A fresh coaching roster for the Cyclones
Iowa State University’s men’s basketball program announced that head coach T.J. Otzelberger has locked in his support staff for the 2026‑27 season, confirming a slate that blends proven collegiate experience with fresh perspectives.
Among the new additions, Chuck Ruffing will serve as an assistant coach, bringing a track record of turning a junior‑college program into a national contender. At Bryant & Stratton College he guided the team to a 23‑10 record in 2023‑24 and a 29‑7 mark in 2024‑25, the latter culminating in a first‑ever appearance at the NJCAA National Tournament.
Ruffing’s coaching journey also includes stints at Marian University and Wisconsin Lutheran, as well as a role at Rockford, where he honed his ability to develop talent and shape defensive schemes.
Coaching pedigree and player development
Graduate assistants Richardson Maitre and Fletcher McGarvey round out the group. Maitre, a former standout at Indian Hills Community College, later played at Florida Atlantic and Samford before turning professional in Spain and Portugal. McGarvey previously managed the Iowa State roster, overseeing player development and scouting, experiences that now inform his work on the court.
The program also recognized internal promotions: Thomas Pollard has been elevated to Director of Recruiting, while Diante Garrett assumes the role of Director of Player Development, ensuring continuity in the team’s strategic vision.
The mix of backgrounds — from the Midwest heartland of Iowa and Wisconsin to international playing experience in Spain and Portugal — creates a unique blend that Otzelberger believes will sharpen the Cyclones’ competitiveness.
Fans can expect a season that reflects both the program’s rich history and an ambitious forward‑looking approach, as the new staff looks to build on the university’s strong athletic tradition.