Sun Oct 13 06:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Iowa State Ranked Third in Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll

**AMES, IA** – The Iowa State Cyclones have been picked to finish third in the Big 12 Conference in the 2024-25 men’s basketball preseason coaches poll, announced on Thursday. The Cyclones, fresh off a 29-8 season capped by a Big 12 Tournament title and Sweet 16 appearance, trail only perennial powerhouse Kansas and newcomers Houston in the preseason rankings.

Kansas, the preseason favorite for the 20th time in 28 seasons, is expected to remain a dominant force in the conference. Houston, making its Big 12 debut, enters the league with high expectations after a strong showing in the American Athletic Conference.

Iowa State boasts a talented core returning from last season, including preseason All-Big 12 honorees Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert. Lipsey, a first-team selection, averaged 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game last season, shooting 39.1% from three-point range. Gilbert, a second-team selection, led the Cyclones in scoring with 13.7 points per game while also contributing 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.0 steals.

Individual preseason awards were also announced, with Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson named Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year. Baylor’s Jeremy Roach and Kansas State’s Coleman Hawkins shared the Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year award, while Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe was voted Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

The Big 12 coaches voted on the preseason rankings and awards, with each coach prohibited from voting for their own team or players.

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