We have seen some great in-season tournaments in the past (Battle 4 Atlantis, Maui Invitational, etc.), but the Players Era Festival has simply taken things to another level. Last year’s debut featured 8 teams, but this year there is an 18-team field featuring some of the best teams from the best conferences in the country. It is taking place this week in Las Vegas, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from Sin City with an interview of Rob and Holly Lipsey, whose son Tamin plays for Iowa State.
Your son Tamin played for Team USA at the 2019 FIBA Americas U-16 Championship: what did it mean to him to represent his country, and what did it mean to him to win a gold medal? Obviously, it was an honor for him to represent his country. He was unaware that he was even on the radar of Team USA, so it was an unexpected honor. He was 1 of the lowest-ranked players coming into training camp, but he had good knowledge of the game and played good defense. He was reliable so it was hard for them to take him off the court. I spoke with 1 of the coaches afterward: they were going to send him home, but he just did something every day that made them feel they had to keep him around.
Both of you work at Iowa State, where he was offered a scholarship at age 14: how easy was his decision to go there for college? Growing up in Ames, he always wanted to be a Cyclone and went to so many games as part of the community. It was a dream come true to represent his city. He loved his experience at Ames High School and is thankful for the opportunity to play for Coach TJ Otzelberger.
As a freshman he started all 33 games, averaged 4.4 APG, and was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team: how was he able to come in and contribute right from the start? The coaches had confidence in him, and he worked hard throughout his 1st year. He went into the season giving it his all and the coaches saw that right away. His basketball IQ was much higher than that of a typical freshman, and that combined with his physical ability helped him get onto the court: much like with Team USA, it was hard to take him off it.
As a sophomore he set a school record with 8 STL in a win over Prairie View, was named to the conference all-defensive team, and was a finalist for national DPOY: what is his secret for being a great defender? He just loves playing defense. As a football player, he was a strong safety and enjoyed that part of the game. He is always thinking ahead and knows where the ball will go because he has great instincts. He also has grit: it is hard to develop that, but it has always been there in everything he does.
That year he was also named 2nd-team Academic All-American: how does he balance his work on the court with his work in the classroom? In our family we always stressed the importance of school early on, even over athletics. He is well-rounded and can interact with people from all different areas of life. He takes it very seriously and knows that it is important to do well in the classroom. He has trained himself to give the appropriate time to study.
He got married last August: what is your favorite memory from the big day? It was a small wedding, so he got to spend a lot of time with our family. It was nice to just see him so happy and living out his dream: that is all you can want for your kid as a parent.
Last September he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain to his right knee during practice: how bad was it, and how was he able to get back onto the court? It was not too serious, but he worked with the team’s trainer/strength and conditioning coach. Just like he is on the court, he is competitive with his rehab and trying to stay healthy.
He has won 49 of his 54 career home games: how do you explain “Hilton Magic” to someone who has never seen it in person? It is a special place. There is no pro competition in town, and the Iowa State fans have embraced the players and the homecourt experience. People come there from all over the country and bring the excitement with them. They feel they can “will” the team to win as the 6th Man. It is electrifying because the arena is so loud/deafening.
You both played sports in college, your daughter Amara played college basketball, and your daughter Teagan was runner-up in the 4×200 relay at the 2019 state track and field meet: who is the best athlete in the family? We have all been competitive in our own ways. We have passion for competition and something bigger than us and we support 1 another as if we are competing ourselves.
How is his health, and any predictions for the Cyclones this week? He strained a muscle, so he is probably day-to-day or week-to-week. The strength and conditioning team will help him get ready, and it is a great opportunity for other people on the team to play and step up in the long run.
