Iowa State standout Naz Mitrou-Long will play a fifth season in 2016-17 after the Big 12 granted the guard's request for a hardship waiver, the team said Friday.
Mitrou-Long played in eight games, averaging 12.0 points, before pain from a pair of hip surgeries forced him to end his season in December.
With Matt Thomas and Monte Morris also back, Mitrou-Long's return solidifies one of the nation's best backcourts despite the loss of all-Big 12 first-teamer Georges Niang.
"This is terrific news for Naz and our program," Iowa State coach Steve Prohm said in a statement. "I can't wait to coach Naz his senior year. His leadership, scoring ability and toughness will be huge for our team going forward."