Iowa State Basketball: 2021-22 season preview for the Cyclones
Projected Starting Line-Up
It seems likely, with Otzelberger’s history of unique rotations and the limited options on the Cyclones roster, Iowa State will likely run with a small ball lineup for the vast majority of their minutes. With that in mind, here is a starting lineup.
Tyrese Hunter – Point Guard
The building block of the program and the highest-profile recruit, Hunter, initially committed to the Cyclones under the Prohm administration but decided to stick to his commitment when Otzelberger was named the new bench boss. Hunter, a Racine, Wisconsin native and the 5th best guard in his class per 247Sports, matched up with Otzelberger, also a Wisconsin native, and will be the building block of the program moving forward.
A 6’1 guard who is crafty off the dribble as both a scorer and distributor, Hunter will get ample time to work out his game in a season where expectations are low. He can shoot it enough to be dangerous and is an engaged rebounder and defender for being just over six feet. The biggest concern is his frame, so getting extra time in the gym to mature both on the court and in the weight room will help the program grow in the long haul.
Gabe Kalscheur – Shooting Guard
One of the many transfers coming into ISU this season, Kalscheur transferred in from Minnesota. He was a solid scoring provider for the Gophers in his Junior season and came to Iowa State with two years of eligibility. Kalscheur can provide outside shooting and enough ball-handling to be trustworthy with running some amount of the offense.
Despite starting 21 games last season, he will be asked to be a significantly more prominent part of the central focus of the offense at ISU. He, therefore, will have the opportunity to become more of a complete offensive threat.
Having been an active contributor at a power conference school before, Gabe’s experience lends to being a more prosperous and contributing force.
Izaiah Brockington – Forward
Also coming in from the Big 10, Izaiah Brockington is an undersized forward who found ways to be productive while at Penn State. Experienced in playing in small lineups, Brockington averaged 12.9 points a game with 4.9 rebounds.
Not exactly a threat from beyond the arc, making just 12 threes on 43 attempts last season; Brockington is an effective offensive threat when creating on the inside and midrange, shooting an effective and efficient 46% on shots inside the arc.
Brockington can break out on offense and dominate a game. His experience alone, along with that, will be impactful for the Cyclones.
Blake Hinson – Forward
Hinson has been around the Cyclone program longer than most, transferring there before last season and sitting out the 2020-21 season. He started a combined 58 games for the Ole Miss Rebels in his freshman and sophomore seasons. Averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds the season before departing for Ames.
A dynamic 6’7” forward who has shown range from deep. Hinson adds an exciting and multifaceted option on the wing. If he comes out of his redshirt year with an improved 3-point shot, he could be a breakout star of the Big 12.
Tristan Enaruna – Center
The Dutch Big man never really found a grove with his previous school, Big 12 rival Kansas, but he was a high-end prospect for a reason and still has the tools to be an impact player.
At 6’8” 215 pounds, he’s not your prototypical center. But he’s toolsy enough to fit a system that already wants to go small, mobile, and fast. He has shown a handle with the ball that’s excellent for his position and is an above-average passer. His outside shot isn’t consistent, but he’s shown a willingness to extend his range, take shots, and work on that part of his game. If he can find his energy and perhaps add more strength this summer, he can be an excellent fit for the Cyclones. Especially considering he’s got three more years of eligibility waiting for him.