ISU senior big man Blake Buchanan took a plunge to help prepare for potential breakout season

[The Rob Gray]

ISU senior big man Blake Buchanan took a plunge to help prepare for a potential breakout season - Cyclone Fanatic

Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Blake Buchanan (23) dunks during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images AMES — Blake Buchanan clutched...

cyclonefanatic.com

 

[t-noah]

'Wouldn't it be nice' if Blake had a breakout year, and Pleta contributing with 40% Treys from outside! They 'could live together', and I could live with that.

 

[cydnote]

I'm not an analyst by any stretch of the imagination but a local talk show was discussing the Hoks toying with a two "5" lineup and the guest on the show asked "when has that ever worked and why doesn't anybody else use it?"
I realize coaches mess with schemes to throw off an opponent but if Blake and Pleta are on the floor at the same time it will be to combat opponent's overall team size (Tennessee?) and one of them will play the "4". Would be cool to see them switch positions on consecutive plays to mess with an opponent's defense, or maybe I don't have a clue as to what I'm babbling about. It would still require a competent sub to relieve one or both at the speed TJ like to run the game

 

[Yaz]

The "Twin Towers", but deeper run. If you know, you know.

 

[cydnote]

I thought the same thing: Stokes and Payne, but the game has evolved a lot since then. I always equated that era to a high school team that had the only 6'6" center in the conference 50 years ago--but maybe undeservedly so

 

[NWICY]

Like the way he's leaned into the leadership role. Teaching the noobs what goes into being a Cyclone.

Once again I'm amazed at how TJ keeps things going so well in the new world of college basketball.