Palm Readings: Bracketologist Believes ISU is Tournament’s Final Selection

Iowa State’s favorite college basketball bracketologist expert, CBS’s Jerry Palm, has added the Cyclones into the NCAA tournaments’ field of 68 as one of the “last four in” after upsetting Kansas State in Ames on Saturday.

Jan 1, 2013; Ames IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones coach Fred Hoiberg talks to the official during their game with the Yale Bulldogs in the first half at Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

In case you missed it, Palm was the same expert who kept Iowa State off the field 11 months ago despite defeating that Kansas State squad and every other bracketology expert had them in the field with ease. Once they beat the Wildcats twice, Palm put them in his field in the most backhanded way possible. Even further, he called out Cyclone fans as “a bunch of newbies” that “just don’t get it.”

Yes, it’s quite clear that Palm didn’t start watching college basketball until 2006.

At least Palm finally has it right this time around. Iowa State’s non-conference schedule is less than impressive despite looking good against Cincinnati. They weren’t able to defeat any of their toughest opponents and it wasn’t until a win over the Wildcats when they received their first marquee victory.

Even though the Big 12 ranks just seventh in conference RPI, Palm does believe that six teams in the Big 12 will get in. Currently Iowa State, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State are all on his bubble.

The Cyclones will have to be impressive in conference play to make anyone believe they have a chance, and if anyone is going give ISU fans a reality check and no favoritism, it’s Jerry Palm.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.