Iowa State’s frontcourt picture for 2025-26 already has some shape to it, and Dominykas Pleta is one of the reasons why. The Cyclones are bringing back a solid chunk of their rotation, and the sophomore big man appears to be making the kind of summer jump that can change how a coach uses him.
T.J. Otzelberger has plenty of familiar pieces returning in Ames.
Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon and Pleta are back as sophomores, while Blake Buchanan is set for his senior season after transferring in from Virginia last year. Those four are expected to matter again for Iowa State, with Toure and Buchanan both likely to remain starters and Batemon in line to help replace Milan Momcilovic’s production from 3-point range.
Pleta’s situation is the one to watch. He spent his freshman year as Buchanan’s backup in the paint, but that role may not define him this time around. With the Cyclones adding more size this offseason, there’s at least a path to more shared frontcourt minutes, and Pleta has apparently done enough work to make that conversation real.
“He’s had a really terrific summer. He’s taken a big step forward in his game, his hands, his finishing, his scoring, his playmaking, his confidence is growing rapidly,” Otzelberger said, via Bill Seals of Cyclone Report (subscription required).
That kind of praise matters because Pleta already showed flashes as a freshman. He averaged 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game while shooting 70.6% from the field. The numbers hint at efficiency, but the bigger story is what he might become if his game expands beyond being the next big man off the bench.
If he can prove he can stretch the floor, Iowa State could pair him with Buchanan and test out a bigger look up front. Otzelberger also has Taj Manning, a transfer from Kansas State, and freshman Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan available to absorb minutes in the frontcourt, so the staff has options if it wants to mix and match.
For now, the message is clear: Pleta’s summer work has put him in position to earn a larger role. A sophomore leap into the 15-18 minute range would not be a surprise if that progress carries over once the season starts.
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