Iowa State Basketball Emerges as Elite Contender Under T.J. Otzelberger

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State men’s basketball is no longer just a contender in the Big 12 — it’s a legitimate national powerhouse. Under fourth-year head coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones have transformed into one of the most formidable teams in college basketball, boasting a 14-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking as of this week.

The Cyclones, who have won five of the last 10 Big 12 tournament titles, are now eyeing their first Final Four appearance since 1944. Despite consistent success in the regular season and conference play, Iowa State has struggled to make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Last season’s Sweet 16 exit marked the fourth time since 2014 that the team fell short of the Elite Eight.

This season, however, feels different. With a roster led by returning stars Keshon Gilbert, Curtis Jones, and Milan Momcilovic, along with veteran guard Tamin Lipsey and Saint Mary's transfer Joshua Jefferson, the Cyclones have become one of the nation’s top offensive teams. They are averaging 86.2 points per game, up from 75.3 last season, and rank among the top 10 in scoring efficiency.

“It’s the best team that T.J. has had,” said Kansas coach Bill Self. “I probably agree that they’ve got the best three guards on the same team in the country, and their bigs are so much more skilled than what they’ve had in the past.”

Iowa State’s only loss this season came in a thrilling Maui Invitational game against Auburn, now the No. 1 team in the country. The Cyclones have since notched marquee wins and impressive comebacks, solidifying their status as a title contender. Their next test comes Wednesday against No. 10 Kansas, a game that could further cement their case for the top spot in the rankings.

Otzelberger, who took over the program in 2021 after a two-win season, has emphasized accountability and discipline. “We’re locked into the moment,” he said. “We’re going to stay right in the moment, right in the day.”

With a chance to win their first Big 12 regular-season title since 2001, the Cyclones are no longer the hunters — they’re the hunted. And for a program that has never been ranked No. 1 in its 118-year history, the stakes have never been higher.