{"id":713932,"date":"2026-04-19T13:27:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T13:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/713932\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T13:27:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T13:27:45","slug":"predicting-big-man-minutes-for-iowa-state-basketball-in-2026-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/713932\/","title":{"rendered":"Predicting Big Man Minutes for Iowa State Basketball in 2026-27"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Iowa State Cyclones have consistently been one of the better programs in college basketball over the past half-decade. With the emergence of T.J. Otzelberger as an elite head coach, as well as an unmatched culture, Iowa State is certainly one of one.<\/p>\n

One of the key reasons for the Cyclones success has been their big men. Every defensive-minded team needs interior leaders, and Iowa State has committed to that, as many big men have dominated.<\/p>\n

The Cyclones return two big men from last year: Blake Buchanan<\/a> and Dominykas Pleta<\/a>. Buchanan was the starting center and more than held his own, especially in March. Pleta, a backup center, had good minutes throughout his freshman season, staying in the tight eight-man rotation all year.<\/p>\n

The Cyclones are also bringing in two recruits from high school who are big men. They are Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan<\/a> and Jackson Kiss, Iowa State\u2019s top two recruits of their class of four. Both are four-star talents per 247 Sports, and are both listed at center.<\/p>\n

Iowa State has remarkable frontcourt depth\"Iowa<\/p>\n

Mar 2, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Blake Buchanan (23) tips the ball in during the second half of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Finally, Iowa State brought in two big men in the transfer portal. They acquired Tre Singleton<\/a>, a freshman who was with the Northwestern Wildcats last season, and Taj Manning, a senior who was with the Kansas State Wildcats last year. <\/p>\n

After both contributed at the Power Conference level, the pair of former Wildcats hopes to bring a fierce energy to the Cyclone program next season.<\/p>\n

So, who will actually get minutes in the frontcourt? We broke down potential minute numbers for big men for next season.<\/p>\n

Blake Buchanan – 24\"Iowa<\/p>\n

Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Blake Buchanan (23) shoots as Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) defends during the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Buchanan deserves lots of minutes. He was a key contributor last season, starting at center, and likely will be the starter again. He definetely should improve with another year of college basketball under his belt. Look for Buchanan to be the leader of the big man unit.<\/p>\n

Tre Singleton – 24<\/p>\n

Singleton should get about the same as Buchanan. While Buchanan is the better player, youth matters a lot, and Singleton\u2019s three years of eligibility compared to Buchanan\u2019s one year are worth putting the time in to develop him. Singleton will likely start at power forward.<\/p>\n

Dominykas Pleta – 14<\/p>\n

Pleta will likely be the backup center and be the first big off the bench. He\u2019s already proven he works in the system and should continue to improve next year.<\/p>\n

Taj Manning – 10\"Kansas<\/p>\n

Feb 1, 2026; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward Taj Manning (15) blocks the shot of Iowa State Cyclones guard Jamarion Batemon (1) during the second half at Bramlage Coliseum. | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Manning likely will be the second big off the bench behind Pleta. He had better numbers last season, but played for a much worse team, and will have to adapt from a program falling apart to one on the rise.<\/p>\n

He should get decent minutes, but probably less than Pleta, especially when you factor in Pleta\u2019s three years of eligibility to Manning\u2019s one.<\/p>\n

Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan – 4<\/p>\n

The freshmen are tough to predict. Rinaldo-Komlan could redshirt the entire season and not even step on the floor. But he could also be Iowa State\u2019s starting power forward next season. Our prediction is that he plays a solid amount in non-conference play, but minutes get cut in the Big 12.<\/p>\n

Jackson Kiss – 4<\/p>\n

Same thing for Kiss as with Rinaldo-Komian. He should get more minutes in non-conference play than conference play, but it\u2019s completely dependent on how he does in his opportunities.<\/p>\n

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