Terrence Lewis’ college basketball career didn’t get off to the best start.

Lewis, a member of Iowa State’s 2017 recruiting class, made his debut in Iowa State’s 15-point loss at Missouri last year. He played 15 minutes, scoring two points on 1-of-5 shooting.

His next game was a lot of the same. Sixteen minutes on the court resulted in three points on 1-of-4 shooting as lost to Milwaukee.

“It was a learning experience for me last year, really,” Lewis said.

Entering year two as a Cyclone, Lewis said he’s ready to step into a bigger role. After last year’s last-place Big 12 finish, coach Steve Prohm will take any help his team can get.

Lewis picked up his play toward the end of last season. Iowa State was reeling from injuries to Nick Weiler-Babb, Zoran Talley Jr., Hans Brase and Solomon Young at various points in the season. When Donovan Jackson’s father died in February and he missed a game to be with family, Lewis was thrust into the starting lineup.

“I think his biggest role right now, he’s gotta make shots for us,” Prohm said. “He’s gotta be a guy who can really make shots and can really defend. The one thing he does well that people may not notice is he’s got a good knack for offensive rebounds.”

Prohm reiterated his point about defending on the perimeter and making open shots.

With star guard Lindell Wigginton back for his sophomore year as well, along with the return of Weiler-Babb, the Cyclones keep most of their production at guard.

Iowa State also brought in Marial Shayok, a transfer from Virginia, and freshmen Talen Horton-Tucker and Tyrese Haliburton, who will also fight for playing time.

Lewis knows he’ll need to bring something extra to the table if he wants playing time.

“I think he just has to develop a level of consistency,” said Daniyal Robinson, assistant coach. “He’s a guy that we see as being able to make shots. If he can continue to make shots and do the little things on the defensive end, the opportunities will come.”

Lewis’ best basketball came in late February last season. He scored 12 points in back-to-back games against West Virginia and Oklahoma State. In the latter game, he went 4-of-5 on 3-pointers and added five rebounds and an assist in 25 minutes.

Iowa State struggled with perimeter shooting in 2017-18. Jackson and Wigginton hit 40 percent of their 3-pointers and hit 95 and 69 3-pointers, respectively, but Jackson graduated. Nobody else on last year’s team hit more than 20 3-pointers, which led to fewer driving lanes for guards and more double-teams for post players like Young and Cameron Lard.

Being able to spread the floor more will be key for the 2018-19 team, and Lewis could be a part of that.

“Really just being more aggressive,” Lewis said. “Last year I was kinda timid — like what shots I can make, what shots I can’t make — but this year’s going to be a big year for me really, just seeing where I’m at. I’m just waiting for the season to start.”