Iowa State Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Cyclones
By Joey Loose
Projected Starters
Guard – Tamin Lipsey (Junior)
Lipsey has already proven himself as an explosive and productive athlete as an underclassman. As a sophomore last year, the Cyclones’ starting point guard averaged 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. He made 39% of his 3-pointers, earned First Team All-Big 12, and led the entire conference in steals. Expect even more with another year under his belt.
Guard – Keshon Gilbert (Senior)
Another impressive backcourt presence, Gilbert came to Iowa State after two years at UNLV but certainly hit his groove with the Cyclones. Gilbert put up 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season in his first season in Ames and is expected to be a major cog on both sides of the ball again this season. In fact, he was Big 12 Tournament MVP and playing outstanding ball at season’s end.
Guard – Curtis Jones (Senior)
Yet another returning face from last season, Jones arrived on campus last offseason after decent work at Buffalo in the MAC and settled into a major role off the bench. Playing significant minutes, Jones averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game and should get even more run in his senior season, likely becoming a full-time starter again.
Forward – Milan Momcilovic (Sophomore)
A Wisconsin native much like his head coach, Momcilovic was one of the major breakout stars from last season, playing a significant role in Iowa State’s success as a freshman. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.1 rebounds, making 36% of his 3-pointers while starting every game in the post. Now, the Cyclones are hoping for that big step forward as a sophomore, which could mean significant things for this entire roster full of talent.
Center – Dishon Jackson (Senior)
A somewhat uneven path has brought Jackson to Iowa State, with previous experience at Washington State before sitting out and never playing at Texas Tech. Last year as a junior, Jackson averaged 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as Charlotte’s starting center, though he’ll hope to match that level of production at the power conference level again.