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Iowa State Cyclones Start 2026-27 Season
Iowa State Cyclones begin 2026-27 season with exhibition game against Creighton.
In brief
Iowa State Cyclones begin 2026-27 season with exhibition game against Creighton. Iowa State Cyclones will start their 2026-27 men's basketball season with an exhibition game against Creighton Bluejays at Hilton Coliseum. Originally reported by Iowa State Cyclones On SI.
2026-27 Season Begins
Iowa State Cyclones start the 2026-27 men's college basketball season with an exhibition game against Creighton Bluejays at Hilton Coliseum.
Sixth Year Under Coach
Entering Year 6 under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones have made the NCAA tournament in all five years, advancing to the Sweet 16 three times.
Starting Lineup Preview
One lineup combination Iowa State could turn to in their exhibition opener includes Tamin Lipsey at point guard.
Tamin Lipsey Returns
Tamin Lipsey participated in Senior Night after a successful four-year career in Ames but is back for a fifth season after being part of an Indiana lawsuit for athletes looking to take advantage of the…
Lipsey's Role
As long as he is cleared and eligible to play, Lipsey will be the starting point guard, his return is huge for the Cyclones who won't have replacement Killyan Toure until mid-January.
Shooting Guard
Jaquan Johnson from Bradley Braves will start alongside Lipsey as shooting guard, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Small Forward
Jamarion Batemon, a sophomore in line for a massive increase in role and responsibilities, will fill the void left by Milan Momcilovic.
Power Forward
Tre Singleton, a player who can follow a similar trajectory to Joshua Jefferson, will be the power forward for Iowa State.
Center
Blake Buchanan, entering Year 2 under Otzelberger, is the only returning starter in the lineup during the exhibition season and regular season.
Buchanan's Role
Buchanan is a strong rim protector and defender, the perfect fit in Iowa State's trapping-style defense, but his offensive role is unclear.
What's Next
Iowa State will face Creighton in their exhibition opener, with the team still figuring out how to balance depth and talent ahead of the regular season.
Team Focus
The Cyclones have a lot of talent on this season's roster that looks deeper and more versatile than in years past, but still have much to figure out ahead of the regular season.
The big picture
Iowa State Cyclones will start their 2026-27 men's basketball season with an exhibition game against Creighton Bluejays at Hilton Coliseum.
