Newcomer Osun Osunniyi makes big impact in Iowa State men's basketball team's victory
AMES – Osun Osunniyi was brought to Iowa State to help fill multiple voids for the Cyclones men’s basketball team this season. The St. Bonaventure transfer was asked to provide a big defensive presence and offer some scoring for the Cyclones, who were in need of some help after a massive makeover to the roster.
Osunniyi has already shown he can do all of that.
The Iowa State newcomer scored 16 points, grabbed four rebounds and showed another glimpse of what he could provide this season for the Cyclones, who improved to 2-0 on the young season with a dominating 80-43 victory over North Carolina A&T at Hilton Coliseum Sunday.
"They saw things in me before I got here, watching the film of me when I was at St. Bonaventure," Osunniyi said. "They saw potential that I have. Now they're just tapping into it."
There's a lot of potential in the 6-foot-10, 235-pound senior who transferred to the Cyclones after four seasons at St. Bonaventure. Osunniyi, a two-time Atlantic 10 defensive player of the year, shot 61.3% from the field last season and added some strength, size and shooting for Iowa State right away.
Peterson: Iowa State men's basketball is making another national splash
But the question was, how quickly would it all show up? Osunniyi hasn't wasted any time making an impact.
During Iowa State’s season-opening win over IUPUI, Osunniyi scored 10 points, grabbed two rebounds and blocked two shots. That was just a warmup for Sunday’s second showing with the Cyclones. In game No. 2, Osunniyi was an efficient 7-of-12 shooting from the field.
His biggest stretch came early in the second half when Osunniyi scored Iowa State's first seven points with a huge dunk and a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
"He played well in stretches today," said Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger. "Certainly after the half, he was terrific. But we need better from him early."
Otzelberger believes his staff is just starting to tap into the potential that Osunniyi talked about. His giant wingspan creates a lot of problems for opponents. And as Osunniyi gets more comfortable in Iowa State's system, he could contribute more offensively.
"I'm starting to show it," Osunniyi said.
Defense delivers again
Just two games into the season, it's already clear that Iowa State's defense will again pose big-time problems for opponents.
The Cyclones limited IUPUI to just 39 points in the season opener. North Carolina A&T was overwhelmed by Iowa State’s ball pressure, especially in the first half. The Aggies shot just 28% in the first half (5-of-18) and went the final 7 minutes and 40 seconds without a field goal as Iowa State built up a 39-16 lead at the half. It never got better. The Aggies shot only 25.6% from the field including just 20.8% from 3-point range.
"We just want to clean up some things and not give up fouls and just keep having an identity as a hard-nosed defensive team," Osunniyi said.
Jaz Kunc is taking advantage of his early opportunities
Iowa State’s extensive roster turnover has created opportunities for other players. One of them is Jaz Kunc, who has quickly taken advantage of the chances.
Kunz, who started 10 games last season, started the first two games this season and has been a big contributor. He scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds in the first game of the season. During Sunday’s contest, Kunc tallied a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
"I'm just trying to be more aggressive," Kunc said. "Hunt more shots than last year."
Tamin Lipsey not looking like a freshman
Freshman guard Tamin Lipsey delivered another impressive performance Sunday. Lipsey, an Ames native, scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds and handed out three assists.
It's a strong start to the college career for Lipsey, who was thrown into the starting lineup right away. He's impressed Otzelberger with his ability to set up shots for teammates and attack the hoop with confidence. Four of Lipsey's points came on back-to-back drives to the hoop in the first half.
"He doesn't look like a freshman," Otzelberger said. "He has some poise. He has moxie. He's a competitor."
Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018 and 2020 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468. Follow him on Twitter @TommyBirch.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State basketball newcomer Osun Osunniyi impressive in 2nd game
