No. 5 Iowa State has moved past last season’s Sweet 16 appearance.The focus squarely is on the upcoming season, which begins Monday night with a home game against Mississippi Valley State in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones aim to start fast in nonconference play as they build toward what they hope will be another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.Iowa State returns nine players from last season’s 29-win team. That includes starters Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Milan Momcilovic.Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said his returning group is eager to accomplish even more than a season ago.”We put a bow on last year, and hopefully someday we can come back and enjoy that experience with the guys we had,” Otzelberger said. “For those who are returning, they have an idea of what the work habits (will be required), the intensity and what things need to be.”Gilbert is the top returning scorer after averaging 13.7 points on 43.8 percent shooting last season. He also averaged 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists.Lipsey ranked second on the Cyclones with 12.4 points per game in 2023-24. He shot 42.8 percent overall, including 39.1 percent from 3-point range, to go along with recording 4.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game.Momcilovic also made an impact as a freshman for Iowa State. He averaged 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and he is looking to take another step forward during his sophomore campaign.”(I’m) feeling good,” Momcilovic said. “First season was good to get the experience and ended up playing a lot of minutes as a freshman, but I feel I can take it up another level this year.”
No. 5 Iowa State looks for fast start vs. Mississippi Valley State
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