Iowa State men’s basketball isn’t riding a wave of momentum - they’re grinding up a mountain. And so far, they’ve made the climb look steady, methodical, and downright impressive.
At 21-2, the Cyclones have handled their business with a level of consistency that’s hard to come by in college hoops. But the trail ahead?
That’s where things get steep.
Starting February 14, Iowa State is staring down a brutal stretch that could define its season. We’re talking matchups with No.
11 Kansas, No. 8 Houston, No.
16 BYU, Utah, No. 13 Texas Tech, and the top-ranked team in the country, Arizona - all before closing out the regular season against Arizona State.
That’s not just a tough schedule; that’s a gauntlet.
Now, on paper, Iowa State might look like they’re already in great shape. They’re a top-10 team, a lock for a high NCAA Tournament seed, and playing with confidence.
But this stretch matters - a lot. Because this is March Madness in February.
It’s the kind of run that mimics the tournament grind: one elite opponent after another, little time to recover, and no room for error. The difference?
In March, there’s no such thing as a “learning experience.” One bad game, one cold shooting night, one lapse in focus - and it’s over.
So while a loss or two in this stretch won’t tank their tournament hopes, it will say a lot about how ready this team is for the pressure cooker of March. If they can string together wins against this level of competition, it’s not just a confidence boost - it’s a statement.
But if they stumble? Doubts start creeping in.
Not just from fans or media, but internally. That’s human nature.
Even the best teams can question themselves after a rough week.
This is where the Cyclones have to ask themselves: what kind of legacy do they want to leave? Is this just another strong Iowa State team - Sweet Sixteen good, maybe Elite Eight if the bracket breaks right? Or is this the group that wants to be remembered as the team - the one that made history?
We’re about to find out.
Now, the recent win over Baylor won’t go down as a program-defining moment. But it was a reminder that even against a team that’s not having its best season, nothing comes easy in this league.
Iowa State built a solid lead, only to see it nearly slip away in the final minutes before holding on for a 72-69 win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough.
And while the scoreboard told one story, the conversation around college basketball told another - one that’s becoming louder by the week: the return of former NBA draftees and G-League players to the college game.
Take Baylor’s seven-foot freshman James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was held scoreless in this matchup and managed just two points in the teams’ previous meeting.
BYU’s Abdullah Ahmed spent time in the G-League - 54 games, to be exact - before heading to college, where he’s still finding his footing. Alabama’s Charles Bediako, who’s also taken the G-League-to-NCAA route, has been more productive, averaging 9.5 points per game.
But he’s also been on the receiving end of some pointed chants - “G-League dropout” - from opposing fans.
It’s a trend that’s raising real questions about what college basketball is becoming. With recent rule changes allowing certain professional players to return to the NCAA, the lines are getting blurry.
Iowa State has even benefitted from the shift, adding overseas pro Dom Pleta to the roster. But where does the line get drawn?
Is it between the G-League and NBA? Between American and international pros?
Right now, it’s hard to tell - and that uncertainty is what’s fueling the debate.
This isn’t about shaming players for their journeys. It’s about the NCAA needing to establish clear, consistent rules. Because if the line keeps moving, what does “college basketball” even mean anymore?
Bonus Points
Keshon Gilbert just got the call every young player dreams of. The Washington Wizards brought him up, and he made the most of his NBA debut.
In nearly 29 minutes of action, Gilbert dropped four points, grabbed three boards, handed out two assists, and swatted three shots in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. It wasn’t a headline-grabbing stat line, but it was a solid debut - and a sign of what could be ahead.
Gilbert’s been doing work in the G-League this season, averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 14 games. Just a month ago, he notched a triple-double - 23 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists - showing he’s more than ready for the next step.
Oh, and yeah - the Super Bowl happened too. But in Ames? All eyes are on the Cyclones and the mountain they’re still climbing.