In his second season with the Cyclones, many fans are looking towards the 6-11 forward to take a big step up in his contributions in the front court. In his freshman year, Dominykas Pleta averaged 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes. Pleta often plays in rotation with 6-10 Blake Bucchanan, and even though I expect that philosophy to continue this season, I also expect Pleta’s role to increase with the departure of Joshua Jefferson putting more uncertainty in the front court, along with the possibility
of a two big look with both Pleta and Bucchanan on the court.
What does Pleta bring?
Pleta is one of the most dynamic big men that T.J. Otzelberger has had at his disposal. Pleta is able to cleanly play the very intense defensive philosophy that has defined the Otzelberger tenure, largely due to his large frame paired with solid lateral speed that can be a rare combo for a guy his size.
Offensively, Pleta is always a lob threat, able to come flying in unexpectedly and get the crowd on their feet. One of the most notable parts of his game is his prowess on the offensive glass. Pleta recorded 45 offensive rebounds against 34 defensive rebounds, a rare distribution for rebounds. Those offensive rebounds have given Iowa State numerous second chance points, either by Pleta putting it back up himself or by kicking it to a suddenly open teammate beyond the arc.
How will Pleta be used?
While he didn’t start, Pleta did record the same amount of minutes as Buchanan at 19. I don’t expect Iowa State to beat every power conference team by 35, but I think it is clear that Pleta and Buchanan will continue their interchangeable roles on the court. With his length and mobility, Pleta will be setting plenty of picks on and off the ball and will always be a lob threat. I am confident he will be a more present option on the offensive side, as he has scored in double figures in both of the exhibition games. The scoring distribution among the roster has been very evenly spread through the first two games, so I don’t expect Pleta to be asked to be a consistent 15 points per game guy. But a constant threat on the glass, ever present on defense and constantly throwing it down for dunks? Pleta will be a key figure in the Iowa State gameplan.
