17. Iowa State
This Cyclones program has been in significantly better shape in the years since T. J. Otzelberger became head coach and last season was another fine effort. Iowa State won 25 games and earned a 3-seed in the Big Dance, though they were dispatched early in the second round. A program built on consistency and defense instead of star power still has some major holes to fill in seniors Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, two important pieces of the backcourt in recent years.
Milan Momcilovic returns in full force after brilliant work as an underclassman while Tamin Lipsey is hoping to bounce back after occasional struggles last season. In addition to those returners, the Cyclones added a slew of 4-star freshmen, notably a Top 50 piece in Jamarion Batemon. Further backcourt help came from the transfer portal through Dominick Nelson and Mason Williams, though former Virginia center Blake Buchanan should also play a big role in the frontcourt.
All in all there’s a lot to like about what Iowa State brings back and what this staff has added in the offseason. It’s hard not to trust Otzelberger after what he’s shown these last four years, and we didn’t even mention Joshua Jefferson among the major returners. The talent in the Big 12 is undeniable but defense has been king for the Cyclones and allowed them to hang with teams on a consistent basis. Did Iowa State add enough offense to counterbalance the departures of Gilbert and Jones?