In Ames, the Hilton Coliseum buzzed with excitement as Iowa State Cyclone royalty took their seats to witness a thrilling three-point victory over No. 2 Houston.
Among the crowd were Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, now with the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets organizations, respectively. They joined fan favorite Conrad Hawley, all returning to their alma mater during the NBA/G-League All-Star break.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger was thrilled to see his former players back in Ames.
"It's great to have guys like Keshon and Curt choose to come back here," Otzelberger said. "It speaks volumes about our fans and the love these players have for their Iowa State experience."
While Gilbert, Jones, and Hason Ward-who visited earlier this month-may not yet have the star power of Tyrese Haliburton or Georges Niang, their contributions to Cyclone basketball are undeniable. They helped elevate the program to national prominence, a legacy that continues to grow under Otzelberger's leadership.
Otzelberger highlighted Ward's impact on the team, particularly during Iowa State's 2023-24 Big 12 Tournament championship and Sweet 16 run. "He's been pivotal for us," Otzelberger noted. "His return means a lot to everyone involved."
Currently, the Cyclones are enjoying a remarkable season, sitting at 23-3 and ranked No. 6 nationally. With a shot at breaking the school's single-season wins record, the team is poised for a strong finish.
Stars like Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson, and Milan Momcilovic are leading the charge, with Jefferson likely on track for All-American honors. Meanwhile, freshmen Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon, and Dominykas Pleta are stepping up, hinting at a bright future.
As the NCAA Tournament committee prepares to unveil the preliminary top 16 seeds, Iowa State is eyeing a top-two seed, with the potential for a No. 1 seed still within reach. Upcoming Quad 1-A games and the Big 12 Tournament will be critical in determining their final placement.
Otzelberger, already the only coach in school history with multiple Sweet 16 appearances, aims to push further this year. An Elite Eight or even a Final Four appearance would be historic for the program.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones are building a strong foundation. The 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 17 nationally, featuring top prospects like Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan, Jackson Kiss, and Christian Wiggins. The 2027 class is also promising, with commitments from top talents like Josiah Harrington and Baboucarr Ann.
New targets, such as prep sharpshooter Avery Huston, were in attendance during the Houston game, witnessing firsthand the thriving culture Otzelberger has cultivated.
As Iowa State continues to develop talent and secure top recruits, the future looks bright for the Cyclones. "We're committed to hard work and growth," Otzelberger emphasized. "With each season and each recruit, we're building something special here."
The Hilton Coliseum's cardinal-colored bleachers might soon host even more pro Cyclones, as the program's upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.