Big 12 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

Expectations aren’t too high for Iowa State basketball after they went winless in Big 12 basketball action this past season. The Cyclones went winless in 19 straight games in conference action in 2020-21 and Steve Prohm was given his walking papers after six roller-coaster seasons on the sideline.

T.J. Otzelberger will be tasked with rebuilding the program after helping Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg, and Steve Prohm as a former staffer with Iowa State. He’s a familiar name in many coaching circles and recruiting circles alike that will have to prove himself after the worst season in school history.

Tre Jackson and Javan Johnson are the top two returning prospects looking to prove themselves in the 2021-22 rotation. Jackson has appeared in 47 games (19 starts) while averaging 4.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, and 1.0 spg across the past two seasons.

Johnson has breakout potential ahead of him after producing 9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 2.7 apg. As he proves he can make plays and improve his 3-point shooting, he’s set to take on a bigger role on the wing and in the post.

Gabe Kalscheur (Minnesota) and Izaiah Brockington (Penn State) are two Big Ten imports that will look to contribute right away in the backcourt. Kalscheur started in all 88 games he appeared in for Minnesota basketball in the past three seasons, averaging 10.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, and 1.4 apg from 2018-21. Brockington averaged 12.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, and 1.7 apg and has shown he can defend with his size and length at 6-foot-4.

Otzelberger will have his hands full trying to adjust a lot of moving parts. If he can get his group to jell together early, they should be a competitive bunch in Big 12 basketball.