Get Ready, Cyclone Fans! The Iowa State Cyclones are about to hit the court, and the excitement is building! Their first test? A road exhibition game against the No. 23 Creighton Bluejays in Omaha. This isn't just any game; it's the first glimpse of the revamped 2025-26 Cyclones, complete with nine fresh faces. Let's dive in!
Meet the Creighton Bluejays:
Creighton, coming off a strong 25-11 season and a run in the NCAA Tournament, is a team to watch. But they've got some big shoes to fill. The departure of center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who averaged 19.4 points and 8.8 rebounds last season, leaves a massive void. Also gone is Steven Ashworth, their assist leader.
Creighton will be leaning on returning players like Jackson McAndrew and Jasen Green. They've also added key players through the transfer portal, including Owen Freeman from Iowa and Josh Dix. Creighton's offense is known for its high efficiency and fast pace, averaging 75.2 points per game last year. They're also deadly from beyond the arc, making 9.4 three-pointers per game.
The New Cyclones:
Iowa State has seen a major roster overhaul, with several exciting newcomers. Keep an eye on these key players:
- Jamarion Batemon: A highly-rated freshman guard known for his scoring ability. He averaged 22.2 points per game on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and is expected to make an immediate impact.
- Killyan Toure: A defensive-minded guard from France, expected to be one of the team's best on-ball defenders.
- Dominykas Pleta: A 6'11" forward with professional experience in Germany. Coach Otzelberger has praised his growth, making him a player to watch.
Coach Otzelberger also brought in several transfers, including:
- Blake Buchanan: A 6'11" center from Virginia, known for his size and rim protection.
- Dominick Nelson: A guard with an attacking mindset, who averaged 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds last season.
- Eric Mulder: A 6'8" forward, adding depth to the frontcourt, known for his impressive shooting efficiency, with 76.3% last season.
What to Watch For:
- New Faces in Action: How will the new players integrate with the returning players? Will Buchanan or Pleta start alongside Jefferson? Can Batemon step up as a go-to scorer?
- Defensive Prowess: How will Iowa State's defense handle Creighton's fast-paced offense and long-range shooting? Can they force turnovers, a key element of Otzelberger's defensive strategy?
- Transition Offense: With athletic guards like Toure, Batemon, and Nelson, can the Cyclones convert rebounds into quick points? This will be crucial against a Creighton team adjusting to life without Kalkbrenner.
But here's where it gets controversial... Can the Cyclones' new additions fill the voids left by departing players and quickly adapt to the team's system? And this is the part most people miss... How will the team's chemistry develop with so many new faces?
This exhibition game is just the beginning. It's the first step in what could be another exciting season for Iowa State. What are your expectations for the Cyclones this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
