A Coaching Overhaul in Ames
Iowa State’s basketball program is set for a noticeable shift as the 2026‑27 season approaches. After JR Blount and Kyle Green departed for head‑coaching posts at the San Diego Torerros and Northern Iowa Panthers, the Cyclones welcomed two new assistants from the mid‑major ranks.
Tim Buckley, who spent the previous three years with the Cincinnati Bearcats, and Allan Hanson, a recent Bradley Braves aide, have arrived in Ames with a shared focus on relationship building. Both coaches have already begun reaching out to committed recruits, signaling a proactive approach to the roster overhaul.
Among those prospects, Josiah Harrington has emerged as a focal point. The standout performer during the EYBL Memphis Live Period has been in frequent dialogue with Buckley and Hanson, exchanging feedback on how to sharpen his game before he steps onto campus.
What It Means for Cyclone Basketball
Harrington’s long‑term commitment to Iowa State, secured in September 2024, gives the Cyclones a rare early anchor in the Class of 2027. Unlike many peers still chasing scholarship offers, he can use this spring and summer to develop without external pressure.
The early rapport between the new staff and Harrington illustrates a broader strategy: to blend fresh ideas with the program’s existing culture. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how this infusion of talent will translate into on‑court results.