The Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball program is navigating a pivotal transition, with several key contributors from last season’s roster opting to move on. Among the departures, the loss of forward Joshua Jefferson, a recent NBA draft pick, leaves a sizable hole in the team's frontcourt.
A new face in Ames
Enter Tre Singleton, a four‑star recruit from the Class of 2025 who arrived in Ames after a stint with the Northwestern Wildcats. Ranked among the top 100 prospects nationally, Singleton brings a blend of size, shooting touch and defensive versatility that coaches hope will rejuvenate the Cyclones' attack.
Assistant coaches Erik Crawford and Nate Schmidt have taken on the role of mentors, guiding Singleton through the rigors of Big 12 play while helping him adapt to the campus environment. Their combined experience, including Crawford’s work with perimeter players and Schmidt’s background in player development, is expected to accelerate his integration.
Defining a defensive identity
The Cyclones intend to build around Singleton’s defensive skill set, using his ability to guard multiple positions to create mismatches. By pairing his strength with disciplined positioning, the team hopes to generate extra possessions and fast‑break opportunities.
Veteran guards such as Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic, along with forward Nate Heise, are expected to shoulder additional scoring responsibilities. Their chemistry with Singleton will be closely watched as the staff experiments with lineups that maximize spacing and ball movement.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger remains optimistic that the blend of experienced returnees and Singleton’s fresh energy can keep the Cyclones competitive in the conference race. The ultimate goal, he says, is to return the program to the upper tier of Big 12 basketball while laying the groundwork for sustained success.