A majority of the Cyclones’ roster missed the opening night of Capital City League. Only Nick Weiler-Babb, Donovan Jackson, Michael Jacobson, and Marial Shayok made the trip to Des Moines.

Two Iowa State newcomers, Jacobson and Shayok, made their debuts in the Cap City League. Shayok and Jacobson are both required to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer rules.

With only four of Iowa State’s 11 scholarship players in attendance, the four Cyclones who did attend all stood out.

Weiler-Babb flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jacobson had a double-double, and Jackson scored 47. Shayok scored 52, while shooting over 60%.

The Cap City League can be a prime opportunity for Iowa State players to chisel their skills.

“I didn’t shoot it too well last year, so I think improving my shot will be a big thing. Just also working on my handle and being able to play at the point, handle the ball, and bring it down,” said Weiler-Babb.

Along with improving and developing skills, the Cap City League provides important opportunities for new players to compete at a higher level than junior college or high school.

The Cyclones were missing their three freshmen along with two of their transfers.

Five-star recruit Lindell Wigginton could miss most, if not all, of the summer league. Wigginton is training with the Canadian U19 team.

Weiler-Babb said that he’s not worried about freshmen Lindell Wigginton and Cameron Lard adjusting to the college game, saying that Wigginton “will live up to the expectations”. He later commented on Lard’s work ethic and considers him a “gym rat”.

Iowa State graduated its top four scorers last season and a big portion of its rebounding, so Cap City was supposed to be the first look for fans at Iowa State’s newcomers.

Instead, that will have to wait for another time.

Shayok and Jackson lighting up the scoreboard was a positive sign for Iowa State’s future. Meanwhile, Weiler-Babb and Jacobson proved they can contribute to the rebounding totals.

“We lost all of our leading scorers, but we’ve got a lot of great pieces coming in. It doesn’t matter what other people really think about us,” Weiler-Babb said. “I’d rather be the underdog and overcome things people didn’t think we could do with the people that we have.”