Killyan Toure and Tamin Lipsey: A Brotherhood Leading Iowa State Basketball
ST. LOUIS – The Iowa State basketball team is witnessing a special connection between starting guards Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure. More than just teammates, these two share a brotherly bond built on mutual respect, competitive fire, and a shared pursuit of excellence.
A Bond Forged in Competition
The dynamic between Lipsey, a seasoned senior, and Toure, a promising freshman from France, is a fascinating blend of experience and youthful energy. They consistently have each other’s backs, showcasing exceptional teamwork – particularly on the defensive end – while simultaneously pushing one another to improve. Like any strong brotherhood, a healthy dose of playful trash talk is also part of the equation.
While Lipsey often lets his stellar play speak for itself, Toure isn’t shy about adding a few words to the mix. Their acquaintance blossomed during intense summer workouts, where Toure quickly impressed with his tenacious defense and ultimately earned a spot in the starting lineup.
“A lot of it’s in French, actually, so I don’t know what he’s saying, but I can tell when he’s being competitive, trash-talking a little bit,” Lipsey shared with a smile. “You’d have to ask him what he says. We’ve had a lot of back-and-forth since the summer and fall, just competing with each other.”
Toure playfully admits to switching between French and English, often keeping the specifics of his competitive banter a mystery. “They got some basic words (in French) that I say during practice, but it’s not good words, so I won’t say it in front of the cameras,” he confessed sheepishly. However, it’s all in good fun, a way for Toure to tap into his competitive spirit whenever he steps onto the court.
Elevating Each Other’s Game
This playful rivalry isn’t just about words; it translates into tangible improvement for both players. Toure and Lipsey elevate each other during practice and build off each other’s energy during games. Lipsey boldly declared Toure the “best defender” he’s ever seen back in December, a sentiment he firmly stands by as March Madness unfolds.
“He’s got length, he’s quick, he’s physical, he’s got all the right pieces and he knows how to poke the ball out,” Lipsey explained. “You see it against other teams, and he was doing that to me all summer. It made me a better player competing against him.”
Individual Achievements and Team Impact
Lipsey is averaging an impressive 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He’s the program’s all-time steals leader and has earned Big 12 All-Defensive team honors for three consecutive years. He also received recognition as the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was named to the All-Big 12 second team for the third year running.
Toure has also made a significant impact as a freshman, starting in every game and averaging 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s often tasked with defending the opponent’s top-scoring guard. After a recent offensive slump, Toure showcased his resilience with a strong 12-point performance against Arizona in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals.
A Mentorship Blossoms
“Tamin is a legend for Iowa State, a big brother for me,” Toure expressed. “I just try to watch him and these are the last games we have together. He gives me good advice during the games and even off the court. He’s a really great example for me.”
Their bond deepened at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where Toure stepped up to run the point during Lipsey’s groin injury. Teammate Milan Momcilovic noted how Lipsey took the opportunity to mentor Toure, sharing tips and tricks of the trade. “I think they’re one of the best one-two defensive backcourts in the country,” Momcilovic added.
Lipsey, who once looked up to senior teammates Gabe Kalscheur and Jaren Holmes, is now paying it forward, guiding Toure with the same wisdom and support he received. He recognizes Toure’s eagerness to learn and his strong work ethic, making the mentorship a natural fit.
“Because of his work ethic and how he attacks every day, his mindset, he’s always wanting to learn, asking me questions, and he just makes it super easy to be that sort of mentor for him,” Lipsey said. He envisions a future where Toure takes on a leadership role, potentially running the floor himself.
For now, the duo is focused on enjoying their time together, with a maximum of six games remaining in the college basketball season. They understand the importance of cherishing every moment.
“It’s his last year and you just try to enjoy and take pleasure, because he won’t play college anymore in his life,” Toure said. “Just to be around him, seeing how he enjoys what he does, it’s beautiful.”
Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger recognizes Lipsey’s profound impact on the program. “There’s no question about it — Tamin has not only elevated our program, but the amount of gratitude and thankfulness we have to him is immense. He wears that pride on his sleeve every single day.”
