AMES – On Saturday, the Hilton Coliseum was buzzing with excitement as the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones faced off against the No. 25 Baylor Bears. This wasn't just any game; it was also a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Iowa State teams of 1999-2000 and 2000-01, who had their back-to-back Big 12 championship victories commemorated.
Current head coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed the importance of honoring these teams, saying, "The successes they had was tremendous. I mean, to win the league back-to-back years, to have the run in the postseason, the consistency at Hilton Coliseum... it takes an army of people to do it." From coaches to players, the camaraderie and teamwork from those years left indelible marks on the program.
For those who may not know, the Cyclones achieved remarkable success during those seasons, finishing with impressive records of 57 wins and just 11 losses combined. They were also one win away from the Final Four during the 2000 NCAA tournament, which makes their achievements even more noteworthy. The 14,267 fans at Hilton Coliseum witnessed the ceremony with nostalgia, and even those too young to recall the feats of those teams likely felt the magic of their legacy.
During the halftime celebration, highlights played on the big screen, showcasing the intense, competitive spirit of Iowa State basketball under Eustachy’s coaching. Reflecting on the similarity between past and present, Otzelberger noted, "It's not just about great players; it's about the overall effort from everyone involved. This present team can learn from those who laid the foundation before them." The current Cyclones, who are also known for their fierce defense and offensive prowess, have acknowledged these previous teams as inspirational figures.
This season, Iowa State has proven to be strong contenders. They showcased their dominance over Baylor, winning 74-55, and continued their winning streak at home, now extending to 26 games. Otzelberger attributes their strong performance to hard work and commitment across the team. Attributed to their preparation, the coach said, "It was really important for us to honor those players appropriately and come out at our best, especially defensively."
Larry Eustachy, who coached the Cyclones during those glory years, was also at the game, marking his first return to Hilton since 2006. His emotions stirred as he reflected on his legacy at Iowa State. He candidly shared, “It’s my all-time school. I mean, I'm a Cyclone.” Through adversity and success alike, Eustachy persevered and emphasized the importance of struggle, stating, “I think I helped a lot of people who struggle with addiction.” His words resonate with current players and fans, showcasing resilience and the spirit of Cyclone pride.
Current players like Keshon Gilbert and Milan Momcilovic see their predecessors as the blueprint for success. Gilbert highlighted the versatility of their team, stating, “We can win so many different ways.” This speaks to the evolution of Iowa State basketball from the more defensive-focused style of the 2000 teams to the heightened offensive capabilities seen today.
Baylor coach Scott Drew, who has led his own team to national championships, recognized the strength within the current Iowa State squad. He complimented them, stating, “T.J.’s got not only a really good team but an experienced team.” Drew’s respect for the Cyclones echoes the gratitude felt throughout the arena for those championship teams who helped inspire this current group.
With plenty of games left this season, one thing is clear: the Cyclones are aiming for the pinnacle. Having reached the NCAA tournament each of Otzelberger's first three years with the program, the bar has been set high, and aspirations are growing as the season progresses. The combination of honoring past triumphs with current ambitions creates an electrifying environment for the Cyclones, reminding everyone why Iowa State basketball remains so beloved.
Upcoming games promise to be just as exciting, and as Iowa State prepares to take on Utah next, fans hope to see echoes of their storied past reflected in their continued success on the court.