Daily Staff Writer

Monica Huelman

Widely regarded as the Cyclones’ off-the-court inspiration and leader, Huelman was Bill Fennelly’s first Iowa State recruit and has a close tie to the coach, as well as her teammates and fans.

Career Highlight

Despite only scoring five points, Huelman was a major factor in last season’s 64-58 upset of UConn. In addition to a pair of assists and a pair of huge blocks, Huelman hit a three-pointer late in the game that began an amazing streak of five such shots which lifted ISU to victory.

Desiree Francis

The outspoken forward from the West Indies spent two memorable years in Ames, establishing herself as an athletic presence with an outstanding jumpshot and an engaging personality.

Career Highlight

Francis scored 18 points in the Cyclones’ 79-68 win over Illinois in this year’s NCAA second round, but none bigger than a trio of three-pointers in the second half. The back-breaking shots all came within a span of 90 seconds and secured Iowa State’s trip to the Sweet Sixteen.

Stacy Frese

No player better symbolizes Cyclone basketball than point guard Stacy Frese, a selfless floor general with great intelligence, great patience and a potent jumpshot.

Career Highlight

Among numerous standout performances, Frese’s career finds its highlight in her night of near pefection against Nebraska last season. The sniper has never been more accurate, nailing eight three-pointers in just eight attempts to finish the game with 29 points as the Cyclones rolled to a 79-58 victory.

Stevie Johnson

Combining tough defense, a relentless work ethic and a fabulous Mississippi accent, Johnson has been a fan favorite since his arrival in Ames four years ago.

Career Highlight

After four full years of gritty, blue-collar work, Johnson finally exploded against Oklahoma State this year in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament. The senior forward went 8-of-10 from the field, scoring 21 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, snagging 6 steals and propelling Iowa State to a 68-64 victory.

Michael Nurse

One of the most emotional influences on the Cyclone roster, Nurse utilized cocky self-confidence and the best clutch shooting on the team to spur their amazing run.

Career Highlight

Just days after being hit by a truck, Nurse came off the bench to score 16 points, including a trio of three-pointers from somewhere near Huxley, in leading Iowa State to an 80-73 comeback win over Western Illinois. The pesky junior provided the skills and inspiration to overcome a 21-point deficit.

Marcus Fizer ?

Undoubtedly the greatest player to ever don the cardinal and gold, Fizer certainly demonstrated the physical tools of an NBA superstar. Perhaps even more importantly, the standout forward displayed the maturity, respect and modesty that will mark him forever in the hearts of Cyclone faithful as the pride of Iowa State.

Career Highlight

In a career literally filled with highlights, Fizer could make the greatest play in Iowa State history this offseason. Already a Cyclone legend, Fizer could ascend to near-deity status in Ames by recognizing that the fame and fortune of the NBA will still be around after the 2001 season and returning to pursue the first national title in ISU history.