A new era for the Cyclones
The Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team will enter the 2026‑27 season without Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, all of whom have either exhausted their eligibility or moved on to other programs. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger now faces the task of replacing not only their on‑court production but also the leadership that helped steer the club to recent successes.
According to a projection by CJ Moore of The Athletic, the Cyclones are slated to be ranked No. 24 in a preseason top‑25 poll once the NBA Draft withdrawals are accounted for. The suggested starting five — Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan, Jaquan Johnson, Jamarion Batemon and Dominykas Pleta — offers a degree of continuity, yet analysts have flagged potential gaps in size and defensive versatility.
The projected lineup does not lack talent; rather, it leans on a blend of returning contributors and fresh faces. Tre Singleton is being viewed as a possible successor to Jefferson’s role, while Leon Bond III could fill the void left by Nate Heise, adding depth at the guard positions. Both players have shown flashes of ability in limited minutes and are expected to step up as the roster settles into its new configuration.
Depth and competition
Beyond the five projected starters, the Cyclones boast a deeper bench that includes players such as Taj Manning, who may provide additional scoring and defensive pressure. The coaching staff has emphasized that competition for minutes will be intense, and that the final rotation will depend on how quickly the newcomers adapt to the rigors of Big 12 play.
While the loss of experienced seniors presents a challenge, the team’s chemistry and the familiarity of several returnees could mitigate the impact. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for whether the Cyclones can translate projected potential into on‑court results, especially against conference rivals that remain formidable.