Otzelberger: Iowa State aims for Sweet 16 exit in Sioux Falls

Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger returned to Sioux Falls this week to lead his 18th-ranked Cyclones into a matchup against Memphis. The game is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. on FS1, serving as the main event for the Sanford Pentagon opening day festivities. This visit marks a return to the region where Otzelberger launched his career as a college basketball head coach.

Otzelberger spent three seasons at South Dakota State from 2016 to 2019, compiling a 70-33 record before moving to UNLV. After two years in Las Vegas, he accepted the position in Ames, a role he has described as his dream job. He has maintained that commitment, recently declining interest from the University of North Carolina to stay with the Cyclones. At 49, the Milwaukee native has guided Iowa State to five NCAA tournament appearances over the last five seasons, though the team has not advanced beyond the Sweet 16 round.

During a shootaround on Sunday, Otzelberger told Sioux Falls Live's Matt Zimmer that reaching the Elite Eight is the next objective for the program. He cited the atmosphere in Sioux Falls as a primary reason for the team's recurring presence. Otzelberger noted that the neutral court environment and the quality of the opponent make the venue a desirable destination for the squad.

The coach also addressed the current state of college athletics, specifically the impact of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness deals. He argued that while the rules have changed, success still relies on hiring the right coaching staff and finding players with shared values. Otzelberger stated that retention is the key metric in modern college sports, as players who develop well under a coach are more likely to stay through their eligibility.

Otzelberger acknowledged that the expansion of the tournament format remains uncertain in its long-term effects. He said he is taking the changes as they come, waiting for a few years of data to see how the new structure impacts various levels of play. He expressed particular concern for mid-major programs, noting that the financial resources of top-tier schools create a trickle-down effect that influences recruitment at lower levels.

He referenced his former player Mike Daum, noting that the transfer portal would likely have prevented a player of that caliber from spending their entire eligibility at one school. Otzelberger said the program must now pay closer attention to talent at the Division II and NAIA levels to maintain competitiveness. He described the current ecosystem as one where mid-majors often look to lower divisions for transfers.

Otzelberger maintained strong ties to his former players and colleagues. He watched portions of both the South Dakota State football game and the Iowa State football victory over Oklahoma State on Friday night. He praised former SDSU coach Jimmy Rogers, who is now the football coach in Ames, for a gutsy win despite injuries. Otzelberger said he is proud of Rogers' continued success in the coaching ranks.

The coach also credited Justin Sell, the athletic director at South Dakota State, for the opportunities provided during his tenure there. Otzelberger described Sell as a tremendous leader and expressed gratitude for their ongoing friendship. He said the resources and importance placed on athletics at SDSU helped prepare him for his current role in the Big 12.