2025-2026 MBB computer projections thread

[Sigmapolis]

Starting early this year but this team...



Added Heise back. Removed the oddity of Dwayne Pierce remaining a Cyclone.

The results?



The updated roster would be #15 after Illinois and before Arizona.



That projection is in the range of fighting for a top-four seed in the Big 12 tournament.



There is a strong possibility Houston and BYU maul the conference like... well, two cougars.

 

[CloneFan65]

What about Pleta? I'm hoping he contributes as we lack some depth in the front court.

 

[Sigmapolis]

What about Pleta? I'm hoping he contributes as we lack some depth in the front court.

I didn't see a way to add him. Considering how much you need to move the needle once you're up in the teens or top ten to make a difference, I doubt he affects the outlook much. Torvik uses recruiting rankings and positional size to project freshmen, and Pleta isn't ranked on most services. Batemon is ranked highly on those services, though, and hence why he shows up playing 21.2 minutes per game in the model output.

Same deal if you remove Mason Williams with the injury rumors -- thankfully with the retentions, bringing in the two freshman guards, and Nelson there is enough guard depth to absorb one loss.

Bringing Heise back did move the needle significantly, though, but you should expect that change. He proved late last year he's an (at least) above-average 3&D guard/wing in the Big 12, which is a very valuable piece to have. I'm hoping he really takes the reins on establishing himself as the starting SG next year.

 

[Sigmapolis]

Not a computer projection but Iowa St. dropped like a rock on The Athletic.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/63...asketball-top-teams-transfers-draft-deadline/

Mostly due to guys dropping out of the draft and thereby strengthening other rosters.



Good list worth reading. Purdue might kick our butts, but it should be a good game regardless.

 

[qwerty]

Batemon recognizes Focustown when he sees it.

 

[Cybone]

He said “we”, not they…small detail but soo important in my opinion. WE have a great arena, he’s totally bought in

Batemon recognizes Focustown when he sees it.

View attachment 150837

 

[Cyclonepride]

Just saw this, but the thread is VIP. Anyone know more?

 

[1UNI2ISU]

Just saw this, but the thread is VIP. Anyone know more?

Every situation is different obviously, but UNI has a recruit from Cameroon by way of Italy that didn't commit until about 3 weeks ago and is already on campus and participating in workouts. UNI started yesterday.

 

[Ankency]

Every situation is different obviously, but UNI has a recruit from Cameroon by way of Italy that didn't commit until about 3 weeks ago and is already on campus and participating in workouts. UNI started yesterday.

Certainly hope Pleta is not delayed getting here!! Missing summer workouts would not be good. See Hassan Ward’s first year as an example. He was delayed, missed the summer workouts and was behind and never really got into the groove that season.

 

[Thomasrickj]

As a freshman, I'm hoping Pleta is a guy that at least gets 15 minutes a game and averages 8 and 6. That would be a great role for a 7th man and then a jump as a sophomore. He's a huge question mark, but there's potential and we need to see how it translates.

 

[Letterkenny]

As a freshman, I'm hoping Pleta is a guy that at least gets 15 minutes a game and averages 8 and 6. That would be a great role for a 7th man and then a jump as a sophomore. He's a huge question mark, but there's potential and we need to see how it translates.

I doubt he plays much this year.

 

[Gunnerclone]

As a freshman, I'm hoping Pleta is a guy that at least gets 15 minutes a game and averages 8 and 6. That would be a great role for a 7th man and then a jump as a sophomore. He's a huge question mark, but there's potential and we need to see how it translates.

lol. I’m hoping the original Beatles lineup gets back together for one last show. Gonna be pretty tough.

 

[madguy30]

lol. I’m hoping the original Beatles lineup gets back together for one last show. Gonna be pretty tough.

Just need guys to perfectly fill the gaps for when the starters don't care.

/s

 

[Gunnerclone]

Just need guys to perfectly fill the gaps for when the starters don't care.

/s

8/6 in 15 minutes…you know basically average a double double and have the per 40 minutes stats of an all American candidate. No problem lol.

 

[MeowingCows]

As a freshman, I'm hoping Pleta is a guy that at least gets 15 minutes a game and averages 8 and 6. That would be a great role for a 7th man and then a jump as a sophomore. He's a huge question mark, but there's potential and we need to see how it translates.

He'd be getting drafted at the end of the season if he puts up 8/6 in 15. And playing a hell of a lot more than 15 minutes. He might not put up 8/6 total for the season.

 

[Cloned4Life]

He'd be getting drafted at the end of the season if he puts up 8/6 in 15. And playing a hell of a lot more than 15 minutes. He might not put up 8/6 total for the season.

Ha, totally agree.

I do not expect him to average 8 and 6. That would be crazy successful. I caution our fans to not get too caught up in the "age" here; he will have a massive adjustment coming into the Big 12. I am not even expecting him to get 10mpg.

 

[madguy30]

8/6 in 15 minutes…you know basically average a double double and have the per 40 minutes stats of an all American candidate. No problem lol.

It's the 'just recruit 6'10 40% 3 shooters, ya know?' kind of stuff.

I don't 'expect' deep tourney runs or for a season to play out amazingly because of Feast Week etc. but if a 7th guy is doing that it means ISU must have the roster to cruise to a FF.