Sure, most universities wouldn’t think vying for the 66th best team in the nation is anything to write an editorial about, but after the tumultuous 12 months the ISU men’s basketball team has had, it is time to let them know how proud we are that the word “respect” can again be associated with the team.

It’s been nearly a year since the program erupted when pictures surfaced in the Des Moines Register of former head coach Larry Eustachy kissing co-eds and drinking cheap beer. Students rallied for Eustachy, hoping he would keep his job despite Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde’s recommendation to can Eustachy.

But in the long run, Eustachy was not what the team needed. The team needed a leader. After two starters were arrested for alcohol and drug violations — academically ineligible Tim Barnes for drunk driving and possession of marijuana and Jackson Vroman for possession of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia — it was apparent the members of the basketball team needed someone to look out for them, not someone with the same troubles as them.

This leader was found in ISU assistant coach Wayne Morgan. His character is exemplary. He dealt out suspensions to poorly behaving players and he is a model of how to act. ISU President Gregory Geoffroy put it best: “We see in Wayne everything that we want: honesty, integrity, moral character and a genuine concern for student-athletes.”

Morgan, as opposed to Eustachy, presents himself at every game in a suit and tie. Beyond his professional appearance, his composure during some of the worst calls of the season is beyond impressive — it is darn near saintly.

Morgan also proved how great he is when he kept the recruiting class intact, despite rumors that some would not play for any coach but Eustachy. Although Morgan went to great length to make sure Damion Staple — a 6-8 forward/center who averaged 4.1 points per game this season — came to Iowa State, it was the retention of Curtis Stinson that has had the biggest effect on the team.

Stinson is the future of the men’s basketball team. Not only was he the team’s highest scorer for the season, averaging 16.2 points per game, but he also broke the Big 12 freshman scoring record. His 32-point performance in New York’s Madison Square Garden against Rutgers University in the NIT semifinal shows he is going to be a great leader in his next three years at Iowa State.

Stinson and Morgan are going to rebuild this program to its former glory. The two, both hailing from the Big Apple, have us and fans shouting, “We love New York!” Thanks, guys, for bringing honor back to ISU athletics.