CEDAR FALLS - The University of Northern Iowa basketball program doesn't have a four- or five-star recruit.

It doesn't feature many blue chip prospects that power conference schools were drooling over.

It doesn't have the athleticism or height in the backcourt that other schools in this year's NCAA Tournament possess.

Still, the Panthers are one of 65 teams competing in the Big Dance for the fourth time in six seasons.

"They have a lot of guys I've never heard of before, and they all can play," said Purdue coach Matt Painter, who will get a close look at the Panthers in Thursday's opening round of the tournament at Portland, Ore. "Some of those guys, like (Johnny Moran) and (Adam) Koch can play anywhere. They are really skilled.

"I'm impressed how hard they play. That's a tribute to coach (Ben) Jacobson and their staff."

It has been the blueprint for UNI's success the past three months.

What it lacks in individual talent it offsets with impeccable team chemistry, genuine unselfishness, a strong basketball IQ and a high level of toughness.

"I love that we're under the radar," sophomore forward Lucas O'Rear said. "Let the other schools have their fame and their names mentioned on Rivals.com."

UNI's coaching staff has been more about finding specific fits than raw athletic ability. Jacobson and his assistants recruit players who are disciplined, intelligent, hard-nosed and of good character.

Guard Ali Farokhmanesh, a 6-foot junior college transfer, had zero Division I or II scholarship offers out of high school.

The rest of UNI's starting five had looks from other schools, but most of them came from mid-major programs.

"Maybe we're not the fastest or the tallest, but it's a group of guys that love that," Jacobson said. "When you throw another challenge down at them and think they can't do this, they find a way to get it done.

"It leads to a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, and I think that's good."

The cohesiveness on the court has blossomed throughout the season. Despite two new guards coming in - Farokhmanesh and Moran - and Travis Brown and Kerwin Dunham shifting from starters to reserves, there have been no quarrels.

"It just shows this is a team game," Moran said. "When you get a bunch of guys to realize that and come together, good things happen."

UNI has seven players averaging between 5.2 and 12.3 points per game. In each win at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament earlier this month, a different star emerged.

Koch led the charge against Indiana State. Kwadzo Ahelegbe anchored the win over Bradley. Farokhmanesh fueled UNI in the overtime victory over Illinois State in the title game.

"There's not a selfish player on the roster," Koch said. "If there's a win at the end of the game, everybody is going to be happy. We're just in it to win."

Unlike the past two years, the number of offensive options has been a plus.

"I haven't been a part of a team as a coach or player where eight different guys can be counted on to make the big shot," Jacobson said. "The unselfishness and chemistry is at a high level, maybe the highest level of the teams I've been (part of) here."

In addition to that, the Panthers are prepared and sound with their decision-making. UNI is averaging a meager 11.6 turnovers per game - the lowest mark in the Valley.

"They don't beat themselves," Painter said.

Jacobson's team has also shown a knack for knowing the situation.

If there's a foul to give late in a game, UNI will do it.

If there's an opportunity to push in transition when it has a team on its heels, it will do it.

If a certain player is riding a wave of confidence on offense, they will find him.

"We all know how to play," Farokhmanesh said. "Everyone here truly loves the game and loves playing the game. It's a big reason why some of us have a high IQ on the court."

So far, it has translated into 23 victories, a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season crown and the postseason tournament title.

And even though UNI will be a decisive underdog from here on out, the Panthers believe their unity and all-for-one attitude can carry them forward.

Because of that, it has been a memorable journey.

"When you pour your heart into something and actually reach your goal, there's more satisfaction than anything," Farokhmanesh said.

"If I could be 6-6, athletic and dunk everything, I wouldn't trade that for being six-foot and working my tail off to get where I've been. It means so much more when you win."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com