After seven years of no postseason berths, the ISU men’s basketball team returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2011-12 on the strength of the play of forward Royce White.

Now, moving into 2012-13, the team loses White, who declared for the NBA draft in April, as well as guards Scott Christopherson and Chris Allen, players who played a key role in the Big 12 conference schedule and postseason play.

To help fill the void, coach Fred Hoiberg recruited former Michigan State point guard Korie Lucious, as well as former Utah forward Will Clyburn to transfer in and potentially fill the roles that the outgoing seniors filled in 2011-12. Add to that highly-touted recruit Georges Niang, and the Cyclones are hoping to pick up right where they left off.

Hoiberg and his staff have said repeatedly they are building towards something big, and should the team continue the success it had in 2011-12, the coach and his staff believe it is possible.

If new students weren’t aware, the Cyclones play their home games in Hilton Coliseum, the home of “Hilton Magic,” which many believe returned this season. The “Magic” refers to the effect the Hilton crowd has on the games, as evidenced by upsets of then-No. 5 Kansas, and then-No. 9 Baylor.

Students hoping to purchase student season tickets for men’s basketball will need to purchase them in a bundle with football tickets, at a cost of $249.