Iowa State will return to the court this summer, as the team looks to build on a 29-win season and another postseason run under head coach T.J. Otzelberger. The Cyclones report for practice on June 8 with a chance to climb even higher entering the 2024-25 season.
ISU returns key starters in the backcourt, while adding a class of transfer prospects to fill needs on the roster. Iowa State's front court, especially, will see an influx of new talent with a trio of impact players at the forward and center positions.
With a mix of returning and new talent on the roster, Iowa State is aiming to climb beyond its second Sweet 16 appearance under Otzelberger in the past three years. The coaching staff has relied on the development of its talent on court, and the journey has always started in the summer.
These are some main priorities for the Cyclones in the summer as they prepare for the upcoming year.
Integrate new talent
Iowa State made a splash in the transfer portal, even before the conclusion of its postseason run, adding center Dishon Jackson from Charlotte ahead of its Sweet 16 matchup against Illinois. Jackson was joined by Saint Mary's forward Joshua Jefferson and Seattle transfer forward Brandton Chatfield in the front court.
The Cyclones were in need of immediate veteran talent up front after losing its trio of Robert Jones, Hason Ward and Tre King to graduation. Jackson is set to be a force down low with his ability to make space and attack the basket from the lane, while both Jefferson and Chatfield look to be key contributors in the front court rotation.
Northern Iowa transfer guard Nate Heise could contend for critical minutes on the court as well, increasing the team's scoring potential while adding another ball-handling option in the backcourt. The integration of new additions in the summer months will be critical as the team prepares for tip-off in November.
Develop Momcilovic's play
One of the key takeaways from the 2023-24 year was the immediate emergence of true freshman forward Milan Momcilovic. His consistency from mid-range and ability to connect from beyond the arc offered a new offensive weapon for the Cyclones that had to be constantly managed by opponents.
But while Momcilovic accrued a highlight reel of plays over the course of the season, including a game-winning dagger to help upset No. 2 Houston at home, the young player also faced some struggles. Inconsistency grew to be an issue in conference play, and the adjustment to work back to a high-impact level took until the Big 12 Tournament, where Momcilovic posted back-to-back double-digit scoring nights.
The main objective for Momcilovic is to eliminate the adjustment period and grow physically ready for the Big 12, while improving his night-to-night consistency over the course of a season. Development of his physicality, plus a few added tricks in his bag, could go a long way in turning Momcilovic into an All-Big 12 or greater player next season.
Assess the true freshman class
Though Iowa State will rely heavily on returning production from its starters, the Cyclones should also look to assess where the 2024 signing class can make an impact. The duo of four-star shooting guard Nojus Indrusaitis and three-star small forward Dwayne Pierce have a chance to see the court early in their careers if they can harness a strong summer period.
Otzelberger has historically relied on the impact of his true freshmen at Iowa State, with former point guard Tyrese Hunter, current point guard Tamin Lipsey and Momcilovic all breaking out in their first year at the college level. Indrusaitis has shown the skill set to immediately pop at the next level offensively, while Pierce's physicality and ability to get to the hoop translates well to Iowa State's system.
Iowa State won't need to rely on the pair for immediate production, but finding a way for either player to see the floor could be beneficial for the Cyclones on both ends of the court. The summer could be an opportunity, not only to develop the young talent, but also implement each player into the greater roster rotation.
Next steps for returning playmakers
Most importantly for Iowa State will be the refinement and growth of its returning talent. Playmakers like Lipsey, guards Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, plus Momcilovic will contend for major roles within the team's rotation once again, and will need to continue to develop ahead of the season.
Lipsey took major strides following a standout freshman season, increasing his production to 12.4 points per game, while improving to a 39.1 percent clip from behind the three-point line in his sophom*ore year. Seeing even more growth from the team leader could go a long way in cementing Iowa State's contention status for the postseason. Development from former transfer additions in Gilbert and Jones may also help the Cyclones continue their growth on the offensive end of the floor, while maintaining their defensive intensity.
Further along the rotation, players like guard Demarion Watson or center JT Rock have the potential to see increases in their production on the court. Watson established himself as an impact rotational piece on the defensive end, and has room to improve his offensive output. Rock, meanwhile, saw growth in his redshirt season, and will be aiming to slot into the rotation as he builds on his physicality during the offseason.
Iowa State's returning production is critical to the core of the team, and refinement of the team's most important pieces could make the difference in tight games down the stretch. The Cyclones have a reputation for developing their talent, and that growth could make a dramatic difference in a season ripe with expectation.
