Iowa State concluded the 2024-2025 men's basketball season ranked 17th in the final AP Poll. While this is a respectable position, a strong argument can be made that the Cyclones deserved a higher ranking considering their overall performance and the significant adversity they overcame.
Throughout the season, Iowa State consistently demonstrated their prowess, achieving a 25-10 overall record and a notable 13-7 record within the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. Their resilience was particularly evident in the face of key injuries that hampered their postseason run. Guards Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert, crucial playmakers for the team, both suffered groin injuries that significantly impacted their performance in the Big 12 Tournament and the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Gilbert was ultimately sidelined for the entirety of March Madness.
Despite these setbacks, Iowa State managed to secure a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a testament to their strong regular-season performance. While their tournament journey ended earlier than many had hoped with a loss to Ole Miss, their ability to maintain a high level of play despite crucial players operating at less than 100% warrants a higher consideration in the final AP Poll. The AP Poll often considers a team's performance throughout the entire season, including their ability to navigate challenges. Iowa State's strong record in a tough conference, coupled with their resilience in the face of injuries during the most critical part of the season, makes a compelling case for a ranking higher than 17th.
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