WACO, Texas – Iowa State’s coach T.J. Otzelberger has high praise for point guard Tamin Lipsey after the Cyclones achieved the best start in the school’s history. Following a 70-60 victory over Baylor, Otzelberger declared, “I’m taking him over any point guard in America.” This bold claim comes amid a talented pool of players, including Purdue’s Braden Smith and Alabama’s Labaron Philon.
This season, Lipsey has been essential to Iowa State’s impressive 15-0 record, marking their longest winning streak ever. Despite a rocky start against Baylor, where he picked up two quick fouls and scored only four points in the first half, Lipsey sprung to life after halftime, scoring 20 points and leading his team to victory.
“Not having him in the first half changed the game,” said Otzelberger. “But he made those crucial plays in the second half. I fully trust him.” Lipsey, a lifelong Cyclones fan, expressed how special it is to contribute to this success. “I’ve watched Iowa State teams my whole life. To now be part of this is a dream come true,” he said.
Besides Lipsey’s standout performance, the game had some other intriguing angles. In the stands, Baylor football coach Dave Aranda was seen next to former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, who was drawing cheers from the crowd as he considered a transfer to Baylor. Meanwhile, former Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett also attended the game more than a year after his unexpected retirement.
Baylor center James Nnaji, recently cleared to play after being drafted last year, participated in his first home game. He’s faced criticism for joining midseason, especially after NCAA President Charlie Baker announced stricter rules on player eligibility. Nnaji managed only two points and five rebounds in 16 minutes, but Coach Scott Drew emphasized his ongoing efforts to regain form after a long injury layoff.
With this win, Iowa State has shown they can stand toe-to-toe with the best in college basketball. Given their record, there’s growing excitement around the team’s potential this season. If you ask analysts, Iowa State and Michigan seem to be shaping up as the two teams to beat right now.
This season is particularly unique because of the increasing influence of social media on player and team reputations. Fans actively follow stats and moments on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, intensifying public interest and scrutiny. It reflects how college sports are evolving in the digital age, with players like Lipsey becoming household names quicker than ever.
The combination of historical context, rising talents, and fan engagement showcases why college basketball is thrilling to watch right now. Iowa State’s journey is just getting started, and many eyes will be watching how they navigate the rest of the season.
