A New Era for the Cyclones
The Iowa State Cyclones are set to enter the 2026‑27 men’s basketball campaign with a completely reshaped roster, marking one of the most significant transitions in recent program history.
Four of the team’s most reliable contributors from the previous season — Tamin Lipsey, Nate Heise, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson — have exhausted their eligibility and will not return, leaving a void in both experience and production.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger responded by tapping the transfer portal and the 2026 recruiting class, bringing in five newcomers who have already begun to shape the squad’s identity.
Among the newcomers, a projected starting five of Jaquan Johnson, Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon, Tre Singleton and Blake Buchanan has begun to take shape, though the group arrives with a mix of expectations and uncertainties.
Shooting and Size Concerns
While Johnson and Batemon are the only proven long‑range threats, the coaching staff is pinning hopes on Toure’s second‑year growth to add a reliable three‑point option, a development that could be pivotal for spacing.
The current backcourt, however, is among the shortest in the rotation, with Johnson, Toure and Batemon all listed under six feet, raising questions about perimeter size and the ability to defend taller opponents.
Rebounding has been a chronic issue for the Cyclones in recent seasons, and the same concern lingers with this lineup; the team will rely heavily on Singleton and Buchanan to clean the boards and generate second‑chance opportunities.
In an effort to mitigate those weaknesses, Otzelberger is reportedly exploring the possibility of inserting Leon Bond III into the starting lineup, a move that could bolster interior defense and glass cleaning.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the psychological pressure of a youthful roster is palpable; the players must quickly forge chemistry while navigating the expectations of a fan base that has grown accustomed to deep tournament runs.
If the Cyclones can blend the raw talent of their transfers with disciplined execution, the new configuration could surprise opponents and restore the program’s competitive edge.