Three Iowa State Players Arizona State Fans Need to Know

The Sun Devils are closing out the regular season with a contest against an elite opponent.

Jan 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (2) puts up a layup against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Bobby Hurley's Arizona State Sun Devils (16-14, 7-10 Big 12) are now set to close out the 2025-26 regular season on the road against T.J. Otzelberger's Iowa State Cyclones (24-6, 11-6) in one of the more significant conference matchups on the final day of the season.

Both teams are seeking to position themselves in the most optimal way for the upcoming Big 12 tournament in Kansas City next week, with the Sun Devils fighting for at-large consideration in the NCAA tournament field.

Feb 4, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley watches the team warm up before the game against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Iowa State is ranked #6 in the nation for good reason - they have earned several dominant wins over quality opponents and have remained consistent throughout much of the season. Follow the three key Iowa State players that fans need to know ahead of the matchup below.

Joshua Jefferson

Jefferson has arguably been Iowa State's most well-rounded player for two full seasons now - the former promising prospect from Saint Mary's has played in and started 65 games for the Cyclones over the time span - scoring nearly 1,000 points in the process.

The 6'9" forward is a unique talent - Jefferson is a creative scorer that has a passable three-point jumper, can get to the free throw line, and is a fairly strong finisher. Jefferson is also an exceptional passer, rebounder (averages 2 offensive boards per game), and defender - averaging nearly three steals/blocks per contest.

why did it feel like time froze when joshua jefferson threw this pass pic.twitter.com/fsdu3RPvYL

— Paige (@paigeotto_) February 17, 2026

Jefferson's all-around play has potential to cause a headache for the scrappy Sun Devils.

Feb 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) drives to the basket against Utah Utes forward James Okonkwo (32) during the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Milan Momcilovic

Momcilovic is a junior that serves as Iowa State's most reliable floor spacer and leading scorer.

The junior has started in 94 of 95 games played over the last three seasons, having shot 42.7% from three-point range and 84.6% from the free throw line over the course of that time.

The 6'8" forward has taken the efficiency as a shooter to new heights this season - to the tune of shooting over 50% from behind the arc on over seven attempts per game.

Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) takes a three-point shot over Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) during the second half in the Big-12 conference men’s basketball showdown on Feb. 28, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tamin Lipsey

Lipsey is perhaps the one player that is due the most credit for Iowa State's resurgence this decade. The senior guard has started all 130 appearances he has made as a Cyclone - averaging 10.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, and 2.3 SPG.

Lipsey has been inconsistent as a shooter during his career, but brings so many other positive qualities to the table that the one inconsistency typically is trivial.

Mar 2, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3) dribbles the ball during the first half of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The Sun Devils and Cyclones are set to square off at 12:00 P.M. MST, with FS1 footing the broadcast.

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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