Iowa State will be without one of its most important returning pieces for a while after sophomore Killyan Toure underwent successful surgery to repair his right shoulder on Aug. 21.
The school said Toure is expected back in January.
Toure, a 6-foot-3 point guard, suffered the injury while taking part in NBA All-Star Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero elite camp in Salt Lake City, which ran from Aug. 12-16.
Toure was listed among the top 15 college counselors at the invitation-only event, which draws some of the country’s top high school and college basketball players. The camp is open to NBA scouts and talent evaluators and is designed to help players sharpen their games while competing.
The setback hits a Cyclones backcourt that was already counting on Toure to take a major step forward. He was one of Iowa State’s two returning starters from last season and posted 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a freshman.
Toure shot 46.0% from the field and 31.3% from 3-point range. He started full time last season and built a reputation as one of the nation’s top defenders, with expectations that he would follow hometown legend Tamin Lipsey as Iowa State’s next point guard.
The Pamiers, France, native is also viewed as a future NBA Draft candidate.
With Toure sidelined, Iowa State has Bradley transfer Jaquan Johnson in the mix to handle point guard duties. Johnson is competing for a major role and brings a strong resume from last season, when he averaged 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game. His accolades included Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the year, first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference recognition, and spots on the All-MVC Defensive and Most-Improved teams.
Freshman Yusef Gray Jr. is another option at point guard, though he is still working back after shoulder surgery of his own. His injury affected his senior year of high school, and the recovery carried into the early portion of Iowa State’s summer training program before he returned in July.
The Cyclones open the 2026-27 regular season against Memphis on Nov. 2 in a neutral-site game at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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Iowa States Defensive Reset Now Hinges On One New Arrival
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Iowa State Suddenly Has A Major Backcourt Question To Open The Season
Iowa State opened the week with an early backcourt concern after sophomore point guard Killyan Toure had surgery Aug. 21 to repair a right shoulder injury he sustained at Damian Lillards Formula Zero Elite Camp. Toure was viewed as an important part of the program and a player expected to have a key role in the 2026-27 season, so his absence changes the picture for a team that was already trying to settle its rotation heading into the new year.
T.J. Otzelberger said the expectation is for Toure to return in January, with the Big 12 schedule the target. In the meantime, Iowa State may have to lean on Jaquan Johnson to handle that role during the non-conference portion of the season, leaving the Cyclones with a notable test in the backcourt before the league grind even begins. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa States Rebuilt Offense Is Suddenly Riding On Aiden Flora
After Matt Campbell left for Penn State and a wave of players followed him out, Iowa States offseason could have turned into a full-blown reset. Instead, one of the quieter decisions on the roster may end up shaping the direction of the rebuilt offense: Aiden Flora stayed put, and now the former walk-on is listed as the starting running back heading into the 2026 season under new coach Jimmy Rogers.
Flora was far from a proven headliner before this opportunity, but he beat out transfer Cameron Pettaway and landed in a backfield that figures to be central to Tyler Roehls run-heavy approach. For Iowa State, it is the sort of development that speaks to both continuity and uncertainty, with a player who once had limited carries now sitting at the heart of how the Cyclones plan to move the ball. [Read more 🡒]