As the basketball season looms, Iowa State fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the 2025–26 Cyclones. But here's the catch: their first real test is an exhibition game against the formidable No. 23 Creighton Bluejays on Friday night at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. While the outcome won’t officially count, the minutes played, lineups tested, and team chemistry developed will be invaluable—especially for a squad that welcomed nine new players this offseason. This early showdown against a Creighton team in transition yet still dangerous could offer a revealing preview of what Coach T.J. Otzelberger has in store this season.
Meet the Creighton Bluejays: A Team in Transition
Creighton enters this season fresh off a solid 25–11 record, including a Round of 32 appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a 15–5 mark in Big East play. However, the Bluejays are navigating significant changes. Key departures include center Ryan Kalkbrenner and guard Steven Ashworth, whose absences leave glaring holes. Kalkbrenner’s dominance in the paint—averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game—was a cornerstone of last year’s success. Ashworth, a master playmaker with 6.8 assists per game, kept the offense humming. Without them, Creighton’s identity is up in the air.
The Bluejays are turning to returning role players like Jackson McAndrew and Jasen Green, who are expected to step into larger roles. McAndrew, a stretch-four, contributed 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds last season, while Green added 4.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and solid defense. To fill the void, Creighton turned to the transfer portal, adding Iowa’s Owen Freeman, a 6’10” forward who averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds before an injury cut his season short. They also snagged guard Josh Dix, another former Hawkeye, who brings 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Dix is poised to become a scoring linchpin for Coach Greg McDermott’s squad.
Creighton’s Style: High-Efficiency, Up-Tempo Basketball
Offensively, Creighton remains committed to a fast-paced, efficient system. Last season, they averaged 75.2 points per game on 47.5% shooting, with 17.1 assists and just 11.5 turnovers. Their ability to stretch the floor—sinking 9.4 threes per game—will challenge Iowa State’s defensive rotations, an area where the Cyclones struggled last season. How Iowa State’s new big men adapt to Otzelberger’s defensive scheme will be a key storyline to watch.
The New-Look Cyclones: A Roster Overhaul
Iowa State underwent one of the most significant roster transformations in the Big 12 this offseason. Leading the charge are two highly touted freshman guards: Jamarion Batemon and Killyan Toure. Batemon, a 6’3” Milwaukee native and consensus four-star recruit, averaged 22.2 points on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Known for his dynamic scoring and tenacious defense, he’s expected to make an immediate impact. Toure, a 6’3” guard from France, brings a defensive-first mindset. With Tamin Lipsey sidelined by injury, Toure will see ample time at point guard, showcasing his on-ball defensive prowess.
Dominykas Pleta: The Intriguing Newcomer
Perhaps the most fascinating addition is Dominykas Pleta, a 6’11” forward from Germany with professional experience. The 21-year-old averaged 19.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in the German BBL. Otzelberger has praised his rapid development, though he’s still adjusting to the physicality of college basketball. Pleta’s role in the frontcourt will be pivotal.
Transfer Portal Additions: Instant Impact Expected
Iowa State also bolstered its roster through the transfer portal. Blake Buchanan, a 6’11” center from Virginia, provides size and rim protection, averaging 5.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season. He’s expected to anchor the defense like Robert Jones and Hason Ward. Dominick Nelson, a 6’5” guard from Utah Valley, brings an attacking style, averaging 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. Eric Mulder, a 6’8” forward from Purdue-Fort Wayne, adds depth and toughness, reminiscent of Brandt Chatfield, with an impressive 76.3% shooting clip last season.
What to Watch on Friday Night
The New Faces: With nine newcomers, how will Otzelberger blend veterans and rookies? Will Buchanan or Pleta start alongside Jefferson in the frontcourt? Can Batemon emerge as a go-to scorer immediately?
Defensive Performance: Creighton’s ball movement and three-point shooting will test Iowa State’s ability to switch, rotate, and close out. Can the Cyclones force turnovers, the hallmark of Otzelberger’s defense?
Transition Offense: With athletic guards like Toure, Batemon, and Nelson, Iowa State could thrive in transition. How will the new bigs—Buchanan, Pleta, and Mulder—run the floor compared to their predecessors?
And this is the part most people miss: While the scoreboard won’t matter, this game is far from meaningless. It’s the first real test of how the offseason additions—freshmen, transfers, and returning players—begin to gel. Friday night won’t tell the whole story, but it will set the tone for what could be another unforgettable season in Ames.
Controversial Question: With Creighton’s reliance on three-point shooting, could Iowa State’s defensive struggles from last season resurface, or will the new roster prove up to the challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
