AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State Cyclones are set to see hometown hero Tamin Lipsey back in a Cyclones jersey this season. The university posted a brief news release on its men’s basketball website on Monday that simply read, “He’s back,” confirming Lipsey’s enrollment and his placement on the official roster.
Lipsey, a native of Ames, has been a cornerstone of the program throughout his college career. He holds the school record for career steals and started every one of the 137 games he played, the most starts in Cyclones history. His return comes after a judge in Indiana granted a preliminary injunction last week, allowing dozens of former college athletes, including Lipsey, to compete for a fifth year of eligibility.
Legal clearance opens the door for a fifth year
The injunction addresses a longstanding question about whether athletes who have completed four seasons of competition can receive an additional year of eligibility under certain circumstances. While the ruling applies broadly, Lipsey was among the first to benefit, clearing the path for him to rejoin the team without further administrative hurdles.
What Lipsey brings to the Cyclones
Beyond his record‑setting defensive numbers, Lipsey is known for his leadership on and off the court. Coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic, basketball IQ, and ability to energize the locker room. His return is expected to bolster the Cyclones’ backcourt depth and provide a veteran presence for younger players.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed enthusiasm in a brief statement: “Tamin’s dedication to Iowa State and his love for the game are evident. We’re thrilled to have him back and look forward to what he can contribute this season.”
Impact on the upcoming season
The Cyclones are preparing for a competitive schedule that includes conference matchups and non‑conference games that will test the squad’s cohesion early on. Lipsey’s experience and defensive prowess are likely to be key factors as the team aims to improve on last season’s performance and contend for a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Fans in Ames and across the state have already taken to social media to celebrate the news, with many highlighting Lipsey’s status as a local product who embodies the community’s pride in its university athletics.
As the season approaches, the Cyclones will hold a series of practices and scrimmages to integrate Lipsey back into the lineup. The coaching staff expects him to be fully game‑ready by the start of the regular season, providing a familiar and reliable option for the team’s coaching strategy.
For more information on the Cyclones’ schedule, ticket availability, and upcoming events, visit the Iowa State athletics website.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
