/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65924276/516577508.jpg.0.jpg)
With the 2010s coming to an end, we decided to vote among ourselves on the best Cyclone basketball players of the decade. Our judging criteria limited us to only considering a player’s performance within the decade. For example, only Diante Garrett’s senior year would be considered since he mostly played in the 2000s. We voted on a starting five, and five subs off the bench, regardless of position.
Starting Five
Monté Morris (2013-2017)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536617/654262824.jpg.jpg)
One of four unanimous selections to our All-Decade Team, Monte Morris is the greatest point guard in school history, and it’s not really close. Morris set the NCAA record for assist-to-turnover ratio three times in his career, and leads the school in assists, steals, and assist-to-turnover ratio.
Naz Mitrou-Long (2012-2017, redshirted after eight games in 2015-2016)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16325179/usa_today_9948595.jpg)
A five-year member of the Iowa State basketball team, Naz Mitrou-Long was the quintessential team leader on and off the court, and hit big shot after big shot on his way to becoming one of the fans’ all-time favorite players.
Georges Niang (2012-2016)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536626/usa_today_9076474.jpg)
The second of our four unanimous selections, Niang’s unparalleled scoring presence from anywhere on the floor, as well as his leadership and swagger made him a fan-favorite. Niang currently sits second all-time at Iowa State in career scoring.
Melvin Ejim (2010-2014)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536630/164354083.jpg.jpg)
Our third unanimous selection, Ejim was the prototypical do-it-all guy that led the way in ushering in the newest era of Cyclone basketball success. Ejim led the Big 12 in scoring, and was named Big 12 Player of the Year in 2014, and is second on Iowa State’s all-time rebounding list.
Royce White (2011-2012)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536633/141506644_crop_north.jpg)
Our final unanimous selection, Royce White led Iowa State in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in his only season in Ames. His performance took Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament, where the Cyclones took down Andre Drummond’s UConn Huskies before falling to Anthony Davis’ Kentucky Wildcats in the second round. Even against The Brow, Royce consistently looked like the best player on every court he played.
Bench (in order of total votes received)
Deonte Burton (2015-2017)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536651/usa_today_9955358.jpg)
Tyrese Haliburton (2018-present)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536653/usa_today_13771281.jpg)
DeAndre Kane (2013-2014)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11431843/480239585.jpg.jpg)
Matt Thomas (2013-2017)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536655/654274134.jpg.jpg)
Will Clyburn (2012-2013)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19536658/164526731.jpg.jpg)
Also Receiving Votes (in order of total votes received)
Dustin Hogue (2013-2015)
Marial Shayok (2018-2019)
Tyrus McGee (2011-2013)
Chris Babb (2011-2013)
Jameel McKay (2014-2016)
Nick Weiler-Babb (2016-2019)
Scott Christopherson (2009-2012)
Lucca Staiger (2008-January 19, 2010) (Editor’s note: Damn it, Jared.)