While I agree with most of these thoughts, I also find my mind drifting back to games where Niang just literally carried us, like the show he put on vs. OU in KCity or in the Virginia game at the Sweet 16. Now, am I optimistic we can still be a top 25 team this year? You bet. But, I imagine when you lose an All-American plus the rest of your experienced front court, the voters figure there are better teams out there.
That's a top 4 and a top 8 team you are talking about. So Iowa State losing to them doesn't mean they can't be top 25.