Blake Buchanan Transfers to Iowa State: A Deep Dive into Otzelberger’s Recruiting Strategy
April 15, 2025
The transfer portal’s whirlwind of activity has become a defining feature of modern college basketball.With NIL deals and immediate eligibility waivers reshaping roster dynamics, uncertainty reigns supreme. However, for former Virginia Cavaliers forward Blake Buchanan, the decision to join Iowa State felt remarkably straightforward. A pre-existing connection with Cyclones head coach T.J.Otzelberger proved to be the deciding factor.
Buchanan’s familiarity with Otzelberger stems from the 2023 U-19 Team USA training camp, where Otzelberger served as a court coach. Although committed to Virginia at the time, Buchanan forged a positive impression of the coach.When the prospect to reunite arose, Buchanan jumped at it.
“I was excited when they texted, that was cool and I instantly wanted to visit and talk to (Otzelberger),” Buchanan said. “I think knowing that I could end up there – because there were some schools I wasn’t excited for to talk to – but with them,it was right away.I wanted to set up a Zoom, set up a visit. I kind of almost had my mind made up pretty early. I knew this was going to be the best spot for me.”
This quote highlights the crucial role of personal relationships in recruiting, particularly in the current landscape. For U.S. readers, think of it like choosing a new job – a strong advice from a trusted source can heavily influence your decision.
Addressing Frontcourt Needs
The 6-foot-11 Buchanan,who officially committed before the transfer portal closed on april 22,fills a critical void in Iowa State’s frontcourt. The departures of starting center Dishon Jackson and key reserves J.T. Rock,Demarion Watson,and kayden Fish left the Cyclones thin on interior depth. Iowa State also secured Purdue-Fort Wayne forward Eric Mulder from the portal and is set to welcome Dominykas Pleta and xzavion Mitchell from the 2025 high school recruiting class.
The following table summarizes Iowa State’s frontcourt adjustments:
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Blake buchanan | Forward | Incoming (Transfer) |
| Eric Mulder | Forward | Incoming (Transfer) |
| Dominykas Pleta | Forward | Incoming (High School) |
| Xzavion Mitchell | Forward/Wing | Incoming (High School) |
| Dishon Jackson | Center | Outgoing (Transfer) |
| J.T. Rock | Forward | Outgoing (Transfer) |
| Demarion Watson | Forward | Outgoing (Transfer) |
| Kayden Fish | forward | Outgoing (Transfer) |
The Tony Bennett Influence
Buchanan noted striking similarities between Otzelberger and his former coach at Virginia, Tony Bennett, who retired before the 2024-25 season. This connection isn’t accidental, as Otzelberger has publicly acknowledged Bennett and his father, Dick Bennett, as influential coaching mentors.
“I’m a big Tony Bennett guy and I think that kind of helped make it almost feel like home a little bit more,” Buchanan said. “Also, the player progress that he has there, the plans they have for me, how they want to use me, those little things got me excited.”
This speaks volumes about Otzelberger’s coaching beliefs. bennett, known for his defensive prowess and methodical offensive approach, has instilled those values in his proteges. For fans familiar with college basketball, this comparison paints a clear picture of the type of program Otzelberger is building in Ames.
“… (otzelberger) has a lot of energy. He gets excited, he’s competitive. Even just talking to him, I could just see how competitive he was. It had been a while since I had a conversation with him – and the time at (Team) USA (camp) is so short – but I just remember he gets excited, he’s fun to be around and I feel like I can have a grate relationship off and on the court, and he just really cares.”
Unlocking Buchanan’s Potential
During his two seasons at virginia,Buchanan appeared in 66 games,starting 28. This past season, he averaged 5.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 32 games (22 starts). While primarily an inside player, Buchanan believes his statistics don’t fully reflect his capabilities. He feels iowa State offers an opportunity to showcase a more versatile skillset.
Consider this: many players find themselves in systems that don’t maximize their strengths. Buchanan’s situation is not uncommon. He’s betting on Otzelberger’s ability to tap into his untapped potential.
“(Iowa State) knows I can do more in terms of handling the ball or shooting, maybe run a little bit more, just because I played at such a slow pace at Virginia,” Buchanan said.”They know I can run and get out, so I think they kind of want to use me in different ways and that was kind of a big reason why I chose (the Cyclones) because I want to play a certain way, kind of get back to how I played in high school.”
“… Definitely (want to show) shooting, I know I’m a good shooter. I know I can shoot the ball, and I think just having a coach behind me that’s going to give me confidence to shoot, because if I can knock down a 3-ball, it’s going to open up everything else.”
Buchanan’s defensive and rebounding prowess are undeniable. According to KenPom,he ranked among the top ACC players in both offensive and defensive rebounding rate and boasted the sixth-highest blocking rate in the conference. His commitment to “doing the little things” aligns perfectly with Iowa state’s emphasis on effort and toughness.
“I like doing the little things and I think I do them well,” buchanan said. “I can guard more than just the 5-man. I’m a great passer,I can make plays for other people,and when they recruited me they were seeing me making plays for others. Getting plays for myself but obviously getting other people open.”
Championship Aspirations
Ultimately, Buchanan’s decision came down to a desire to compete for championships. He believes Iowa State shares that ambition.
“I want to go compete for a Big 12 championship and an NCAA championship, I think that’s the mindset that they have at Iowa State and they don’t want anything less than that,” Buchanan said. “That’s what also got me excited, we’re going to go compete for something bigger than ourselves. Last year, I had a chance to maybe go win an ACC tournament title, but we were so far from it and that was frustrating. Just going to a place where I know I can compete for something like that, it’s going to be good.”
For U.S. readers, this resonates deeply. The pursuit of excellence and the chance to hoist a trophy are powerful motivators, both in sports and in life. Buchanan’s move to Iowa State represents a renewed commitment to those aspirations.
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archyde Interview: Insights on Blake Buchanan’s Move to Iowa State with Sports Analyst, Sarah Miles
April 16, 2025
Welcome to Archyde. Today, we have Sarah Miles, a collage basketball analyst, to discuss the recent transfer of Blake Buchanan to Iowa State and the implications for Coach Otzelberger’s programme.
Understanding the Buchanan Transfer
Archyde: Sarah, Blake Buchanan’s move to Iowa State seems like a significant addition. What drew him to Ames, and what does this transfer signify for the Cyclones?
Sarah Miles: Thanks for having me. Buchanan’s decision was heavily influenced by his existing relationship with Coach Otzelberger, stemming from their time together with the 2023 U-19 Team USA.It speaks volumes about the power of personal connections in this transfer portal era. For Iowa State, it addresses a critical need in the frontcourt, notably with the departures of several key players.
The “Bennett Influence:” A Coaching Legacy
archyde: The article notes the influence of Tony Bennett on Otzelberger’s coaching style. How does that resonate with Buchanan, and what does it tell us about the Cyclones’ program?
Sarah miles: Buchanan’s familiarity with Bennett’s system at Virginia definitely played a role. Otzelberger’s mentorship by Bennett, known for his defensive and disciplined approach, likely attracted Buchanan. This suggests Iowa State will focus on defence, player growth, and a methodical offensive approach, much like Virginia.
Unlocking Buchanan’s Potential: More Than a Role Player?
Archyde: Buchanan expressed a desire to showcase a more versatile skillset at Iowa State. Can you elaborate on this and potential changes in his playing style at Iowa State?
Sarah Miles: absolutely. Buchanan is coming from a more methodical system.He believes he possesses a broader range of skills than his stats at virginia may indicate, including improved ball-handling and shooting. Iowa State, with their more open system, could offer him the platform to exhibit this. This change could prove beneficial for both Buchanan and the Cyclones.
The Quest for Championship: What Does the Future Hold?
Archyde: The article stresses Buchanan’s ambition to compete for championships.How realistic is this goal for Iowa State in the upcoming season, and what are the keys to their success?
Sarah Miles: That’s the ultimate goal for any program, and Buchanan’s mindset aligns perfectly with that ambition. Returning players, coupled with strategic portal acquisitions like Buchanan and Mulder will certainly help. The key to success will be how quickly the new players can integrate, adapt to Otzelberger’s system, and take on a championship mindset. they will need to shore up the frontcourt and develop offensive weapons.
Reader Engagement
Archyde: A final thought: What do you anticipate will be the biggest factor determining Iowa State’s success in the upcoming season, with the blend of new arrivals and returning players? Please share below in the comments!
