
Iowa State Cyclones brace for 2026‑27 rebuild after key departures
The Cyclones will lose three key players and their head coach, prompting a reshaped roster that must balance experience with youthful depth.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning T.J. Otzelberger across Basketball.

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

Milan Momcilovic set a new Division I benchmark for three‑point shooting, tested the NBA draft, and then committed to Kentucky, where he hopes to add another chapter to the program’s history.

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.

After declaring for the NBA Draft, Momcilovic chose the transfer portal, selecting Kentucky over several suitors. His 48.7% three‑point shooting and three‑year Cyclones tenure promise a boost for Coach Mark Pope's squad as they eye a Sweet 16 run.
After a wave of departures, Iowa State’s men’s basketball program is reshaping its staff with seasoned defensive minds, aiming to reinforce a culture of pressure and discipline ahead of the upcoming season.

Milan Momcilovic, celebrated as the best shooter in college basketball last season, has committed to Kentucky after exploring the NBA Draft and interest from several top programs. His decision highlights Kentucky's resurgence under coach Mark Pope while Iowa State prepares to move forward without a key contributor.

Milan Momcilovic withdraws from the 2026 NBA Draft, considering top college programs as his NIL valuation threatens to eclipse previous benchmarks.

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.

New head coach Ben McCollum is reshaping Iowa's basketball narrative, targeting a key showdown with Creighton in Des Moines to energize fans and claim the state's sports crown.

A new era is taking shape as Iowa seeks to dominate basketball in the heart of its capital, leveraging a recent Elite 8 run and a strategic game against a Bluejays opponent.

Milan Momcilovic, the No. 1-ranked player in the transfer portal, has pulled out of the 2026 NBA Draft, opening a fierce competition among Kentucky, Arizona and Louisville for his services, with Kentucky reportedly offering a record‑breaking $7‑7.5 million NIL package.

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.

Milan Momcilovic has decided to pull out of the 2026 NBA Draft, opting to return to college and potentially join the Arizona Wildcats, a move that could bring a $7 million NIL package and alter the balance of power in the Big 12.

Milan Momcilovic, who withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft, may join the Arizona Wildcats after Koa Peat decided to stay in the draft, a shift that could reshape both programs.
Former Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic has officially withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft, electing to remain in college basketball and stay in the transfer portal.

Milan Momcilovic faces a pivotal choice before the May 27 withdrawal deadline, balancing NBA projections against collegiate development, while Kentucky and Arizona eye his commitment.

After a standout junior season at Iowa State, Milan Momcilovic is weighing a return to college basketball, eyeing Kentucky, Arizona, and his former team as he seeks to boost his draft stock and chase a national title.
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.

After a injury‑marred year, the Iowa State pledge is using the Nike EYBL circuit to sharpen his game, build chemistry with elite teammates and deepen ties with the Cyclones’ staff.

With a historic shooting season behind him, Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic must decide whether to test the NBA draft or return to college, a choice that could reshape his future and the transfer portal landscape.

The Cyclones' staff reshuffle brings in Cincinnati and Bradley alumni, sparking early connections with top recruit Josiah Harrington.

Emily Ryan, celebrated for her record‑setting play and leadership, is now shaping the next generation of Cyclone guards as she steps into a coaching role.

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