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Iowa State Hoops Seeks Big Man in Transfer Portal
16 Apr
Summary
- Iowa State Cyclones aim to strengthen their interior defense.
- Massamba Diop, a 7-foot-1 center, is a top transfer target.
- Coach Otzelberger faces pressure after postseason tournament exits.
Iowa State's basketball program is making strategic moves in the 2026 transfer portal, driven by recent postseason disappointments. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger is focusing on acquiring much-needed interior size and strength after the Cyclones were outmatched physically in their latest NCAA Tournament appearance.
The team has already added several transfer players, including Ryan Prather Jr., Jaquan Johnson, Tre Singleton, and Taj Manning. However, a significant need remains in the paint, which was evident in their loss to Tennessee. The Volunteers dominated Iowa State in points in the paint and rebounding.
The primary target to address this dire need is former Arizona State center Massamba Diop. The 7-foot-1 Diop averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2025-2026 season. His athleticism and developing skills make him an ideal candidate to lead a revamped interior rotation.
Diop's potential arrival would provide Iowa State with much-needed versatility and a strong defensive presence in the post. This move is crucial for Otzelberger's team to avoid a repeat of their early Sweet Sixteen exit and build a more physically imposing roster for the upcoming season.
