Naz Mitrou-Long officially eligible to play next season

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Lani Tons/Iowa State Daily
Senior guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long cheers after the Cyclones led the NCAA Tournament against Little Rock on March 19. Mitrou-Long played in the first eight games of the season averaging 12.0 points before deciding to sit out in the remainder. Iowa State won 78-61. They will play Virginia in the Sweet 16 on March 25.

Ryan Young
April 29, 2016

Naz Mitrou-Long has been granted a hardship waiver by the Big 12 Conference, and is now eligible to play next season, according to a release from the ISU Athletic Department. 

Mitrou-Long played in eight games last season before he was forced to sit out the rest of the year due to hip problems. 

“Everything happens for a reason and although it hurt to not be able to play for a group of guys I loved last year, my body needed time to recover and that time off allowed me to feel the best I’ve felt since my freshman year,” Mitrou-Long said in the statement. “I’m glad I’ll be able to play for the best fans in the country and represent the name on the front of my jersey, Iowa State, one more year. Words can’t describe this feeling. Cyclone Nation, be ready for a special year.”

Mitrou-Long will be a key piece in the Iowa State offense next season, joining seniors Matt Thomas and Monté Morris at the guard spot.

Over his career, Mitrou-Long has averaged 7.5 points per game and has hit 162 career three-pointers, the fifth-most in ISU history.

“This is terrific news for Naz and our program,” said ISU coach Steve Prohm in the release. “I can’t wait to coach Naz his senior year. His leadership, scoring ability and toughness will be huge for our team going forward.”