Dec 22, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils guard Donovan Sanders (3) dribbles the ball against Baylor Bears guard Dantwan Grimes (12) during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
No. 5 Iowa State kicks off the 2024-2025 home schedule Monday night against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (7:00 p.m., ESPN+).
The Cyclones are coming off one of the best seasons in program history finishing 29-8 overall with a Big 12 Tournament championship as well as a second trip to the Sweet 16 in three seasons under coach T.J. Otzelberger.
About the Delta Devils
The Delta Devils, a team out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), are coming off a challenging season where they finished 1-30 overall. They return several key players but face a tough task in competing with Iowa State’s size and athleticism.
Under the leadership of third year coach George Ivory, the Delta Devils play a fast-paced style that emphasizes athleticism with a pressing defense designed to disrupt their opponents; rhythm. Last season, the team struggled with defense (353rd) and scoring efficiency (362nd) per the KenPom rankings.
They also ranked low in offensive production, but with several key returning players and new additions, Ivory’s team hopes to make some improvements this season.
Notable players include senior forward Walter Hamilton, who brings strength and rebounding capability to the frontcourt and senior guard Markell Petro, brings experience and defensive skills that can help stabilize the backcourt.
Another impactful player is Donovan Sanders. The 5-foot-11 guard was the second leading scorer for the Delta Devils a season ago averaging 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. The senior guard known for his ability to crash the boards from the top of the key and bring energy on the offensive end of the court.
Junior guard Antonio Sisk is an impact transfer from Dallas College Cedar Valley. The 6-foot-1 guard is an athletic slasher and is likely to contribute on offense with his quick driving ability and fast-break potential.
Offensively, Mississippi Valley State will likely rely on transition play and quick ball movement to exploit mismatches, but their outside shooting remains a wildcard. Defensively, they lean on a high-pressure, man-to-man approach, forcing turnovers and aiming to control the tempo.
Their schedule this season includes tough non-conference games, where they will face Power 4 teams like Texas, Missouri, Kansas State, BYU, Utah, and LSU, giving the team a chance to build toughness before entering SWAC play.
Impact Newcomers for Iowa State
Iowa State boasts a more balanced roster this season, with several key returners and a handful of newcomers expected to make an immediate impact.
Dishon Jackson (redshirt senior, center): The 6-foot-11 center, brings size and defensive ability to Iowa State, enhancing the Cyclones’ frontcourt presence.
After transferring from Charlotte, where he averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the 2023-24 season, Jackson is expected to provide shot-blocking and rebounding skills while contributing as a dominant interior scorer.
He is known for his physical play and high free throw percentage (72%), Jackson’s experience and defensive versatility make him a crucial strength as Iowa State seeks dominance in the paint after the losses of Hason Ward, Robert Jones, and Tre King to graduation.
Joshua Jefferson (junior forward): The 6-foot-9 forward brings versatility and experience after transferring from Saint Mary’s. In his previous season with the Gaels, he averaged 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46.9% from the field.
Known for his agility and consistent scoring, Jefferson adds interior strength and rebounding to Iowa State’s frontcourt. Defensively, he has shown strong awareness, averaging 1.2 steals per game, making him a valuable addition who can contribute on both ends of the court as a reliable presence in the paint.
Nate Heise (redshirt senior guard): The 6-foot-5 transfer from Northern Iowa, is expected to bring strong a defensive force and competitive energy to Iowa State this season. Known for his relentless approach on defense, Heise has demonstrated a knack for guarding the opponent’s top player and is comfortable with physical, high-stakes play—a skill he developed under UNI coach Ben Jacobson.
Offensively, he was Northern Iowa’s leading scorer last season, averaging 13.5 points and adding 6.5 rebounds per game.
Heise’s shooting ability, particularly from three-point range, will give Iowa State added scoring options on the perimeter. His familiarity with Iowa State assistant coaches Kyle Green and Erik Crawford, both formerly at Northern Iowa, helped make Ames an attractive transfer destination for him and helped solidify his fit in Otzelberger’s system.
Brandt Chatfield (redshirt senior forward): The 6-foot-10 forward transferred from Seattle University and brings efficient scoring and rebounding prowess to the Cyclones this season. Chatfield was highly productive at Seattle, averaging 9.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on a terrific 60.1% shooting from the field.
His hard work and athleticism are what caught the eyes of coach T.J. Otzelberger. His experience and skill set are expected to complement the Cyclones’ physical style of play under Otzelberger.
Nojus Indrusatis (freshman guard): The 6-foot-5 true freshman shooting guard brings versatility and an elite shooting touch to the Cyclones. He can score from all three levels, at the rim, mid-range, and beyond the arc, where he hit 43% of his three-point attempts last season for Brewster Academy.
Indrusaitis has consistently excelled against elite competition, including in tournaments like the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, where he showcased his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. This past summer, Indrusatis won gold with Team Lithuania in the FIBA U-18 European Championship, as a high-energy and impactful player, he’s expected to add depth to Iowa State’s talented backcourt.
What to watch for
Control the Glass: Iowa State should be able to dominate the rebounding battle, especially with Jackson and Jefferson patrolling the paint. Mississippi Valley State’s defensive rebounding struggles will give Iowa State second-chance opportunities if they stay aggressive on the boards.
Pressure on the Perimeter: Mississippi Valley State’s reliance on perimeter shooting is one of their few avenues to remain competitive. Iowa State’s defense will look to put pressure on their guards and limit open looks, forcing the Delta Devils to find alternative scoring options. Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert were great at that a season ago.
Capitalize on Turnovers: Mississippi Valley State averaged over 15.9 turnovers per game last season, making them vulnerable against the Cyclones’ tenacious defense. If the Cyclones can force turnovers and convert them into points, they’ll establish a commanding lead early.
This matchup presents a clear opportunity for Iowa State to flex its depth and size advantage. Fans may not learn much about the Cyclones with Mississippi Valley State ranking last in Division One in the KenPom rankings, but it will be great opportunity to see Iowa State on the court for the first time this season.
