The work that TJ Otzelberger has put in at Iowa State over the last four years has been evident and remarkable with the Cyclones fresh off a fourth straight trip to the Big Dance. This program has seen great results and notable talent, with Iowa State finishing Top 5 in the Big 12 each of the last three years. The Cyclones beat you with impressive defense and offensive consistency and even without national star power are still a national story.
They’ll notably be without leading scorer Curtis Jones as well as athletic guard Keshon Gilbert, leaving two definite holes in this rotation. The Cyclones notable shed a ton of frontcourt talent as well, losing starting center Dishon Jackson among others in the offseason. The well is far from dry in Ames, as the Cyclones do return Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey for their senior seasons after brilliant work for this program, while Milan Momcilovic hopes to build on his underclassman years in this frontcourt.
The new flock of talent comes with decent classes both of freshman and transfers, including four newcomers from the portal. Part of the new frontcourt depth comes in Eric Mulder, a forward from Purdue-Fort Wayne. Mason Williams heads over from Eastern Washington while Dominick Nelson could carve out a notable role after he was named WAC Player of the Year with Utah Valley last season.
The player who’ll be most important this upcoming season is certainly Blake Buchanan, a 6-11 center originally from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Two years ago a Top 75 recruit, Buchanan comes fresh off a pair of seasons at Virginia. Largely a reserve as a freshman, he took on a larger role as a sophomore, averaging 5.4 points and 5.3 rebounds while earning several starts for the Cavaliers.
With Buchanan it’s about untapped potential and an important role in this new program. His numbers as an underclassman don’t exactly wow anyone but he’s a solid rebounder and could develop into an above average shot blocker. Iowa State wins with defense and Buchanan could be the team player in the paint that they need, especially if he can take that step forward in Otzelberger’s system after flailing during a lost year for the Cavaliers with an interim coach.
The story for Iowa State runs through those returning players, especially with what Jefferson, Lipsey, and Momcilovic can do moving forward. Regardless, Buchahan is the tallest piece for the Cyclones and they’re going to need plenty of minutes and consistent play for him. This program cannot succeed again in the Big 12 if they aren’t getting at least average production from the 5. It’s not a make or break season for the former 4-star prospect, but Buchanan will certainly get his chance to shine.