Iowa State Basketball Has Best Defensive Backcourt in Nation
Defense defines Otzelberger’s teams
Since taking over as Iowa State’s head coach, T.J. Otzelberger has emphasized defense. Players who struggle on that end can find it difficult to earn court time, but he has several guards prepared to contribute this season.
Tamin Lipsey has been among the country’s top defenders since beginning his college career in Ames. He is currently eligible for a fifth season, but CBS Sports excluded fifth-year seniors from its selections of the nation’s best defensive players.
Toure earns national recognition
Instead, Iowa State teammate Killyan Toure made CBS Sports’ First Team. The honor comes despite a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him until at least mid-January.
CBS Sports writer Isaac Trotter praised the 6-foot-3 guard’s ability to pressure opponents across the court. Toure started all 37 games he played as a freshman, a notable achievement under Otzelberger. Otzelberger said Toure’s toughness and relentless approach can break an opponent’s spirit.
Johnson adds backcourt depth
Iowa State added Jaquan Johnson through the transfer portal. Seen as a potential replacement for Lipsey in the rotation, Johnson will have a chance to play alongside him during the first half of the season while Toure recovers.
Johnson was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The article describes him as a determined, aggressive defender who plays bigger than his size suggests, giving Otzelberger another option at the point of attack.
A defensive group takes shape
When Toure returns, he is expected to reunite with Lipsey in the backcourt. The article calls the pair the strongest defensive duo in the country, while also pointing to the defensive effort of the team’s other backcourt players.
With Lipsey, Johnson and Toure available at different points, Iowa State has several guards to rely on defensively. Toure’s injury means the group’s full combination will not be together early in the season.
Key points
- Killyan Toure was named to CBS Sports’ First Team of defensive players.
- A shoulder injury is expected to keep Toure out until at least mid-January.
- Tamin Lipsey is eligible for a fifth season, but CBS Sports excluded fifth-year seniors.