Iowa State embraces ‘controllables’ as point guard shuffling continues

Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger set an intense tone for the upcoming men’s basketball season during media day Monday, emphasizing daily work habits, culture and relentless accountability as the Cyclones look to build upon last season’s 29-win campaign.

Entering his sixth year leading the program, Otzelberger stressed that the Cyclones are embracing a daily grind focused on internal growth and development, establishing a foundation rooted in physical defense and competitive toughness regardless of roster fluidity.

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The central storyline of the session revolved around senior guard Tamin Lipsey, who has returned to practice while awaiting clarification on his NCAA eligibility status.

Otzelberger confirmed that Lipsey is fully cleared medically and is steadily rebuilding his game conditioning after missing earlier live five-on-five scrimmages. Rather than dwelling on administrative uncertainty or legal proceedings, the coaching staff is actively preparing for two distinct operational blueprints—one with Lipsey directing the backcourt and one without him.

“I’m somebody that always looks at like what are the controllables and what are the things outside of your control,” Otzelberger said. “And right now what’s in the realm of our control is having Tamin in practice every day… Instead of speculate what that might look like, what we’re going to do is be prepared. If Tamin’s able to play, it’s one scenario. If he’s not able to play, it’s another scenario.”

Otzelberger emphasized that the program will focus strictly on variables within its control, refusing to spend time complaining about administrative delays or future eligibility rulings.

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“There’s not going to be any time we spend complaining, venting, expressing our frustration,” Otzelberger said. “We’re going to do the best job being the problem solvers we can with the situation and the task at hand.”

That backcourt preparation has taken on added urgency with sophomore point guard Killyan Toure…

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Publish date : 2026-10-12 22:32:00

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