Washington gives high reviews from unofficial

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

A Rivals.com Top 150 prospect in the class of 2013 was in Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday night.

Kyle Washington, a 6-foot-9, 195-pound power forward out of the Hotchkiss School (Conn.), took in Iowa State’s 17-point victory over Lipscomb.

Iowa State’s competition to land Washington is thick. The forward already has offers from: Iowa State, Baylor, Florida, Iowa, Louisville, Marquette, Miami, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Penn State, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Xavier and other mid-majors as well.

Iowa State started recruiting Washington during his sophomore year of high school, when he camped with the Cyclones.

“They really weren’t that interested yet. But they followed me ever since I was 16 probably on the circuit,” said Washington. “I kept on working hard. I got the scholarship offer and now I am just visiting. I like the atmosphere even though the students aren’t here. I really like the atmosphere. It seems like Iowa State is a nice place to be playing basketball.”

Washington is familiar with 2012 Iowa State signee Georges Niang. The two have competed against each other a handful of times on the east coast prep circuit. Niang’s decision to attend Iowa State next season has had a big impact on Washington’s situation. In fact, Washington pointed out that he loves the idea of teaming up with Niang at some point.

“He’s just a competitor. He’s a player. You can tell when someone is a player,” said Washington. “I’ve played him a bunch of times. The thing that perks me up about him is that he plays well in big games.”

Being that Washington is a Minnesota native, he’s familiar with Fred Hoiberg’s NBA experience.

“That’s where I want to end up some day,” said Washington of the NBA. “It’s (Iowa State) a great academic institution. It’s close to home. There are a lot of good things about it.”

Washington said that unless he gets an early gut feeling, he doesn’t plan on making a college decision until next fall.

“Right now, everybody is pretty much on the same level,” said Washington. “I don’t have anyone on a pedestal. In the Big 12, I’m looking at Baylor and Iowa State. That’s pretty much it for right now. I don’t really have a top five yet. We’re just going to see. I need to take more visits and keep on talking to coaches.”

As for a wrap up of his trip to Ames?

“It would be cool if I could come back to see a Big 12 game.”