Iowa State Cyclones basketball has quietly developed professional talent, but the last ten years have elevated the program into one of the nation’s most respected NBA pipelines. From All-Stars to veteran role players, former Cyclones continue to make an impact across professional basketball, proving that Ames has become a legitimate launching point to the league.

The biggest star carrying the Iowa State banner today is Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. Since entering the NBA in 2020, Haliburton has evolved into one of the league’s elite point guards and faces of the next generation. The former Cyclone became a two-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA selection while establishing himself as one of basketball’s premier playmakers.  

Haliburton’s rise has also brought national attention back to Iowa State basketball. During his two seasons in Ames, he showcased the high basketball IQ and unselfish style that now defines his NBA career. Cyclone fans still remember his breakout sophomore campaign where he averaged over 15 points and 6 assists before a wrist injury ended his college season early. Despite only playing two years at Iowa State, Haliburton remains deeply connected to the program and is widely considered one of the greatest NBA success stories in school history.  

Another longtime NBA contributor from Iowa State is Georges Niang. Known affectionately by basketball fans as “The Minivan,” Niang carved out a lengthy professional career through toughness, shooting, and basketball intelligence. After starring for the Cyclones from 2012 to 2016, Niang became one of the most decorated players in school history before transitioning into a valuable NBA rotation player. His ability to stretch the floor and provide veteran leadership has kept him in the league for nearly a decade.  

Monté Morris also became one of Iowa State’s most successful NBA guards. The former Cyclone point guard built a reputation as one of the steadiest ball handlers in college basketball history before bringing that same consistency to the NBA. Morris played a major role for playoff teams during his professional career thanks to his elite assist-to-turnover ratio and dependable decision-making. His four-year run at Iowa State helped define one of the greatest eras in program history alongside Niang.  

Chicago native Talen Horton-Tucker spent one season at Iowa State before declaring for the NBA Draft, and his professional career has already included stops with the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls. Horton-Tucker won an NBA championship with the Lakers early in his career and became known for his unique combination of strength, length, and versatility.  

Iowa State’s NBA influence extends beyond star players. Former Cyclones like Matt Thomas, Naz Mitrou-Long, Deonte Burton, and Abdel Nader all reached the NBA after successful collegiate careers in Ames. That stretch of talent helped establish Iowa State as one of the most respected development programs in the country during the 2010s.  

The next wave of Cyclones is already beginning to emerge. According to recent NBA tracking databases, players like Curtis Jones, Keshon Gilbert, have started making appearances within NBA organizations and developmental systems.  

What once felt rare for Iowa State basketball has now become expected. The Cyclones are consistently producing NBA-level guards, wings, and veteran contributors capable of thriving at the professional level. With T.J. Otzelberger continuing to elevate the national profile of the program, Iowa State’s NBA pipeline appears stronger than ever.

From Hilton Coliseum to the bright lights of the NBA, Cyclone basketball continues to leave its mark on the game. Will Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic add to the list? Only time we’ll tell with the 2026 NBA draft around the corner.