MILWAUKEE — Iowa State is facing the NCAA Tournament without one of its key players, Keshon Gilbert, the team’s second-highest scorer. However, there is optimism surrounding the return of another crucial guard for the Cyclones.
Tamin Lipsey voiced cautious hopefulness about being back on the court for their upcoming matchup against Lipscomb. As the third seed in the South Region, Iowa State is set to play against Lipscomb in the tournament’s first round. Lipsey previously missed the team’s quarterfinal game in the Big 12 Tournament against BYU due to a groin injury.
“It’s been improving each day,” Lipsey mentioned on Thursday. “I’m anticipating being able to step out there and play, and I’m hopeful I’ll be at my best. I’m definitely heading in a positive direction and feeling good about it.”
Getting Lipsey back would significantly strengthen the Cyclones’ defense. The 6-foot-1 guard holds a school record for 235 career steals and averages 10.8 points along with 3.2 assists per game this season. Iowa State’s coach, T.J. Otzelberger, acknowledged Lipsey’s outstanding performance over his three seasons with the team. Despite dealing with a fractured thumb earlier this season, Lipsey’s determination and fortitude have been lauded by his teammates.
“He’s as tough as they come,” remarked guard Curtis Jones. “Especially since it’s March, and every game is critical, he’ll push through anything. I believe he’d play with a broken bone if needed. As long as he can run and pass, his contribution will be valuable to the team.”
With a 24-9 record, Iowa State is now adjusting to the absence of Gilbert, who led the team with 4.1 assists per game and scored an average of 13.4 points, just behind Jones, who averages 17.1 points. Gilbert missed four of the final seven games Iowa State played. Although he returned briefly against Cincinnati during the Big 12 Tournament, he wasn’t available for the BYU game and his absence will be long-term.
These challenges are testing Iowa State’s depth, which is seen as one of their strong points. The Cyclones stand among the 31 Division I teams, 11 of which are in this tournament, that have four players averaging double figures in points per game.
Coach Otzelberger stressed the importance of resilience, “In a strong team, it’s crucial to adopt a next-man-up mentality during tough times. We’ve shown our ability to support each other and stay strong collectively, which has allowed us to continue performing well.”
Gilbert’s absence is opening opportunities for Nate Heise, who transferred from Northern Iowa and is experiencing March Madness for the first time as a fifth-year senior. The 6-4 guard has played up to 30 minutes in five games this season, including four recent ones.
“You always want the team at full strength, but that’s not always the situation,” Heise stated. “The role adaptation has been unique compared to the start of the season, but I’m enjoying this new challenge and looking forward to it.”
Lipscomb’s coach, Lennie Acuff, didn’t foresee Iowa State’s injuries significantly impacting Friday’s game. He referenced his team’s own experience earlier in the season when forward Dylan Faulkner, a player averaging 10.5 points, was sidelined by a foot injury.
“Other players just stepped in,” Acuff said. “When a program is rooted in winning and has a strong culture, that’s what you expect. We’re prepared to face their best tomorrow, regardless of their lineup changes.”