Iowa State Cyclones Prepare for Transformative Season
The Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball program is entering a pivotal offseason, with a wave of roster turnover that reshapes the team’s outlook for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Veterans Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Nate Heise have exhausted their eligibility, while sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic has transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats, leaving a void in the backcourt and frontcourt.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger will welcome two new assistants, JR Blount and Kyle Green, to his staff, even as longtime athletic director Jamie Pollard announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the department.
A Defensive Anchor Takes Shape
Amid the changes, sophomore guard Killyan Toure is emerging as a central figure. After a shoulder issue that surfaced a few months ago, Toure has returned to practice and is expected to assume a larger role.
During his freshman year he averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals, and coaches believe his defensive instincts will let him take over as the team’s point‑of‑attack defender and floor general.
Lipsey has spoken highly of Toure’s potential, noting that the young guard’s work ethic and improving health could make him the catalyst the Cyclones need to rebuild.