Basketball Blog: Meet Iowa State’s class of 2012

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams

Cyclone Nation – Meet Iowa State’s basketball recruiting class of 2012.

Georges Niang, Sherron Dorsey-Walker and Nkereuwem Okoro, meet the Cyclone Nation.

All three of Iowa State’s verbal commitments plan on inking with the Cyclones later today.

Here is a quick compilation of highlight videos, my thoughts and specifics that you need to know about the class of 2012.

NOTE: I’ve been asked this question a lot over the last couple of days.

"I thought that Iowa State had four commitments."

Technically, you’re right. Naz Long did just commit to Iowa State a few weeks ago but since he has a chance to be eligible for the second semester of this season, Long is considered part of the 2011 class. He has already signed a financial aid agreement with Iowa State.

GEORGES NAING

The Essentials: Niang is a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward out of The Tilton School in Tilton N.H. He chose Iowa State over reported offers from: Iowa, Texas A&M, Alabama, Providence, Miami and a massive list of mid-majors. Fred Hoiberg was Niang’s lead recruiter. Rivals.com ranks Niang as the nation’s 98th best recruit in the class of 2012.

Niang’s Rivals.com ProfileNiang’s ESPN.com Profile

Chris’ Take: Niang is the highlight of the class. Niang told me that Fred Hoiberg has compared his game to that of Kevin Love’s, who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves (Hoiberg knows a little bit about that franchise.) Niang’s big body and fluid jump shot will likely make an immediate impact at Iowa State in 2012-13. He has the potential to be a four-year starter at Iowa State.

NKEREUWEM OKORO

The Essentials: Okoro is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound small forward out of St. Raymond High School in Bronx, N.Y. Okoro chose Iowa State over reported offers from: Pittsburgh, Arizona, Rutgers and St. Johns. Iowa State assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih was Okoro’s lead recruiter.

Okoro’s Rivals.com ProfileOkoro’s ESPN.com Profile

Chris’ Take: Okoro is the tough guy of Iowa State’s 2012 class. He’s a New York native, who reminds me of former Cyclone Curtis Stinson from an intangibles standpoint. How he might contribute as a true freshman is still up in the air but based off of his offer list, it’s obvious that Okoro has some serious game.

SHERRON DORSEY-WALKER

The Essentials: Dorsey-Walker is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound shooting guard out of Pershing High School in Detroit, Mich. Dorsey-Walker, who Rivals.com ranks as the nation’s 122nd best recruit, chose Iowa State over reported offers from: Baylor, Florida State, Boston College, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia Tech and Minnesota. Dorsey-Walker’s lead recruiter was Cornell Mann.

Dorsey-Walker’s Rivals.com ProfileDorsey-Walker’s ESPN.com Profile

Chris’ Take: Dorsey-Walker is the shooter. He has the ability to get very hot from long range and that alone will give Dorsey-Walker a chance to see the floor as a freshman.