Watch: Kelvin Sampson Raves About Iowa State Fans
While it’s no secret that the Iowa State Cyclones fanbase heads to Kansas City in mass numbers for the Big 12 Tournament each season, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson took the time to commend the fanbase for their effort.
The Cyclones were able to knock off the top-ranked Cougars in front of their fans at the Big 12 Championship Game, 69-41, in unfamiliar territory, with Houston on the receiving end of a blowout.
Despite the loss, Sampson was thoughtful and respectful of the Iowa State fanbase, saying, “Unless you’ve been to Hilton, you don’t understand the impact they have, and they have it here. In some ways, I’m glad the four new schools get to see Iowa State’s fans and the impact they have because I think they can be an inspiration for the other fanbases to see what tournament basketball is. They had a huge impact on their team today.”
With the win over the Cougars, Iowa State has now won five Big 12 Tournaments in the last 10 years. The Cyclones’ dominance in Kansas City can be chalked up to a number of different factors, but one area that cannot be overstated is the fan support.
Iowa State now eagerly awaits Selection Sunday as the team’s resume continues to drive closer to obtaining a 1-seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Only time will tell what happens, but one thing remains true: Iowa State fans will show up regardless of seed to support their Cyclones.
