AMES — About a year ago at this time, Tamin Lipsey was preparing for his senior basketball season with the Ames Little Cyclones as one of the best players in the nation.
Now, Lipsey is in prep mode again — this time, to be the starting point guard at Iowa State.
Lipsey and his progress over the past few months were the main topic of conversation as the Cyclones hosted media day here on Wednesday. The 6-foot-1 guard was named Mr. Basketball in Iowa last winter, helping the Little Cyclones win the Class 4A state title.
But achieving high levels of success is nothing new for Lipsey. He won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 event and was considered a three-star prospect with multiple offers for his serve.
And ISU head coach TJ Otzelberger isn’t going to force him to be the leader of a seasoned squad coming off of a Sweet 16 appearance.
“The great thing is that we have a lot of experience in our lineup,” Otzelberger said. “Whether it’s (Gabe) Kalscheur, who’s been here with us, or (Jaren) Holmes, who has a dynamic personality and a lot of leadership, and Caleb Grill.
“We have other guys there who can do that job. These guys can all share their experiences and be helpful to the younger ones.
Lipsey was likely Tyrese Hunter’s backup, but the reigning Big 12 freshman flew to Texas after the season. Now he will look to lead the attack and play a key role in defense alongside the on-point Eli King.
King, a freshman from Minnesota, was a finalist for the Mr. Basketball award in his home state after leading his high school to a third-place finish. A four-star prospect, he chose the Cyclones over Iowa, Marquette, Minnesota and several others.
Kalscheur, who joined the ISU before last year from Minnesota, is one of the key returning pieces. He has played in all 35 games, starting in 34, and is the leading return scorer after the departure of Izaiah Brockington and Hunter.
Grill is also back, along with fellow senior Aljaz Kunc, as those two combined for 94 made 3 points last year.
Junior Jeremiah Williams, a transfer from Temple, has been ruled out for the upcoming season after suffering a left Achilles tendon injury in training.
Otzelberger replaced Steve Prohm a season ago, taking over a 2-22 program and leading them to a 22-13 record that included a stunning run in the NCAA Tournament at the Sweet 16.
Iowa State topped five Top 25 teams in the 2021-22 season, a program record for a freshman head coach. They were fifth in the nation in defensive efficiency, 11th in 3-point defense percentage, and in the top 25 in forced turnovers, turnover percentage, steals per game and score defense.
“If you look at last year, what we decided to do was establish pride in the program,” Otzelberger said. “Work hard every day. Play Cyclone basketball in a way that our fans and everyone else can support us because of the passion and enthusiasm with which we play.
“It’s something you can count on this year as well.”