T.J. Otzelberger, the head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, made a significant announcement on Friday regarding the signing of Dominykas Pleta, a talented forward hailing from Germany, for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Pleta, standing at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 225 pounds, brings a unique skill set and professional experience to the Cyclones’ roster.
Pleta’s signing marks his inclusion as the fifth member of the latest signing class, alongside four other promising future Cyclones who committed during the early signing period. Among these signees are Macari Moore, a guard from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Xzavion Mitchell, a forward from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Jamarion Batemon, a guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Killyan Toure, a guard from Pamiers, France, who all bring their own strengths and talents to the team.
Before Pleta’s addition, the recruiting class had already garnered national attention, being ranked No. 15 by 247sports and No. 19 by Rivals. Within the Big 12 conference, the class is positioned as the third-ranked by 247sports and the fourth-ranked by Rivals, showcasing the depth and quality of talent that Otzelberger and his coaching staff have managed to assemble.
Currently, Pleta is actively playing for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the German BBL, the premier professional basketball league in Germany. Additionally, he also competes for Porsche Ludwigsburg in the Germany – Pro B South Division, a significant stepping stone in the German basketball hierarchy. His impressive stats from previous seasons reflect his prowess on the court, with averages of 20.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, along with solid shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc.
During the 2022-23 season, Pleta showcased his skills with Basketball Lowen in the Germany – Pro B South Division, where he demonstrated his scoring ability with several standout performances, including multiple games where he scored over 20 points. Notably, Pleta has also represented the German U20 team, further underscoring his potential and talent on an international stage.
In a statement regarding Pleta’s signing, Coach Otzelberger praised the young forward’s versatility, highlighting his offensive capabilities and defensive prowess. With his knack for driving to the basket, solid defensive movements, and a relentless work ethic, Pleta is expected to make an immediate impact on the Cyclones’ program, bringing a valuable blend of youth and professional experience to the team.
As the Iowa State Cyclones gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of Dominykas Pleta adds a new dimension to their roster, promising an exciting chapter in the team’s journey. With a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, the Cyclones are poised to make waves in the collegiate basketball landscape, and Pleta’s arrival only adds to the anticipation surrounding the team’s future endeavors.
