Senior Georges Niang didn’t even make it through the pre-game senior night ceremonies without choking up. His voice cracked and his eyes welled with tears, which served as a precursor the emotional night to come.

Seniors Abdel Nader, Jameel McKay and Niang all walked off the court at Hilton Coliseum for the final time on Monday night, and they did it as winners. Here’s how each of them played, and what they had to say after the game.

Jameel McKay 

McKay had six points and 10 rebounds while battling foul trouble throughout the game. He was effective when called upon, and showcased the high-level of energy fans have come to expect from the rim-rattler.

McKay tried to put an Oklahoma State defender on a poster to remember his senior night, but he was a little too successful. McKay dunked the ball, but it bounced off the defender’s head before the ball got through the net. 

The result was no basket, but it was certainly a memorable play. McKay’s impact at Iowa State includes being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year last season, and joining the elite rankings of Iowa State players with more than 100 blocks. 

McKay thanked his teammates for “putting up with him” as well as thanking the coaching staff, the previous coaching staff, his family and the fans.

“Coming in here as a mid-year transfer,” McKay said, “is not always the easiest process, but I feel like Cyclone Nation welcomed me with open arms every day and I will forever be thankful for that.”

He said he never believed in magic, but Iowa State might have changed that.

“After playing here for a couple years, Hilton Magic is the only magic I really believe in,” McKay said. 

Abdel Nader 

Nader led the way on senior night, scoring a game-high 19 points, and stealing the show with a monster dunk. 

It was Nader’s 55th career game in double figures and his 20th of the season. The senior has developed into a deadly scoring threat from the wing and ISU coach Steve Prohm praised him for being so consistent throughout the season. 

Nader was brief when giving his speech to the crowd after the game.

“I’m just going to keep it real simple here tonight,” Nader said. “When I transferred here, you guys gave me a second chance. I love Cyclone Nation, I love you guys. Thank you so much.”

Georges Niang

Niang became the most successful player in school history with more wins than any other player to wear the cardinal and gold, and also sits at third on the school’s all-time scoring list.

Prohm credited Niang with helping to turn around Iowa State basketball during his time here, and announced Niang as a future Iowa State coach before Niang’s senior speech.

Niang scored more than 2,000 points, pulled down more than 600 rebounds and dished out more than 400 assists in his four years as a Cyclone. On top of his individual success on the court, Niang also developed into one of the most beloved Cyclones in school history off the court. 

He struggled to keep his emotions in check during his speech to the fans after the game.

“I was afraid to come to the game today,” Niang said, “because I don’t want to leave this place. But as I got on the court and saw all 14,000 of you guys, I realized I’m not leaving. I got a home forever here in Ames and I thank you for that.”  

Niang finished his final game at Hilton Coliseum with a double-double, scoring 17 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in a win. Niang said the personal accolades are great and he’s going to miss playing in Hilton, but he and his fellow seniors have a few goals left.

“I know when this season is ending, we’re going to be remembered for a banner that goes up there [in the rafters],” Niang told the crowd.