Coming into the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, Iowa State Cyclones point guard Tamin Lipsey was considered the best point of attack defender in the country. It was an accolade that was earned and well-deserved. He has shown tenacious defensive abilities throughout his career, with analyst Jay Bilas placing him on the preseason All-Defensive Team. A member of the All-Big 12 Defensive Team in consecutive seasons, Lipsey has already recorded the most steals in Iowa State history. He continues moving up the all-time conference list as well, currently ranking sixth with 263. Thus far this season, he has already recorded 26 steals in nine games played. His 2.9 per game average is the most in the Big 12, recording multiple steals six times, including two instances where he has had five swipes in a single game. While his defensive abilities are well documented, the Cyclones have found another tenacious defender to pair with him in freshman Killyan Toure. A surprise member of the starting lineup this season
