NCAA Basketball: Top 12 candidates for 2022-23 Coach of the Year

By Joey Loose | Feb 7, 2023

Dec 10, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter talks with guard Fletcher Loyer (2) and guard Ethan Morton (25) during a break in the action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Iowa State University Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger NCAA Basketball Photo by Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune Kansas And Iowa State Men S Basketball /

TJ Otzelberger (Iowa State)

Previously an Iowa State assistant under three different head coaches, maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that Otzelberger has been a hit as the head man in Ames. He was absolutely one of the Coach of the Year candidates last season after taking a dreadful Iowa State program and leading them to the Sweet Sixteen. That burst was impressive, but much of that talent is gone, notably Izaiah Brockington and Tyrese Hunter.

The Cyclones added a few new pieces in the offseason and lost Temple transfer Jeremiah Williams for the season before the games were even being played. Regardless, Iowa State has been an elite team yet again, currently sitting at 16-6, and 7-3 in a talented and tough Big 12. The Cyclones have four Top 10 wins, including an early win over #1 North Carolina and home victories over talented Kansas, Baylor, and Texas teams.

Jaren Holmes and Osun Osunniyi both came from St. Bonaventure this season and have been impressive for the Cyclones. Senior guards Caleb Grill and Gabe Kalscheur are playing fantastic basketball and it looks like Otzelberger is pressing the right buttons for a second straight season. Make no mistake, Iowa State replaced a ton of talent in the offseason and few were expecting them to be a part of this season’s Big 12 race. Instead, they’re right there with the potential to win this league and perhaps do major damage in the NCAA Tournament next month.

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