STORY: Blake Buchanan on what to expect in Ames

[Connor_Ferguson]

RECRUITING: "I think when I came to Virginia, I was limited in ways. (Iowa State) wants to just break me open, and that's a big reason why I picked them."

@cfchangs9 spoke to Iowa State's latest portal add @Blake_Buchanan4 about what to expect.

Iowa State lands former Virginia forward Blake Buchanan out of portal

Mar 4, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Blake Buchanan (0) talks to the coaching staff in the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images Iowa State men's basketball has found its lates

cyclonefanatic.com

 

[Cyclad]

RECRUITING: "I think when I came to Virginia, I was limited in ways. (Iowa State) wants to just break me open, and that's a big reason why I picked them."

@cfchangs9 spoke to Iowa State's latest portal add @Blake_Buchanan4 about what to expect.

Iowa State lands former Virginia forward Blake Buchanan out of portal

Mar 4, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Blake Buchanan (0) talks to the coaching staff in the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images Iowa State men's basketball has found its lates

cyclonefanatic.com

I guess what makes me feel the best from this article is that TJ coached him in the past. So, to a degree, they both know what they are getting into. His numbers are not great, but I can see him as a slight defensive upgrade. Neither Chat or Big Dog were great finishing at the rim - although Dishons bulk sometimes helped.
Both were somewhat vertically challenged.
Hard to say if this guy will be better. Hope so. I guess the big things are can he defend and rebound. Like others - I worry where our points will come from next year.

 

[MTCyclone43]

Like others - I worry where our points will come from next year.

I believe the points will be there as long as we do not lose anyone off of our projected roster.

This guy loves to play defense! He is coming to Ames fully aware of what he is getting into. I see some punishing defense next season. I think last season's defense under performed. TJ expects him to be a scorer.

 

[FinalFourCy]

I believe the points will be there as long as we do not lose anyone off of our projected roster.

It should be better than the first two years

I’m more interested in the defense. Gilbert and CuJo were good two-way players, particularly when Gilbert was healthy.

What guard fills in for their defense?

Toure is billed as a good defender. Heise is a nice 3 and D wing. But that means taking out the better offensive players. We’re going to need less set rotations imo

With Mulder, Pleta, and Buchanan, we should be able to cover more ground on the backend. That will help

 

[hoosman]

Unfortunately, rebounding and defending layups leads to defensive fouls for the 5 man. This year, Jackson had an amazing 5.5 fouls/40. Chattfield was even worse - 5.7 . If the plan is to only deploy one 5 this year we are in trouble IMO.

For reference, Cujo was 2.0, Gilbert 2.1, Lipsey 2.1, Jefferson 2.9, and Milan was 2.4 fouls/40.

The prior season was similar: Hasan 6.6, BRE 4.0, King 4.1 fouls/40.