Iowa State’s New Leadership Emerges as Key Players Transition to NBA
Coach T.J. Otzelberger has yet to name captains, but the Cyclones are already feeling the impact of recent NBA departures and the rise of new vocal leaders.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Dominykas Pleta across Basketball.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger has yet to name captains, but the Cyclones are already feeling the impact of recent NBA departures and the rise of new vocal leaders.

The Iowa State Cyclones have secured a fifth straight NCAA tournament appearance, but a depleted interior defense forced the program to seek new solutions ahead of the upcoming season.

After a Sweet 16 run marred by injuries, the Cyclones are bolstering rim protection with experienced transfers and a promising freshman, aiming to stay in the national title conversation.
The NCAA has approved a five-year, age-based eligibility framework starting in 2026-27, affecting Iowa State's roster outlook and extending eligibility for seniors like Blake Buchanan while closing the door on transfers such as Taj Manning, Leon Bond III and Ryan Prather Jr.

Publisher Alec Busse discusses the Cyclone Alert's preview of Iowa State basketball, highlighting a deep roster and the impact of incoming freshman Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan.

Recent champions have shown that a deep roster, not just star power, decides March success. Iowa State is reshaping its squad with transfers, returning starters and a clear coaching vision to challenge for the next national title.

The Cyclones must replace their top three scorers but bring back 37.4% of last season's points, positioning them strongly in the Big 12 as they look to build on a promising future.

The Cyclones lost their leading scorers but retain a high percentage of offensive output, setting the stage for emerging contributors and a pivotal season under Coach T.J. Otzelberger.

The Cyclones lose Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson, but a three‑guard rotation featuring Jaquan Johnson and Jamarion Batemon, plus a frontcourt duo of Singleton and Blake Buchanan, promises a fresh direction.

The Cyclones are reshaping their lineup for the upcoming campaign, adding talented transfers while keeping core players, positioning them to thrive despite early doubts.

The 2026‑27 Big 12 season promises a reshaped landscape, with title contenders emerging amid a wave of player movement.

The Cyclones have secured the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, adding high‑four‑star talents while navigating departures and a competitive landscape.

The Cyclones will lose three key players and their head coach, prompting a reshaped roster that must balance experience with youthful depth.

The Iowa State Cyclones are preparing for the upcoming season after a surprising off‑season move that saw senior sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic decide to continue his career with the Kentucky Wildcats. Coach T.J. Otzelberger had already factored the inevitable departures into his roster planning, knowing that several key contributors would be leaving after exhausting their eligibility. Among those leaving, Momcilovic’s 3‑point prowess will be missed, but the Cyclones have identified a potential replacement in Jamarion Batemon, who burst onto the scene as a freshman with a 37 % shooting clip from beyond the arc. Batemon’s emergence is complemented by a wave of transfers who add depth at multiple positions. Tre Singleton and Taj Manning have joined the program, bringing experience and versatility that can help offset Momcilovic’s loss in rebounding and defense. The Cyclones have also bolstered their perimeter with several new 3‑point threats, including Jaquan Johnson, Ryan Prather Jr., and Leon Bond, ensuring the team will not rely on a single shooter. Adding to the excitement, incoming freshman Christian Wiggins captured the 2026 Gatorade Player of the Year Award in Minnesota, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his arrival. With a blend of returning talent, strategic additions, and a coaching staff that anticipated roster turnover, Iowa State feels optimistic about its chances to remain competitive in the Big 12.

The Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball program, led by head coach T.J. Otzelberger, enters the 2026‑27 season with a mix of fresh talent and seasoned veterans, aiming to sustain its recent success despite notable departures.

The Cyclones will field a reshaped squad next season, blending returning veterans with fresh transfer additions as they look to stay competitive in the Big 12.

The Cyclones will field a largely new lineup after several key players left for the NBA draft or exhausted eligibility, but coach Otzelberger believes the additions will preserve their recent top‑10 momentum.
The Cyclones are gearing up for summer workouts on June 15, aiming to build on a 29‑8 campaign that ended in the Sweet 16.

Despite upcoming NCAA eligibility changes that could sideline several veterans, Iowa State secures its international recruits and adds fresh talent through the portal and high school signings

The Cyclones have replaced departing stars with a mix of portal acquisitions and fresh recruits, ensuring continuity as the NCAA tightens rules for international players.

Returning centers and a renewed focus on player development set the stage for the Cyclones' quest for a deep tournament run.

Under coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones blend proven depth with emerging big men, aiming to rebound from a injury‑marred campaign and re‑establish themselves as a Big 12 powerhouse.

Jackson Kiss, a highly rated New Zealand forward, de‑commits from Iowa State and pledges to play for UNLV, prompting the Cyclones to lean on transfers and depth for the upcoming season.