Iowa State Men’s Season Ends Disappointingly, But Plenty of Highlights Remain
Although the Iowa State men’s basketball team didn’t make the deep NCAA Tournament run many hoped for, their 2024-25 season was still filled with significant moments to remember.
Back in November and December, the Cyclones were steadily rising in the Top 25 rankings. They even reached No. 2 in both the AP and Coaches Polls early in the season. However, an injury to Milan Momcilovic triggered a mid-season slump. Once he returned, Iowa State regained momentum, but another setback occurred.
Keshon Gilbert, the MVP of last year’s conference tournament, was sidelined toward the end of the season and missed the Big 12 Tournament. His absence proved too difficult for the Cyclones to overcome. Without Gilbert’s ability to break down defenses, Iowa State’s offense struggled. Despite efforts from players like Nate Heise, the Cyclones couldn’t keep pace with Ole Miss in the second round.
On a positive note, Curtis Jones emerged as a breakout player, becoming one of the best sixth-men in the country. He led the team in scoring and provided instant offense off the bench.
Momcilovic had a standout performance in his return to Wisconsin, Tamin Lipsey continued to prove himself as one of the best players from Ames High School to wear the Iowa State jersey, and Joshua Jefferson developed into a versatile big man.
Looking ahead, head coach TJ Otzelberger will likely seek out more hidden gems in the transfer portal, as he did last year, to complement the returning players for the 2025-26 season.
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