The Iowa State Cyclones concluded the 2025‑26 campaign with a fifth straight appearance in the NCAA tournament, a streak that underscores the program’s steady rise under head coach T.J. Otzelberger. Their run was cut short when star forward Joshua Jefferson suffered an early injury in the first tournament game, ending his college career and leaving a glaring void in the paint.
Reinforcing the Interior
Without Jefferson’s presence, opponents shot 65 percent at the rim when he was on the court, a figure that rose to 72 percent when both Blake Buchanan and Dominykas Pleta were unavailable, highlighting the team’s defensive fragility. Analyst Sam Vecenie noted that the Cyclones’ interior protection deteriorated noticeably in those scenarios.
Recognizing the need for stability, Otzelberger turned to the transfer portal, securing Taj Manning from Kansas State and Leon Bond III from Northern Iowa, while also welcoming freshman Dorian Rinaldo‑Komlan, a player celebrated for his defensive instincts and athleticism.
Manning posted a 3.7 percent block rate in Big 12 play last season, while Bond III recorded a 2.8 percent block rate with 26 swats in the Missouri Valley Conference. Both transfers are expected to bring size, timing and experience to a unit that struggled to protect the basket when key big men were sidelined.
With the additions and the return of Buchanan and Pleta, Iowa State aims to improve its interior defense and remain competitive for a national title. The coaching staff believes the blend of experience and youthful energy will restore the Cyclones’ defensive identity and keep them in the conversation for a championship run in the upcoming 2026‑27 season.