Busting Brackets
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Iowa State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Cyclones

By Brad Cavallaro

AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points to the crowd after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - FEBRUARY 10: Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones points to the crowd after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play against the Oklahoma Sooners at Hilton Coliseum on February 10, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 88-80 over the Oklahoma Sooners. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 21: Zoran Talley Jr. #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones pulls in a rebound over Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 21, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. TCU Horned Frogs won 89-83 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 21: Zoran Talley Jr. #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones pulls in a rebound over Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 21, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. TCU Horned Frogs won 89-83 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Reserves

Solomon Young, Center, Junior

Young was the starting PF last season, but playing with Lard often killed the team’s spacing on offense. Young is more of an interior player who does not shoot the ball well (16% from three) and was often left alone on the perimeter. With more depth, Young should move back to center where he started as a freshman. He is a strong rebounder and defensive player who will be a high quality reserve for Iowa State.

Zoran Talley, Wing, Senior

Talley is another option to play the 3/4 positions. The 6’7” senior averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.0 rpg last season but is also not a floor spacer as he only made 7 threes last season (28%). Talley’s minutes will likely decrease significantly from last season due to the improved depth. 12-15 minutes seems more likely than last season’s 27 minutes.

Zion Griffin, Wing, Freshman

Griffin is a 6’6” wing whose skillset would fit perfectly in the Iowa State starting lineup as he can shoot from long range. He would be an ideal small ball PF and he is a sleeper to win that position by the end of the season. Griffin is a good athlete and should see consistent minutes whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Michael Jacobsen, Power Forward/Center, Junior

Jacobsen is a transfer from Nebraska who played 24 mpg as a sophomore in the Big Ten. At first glance, Jacobsen seems like he would be in the rotation, but it is unclear where these minutes will come from. The 6’9” junior will have to compete with Young and Lard for minutes at center and a glut of players for minutes at the four. He only shot 39% from the field and was 4-23 from deep so it is unlikely that he will be able to space the floor.

Terence Lewis, Wing, Sophomore

Lewis is a former top 100 recruit who played 11 mpg as a freshman. He can play both the two and three, but he will need to shoot it better to carve out a more consistent and prominent role. Lewis hit just 29% of his three-point attempts as a freshman, but he would not be the first player to make major efficiency improvements in year two.

Tyrese Haliburton, Guard, Freshman

Haliburton is a big 6’4” guard who could see playing time at both backcourt positions. He may be a year away from making an impact since Weiler-Babb is a senior and Wigginton could see time as the back-up PG this season. Wigginton could also go pro after this year which would expand his future role even further. Haliburton is another long, athletic, switchable player for this Iowa State team.

George Conditt, Power Forward, Freshman

Conditt is a great long-term piece who played well for Puerto Rico in the U-18 tournament. He is an athletic shot blocker, but minutes will be tough to come by this season.

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