Basketball

T.J. Otzelberger named to Naismith Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletics Communications:

ATLANTA, Ga. – Iowa State men’s basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger has been named to the 2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List. Otzelberger is one of 15 coaches across the country named to the list, including three from the Big 12.

In his third season at the helm, Otzelberger has led the Cyclones to a Top 10 ranking for the second time, as the Cyclones sit 20-6 overall on the year and are currently ranked No. 6 in the nation. The Cyclones sit at 9-4 in Big 12 play, a game behind No. 2 Houston for the Big 12 lead. The Cyclones and Cougars split a pair of games this season.

Iowa State has nine wins over AP Top 10 teams under Otzelberger, the second-most in the country and the second-most in school history behind Johnny Orr’s 12. Iowa State’s 17 AP Top 25 wins under Otzelberger are also the second-most in the nation. His 61 wins at Iowa State are the fourth-most in school history by a coach in their first three years, trailing only Larry Eustachy (72), Tim Floyd (69) and Fred Hoiberg (62).ADVERTISING

A list of 10 semifinalists will be announced on Friday, March 15. The Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award will be narrowed to four finalists on Monday, March 25. The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 7, at the Final Four in Phoenix.

@cyclonefanatic