Oct 12, 2026 · 12 min
Lipsey’s return reshapes Iowa State’s new-look roster
DAILY CLONE: Media Day Takeaways with Jake Brend
Tamin Lipsey’s uncertain eligibility could materially change how Iowa State develops and deploys a roster still searching for its identity.
- 1Tamin Lipsey’s temporary eligibility gives Iowa State a crucial practice presence while the NCAA’s next move remains uncertain.
- 2A roster with many newcomers will be built around current strengths rather than direct comparisons with last season’s team.
- 3Blake Buchanan’s second-year leap could validate T.J. Otzelberger’s demanding approach to developing defensive big men.
Don't miss
The discussion of Blake Buchanan’s potential to become Iowa State’s best defensive big man captures the episode’s clearest development bet.
The brief
Tamin Lipsey is temporarily eligible after the NCAA failed to win an emergency stay, but another appeal could still disrupt Iowa State’s plans.
Jake Brend argues that Lipsey’s return matters before opening night because practice time helps a new-look Cyclones roster establish its habits and identity.
With many newcomers and new starters, Iowa State plans to build from this roster’s strengths rather than chase a direct replica of last season’s team.
Blake Buchanan has the clearest development storyline: T.J. Otzelberger sees a potential second-year leap and perhaps Iowa State’s best defensive big man.
The episode closes on Otzelberger’s lofty expectations, which once sounded bold for Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson before becoming reality.