with his twin boys. “We beat Waterloo East in the 4-of-6 3-point shooting to perfectly match his whole week and we’ve done an amazing job. state finals.” Canadian counterpart in Brady Heslip, Long “It’s been amazing to come out here and Ejim cut his down after the Brewster wouldn’t have been able to kiss the Big 12 win this ... we’re ready to cut down the nets.” Academy cut down nets in their National Championship trophy or cut down his first net Sunday, March 16, 2014 | Iowa State Daily | SPORTS | 3

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily ISU coach Fred Hoiberg cuts down the net with his twin boys after Iowa State defeated Baylor in the 2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship final game in Kansas City, Mo. This was the first time since 2000 that the Cyclones have played in the final game. A LEGACY REALIZED: Hoiberg revitalizes program, gives Iowa State University first big championship title in 14 years

By Alex.Halsted of putting his legacy at risk,” Hoiberg first wanted to were able to do it.” @iowastatedaily.com said Pollard, ISU athletics coach at Iowa State when the Hoiberg’s vision has director. “He didn’t expect job opened in 2006. Instead, culminated into national KANSAS CITY, Mo. — to fail, so he wasn’t worried the Cyclones hired Greg recognition and 10 top-25 With a contract stuffed inside about that.” McDermott. victories this season en route his briefcase, Jamie Pollard On March 15, when the “At that point in time, I to making history by winning drove north to Minnesota confetti had stopped fall- just felt like every great bas- the Big 12 Championship. four years ago to meet with ing after Iowa State’s 74-65 ketball player thinks they The vision is what had Fred Hoiberg. Big 12 championship vic- can coach, and most can’t,” Hoiberg with his two sons — The two sat across from tory against Baylor and after Pollard said. “That’s what I four years after they rushed each other at Hoiberg’s din- each player had taken his thought at that time. I think out of the house to eat ice ing room table; the former turn, Hoiberg stepped up to Fred took that to heart.” cream during his interview ISU star’s children were off the ladder placed under the Hoiberg became more — at the bottom of that with his wife, Carol, getting hoop at the Sprint Center. He active with his alma mater, ladder. ice cream. Hours had passed helped his two twins, Sam and when McDermott left in “It was awesome,” when Pollard paused to pull and Charlie, climb and then 2010 for Creighton, Pollard Charlie said. “I just can’t be- out the papers and laid them did so himself. didn’t waver for a second. He lieve that we actually won it.” on the table. As Hoiberg stood atop drove straight to Minnesota “It was really cool,” Sam “When he put that the ladder, cutting the fi- with the contract printed. added. piece of paper on the table,” nal strand of net away from Hoiberg's first order of More than an hour after Hoiberg said, “I knew it was the rim, he did so with Iowa business was to lock up a Iowa State won the Big 12 real.” State having won its first Big player named Melvin Ejim, title, while a worker swept After four consecutive 12 title since 2000 and with who could either keep his away the final signs that losing seasons and five- its third-straight NCAA tour- previous commitment to anything had taken place, straight years without an nament berth in hand. Iowa State or look else- Hoiberg finished one final NCAA tournament berth, A lot has changed at where. Hoiberg made a visit question with a small group Hoiberg signed the dotted Iowa State in four years. to Ejim’s prep school in New of reporters on the court. line to return to his alma ma- “I wanted to get better. I Hampshire. He pointed to his twin sons, ter and the place he had be- was confident that we could “Man, he wanted to win who stood patiently off to the come a star. get some players in there a Big 12 championship,” Ejim side. Hoiberg — an Ames that could help us get it. I said of Hoiberg’s message. “Ready, boys?” Hoiberg native, four-year ISU starter knew that we could do that,” “We did that today. We were asked them. and 10-year NBA veteran — Hoiberg said. “Did I envision close. We just needed a little Off the court the three had a lot to live up to. this in four years? I don’t bit of time and we were going walked, Hoiberg’s legacy “We talked a little bit know, I didn’t really think of to be really good. well intact. about his legacy and the risk it that way.” “It’s all his vision and we 4 | SPORTS | Iowa State Daily | Sunday, March 16, 2014 HILTON MAGIC HEADS SOUTH

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Senior guard DeAndre Kane celebrates the win against Baylor in the final round of the 2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in their first appearance in the final round since 2000.

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Sophomore forward holds a senior guard, DeAndre Kane.

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily ISU coach Fred Hoiberg holds up the net after Iowa State won the 2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in their first final round appearance since 2000.

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Junior forward Dustin Hogue goes up for a shot against Baylor in the final round of the 2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in their first appearance in the final round since 2000. Hogue had 12 points for Iowa State. Sunday, March 16, 2014 | Iowa State Daily | SPORTS | 5 HILTON MAGIC HEADS SOUTH

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily It was a sea of cardinal and gold at the pep rally for the 2014 Phillips 66 Basketball Championship game March 15. Iowa State will take on Baylor at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., in its first final-round appearance since 2000.

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Fans hold up signs calling the Sprint Center “Hilton South” during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship game against Baylor in Kansas City, Mo., on March 15. The Cyclones defeated the Bears 74-65 in their first final-round appear- ance since 2000.

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Iowa State fans showed support to sophomore forward Georges Niang, who was injured in Friday’s game against Kansas, by wearing bandages above their right eyes Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily at the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship finals against Baylor. The Cyclones defeated the Sophomore guard Naz Long holds up the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship poster after Bears 74-65 in their first final-game appearance since 2000. Iowa State won its first conference championship title since 2000. The Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in the final game in Kansas City, Mo. 6ROAD | SPORTS | Iowa State Daily | Sunday, March 16, 2014 TO THE TOP Georges Niang, Naz Long close Iowa State’s 91-85 thriller in Big 12

By Dean.Berhow-Goll @iowastatedaily.com Coach talks For most programs, about it when a player like DeAndre Kane fouls out, the wheels every day. tend to fall off. This was not How are you the case for the ISU basket- ball team. going to act With 3:55 remaining in when adver- the second half, Kane picked up his fifth foul and was sity hits you? sent to the bench, which left Georges Niang left to step in Georges Niang and take the reigns. Niang — with the help of his teammate and room- hitting the game-tying shot mate Naz Long — scored or against Oklahoma State on assisted on five of the last six Saturday and now Niang possessions to help close the down the stretch against book on the third bout be- Kansas State. tween No. 16 Iowa State and “Thankfully, we've been Kansas State, winning 91-85. in that position before,” Long “Coach talks about it ev- said. "Guys like myself and ery day,” Niang said. “'How Monte [Morris] and anybody are you going to act when else, we know we've got to adversity hits you?' I thought pick it up because DeAndre we acted in a great way when is one of the best players on adversity hit us today when our team. He said, 'Look, DeAndre went down with we're going to be alright.' that foul or when he got a “So when he went out, foul diving for that loose ball. we were like, 'Alright, let’s get “I thought our team the win.'” handled it great. We didn't Ejim — who scored put our head down and we two points after Kane fouled just kept fighting.” out — led all scorers with 24 Kane fouled out with the points on 8-of-19 shooting score tied at 76 and 3:55 left and grabbed 10 rebounds. in the game. From there, it Joining him with a double- was Niang running the point double of his own was Dustin and initiating the offense, Hogue, who Kane called the drawing comparisons from player of the game. Hogue Long to a certain 6-foot-8- finished with 19 points on inch point guard two years 6-of-8 shooting and grabbed ago: Royce White. 10 rebounds. First, Niang scored, “Dustin was incredible,” spinning in the post. Then Kane said. “He was player of he found Naz Long — who the game in my eyes. All of had struggled for parts of the guys stepped up, and it the game defensively — at was a team effort in my eyes.” the top of the key for another The difference in this 3-pointer to make it 81-78. game, according to Hoiberg, After K-State’s Shane was just getting stops down Southwell answered with the stretch. a two-point bucket, Niang “We got the stops down found Melvin Ejim cutting to the stretch that we des- the basket for a layup. On the perately needed,” Hoiberg next possession, Niang ex- said. “Again, we made the tended it to a five-point lead plays the first time down — 87-85 — with a 2-pointer the stretch we played. They followed by a . made them the second time, After a Southwell turn- and today, we were fortunate over on the next possession, enough to do it to them in a Long hit a pair of free throws very important game.” to put the game out of reach. With the win, Iowa State For the second con- awaits Kansas in the semifi- secutive game when facing nals. The two teams will play Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily adversity, Iowa State got cru- at 6:00 p.m. March 14 on ei- Sophomore forward Georges Niang shoots against Kansas State during the Big 12 Championships in Kansas City March 13. The cial buckets from roommates ther the Big 12 Network or Cyclones defeated the Wildcats 91-85. Niang had 18 points for Iowa State in 28 minutes of play. to finish the game, with Long ESPNU. Hogue’s secret uncovered: Junior rises to the occasion, exposes turnaround shot in postseason win By Alex.Halsted scoring 14 of his points in the second @iowastatedaily.com half. “I talk all the time about Dustin He is probably the Dustin Hogue has a secret. Well, being our glue guy,” Hoiberg said. heart and soul of he did. “When he’s locked in like he was The 6-foot-6, 215-pound junior today, we’re a pretty tough team to our team. Without forward stood in the left corner in beat.” Dustin, I dont know the second half of Iowa State’s Big In his first season with the 12 Championship quarterfinal game Cyclones, Hogue has stepped into where we’d be.” Thursday, his back to the defender. the lineup and performed, finishing Hogue turned around, rose high the season tied for second in the Big DeAndre Kane into the air with his legs flailing and 12 in rebounding while averaging 8.6 released a turnaround jumper for a rebounds per game. 70-all tie. Hogue’s shot isn’t flashy, and Thursday after a six-point victory, his “I’ve actually been practicing his numbers didn’t win him any double-double didn’t go unnoticed. that shot all season,” Hogue said af- postseason honors. The big play for Hogue was ter the Cyclones moved to the semifi- While Melvin Ejim took Big not points or rebounds, but a nals with a 91-85 win against Kansas 12 Player of the Year, Kane took in the final seconds that led to the State. “I don’t really get to showcase Newcomer of the Year and Niang All- Cyclones’ final bucket, which sealed it too much. I’ve got to keep some se- Big 12 honors, Hogue’s work went the victory and a spot in the semifi- crets to myself.” under the radar. nals against Kansas on Friday night. His secret is out now. “He doesn't get the credit he de- “He plays so strong and with so “I couldn’t believe how high serves,” Hoiberg said. “Not only on much heart and energy and effort he elevated,” said ISU coach Fred the defensive end and rebounding, that wins games, that wins cham- Hoiberg. which he always does, but [he] made pionships for us,” Kane said. “Like Hogue scored 19 points and col- some huge plays for us on offense.” I said, he’s probably the heart and lected 10 rebounds for his seventh The quiet, unflashy work is what soul of our team. Without Dustin, I double-double of the season in his Hogue relishes. don’t know where we’d be.” first Big 12 Championship appear- “There’s nothing more satisfying Hogue’s newest weapon was ance. When the Cyclones needed than being underrated by everybody. known to his teammates long before the junior college transfer most, he I’ve pretty much been underrated he introduced it to everybody else stepped up. my whole life,” Houge said. “Teams Thursday. ISU guard DeAndre Kane and underrate me and they ignore what I “His turnaround is deadly,” Ejim forward Georges Niang played a do because we’ve got three playmak- said. “He jumps up so high, he fades Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily large portion of the second half bat- ers on our team and that allows me back, kicks his legs out. There’s noth- Junior forward Dustin Hogue goes up for a shot against Baylor in the tling foul trouble and sitting on the to free roam.” ing you can do about that, he’s going final round of the 2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Kansas bench. With two-thirds of the ISU As Hogue sat at the podium to hit it. He brought them out today, City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated Baylor 74-65 in their first appearance scoring trio out, Hogue took over, in the bottom of Sprint Center on so it’s not a secret anymore.” in the final round since 2000. Hogue had 12 points for Iowa State. ROAD TO THE TOPSunday, March 16, 2014 | Iowa State Daily | SPORTS | 7 THE FIGHT TOVICTORY

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Sophomore guard Naz Long holds up his jersey after the win against Kansas in the Big 12 Championship semifinals March 14 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated the Jayhawks 94-83, advancing to the final round for the first time since 2000.

definitely a turning point in the game. I’m eventually went on a 14-6 run to take a one- The key was Niang, who after going 4-of- ISU men fight to victory, pretty sure he’d do it again if he knew the in- point lead before Kansas went to the break 12 with 11 points in the first half, scored 14 jury he’d get to help save the game.” ahead by two. points in the second half on 7-of-10 shooting move to Big 12 title game Kansas and Iowa State went back and “Coach preaches, ‘How are you going to from the field. forth — like a prized fight — in March 14's Big act when adversity hits you? Are you going Niang scored eight-straight points for By Alex.Halsted 12 Championship semifinal game. Each team to give up? Are you going to point the finger? the Cyclones during a stretch late in the @iowastatedaily.com matched the other, blow for blow and run Are you going to point the finger at yourself? game, and his bloodied face and stitches for run, until Niang flew to the floor and the How are you going to act?’” Niang said. “He summed up the night's long fight with Iowa Georges Niang felt tåhe warm sensation Cyclones sealed the game with free throws asks us that question all the time, and I feel State on top. rush down his face, and suddenly a warm, down the stretch. like we came here for a reason. “When Georges gets going, our team is wet drip fell to his hand. Iowa State jumped ahead by as many as “We didn't want to go down without at a whole new level,” Hogue said. “He made The sophomore forward eventually rose nine points in the first seven minutes of the a fight, so we just kept fighting, clawing, some tough shots, and that’s what he’s been to his feet with a bloodied towel over his right game before Kansas answered with a 16-0 pulling.” doing all year. He’s one of the backbones to eye, pumped his fist and exited toward the run to take the lead. When senior guard DeAndre Kane, who our team and if we keep getting him the ball locker room at the Sprint Center. Midway through the Jayhawks’ run, after went 5-of-6 from 3-point range, stepped up and letting him create, it opens up everything Long after the game, Niang sat at his Monte Morris was called for a foul, ISU coach and hit a 3 from the top less than two minutes for the rest of us.” locker with five stitches above his eye — a Fred Hoiberg — who wrote on the team’s into the second half, he pushed Iowa State While Niang's stitches forced him to result of the charge he took with 1:23 to play. locker room white board before the game, ahead by three. The Cyclones never trailed miss the on-court celebration March 14, he The charge solidified a seven-point lead, ‘No Ts’ — was assessed a technical when he again and fended off each subsequent at- and Iowa State will have another shot to do so which helped Iowa State secure a 94-83 vic- shouted at an official. tempt by Kansas to make a late run, leading with a win in the Big 12 championship game tory against top-seeded Kansas and a trip to “When you see someone like Coach by as many as 12. at 8 p.m. March 15 against Baylor. the Big 12 championship game for the first do that, you have no choice but to get your “The big thing is we kept our compo- “Here we are at the Big 12 tournament time since 2000. emotions up,” said sophomore guard Naz sure,” Hoiberg said. “I thought our intensity and you’re able to compete for a champion- “The game’s never closed until the buzz- Long. “He’s willing to sacrifice getting damn and energy out of the gate in the second half ship,” Hoiberg said. “We’ve got a great oppor- er goes off, but that was definitely a big play,” near kicked out of the Sprint Center for us. It was incredible, and it gave us a lead and we tunity tomorrow to do something not many said junior forward Dustin Hogue. “Him meant a lot.” were able to create some separation and hold Iowa State teams have done.” stepping up and stopping that drive, that was After Kansas finished its run, Iowa State them off at the end.” Hoiberg calms the huddle, Edozie fills in and Long celebrates By Dean.Behow-Goll jumped out to a 20-10 run of its shooting — nearly all coming in much better when it was in reality." "The whole Cyclone Nation, they @iowastatedaily.com own to take the lead shortly before the lane with the Jayhawks missing Long said he and Kane were deserve it. I told Kane, 'We’ve got to halftime. freshman center Joel Embiid. paying back the sea of fans in Sprint go give some love to the people.' ISU coach Fred Hoiberg got On Friday night at the Big 12 DeAndre Kane and Naz Long Center for making the trip. "They love us and we love down on one knee and stared into Tournament, Kansas was big, but raised their arms, looking into the "They deserve it," Long said. them." his players’ eyes. Iowa State was better. crowd of more than 9,000 ISU fans “Look at me,” said Hoiberg. “I think we played like the bet- that had made the trip to Kansas “Take a deep breath.” ter team today,” Ejim said. “They’re City. Hoiberg had just received talented and people will say they Then, once Wayne Selden Jr. the second technical of his career, have more potential and they have missed a desperate 3-point attempt which extended a Kansas run to 13- more NBA Draft picks, but we won — that didn't bank in this time — 0, snuffing out Iowa State’s hot start today and we won when it counted. Monte Morris dribbled the ball to against the Jayhawks. “We think we’re playing really mid-court and threw it up in the air. Then, after Brannen Greene good basketball and can play with For the first time in Long, canned another 3-pointer to make anyone in the country.” Kane and Morris' young careers, it a 16-0 run pushing the lead to When the Jayhawks roared they'd beaten Kansas and spurred 32-23. in front on the 16-0 run in the first Iowa State into its first Big 12 Iowa State was in need of an half, the Cyclones countered. Championship game since 2000. answer, and it got one. Then in the second half, Perry "It was a feeling that I never Melvin Ejim’s 3-pointer an- Ellis was big, but Georges Niang experienced, even in high school swered the Jayhawks’ punch with was better. winning my two state champion- one of his own, cutting Kansas’ mo- In the final stanza, Niang fin- ships," Morris said. "This was a big mentum. From there, Iowa State ished with 14 points on 7-of-10 win. I knew we could do it, but it felt

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Senior guard DeAndre Kane attempts a 3-pointer against Kansas in the Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Big 12 Championship semifinals March 14 at the Sprint Center in Kansas Sophomore forward Georges Niang pumps his fist to the crowd after being injured during the second half of the City, Mo. The Cyclones defeated the Jayhawks 94-83, advancing to the game against Kansas in the Big 12 Championship semifinals March 14 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. final round for the first time since 2000. Kane had 20 points for Iowa State, Niang went back to the locker room to get five stitches for a cut above his right eye. including five 3-pointers. 8 | SPORTS | Iowa State Daily | Sunday, March 16, 2014

I believed in my guys. We stayed confident, we believe in each other and that’s all it is. We believed we could pull through.”

Naz Long

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily Sophomore guard Naz Long celebrates a shot against Kansas State during the Big 12 Championships in Kansas City March 13. The Cyclones defeated the Wildcats 91-85. Long scored 14 points for Iowa State.