22. Iowa State (19-12)
Iowa State Summer update: Not getting heralded recruit Theo Davis eligible was a hit. The Cyclones were counting on Davis to be a potential starter in the post. The rest of the squad kept a low profile this summer but word has it they were in the gym cranking on their games and ensuring that the Cyclones are a legit Top 25 team (good sell, right?).

Identity:
The Cyclones' staff says this will be a pressing and trapping team. Coach Wayne Morgan wants to continue to open up the offense. When Jake Sullivan was playing, there were a lot of set plays, but since Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock took over, the emphasis has been on more freelancing.

Go-to guy:
Stinson. He's as talented a lead guard as any team has in the country. He has the toughness and moxie that will keep the Cyclones in any game. He's not one-dimensional. He can get after it defensively. Expect this squad to funnel through Stinson.

Glue guy:
The coaches can't say enough about forwards Shawn Taggart and Rahshon Clark. These two, along with guard Tasheed Carr, are the unsung players on the squad. If Iowa State is going to make a top-four run in the Big 12, players like this trio will be difference makers. The sleeper in the bunch is Czech center Jiri Hubalek, who has been the biggest surprise in the preseason with his ability to come in and help right away.

Our concern:
As much as we're singing the praises of these frontcourt players, they still need to go out and prove it on the court. This squad will be judged by how much the frontcourt produces and defends on a nightly basis.

Schedule matters:
Iowa State should be able to enter the Big 12 with a nifty record. The Cyclones host Northern Iowa in a grudge game as well as Iowa. Playing Ohio State in Des Moines should be a win while the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii isn't too stiff. The toughest game could be in the second round against Oregon State before a possible matchup with host Hawaii in the final.


Fran Fraschilla's take:
Any team that returns a backcourt of Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock can do damage in the NCAA Tournament. The juniors don't get nearly the respect nationally that they should, but they combine for 30 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists in more than 35 minutes a game apiece. Stinson, "Mr. Blue Collar," returns after finishing in the Big 12's top 20 in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and field goal percentage.

Sophomores Tasheed Carr and Rashon Clark are ready to step up and provide more support on the perimeter for the Cyclones. The key to any kind of NCAA run in March, however, will be finding a replacement for the departed Jared Homan inside. The most likely candidate is 6-10 freshman Shawn Taggert.

Find all the ESPN pre-season top 25 here