Iowa State mens basketball has updated its staff to help support the dominant program run by head coach T.J.
Otzelberger.
The newest assistant coach additions to Cyclone basketball, besides Tim Buckley and Allan Hanson, are not always the first people fans will see on the bench.
However, strong assistant coaches and graduate assistants are critical to building a winning program.
Many high-major Division I teams will add numerous coaches to their staffs.
Usually, assistant coaches find a role where they can provide value in player development, film breakdown, scouting opponents, recruiting and so much more.
The new addition is assistant coach Chuck Ruffing.
Ruffing has made multiple stops in his coaching career, coaching all throughout Wisconsin, particularly at the Division III level at schools such as Rockford, Marian and Wisconsin Lutheran.
Ruffing showed his ability to cultivate a winning team with his recent head coaching job at Bryant & Stratton, a Division II junior college (JUCO) team in Wisconsin.
While under Ruffing, Bryant & Stratton posted an overall record of 52-17 and won its first game in the Division II JUCO National Tournament in school history.
The outstanding job Ruffing did at Bryant & Stratton allowed him to join Western Illinois for a season as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season.
Hes got tremendous intensity, and that will impact our program on the court every single day for player development, and also on the recruiting trail where hes built great relationships, Otzelberger said.
Jawaun Newton and Drew Daniel were the teams two graduate assistants; both left the Cyclone coaching staff, creating two new spots.
Richardson Maitre and Fletcher McGarvey filled those roles.
Maitre is a former standout player at the college and professional level.
Maitre started out playing Division I JUCO basketball at a powerhouse program, Indian Hills.
Maitre was transferred to Florida Atlantic and then to Samford.
Maitres former playing experience will be very valuable for player development and teaching the game to Cyclone basketball players.
McGarvey is a familiar face in Iowa State basketball, as he spent three seasons as one of the teams managers.
McGarvey has shown his value in film breakdown and instant replay behind the bench on gamedays.
McGarveys role has been elevated because of the ability to now challenge an officials call on the court.
Otzelberger has also promoted two coaches to more specialized roles on the staff.
The first is Thomas Pollard, who has moved from recruiting coordinator to recruiting director.
Pollard previously served as the recruiting coordinator for the 2025-26 season, and his first three years at Iowa State were spent as a data analytics specialist.
Diante Garrett has also been promoted to the director of player development.
Garretts job will be to make sure players skills are sharp and to grow the players as people.
This marks Garetts third season with the team.
Were really excited about the cohesion of the staff as its come together in a short period of time, Otzelberger said.