
Iowa State Cyclones’ Backcourt Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Upcoming Season
The Cyclones' recent Sweet 16 run is now tempered by injuries to top recruits, forcing a reshuffle of the backcourt and reliance on transfers.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Yusef Gray Jr. across Basketball.

The Cyclones' recent Sweet 16 run is now tempered by injuries to top recruits, forcing a reshuffle of the backcourt and reliance on transfers.

The Cyclones' recent Sweet 16 run and strong recruiting class are now shadowed by medical setbacks that could reshape the backcourt for the upcoming season.
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.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger’s lifelong ties to Wisconsin fuel a recruiting pipeline that brings six state players to Iowa State next season, highlighting his influence on the program’s culture and player development.
Jack Kohnen, a top 2027 basketball recruit from Slinger, Wisconsin, has pledged to Iowa State University, bringing a versatile skill set and a strong local connection to the Cyclones' 2027 class.
The Iowa State Cyclones have risen in national height rankings and are targeting taller recruits to finally contend for a championship.

The Cyclones have made the NCAA Tournament every year for the past five seasons, and a new focus on taller players could finally translate into a national title run.

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 Cyclones are preparing for a season that mixes new talent with a strategic schedule, featuring home‑and‑home matchups against Kansas and Oklahoma State and a revised non‑conference slate.

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.
Jackson Kiss, a consensus four-star big man, has flipped his commitment from Iowa State to UNLV, prompting the Cyclones to lean on their current roster and recent transfer additions as they prepare for the 2026 season.

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.
Top recruit Jackson Kiss flips his pledge from Iowa State to UNLV, altering the composition of a top‑20 class and highlighting a busy period for both programs.

St. John's has risen to No. 16 in the 2026‑27 CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 And 1 rankings after securing a commitment from four‑star forward Theo Edema, while Coach Rick Pitino looks to bolster the roster with two additional transfers.

A look at Iowa State's rising recruiting class, highlighted by top‑100 talent Baboucarr Ann and the program's growing influence in the Midwest.