Gilstrap's gone, is Brackins next?

It's official: Marquis Gilstrap has played his one and only season at Iowa State.

Gilstrap's request for a sixth season of eligibility has been denied, coach Greg McDermott said following the Cyclones' 82-75 opening-round Big 12 Tournament loss to Texas Wednesday night.

McDermott learned of the NCAA's decision Tuesday.

He didn't tell the 6-7 senior forward until after Gilstrap scored 17 points and pulled down eight rebounds against the Longhorns.

With that question answered, the big unknown now is whether Craig Brackins will return for his senior season. ISU faces the possibility of playing next season without its top two scorers and rebounders.

Brackins could forgo his final season for a shot at the NBA.

"We've been recruiting with those possibilities in mind," McDermott said. "Craig will go home to California next week and visit with his mom and make the best decision for him. We 'll support whatever he chooses to do."

Brackins told reporters in the locker room afterwards a decision on his future will be made within the next week. He took more than a month last year to settle on coming back for his junior season.

"I'm going to talk with my family and just chill out from basketball for a while," Brackins said.