ST. LOUIS - From the charming town of Pamiers, France, to the bustling arenas of college basketball, Iowa State guard Killyan Toure is about to experience his first taste of March Madness. While the NCAA Tournament might not have been part of his early basketball dreams, this young talent is ready to make his mark.
The Cyclones, holding the second seed in the Midwest Region, are set to face No. 15 Tennessee State on Friday afternoon at the Enterprise Center. For Toure, it's another step in his promising career, one he approaches with a calm demeanor.
“For me, I’m sorry, it’s not a big thing,” Toure admitted at the team hotel. Growing up without the tournament's influence, he's now gearing up for what fans in the U.S. consider the pinnacle of college basketball.
Last year, Toure got a crash course in the tournament's excitement while at Brewster Academy. He watched Iowa State's journey through the early rounds and tuned in for the star-studded Final Four. Now, with a deeper understanding of the tournament's allure, Toure is clear about his goal: “I just want to be a champion.”
As March Madness grips the nation, fans will be glued to their screens, hoping for thrilling upsets and unforgettable moments. But for the Cyclones, the focus remains steady.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasizes consistency in preparation, ensuring Toure and fellow international teammate Dominykas Pleta are ready for the spotlight.
“We’ve just pretty much practiced,” Otzelberger explained. The experience from the Big 12 Tournament has been invaluable, offering a taste of the high-stakes environment they’ll face.
Toure, averaging eight points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season, has been a reliable starter. Despite some offensive challenges in Big 12 play, his recent 12-point performance in the tournament semifinal against Arizona has boosted his confidence.
“For me, I just like to play basketball,” Toure shared. Embracing the pressure, he’s ready to bring energy and joy to the court.
March is all about seizing the moment, playing with freedom and confidence. While Toure might not have the tournament experience of teammates like Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson, he’s eager to learn and contribute.
“Nobody wants to lose, especially early in the tournament,” Toure said. “We just want to win the NCAA Tournament. So, yeah, of course, there is pressure for everybody, but that’s a good pressure.”
With a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned determination, Toure and the Cyclones are poised to make their mark on this year’s March Madness.