Tamin Lipsey's Shoes Are Still Empty, And Iowa State Needs These Two Guards To Fill Them NOW

Alright, Cyclone Nation, let's talk brass tacks. While our beloved Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken, and Sounders are grinding it out in their respective seasons, there’s some serious noise coming out of Ames about the future of Iowa State basketball. The 2026-27 season might feel a million miles away, but the roster for T.J. Otzelberger’s squad is already shaping up, and let me tell you, they’re poised for a good season, but there are some big shoes to fill, literally. Remember last year? Star forward Joshua Jefferson goes down with a nasty ankle injury right at the start of the NCAA tournament. Poof. Season over for him, and without their dude, the Cyclones got outmatched by the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16. Ouch. Many key players, including Jefferson, have moved on, but don't fret too much, because Otzelberger didn't waste a second. He hit the transfer portal like a pro, going a perfect five-for-five on his targets. Plus, we're talking about some young guys from last year who are expected to seriously step up.

The Core Is Set, But Who's Running the Show?

So, with new talent coming in, the core is looking strong. But when you look at the guys returning, three names pop: Jamarion Batemon, Killyan Toure, and Blake Buchanan. Buchanan's gonna be a force in the front court, that's clear. But the real key to whether this team soars or stumbles is the backcourt duo of Toure and Batemon. For four glorious years, Iowa State fans were spoiled rotten with Tamin Lipsey running the point. That dude was pure gold, and now? Toure and Batemon have some seriously gargantuan shoes to fill. It's not just about playing, it's about leading the whole dang team.

Toure's Defense Is Elite, Batemon's Upside Is REAL

The good news is, both Toure and Batemon are coming into the season with a ton of experience, and they are absolutely primed to make massive leaps forward. Take Killyan Toure, for example. He was a starter for most of the year, and let me tell you, this guy is a defensive menace. As a first-year player, he was already one of the best guard defenders in the entire country. A true pest on that end of the court, harassing opponents and making life miserable for them. That's fantastic. But here's the kicker: for Iowa State to really contend, Toure needs to find his offensive game. He's gotta get more consistent, more confident, and start putting up points. Then there's Jamarion Batemon. He might not have Toure's starting experience or minutes, but his scoring upside? It's really, really high. This kid was one of the first off the bench last year and a significant contributor. He's got that spark that can light up the scoreboard. The big question, the one everyone's whispering, is who takes the reins as the primary ball-handler and facilitator. That decision is going to dictate so much about how this team plays. It's on these two to not just show up, but to *dominate* and carry this team to the next level. Let's get it, Cyclones!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.