Show notes
Cyclone Alert's Alec Busse and Henry Annen react to Wednesday's news of Tamin Lipsey being granted a fifth year of eligibility by Indiana judge Kara Krothe. Lipsey, alongside nearly 100 total athletes, was given an injunction on September 23 to return to college sports for the 2026-27 season.
Alec and Henry share what the legal ruling means, what to expect next in the legal process for Lipsey (and other athletes), before sharing what Lipsey's possible return to Iowa State would mean for T.J. Otzelberger and the Cyclones in 2026-27.
00:00 — BREAKING: Tamin Lipsey granted fifth year of eligibility
Court ruling in Monroe County, Indiana gives Lipsey and other 2022 high school graduates another year of college eligibility.
01:20 — What the court ruling actually means
Details of the NCAA eligibility rules, the preliminary injunction and why the class of 2022 is at the center of the lawsuit.
03:05 — Lipsey can enter the transfer portal
The injunction opens the portal for the affected athletes and prevents enforcement of certain transfer restrictions.
04:15 — Will Lipsey return to Iowa State?
Court documents indicate Lipsey anticipated returning to Iowa State, but a transfer remains technically possible.
05:25 — The Indiana Pacers situation
Why Lipsey's Exhibit 10 agreement with Indiana doesn't prevent him from returning to college basketball.
06:25 — NCAA appeal could change everything
Why the NCAA is expected to appeal and potentially seek a stay of the injunction.
08:00 — Reaction: Lipsey is eligible right now
The hosts react to the breaking news and emphasize that eligibility today doesn't necessarily mean eligibility in November or March.
09:25 — How long does the NCAA have to appeal?
Discussion of the appeal process, potential expedited action and what a stay would mean.
12:00 — Can Lipsey still enroll at Iowa State?
Graduate-school requirements, registration deadlines and Iowa State's half-semester classes.
14:15 — What Lipsey's return means for Iowa State basketball
How the potential return changes expectations for the 2026-27 Cyclones.
16:15 — Lipsey's impact on Iowa State's ceiling
Discussion of his importance to the program and how much higher Iowa State's potential becomes with him.
18:00 — Iowa State could have an elite defensive backcourt
Lipsey, JaQuan Johnson and Killyan Toure could form an imposing defensive trio.
20:00 — The offensive impact may be even bigger
Why Lipsey's ability to organize the offense could be crucial while Toure is recovering from his shoulder injury.
22:30 — Iowa State's roster gets a major boost
Discussion of the Cyclones' depth, Big 12 competition and how Lipsey changes the team's overall outlook.
24:30 — Is Iowa State involved behind the scenes?
Speculation about whether Iowa State communicated with Lipsey regarding the eligibility lawsuit.
27:00 — Why Lipsey is the perfect fit for Otzelberger's system
Culture, experience and familiarity with Iowa State's system make Lipsey different from a typical fifth-year addition.
29:00 — Could Lipsey make a surprise return at the Pentagon?
A fun discussion about the possibility of Lipsey unexpectedly running out of the tunnel on opening night.
30:15 — Iowa State's nonconference schedule
Players Era Festival, Memphis, Purdue, Iowa and the challenges of Iowa State's early-season schedule.
33:00 — The brutal first six Big 12 games
Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Houston, Texas Tech and BYU create a difficult opening conference stretch.
35:4 ...
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