One’s a 3-point sharp-shooter with deadly accuracy, the other is a do-it-all guard who can play like a post player. For one, this week’s Big 12 Tournament is his last shot at NCAA Tournament glory. For the other, it’s his first chance at post-season play. One’s a mentor, the other a student.

And both know what it will take for the ISU men’s basketball team to do well in the tournament.

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time,” ISU guards Jake Sullivan and Curtis Stinson said.

One game at a time is the only way the Cyclones have been able to look at things this season with road woes and home glory giving the two guards a roller coaster ride of a year. Sullivan said he loved every minute of it.

“It’s been wonderful, there’s been some highs and lows,” Sullivan said. “I thought we’d be capable of a lot and not many other people did. We’ve really stuck together as a family and done some great things this year.”

One of the biggest reasons the Cyclone basketball team has turned heads this year is the addition of freshman Stinson, who currently leads the team in scoring and assists and is the front-runner to win Big 12 Rookie of the Year. One thing that may give Stinson an advantage over other freshman is his age — he turned 21 Feb. 15.

Sullivan said what Stinson has done this year is impressive, regardless of his age. “I think [his age] helped with the strength part of [his game], but to see this league for the first time and to do what he’s done is unbelievable, no matter how old you are,” he said.

Though he may have a couple of years on most of freshmen, Stinson said he’s still more mature than at the start of the season.

“I’ve matured a lot. I feel I’m more patient on the court now, and I’m smarter,” Stinson said. He said Sullivan’s veteran leadership has been instrumental in his early success.

“He told me to keep my head up when I’m down and to stay focused,” Stinson said. “When my shots wouldn’t fall, he told me to keep shooting. He told me about a lot of things that I needed to do to get ready for this year and years to come.”

When the “one loss and your season’s over” pressure of the Big 12 Tournament sets in, some rookies crack under the stress. Sullivan said Stinson isn’t one of those freshmen.

“He’ll be fine,” Sullivan said. “Curtis is an unbelievable player, there’s no question about it.”

After an emotional Senior Night last week, the realization that Sullivan’s highly-decorated career at Iowa State is coming to an end has started to set in. Sullivan said it’s something he doesn’t want to think about yet.

“I’m trying not to think about that right now, we’ll see when it all ends,” Sullivan said. “It’s been a great ride, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”

Stinson said Sullivan’s experience will be key to guiding his performance in the tournament, and he wants Sullivan to know something before he walks off the court as a Cyclone for the last time.

“I’m very proud of him,” Stinson said. “I’d tell him it’s been a fun time with him. I’ve never played with anyone who could hit three’s like he can to get us back into games. It’s a family here, and he’s the father and keeps everybody in check. I love him.”