Brian, armchair OC 🌪🌪

Preseason T36 — #6 Iowa State (Proj. 3rd in B12) The top defense in college basketball returns their lead point of attack defenders in Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert. The Cyclones forced turnovers on 25% of defensive possessions last year, absolutely ridiculous pace. Lipsey and Gilbert were both top-5 in the B12 in steals/game and steal rate, a huge part of Otzelberger's chaos-inducing defense which should be elite once again. On the wing they return Curtis Jones and Milan Momcilovic who both provide scoring. Jones was very underrated last year and very important to the Cyclones offense. Momcilovic was solid as a freshman and showed some very impressive flashes. He's a 6'8 hybrid forward with a ton of skill, hit a lot of Dirk-fades as a freshman which speaks to his confidence. Should have a nice sophomore leap. Front courts are always key to a strong defensive team and Iowa State's is completely new with Rob Jones, Tre King, and Hason Ward all gone. They reloaded quite well adding 3 legit interiors defenders lead by Joshua Jefferson from St. Mary's. He fits the system perfectly as a multu-position defender and solid rim protector. He also gives them some nice creation and decision making on offense that they did not get from the bigs last year. Dishon Jackson and Brandton Chatfield both dominated the paint at the mid-major level and add the necessary interior presence Iowa State needs. Iowa State should have a top defense once again, and the offense could get a boost. The elite perimeter is back, Momcilovic is primed for a sophomore leap, and Joshua Jefferson offers some new versatility as a playmaker in the front court.