By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher
Iowa State’s hoops newest signee, Detroit native Percy Gibson, is already a force down low. At 6-foot-9, 240-pounds, the freshman has the body to make an immediate impact for the Cyclones when the 2011-12 season rolls around next November.
But Gibson and the Iowa State coaching staff have bigger plans.
“They want to expand my game more to the mid-range and perimeter,” Gibson told CycloneFanatic.com. “If there is a bigger defender, I can take them on with the dribble.”
Gibson averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game as a senior in high school.
In Fred Hoiberg’s dream offense, having a big that can run the floor, score and rebound is critical.
“They say that they like my versatility,” Gibson said. “I have a big post presence. I just want to expand it out.”
Why Iowa State?
After being released from his signed National Letter of Intent to attend Dayton earlier this spring, Gibson had plenty of choices as to where he would attend college this fall. The Michigan big man ultimately chose Iowa State over Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. His prior relationship with Cornell Mann (Mann recruited Gibson to Dayton) helped, but the rest of Iowa State’s staff sealed the deal.
“All of the coaches were really down to earth,” Gibson said. “It seemed like they were all really genuine.”
Hoiberg’s up-tempo style of ball was the cherry on top.
“There is a lot of freedom in the way they play ball,” Gibson said.
Familiarity
Of course there’s Gibson’s relationship with Cornell Mann. That’s no secret. Even though the team was away on break when Gibson officially visited Ames the weekend of May 13, he already has a good relationship with two members of the Iowa State basketball program.
Those men are former Michigan State Spartans Chris Allen and Korie Lucious.
“He is a good player. He can definitely shoot,” Gibson said of Allen.
“He’s a facilitator,” Gibson said referring to Lucious.
Gibson will get to play with both former Spartans one year a piece, as he will have four-years of eligibility when he gets to campus this summer.
