Megan: The whistle blows, the crowd roars, and we are LIVE on the Beatline Podcast Network! This is your daily dose of college hoops, straight from the heart of the Big 12.
Steve: Hey everyone, Steve here. We’re diving deep into the Cyclones’ roster dynamics as we head into the 2026-27 season.
Megan: Before we tip off, let’s look at what’s coming up. First, we’re tackling the most critical position battle right now: who steps up in the frontcourt without Killyan Toure? Second, we’ll break down two other key depth-chart questions that could define their early season rhythm. And third, we’re making our roster-cut predictions—who’s trending up, and who might find themselves watching from the bench?
Steve: It’s a pivotal moment for Iowa State. With Toure out until January, every minute matters. Let’s get into it.
Megan: Stick with us, because this one’s going to change how you view the Cyclones’ upcoming schedule.
Megan: Alright, Segment One. The headline isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about identity. Killyan Toure had surgery on his right shoulder last Friday. He’s expected back in January. That leaves a massive void in the paint right now. Who is starting center against BYU?
Steve: Right. And remember, we talked about this yesterday. Sullivan Schlimgen has been mentioned as the likely starter. But let’s be tactical here. Toure provides rim protection and physicality. Schlimgen is more of a mover. Against BYU’s disciplined defense, can he hold up in the post?
Megan: That’s the question. Yesterday, you predicted a breakout game for Schlimgen due to increased defensive involvement. Do you still stand by that?
Steve: I do, but with nuance. If the pick-and-roll coverage forces BYU to switch onto smaller defenders, Schlimgen can exploit mismatches. But if they drop back and protect the rim, he needs to be ready to box out aggressively. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about spacing and rotations.
Megan: So, it’s less about the highlight reel and more about the gritty, unglamorous work? That’s a tough ask for a young player.
Steve: Exactly. In the Big 12, you can’t afford weak links in the paint. If Iowa State wants to stay competitive against teams like BYU, Schlimgen has to anchor the defense. Otherwise, the interior collapses too fast.
Megan: And if he doesn’t step up? Then the Cyclones are relying heavily on perimeter shooting to keep games close. Which brings us to the next battle.
Steve: Right. Because if the inside game is shaky, the outside shots have to fall. And that’s where the guard battles come in.
Megan: Wait, hold on. Before we move on, let’s check the record. Where does Iowa State stand in the Big 12 right now?
Steve: They’re currently third in the Big 12 standings according to the latest projections, though their actual record is still being shaped by these early roster adjustments. It’s a tight league.
Megan: Third place is impressive, but it’s fragile. One loss to BYU could shift the momentum entirely. Let’s talk about that guard competition.
Steve: Absolutely. With Toure sidelined, the offense needs to flow differently. The guards have to create their own shot and facilitate for the big men who don’t have Toure’s size.
Megan: So, who is winning that guard battle? Is it Aiden Flora leading the charge, or is there someone else emerging?
Steve: Flora is the veteran presence. He knows the system. But the real story is the younger guards pushing for minutes. They need to show they can handle pressure defenses. If they turn the ball over, it’s game over against a team like BYU.
Megan: Turnovers are the enemy here. You mentioned turnovers earlier—this is where the roster depth really gets tested.
Steve: Precisely. It’s not just about who starts; it’s about who stays on the floor when things get tough. The bench needs to provide stability.
Megan: We’ll see if that stability holds up this week. Next up, we’re looking at two more battles that could define the season.
Megan: Segment Two. We’ve talked about the center spot and the guards. Now, let’s look at the wings. Specifically, the forward positions. Who is filling the role next to Schlimgen?
Steve: This is where it gets interesting. Without Toure, the frontcourt rotation opens up. There’s a battle for the power forward spot between several players. Some are shooters, some are defenders.
Megan: So, is it a numbers game? More bodies available means more competition?
Steve: It is. And that’s good for Iowa State. Depth is strength. But the coach has to decide: do you go with experience or athleticism? Against BYU, you might need both.
Megan: BYU is known for their disciplined defense. So, athleticism alone won’t cut it. You need smart players.
Steve: Smart players who understand spacing. If the forwards can stretch the floor, it helps the guards drive. It’s all interconnected. One weak link affects the whole chain.
Megan: So, who is the favorite for that power forward spot? Is there a clear frontrunner?
Steve: It’s tight. But I’d lean toward the player who showed the most versatility in practice. Someone who can guard multiple positions and hit an open three. That’s the modern big man profile.
Megan: Versatility is key. Especially in the Big 12, where you face different styles every week.
Steve: Exactly. You can’t rely on one type of player. You need a toolkit. And right now, Iowa State is building that toolkit.
Megan: Let’s talk about another area: the point guard. Who is running the offense when Flora sits?
Steve: That’s the second major battle. It’s not just about passing; it’s about decision-making under pressure. The backup PG needs to be calm.
Megan: Calm in chaos. That’s a rare trait. Do they have that player on the roster?
Steve: I believe so. There’s a young guard who has shown poise in limited action. If he can replicate that in live game situations, he could be a valuable asset.
Megan: Poise is everything. One bad pass can swing a game. So, this backup PG needs to be reliable.
Steve: Reliable and consistent. That’s the standard. Anything less, and the offense stalls.
Megan: We’ll see if that consistency holds up against BYU’s press. Next, we’re predicting roster cuts and trends.
Megan: Segment Three. Roster cuts and trends. As we approach the start of the season, who is trending up, and who is at risk?
Steve: Trending up: Sullivan Schlimgen. If he embraces the defensive role, he’ll earn more minutes. Trending down: any guard who turns the ball over consistently. Those guys will be dropped quickly.
Megan: Schlimgen rising makes sense. But who is at risk of losing their spot entirely?
Steve: Probably a fringe forward. If the top four forwards lock in, the fifth guy might find himself playing limited minutes. It’s harsh, but that’s college basketball.
Megan: Harsh, but fair. Competition breeds excellence. But what about the transfers? Are there any new faces impacting the roster?
Steve: Transfers always add intrigue. They bring experience. But they also need to fit the system. If they don’t, they’ll struggle to find a role.
Megan: Fitting the system is crucial. Iowa State has a specific style. New players have to adapt quickly.
Steve: Quickly. There’s no time for learning curves in October. You have to perform from day one.
Megan: So, final prediction: who makes the final cut? Who is staying on the roster?
Steve: I think Schlimgen stays. Flora stays. And one young guard who shows promise. The rest will be sorted out by November.
Megan: November is a long way off. Lots can happen before then. Especially with Toure’s return timeline.
Steve: True. Toure’s return in January changes everything. But for now, the current roster has to prove itself.
Megan: Prove it against BYU. That’s the test. Let’s wrap this up.
Megan: Alright, that’s the breakdown. We talked about Schlimgen’s opportunity, the guard battles, and who’s trending. If today’s episode helped you see the Cyclones in a new light, consider supporting the show. Just tap the link in the episode description to chip in and help keep us free and daily.
Steve: Every bit helps. It allows us to keep bringing you these deep dives without interruption. Thank you for listening.
Megan: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who loves Big 12 hoops. Go Cyclones!