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The Iowa State Cyclones opened their preseason schedule with an 83-80 loss to the Creighton Bluejays, but the final score didn't dampen the spirits of those looking for silver linings. After trailing by as many as 19 points in the second half, the Cyclones mounted a furious comeback, showcasing resilience and heart that encouraged the coaching staff.
Iowa State fans might recall a similar preseason setback against Creighton last year, and that season turned out quite well for the Cyclones. Despite the defeat, there were several positive takeaways, none more prominent than the performance of forward Taj Manning, who appears poised to play a significant role in the team's plans this season.
Manning, a transfer from Kansas State, spent his first three collegiate seasons with the Cyclones' rival. After appearing in just 22 games as a freshman and sophomore, he saw action in 30 games last season, starting 17 and averaging 20.7 minutes per contest. During conference play, his opportunities increased further, as he started 16 of 18 games and logged 27.3 minutes per game.
In his Iowa State debut against the Bluejays, Manning made an immediate impact. The physical forward came off the bench to score 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field, though he struggled from the free-throw line, making just 1-of-4. He also grabbed five rebounds, tied for second-most on the team with Leon Bond III, behind only Dominykas Pleta's seven.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger lauded Manning's consistency, physicality, and willingness to make winning plays that don't always appear in the box score. "Taj Manning continues to be a bright spot for us and be very production-driven," Otzelberger said in his postgame press conference, via Cyclone Fanatic. "When he's come in, I've had a lot of confidence bringing him in. But he's definitely stepped up for us. He just plays hard; he's physical, he's a winner, he's a great teammate, and so you saw that on display."
Key Analysis
While Manning may not be the most heralded transfer, his style of play fills a critical need for Iowa State: a rugged interior presence. His arrival gives Otzelberger the flexibility to pair Pleta and Blake Buchanan together more often, knowing he has another reliable anchor in the post, along with freshman big man Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan. Manning's performance in the exhibition suggests he could be a valuable asset in the Cyclones' pursuit of another successful season.