Iowa State basketball's Tamin Lipsey: 'Everything feels 100%' as summer workouts begin

To some, it might have been a cruel joke. How much pain can a basketball player take on the court?

Iowa State men's basketball guard Tamin Lipsey dealt with shoulder, thumb and groin ailments at various points of the 2024-25 season. Sometimes the injuries overlapped, other times they came separately. But regardless of the situation or how his body felt, it seemingly never stopped Lipsey from giving maximum effort or pushing to go full-throttle.

"It comes from just growing up. I had older siblings so that plays a factor, but also played up in age group, so just sort of being at a physical deficit and having to work through some things" Lipsey said of where his toughness comes from. "I've always just wanted to be out and be participating."

In the lead-up to the 2020 election, all eyes are on Iowa. Get updates of all things Iowa politics delivered to your inbox.

He did miss the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal against BYU, a rare absence after suffering a groin injury in the closing minutes of the Cyclones' second-round win over Cincinnati, but he returned in time for the NCAA Tournament, despite appearing to be compromised.

Now, as the Cyclones gear up for the start of summer workouts with a new-look team, Lipsey is pleased to report that the offseason has been a restful and productive one in returning to full strength.

"I'm feeling great, everything feels 100%, which doesn't really happen in the season, so it's good that it's happening right now in the offseason," Lipsey said during the Iowa Cubs' We Will Collective night at Principal Park on June 14. "Nothing's bothering me at the moment, so just going to go out there, work out and practice."

Iowa State basketball players Tamin Lipsey and Cade Kelderman pose for a photo with fans during an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park on June 14, 2025, in Des Moines.

It's a promising sign for Lipsey. Despite his warrior-like mentality to play through injuries last season, he never seemed to be able to give a measurement of how his body felt.

"Definitely could go out and play a game, I feel great right now," Lipsey said.

According to Lipsey, in that final week of the season through the NCAA Tournament, he was going through rehab for a "few hours" every day to do whatever he could to feel better and get some mobility to get on the court.

Once the season ended after the second-round loss to Ole Miss, the rising senior guard shut things down for a few weeks, prioritizing rest, before hitting the gym and doing mobility and agility workouts.

"Took some time off, mentally and physically, it's always good, and excited to get back to work here pretty soon," Lipsey said. "Just got all the guys back last week, so just meeting everyone, creating those connections and building that chemistry early and looking forward to getting to work with those new guys in the summer."

Lipsey became the Cyclones' all-time steals leader last season, amassing 237 steals in just three seasons. He'll look to add to his record.

He averaged 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 48.4% on the floor.

Despite suffering a string of injuries, Lipsey played well enough to earn all-conference honors once again. Lipsey was named third-team All-Big 12 and landed on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team.

"He's healthy, he's moving great, he feels great," Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. "He's doing an excellent job with the weight room, agility and things that he needs to be working on right now, so excited to get him back playing at full-strength."

Lipsey's resilience and toughness drew plenty of admiration and respect from his teammates and coaches, but now Otzelberger hopes he'll take an even greater step as a leader.

The Cyclones officially began summer workouts on June 16, and with nine newcomers, they'll need him to set the tone as they begin their journey toward the 2025-26 season.

"The No. 1 thing is his vocal leadership," said Otzelberger of where he wants to see Lipsey improve for next year. "Tamin always leads by example. Now, having three years under your belt and being that point guard that I know he can be, I'd say that's at the top of the list for me, that leadership, that command from a verbal standpoint that everybody hears him.

"We think he has the same ability that Monte Morris did way back for us, to be a high-assist, low-turnover guy, be vocal and command the team. When he does those two things, not only will he play great, but the team will follow his lead."

Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.