Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger is leaning into a bigger, more physical frontcourt strategy as the Cyclones conclude their eight-week summer program. The focal point of this shift features sophomore Dom Pleta and Blake Buchanan playing alongside one another, a combination that Otzelberger believes mirrors the "formidable size" seen in top-tier programs like Houston and Arizona.
Pleta, who returned to his native Germany this summer to train with professional players, says he is entering his second season at his physical "peak". While he is technically a sophomore, his experience in the German pro leagues has put him ahead of a typical second-year player's developmental curve.
Blake Buchanan (23) and Dominykas Pleta (21) of the Iowa State Cyclones shake hands in the second half against the Creighton Bluejays during the Players Era Championship basketball tournament at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Nov. 25, 2025 in Las Vegas.
"We just got more physicality… more like bigger bodies on the court," Pleta said of the pairing with Buchanan. "It's a lot of new opportunities that open up that we just have to use."
Otzelberger emphasized that the two big men possess complementary skill sets. Buchanan offers defensive versatility that allows him to guard perimeter players, while Pleta is noted by Otzelberger for his "terrific hands," interior scoring, and decision-making in the short roll. The coaching staff has specifically challenged Pleta to improve his competitive endurance, providing him with a specialized stamina plan to help him play longer stretches without the foul trouble that hampered him as a freshman.

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