Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure Bond as March Madness Nears The dynamic backcourt duo for Iowa State basketball, Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure, have forged a unique relationship that transcends their roles as teammates. Their connection, described as a brotherly bond, has become a cornerstone of their success on the court and a source of mutual motivation. While their partnership is built on shared goals and competitive drive, it also includes a playful element of trash talk that adds to their chemistry. Lipsey, the senior guard, and Toure, the freshman from France, have developed a rapport that extends beyond basketball. Their relationship began during intense summer training sessions, where Toure’s aggressive defensive style caught Lipsey’s attention and earned him a spot in the starting lineup. Despite their contrasting personalities—Lipsey’s stoic demeanor versus Toure’s fiery energy—the pair has found a balance that enhances their individual and collective performance. Toure’s habit of switching between French and English during conversations has become a point of humor, with Lipsey admitting he often doesn’t understand the exact words Toure uses. “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,” Lipsey said. Toure, meanwhile, hinted at the nature of his verbal exchanges, joking that the phrases he uses during practice are “not good words” to share in front of cameras. Their bond has been tested and strengthened through shared challenges, including Lipsey’s recent groin injury that sidelined him for three games. During his absence, Toure stepped into the point guard role, a responsibility that deepened their trust.#big_12_tournament #iowa_state #march_madness #tamin_lipsey #killyan_toure