The “bracket challenge” on the site of the TV network in charge of the tournament says this:
Iowa State is making back-to-back NCAA appearances for the first time since the mid-1990’s, back when coach Fred Hoiberg was a star Cyclones player. ISU will be trying to better its Round of 32 exit a year ago, and Utah transfer and swingman Will Clyburn (15.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) will help to fuel that effort along with guard Korie Lucious (9.9 ppg, 5.7 apg), who played in two Final Fours with Michigan State.
Iowa State played in the 2000 and 2001 tournaments. It’s just that “played” is a strong word for the latter.