AMES, Iowa (AP) The seventh-ranked Iowa State Cyclones are considered a national title contender because of a star-studded roster led by All-American Georges Niang.
So far, unheralded senior Abdel Nader has been as valuable as anyone on the team.
Nader has made the most of his move into the starting lineup. The 6-foot-6 forward is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds through two games, stabilizing a team still adjusting to new coach Steve Prohm.
Iowa State (2-0) hosts Chattanooga on Monday.
''He's really our `X' factor. Teams know about most of our guys, and (Nader) is like that hidden gem,'' Niang said.