WILLIAMS: Scouting Iowa State’s men’s basketball signees

It doesn’t get as much national attention like football, but Wednesday is college basketball’s National Signing Day. New Iowa State head coach Steve Prohm is expected to add four Cyclones to his roster.

What kind of prospects will be suiting up for the cardinal and gold in 2016-17?

Here is a quick scouting report on all of these guys.

Emmanuel Malou

This versatile 6-foot-9 forward out of Yuba C.C. in California is the headliner of the class. 

Malou is ranked by most as the top JUCO in America and should be an immediate starter from the day he steps on campus.

Who does his game remind me of?

Do you guys remember Julian Wright from Kansas back in 2005-2007? That was the first guy who came to my head from a build/skill-set standpoint. Wright only averaged 12 points per game during his final year at KU but was a first round draft pick in 2007 and played four seasons in the NBA. 

Shoot for the stars? How about comparing Malou to a poor man’s Rudy Gay or Paul George?

Donovan Jackson

This left-handed junior college point guard out of Iowa Western C.C. is an underrated scorer. Jackson, who made 40 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, is a very, very good shooter. He averaged 13.6 points per game and made 86 percent of his free throws during his freshman year at IWCC.

Who does his game remind me of?

This is probably too lofty, but Brandon Jennings from the Detroit Pistons is that guy.

Solomon Young

This 6-foot-7, 230-pound prospect out of Sacramento is a high motor guy who should be able to rebound at the Big 12 level from the moment he steps on campus. He’s physical, tough and does possess the ability to make a jump shot.

Who does his game remind me of?

He’s got a little bit of Melvin Ejim in him – that being a guy who will do things that others do not want to do. Other names: Former Kansas State Wildcat Bill Walker and Jonathan Holmes of Texas. 

Jakolby Long

Another lefty guard!

Long, a 6-foot-4, 200-pounder out of Mustang, Okla., is a physical combo who prides himself in defense and like Young, should make an impact on the glass every minute he is on the floor.

Who does his game remind me of?

I’m shooting way too high here but James Harden is the only guy I can think of. Long is a gritty kid.