Iowa State’s Relentless Attitude

Resilient and Tough Minded

(Chicago, IL) – T.J. Otzelberger has created a team in his own image. He is tough minded and has created  in his players a relentless attitude. Iowa State plays a much bigger Tennessee team tonight in the United Center in Chicago. Iowa State isn’t the tallest, nor most gifted team in this tournament, but they may be the most confident.

They face a Tennessee team that outrebounds the opposition by nearly 13 caroms per game and routinely employ three, 6’10 or taller players. The Cyclones don’t have that kind of size, but they do have that kind of physical strength and determination.

Cyclone players have learned that relentless attitude from their head coach. Forward Blake Buchanan and wing Nate Heise talk about having to ‘hit first’ and finish strong.

 

 

Buchanan will be tasked with an enormous rebounding responsibility in tonight’s Sweet Sixteen game against the much taller Volunteers. If the Cyclones continue to play without all-American Joshua Jefferson, Heise will step into the starting lineup and will need to lend a hand on the glass.

The winner heads into the lofty territory of Elite Eight status. If the Cyclones win on Friday, they will need to take that relentless attitude into Sunday’s game that could send them into the Final Four.

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