Iowa State (25-10, 13-7 Big 12)

The beat goes on in Ames under T.J. Otzelberger, who enters his fifth season with a 95-45 record, four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and two Sweet 16s. Three starters return from the 25-win team that was ranked in the top 10 from the preseason until the second week of March. Iowa State begins this season No. 16 in the Associated Press poll and will play an extremely challenging nonconference schedule. The Cyclones were picked fifth in the Big 12 preseason poll.

Players to watch

Tamin Lipsey, one of the nation's top point guards and the Cyclones' career steals leader, sat out preseason practices recovering from a knee sprain but will be ready for the regular season. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Joshua Jefferson was a do-it-all man last season, averaging

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