Cyclones brace for a new chapter
Iowa State guard Killyan Toure went under the knife on August 21 after a shoulder injury sustained at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero elite camp in Salt Lake City. The procedure, which was anticipated to sideline him for several months, places his return target at January, giving the Cyclones a clear timeline as they navigate the early part of the 2026‑27 season.
During his freshman year, Toure posted 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46 percent overall and 31.3 percent from three‑point range. He was slated to inherit the point‑guard role previously held by hometown legend Tamin Lipsey, a transition that promised continuity and a fresh offensive spark for the program.
In Toure’s absence, head coach will rely on Bradley transfer Jaquan Johnson, who earned Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors last season with averages of 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals. Freshman Yusef Gray Jr., also recovering from a shoulder issue that cut short his high school campaign, adds depth at the position as the team looks to maintain stability while the starter works his way back.
The Cyclones open their campaign on November 2 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, against Memphis. The matchup will be a litmus test for the new backcourt combinations and will set the tone for a season that aims to rebuild around fresh talent while Toure works toward his January comeback.