Full Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones Retain Second-Highest Scoring Share in Big 12 Ahead of 2026-27 Season
6/20/2026, 11:20:46 PM
Scoring Retention Positions Cyclones Near Top of Conference
Iowa State’s men’s basketball team will return 37.4 % of the points it generated in 2025-26, the second-largest share among the 14 Big 12 schools. Only TCU’s 53.3 % retention exceeds it. The metric places the Cyclones ahead of Arizona, Houston and all other rivals.
Sweet Sixteen Run and Offseason Departures
The Cyclones made the Sweet Sixteen in 2025-26. Their three leading scorers—forward Milan Momcilovic, guard Joshua Jefferson and guard-forward Tamin Lipsey—are gone. Momcilovic entered the NBA draft and transferred to Kentucky; Jefferson and Lipsey exhausted eligibility and are pursuing professional careers. No returning player averaged double-digit points last season.
Key Returning Players
Coach T.J. Otzelberger retains four primary contributors: guard Killyan Toure (8.6 ppg), forward Blake Buchanan (8.5 ppg), forward Jamarion Batemon (6.6 ppg) and sophomore forward Dominykas Pleta (4.4 ppg). All four ranked fourth-through-sixth in scoring and are expected to assume larger roles. Batemon, a 37 % three-point shooter, is projected to start in place of Momcilovic.
Scoring Retention Snapshot
TCU retained 53.3 %, Iowa State 37.4 %, Colorado 34.2 % and Arizona 27.8 % of their points.
Official Statements & Program Outlook
College-basketball analyst Jon Rothstein noted that Iowa State’s 37.4 % retention places the Cyclones second only to TCU in the conference. The program says the returning quartet’s familiarity with Otzelberger’s system will help maintain offensive continuity and provide expanded opportunities for each player. Batemon is expected to assume the primary shooting guard role.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts note the loss of Momcilovic, Jefferson and Lipsey removes the Cyclones’ only double-digit scorers. One commentary described the Momcilovic departure as a hurtful loss driven by timing rather than the player’s desire to leave.
Outlook for the 2026-27 Campaign
The Cyclones start the season anchored by Toure, Buchanan, Batemon and Pleta. Early non-conference games will test the lineup, and conference play will show if the retained scoring share yields a top-tier finish. Observers will watch Batemon’s transition to a starter as a key indicator of the team’s offensive adaptation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “4% of its scoring output from this past season.” — Jon Rothstein, college basketball insider
- “The Momcilovic departure hurts, but that was more a product of bad timing than the historic sharpshooter wanting to leave the program.” — Kenneth Teape, Sports Illustrated
- “He could be added to the starting lineup in the shooter’s role that Momcilovic departed.” — Kenneth Teape, Sports Illustrated
