Jackson Vroman made quite a season debut.

Reinstated to the ISU men’s basketball team after Friday’s game against Mercer, Vroman led Iowa State with 18 points and nine rebounds in a 79-76 win over Northern Iowa at Hilton Coliseum.

“I haven’t contributed for a long time, other than practice, so it was really gratifying to get in there and contribute,” Vroman said.

Vroman also had four assists, including a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Reggie George for a slam dunk.

ISU senior guard Jake Sullivan said he’s glad to have the big man’s size and experience back.

“Jackson’s performance was huge. It was great to have him back; he’s a big time, big time player,” Sullivan said. “He’s been through the wars so there’s a different kind of trust with him because he’s been through it with you.”

The 6-foot-10 senior forward apologized Tuesday for his drunken driving arrest in October and said he was committed to the ISU team.

“I’ve been dealing with some various issues and problems for some time now,” said Vroman, who was also charged with possession of marijuana after a separate incident in May.

“Although I’ve made some big mistakes, I’m hopeful that through continuing to get help on many levels, I can overcome my problems.”

Vroman said he was participating in public service and counseling and had settled his court case.

Morgan said Vroman missed nearly three weeks of practice and numerous team activities, including two exhibition games and the regular-season opener against Mercer, lost an opportunity for captaincy — and worked hard to regain a spot on the team.

“I think it’s very brave for Jackson to acknowledge before you that he’s working on and has overcome many of his personal problems,” Morgan said. “He’s accepted personal responsibility for his actions and is addressing whatever his issues are on a day-to-day basis.”

He added that Vroman would be kicked off the team if he had any more legal troubles.

“His potential to remain with the team and participate in competition rests solely on his ongoing correct social behavior and his dedication to addressing his personal situation in a vigorous fashion,” Morgan said.

The Cyclones needed Vroman to hold off a determined effort from the in-state rival Panthers, who lost their fifth straight to Iowa State.

“Our kids like Jackson a lot,” Morgan said. “They look to him as a senior leader and they really like him.”