The Iowa State Cyclones enter the upcoming college basketball season as early contenders in the Big 12 Conference, a position bolstered by a preseason ranking of third in the league.
Jon Rothstein’s rankings place the Cyclones behind the Arizona Wildcats and the Houston Cougars, setting a high bar for the team’s ambitions.
Last season the Cyclones opened with a 16‑0 record and climbed to No. 2 in the AP Poll, a testament to their rapid rise.
However, the departure of key contributors Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic leaves a noticeable void in the roster.
A New Era for the Cyclones
Coach T.J. Otzelberger now faces the task of integrating new transfers while preserving the chemistry of returning players such as guard Killyan Toure, who is viewed as a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
Despite the challenges, the team’s depth and talent have generated optimism that the Cyclones can translate early promise into a successful campaign.
The coming weeks will reveal how effectively Otzelberger can blend the incoming talent with the remnants of last year’s success, and whether the Cyclones can sustain their momentum into conference play.