Ames native and Iowa State standout Tamin Lipsey is beginning his professional career in the NBA after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 draft on Wednesday. Lipsey, who started a program-record 137 games during his four-year tenure with the Cyclones, will join fellow Iowa Stater Tyrese Haliburton in Indianapolis.
Leading up to the draft, Lipsey participated in the NBA G League Combine and the Portsmouth Invitational.
Lipsey first stepped
into a primary role for the Cyclones as a freshman to replace Tyrese Hunter, and he eventually developed into one of the most decorated players in the Big 12. His collegiate accolades include three selections to both the All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Defensive teams, as well as an AP All-American honorable mention in 2024.
Beyond his on-court performance, he was recognized as the CSC Division I Academic All-American of the Year and the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a senior.
Statistically, Lipsey left a significant mark on the Iowa State program, becoming the all-time leader in steals by surpassing the record previously held by Monte Morris during his junior campaign.
During his final season, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists while maintaining a highly efficient 3.33 assist-to-turnover ratio, which was the second-best mark in the Big 12. Over his full four-year career, Lipsey accumulated 1,507 points, 602 assists, and 314 steals, averaging 11.0 points and 2.3 steals per contest.
