The Iowa State basketball team's 2024-25 campaign was a tale of two halves, marked by early-season success followed by late-season struggles due to injuries. Initially ranked second in the nation, the Cyclones faced numerous setbacks that affected their momentum, ultimately leading to an earlier-than-expected exit from the NCAA Tournament. Despite these challenges, players and coaches reflect positively on the season as a whole, emphasizing resilience and future potential.

As the team looks ahead, they acknowledge the importance of learning from this year's experiences while celebrating their accomplishments. With key players moving on and new talent expected to join via the transfer portal, the focus shifts toward rebuilding and striving for greater heights next season.

A Promising Start Amidst Adversity

Beginning with a remarkable 17-2 record, the Cyclones demonstrated dominance in college basketball, peaking at No. 2 nationally. However, managing injuries became increasingly difficult over time, significantly impacting performance during crucial moments. Despite setbacks, Coach T.J. Otzelberger and his squad remained optimistic about their achievements and the foundation laid for future success.

This optimism stems from recognizing that even amidst adversity, the team managed to secure a third seed in the NCAA Tournament—a testament to their consistent excellence throughout most of the season. Players like Tamin Lipsey expressed pride in maintaining high rankings despite health issues affecting several core members. The group proved capable of overcoming obstacles when fully healthy, posting a stellar 20-2 record within their primary rotation. Yet, inconsistencies crept in once absences began mounting, resulting in an 8-8 finish post-strong start.

Lessons Learned and Looking Forward

Following their elimination in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Ole Miss, the Cyclones turned their attention toward growth and improvement. While disappointed about falling short of loftier goals, such as advancing deep into March Madness or capturing conference titles, they resolved to channel this experience into motivation for upcoming seasons. Key departures loom large, including seniors Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert, whose contributions will be missed but inspire those remaining to elevate their games.

Coach Otzelberger emphasized focusing on daily progress rather than dwelling on singular defeats. He encouraged his athletes to cherish every moment spent competing at such a high level while preparing diligently for what lies ahead. Moving forward, recruiting efforts aim to bolster depth and address specific needs identified through recent challenges. Ultimately, the goal remains clear: breaking through barriers preventing sustained postseason success and establishing Iowa State among elite programs consistently vying for championships.