Higher Ceiling - 2024-2025 or 2025-2026?

[ForeverIowan]

So pumped about this team and felt this would be a fun discussion.

2024-2025 - Had Gilbert and Lipsey entered March healthy I felt that was a team that could make a Final 4 and even win a national title. Curtis Jones is irreplaceable. With that said, it was clear Dishon Jackson wasn't an ideal fit in TJs system. Undeniable there was some friction impacting team chemistry with the Gilbert stuff second half of year.

2025-2026 - Lipsey, Jefferson, Momcilovic and Heise are another year older and more experienced. When Lipsey is healthy, he is the best PG in the country. Period. Jefferson playing like an All-American...such a unique game and so hard to defend. Milan is now an upperclassmen and his confidence is at an all-time high. Buchanan is a perfect fit at the 5. Toure...Im not even sure what to say. With his emergence my hopes for this team jumped from top 25ish type team and likely a 4/5 seed in the tournament...and now I think we have a top 5-10 roster that may very well be odds on favorite to win the Big 12 and grab a 1/2 seed in the tournament.

 

[Peter]

This year's team is light-years better defensively, and probably about the same offensively.

On D, Toure is the head of the snake. Buchanan is a massive upgrade from Jackson. Heise and Jefferson both underrated, and Milan has taken a big step.

On offense, Jefferson is the guy who I think has made the biggest jump from last year to this year. He is in total control of the game and puts tons of pressure on the defense. He is a legit candidate for conference POY.

The next step for this team is Dom Nelson. If he starts to click in, he's going to be a real problem coming off the bench. He puts massive pressure on the rim and forces a lot of fouls. On D, when he is engaged, he's a lanky menace raking steals and getting into transition. If he gets more consistent, it's going to be a real "oh ****" moment for opponents when he subs in.

 

[goclones69]

So tough to answer because if we didn’t have the injuries and drama last year I would say that team, but I’m leaning this team with the chemistry and character we’ve seen. Then you add the breakout Toure has shown…let’s roll

 

[cdface]

This year's team has a higher ceiling, no doubt for me. Jefferson's fundamentally better than last year and forms our base along with Lipsey. Buchanan is rounding into better, more reliable shape compared to Dishon at this point last year. Toure starts as a freshman and will be drafted to the NBA before his senior year (book it now) -- I'm not even sure the last time we had such a polished yet explosive freshman in a Cyclone uniform. It's still early, but it feels like our backups are a whole step up from before (other than we're missing a Curtis Jones-type 6th man). That's not even to mention Milan if he can keep up this shooting...

 

[StPaulCyclone]

Depends if we have enough NIL $ to keep the team together.

 

[jdoggivjc]

I think before the season started last year compared to this year the ceiling was higher last year, but several games in I'd say the ceiling is higher this year.

 

[fsanford]

So pumped about this team and felt this would be a fun discussion.

2024-2025 - Had Gilbert and Lipsey entered March healthy I felt that was a team that could make a Final 4 and even win a national title. Curtis Jones is irreplaceable. With that said, it was clear Dishon Jackson wasn't an ideal fit in TJs system. Undeniable there was some friction impacting team chemistry with the Gilbert stuff second half of year.

2025-2026 - Lipsey, Jefferson, Momcilovic and Heise are another year older and more experienced. When Lipsey is healthy, he is the best PG in the country. Period. Jefferson playing like an All-American...such a unique game and so hard to defend. Milan is now an upperclassmen and his confidence is at an all-time high. Buchanan is a perfect fit at the 5. Toure...Im not even sure what to say. With his emergence my hopes for this team jumped from top 25ish type team and likely a 4/5 seed in the tournament...and now I think we have a top 5-10 roster that may very well be odds on favorite to win the Big 12 and grab a 1/2 seed in the tournament.

I don't think any guys will look for in season bonuses this year. That should lead to more harmony.

 

[isucy86]

This team has a higher ceiling because Toure is a stud on-ball defender. Add to that Lipsey, Momcilovic and Jefferson are all a year older.

The ceiling (NCAA Run) of this team will be determined by guys like Buchanon, Pleta and Batemon. I was really impressed by Pleta's play in Las Vegas especially his D. And I think his offense will come as he gains more confidence.

 

[Dannynoonan]

This is very tough to answer because last year had such high expectations after its start and then had a lot of injuries derail everything.
I know I absolutely love watching these guys and Toure- holy ****- he is very high level talent and his defense is insane. You cannot overestimate his effect on games with his pressure and energy.
I am going to try to just enjoy the season and not put limits or expectations on these young men.

 

[JP4CY]

I think we're maybe forgetting how many important 3s CUJO gave us last year.
So far we've done OK but that and maybe FTs are my biggest concern so far.

I know its nit picky but its all I can come up with.

This year's team absolutely looks better than I thought they'd be at this point.

 

[ForeverIowan]

There can't be a better trio of on ball defenders in the country than Lipsey, Toure and Heise. That'll be TJs Mariano Rivera to close out close games.

 

[Letterkenny]

I think last year. Although this team has better depth. It's probably close though.

We were so good before the Momcilovic injury, followed by Gilbert's injury. Gilbert was our best player when healthy.

If Toure keeps playing like this and Heise starts shooting well again, I might change my mind.

 

[Cyburbbalz]

This year because we have so many options. When Milan is making shots we go from sweet 16 to final 4 team! Also the freshman are only going to get better. When you put that with our experienced studs we're really damn good!

 

[mb7299]

Honestly you look at the roster from last year and see how most are doing at other schools and you realize that was a roster that was maybe 7 deep with big 12 level players where this year is a legit 9 that I don't go ugh they are in the game? We will miss cujo but beyond that we have a better roster. Hopefully Bateman fills a cujo lite roll for this roster and top 10 is more than likely.

 

[ForeverIowan]

I think this team is better 1-5. Last year we were better 5-8 (had Jones, Heise and Chatfield coming off the bench). If some of those newcomers currently coming off the bench continue to improve sky the limit.

 

[dahliaclone]

This year and it's because of the depth. It's vastly improved over last year.

 

[Cyhig]

Hands down this year. Mainly because we have new players already playing at a high level. Imagine how much better they will get with more experience

 

[fsanford]

This team has better post play, and depth.

Jackson was big but not the most fleet of foot on defense. Buchanan is so much more mobile. Pleta coming around 2.

Guard play if healthy last year was really good. But it didn't have health from December to March



I think this group of guards in the end will equal last year's bunch. They are slashers and get to the rim and are good shooters. Not gonna match Jones but they will be good


Lastly the fact Milan, Nate, Josh, and Tamin are in their 2nd year together trumps everything


So will say this year

 

[Ankency]

Depends if we have enough NIL $ to keep the team together.

I don’t think anyone is going to leave for $ during the season

 

[HFCS]

Toure really changes things if we can get Lipsey back for big 12.