Iowa State basketball fans have plenty of reasons to be excited heading into the 2026-27 season — and a familiar face at the top of the lineup is a big part of why. Guard Tamin Lipsey is back with the Cyclones, and the Big 12 has already taken notice.
Lipsey was named to the 2026-27 Big 12 preseason All-Conference team following his return to Iowa State, adding another honor to a college career that has already spanned four seasons and left a significant mark on the program’s record books.
The Big 12 released its annual preseason coaches’ poll this week, placing the Cyclones fourth in the conference with 181 points — just one point behind fifth-place Texas Tech and five points behind third-place Kansas. Arizona topped the poll with 220 points and 12 first-place votes, followed by Houston in second.
For Lipsey, the preseason All-Big 12 selection is the latest in a string of conference accolades. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023-24, third-team recognition in 2024-25, and made the second team last season when Iowa State finished tied for third in the conference. He has also been named to the all-defensive team three times throughout his career.
A Return Made Possible by a Court Ruling
Lipsey’s presence on the court this season was not guaranteed. He is among dozens of players recently made eligible after an Indiana judge ruled that the NCAA’s new “five to play five” eligibility rules — instituted over the summer — unfairly excluded student-athletes who began their college careers in 2022. The ruling opened the door for Lipsey and others to return for another season.
Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding eligibility rules, Lipsey has made clear where he stands. He committed to playing the 2026-27 season with Iowa State regardless of how the situation develops.
“I’ll be with the team. Either way, I’ll be able to impact this team with my ability to be a leader and be vocal and help some of the newer guys in the program.”
— Tamin Lipsey
The Cyclones are set to open the season on Nov. 2 against Memphis at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Full 2026-27 Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Arizona (12 first-place votes) – 220 points
2. Houston (4) – 214 points
3. Kansas – 186 points
4. Iowa State – 181 points
5. Texas Tech – 180 points
6. BYU – 148 points
7. TCU – 137 points
T8. Cincinnati – 116 points
T8. West Virginia – 116 points
10. Baylor – 102 points
11. Oklahoma State – 98 points
12. Arizona State – 75 points
13. UCF – 55 points
T14. Colorado – 34 points
T14. Kansas State – 34 points
16. Utah – 24 points
2026-27 Big 12 Preseason Awards
Preseason Player of the Year: Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Paulius Murauskas, Arizona State
Preseason Freshman of the Year: Tyran Stokes, Kansas
2026-27 All-Big 12 Preseason Team
Ivan Kharchenkov, Arizona
Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Paulius Murauskas, Arizona State
Robert Wright III, BYU
Dedan Thomas Jr., Houston
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Tyran Stokes, Kansas
Xavier Edmonds, TCU
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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