The Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up for another promising campaign after finishing the previous season as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger, who has built a reputation for steady progress, is already mapping out how to sustain the program’s upward trajectory.
A Revised Frontcourt Strategy
Only two starters return from last year’s roster – forward Killyan Toure and guard Blake Buchanan – leaving a void that the Cyclones must fill. The departure of forward Joshua Jefferson, who anchored the interior, reshapes the team’s dynamics, especially in the paint.
Toure, who burst onto the scene as a freshman and quickly earned recognition as one of the Big 12’s top defenders, will once again be expected to lock down opponents. His growth will be a cornerstone of the Cyclones’ defensive identity.
Buchanan, entering his senior year, is poised to assume a more prominent role. His playmaking ability and experience give him the platform to become the primary offensive catalyst.
Exploring New Pairings
The coaching staff is experimenting with a novel combination that pairs Buchanan with freshman big man Dominykas Pleta. By leveraging Buchanan’s passing vision alongside Pleta’s size and mobility, the Cyclones hope to create a versatile frontcourt that can stretch the floor and generate mismatches.
If the duo clicks, it could open up additional spacing for the team’s shooters, turning the Cyclones into a more dynamic offensive unit. The experiment reflects Otzelberger’s willingness to adapt and innovate as the new season approaches.