Randy Peterson

rpeterson@dmreg.com

AMES, Ia. — Family first.

We sometimes forget that there’s more in our lives than the sports we embrace. Sometimes we think what we do is more important than...

You get where I’m headed. It’s all of us. It’s me. It’s you. If he can help it, though, it’s not going to be Steve Prohm.

Even if it’s the NCAA Tournament.

So if you think you’re experiencing a now-you-see-him, now-you-don’t moment at the Tournament’s Milwaukee Regional — or beyond — you’re probably right.

It’ll be because Katie Prohm is about to have 2-year-old Cass’ baby sister — Katie and Steve’s second child.

It’ll be because Steve Prohm put family before the NCAA Tournament.

Steve’s wife’s due date for their second child is around March 27, but you know how those things can go. It could be sooner. It could be later. But whenever it happens, Steve is going to do his darndest to be by her side.

And if that means rushing to a hospital this week in Milwaukee or back in Ames, during practice — so be it.

If you see the Cyclones’ second-season coach scurrying from the Bradley Center during Thursday’s Midnight Special game (actually set for sometime around 9 p.m.) against Nevada, then you'll know something’s up — that their baby girl is about to be born.

“If I’ve got to leave, I’ll be there,” Prohm told the Register Sunday night, long after the NCAA Selection Committee revealed the Cyclones were a No. 5 seed.

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He’s got good assistant coaches in Daniyal Robinson, William Small and Neill Berry. He’s got longtime veteran coach David Hobbs at his side as his special assistant. Director of Operations guru Micah Byars has extensive coaching experience as well.

Someone else can call timeouts after one of his guys makes a 3-pointer. Someone else can meet with reporters after the game.

Everyone knows the game plan. Everyone knows that Donovan Jackson, Nick Weiler-Babb and Darrell Bowie have been good off the bench — and when they need to be in the game.

And, most important, he’s got Matt and Naz and Monte and Deonte.

Give the ball to Monte. Drive to the hoop. Float in a tear-drop. Pass to Matt or Naz in the deep corner. Flip a no-looker to Burton for one of those monster dunks he does so well.

Prohm’s guys know the routine. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games. They’re on auto-pilot, cruise control or whatever else you want to call it.

“I think it works out good,” Prohm said of his family situation.

Like everyone else, he didn’t know where Iowa State was headed until late Sunday afternoon. He met with his players, maybe watched a little video, and strategized with his staff at some point — both about how to beat a Nevada team that shoots 3-pointers as much as Iowa State does, and about which coach will be in charge, should he need to make an emergency exit.

“I’ll have a plan in place for all that,” Prohm said.

Cass’ second birthday was last Saturday, the same day Iowa State beat West Virginia for its third Big 12 Conference title in four seasons. His big present was an elaborate swing set that will grace the family's backyard at some point in the future.

The Prohm’s second child is on the way too — and could make an appearance during the team's NCAA Tournament run.

“We’ve got a lot going on,” Prohm said, “but we’re playing well, so that helps.”

Columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.