INSIDER: What’s in store for hoops recruiting this month?

The busiest recruiting period on the college basketball calendar opens this weekend and along with every other coaching staff in the country, Iowa State will be all over the United States seeking out future Cyclones. 

Here’s an overview of where the current roster is at and what the staff will be seeking out over the next few weeks. 

OVERVIEW

Iowa State technically has two scholarships available heading into the summer, accounting for the graduation of Michael Jacobson and Prentiss Nixon. 

You can view Iowa State’s current scholarship chart by CLICKING HERE. 

It’s also important to note that right now, sophomore guard Tyrese Haliburton is thought to be a first-round pick in next year’s NBA Draft. This is especially the case following up Haliburton’s impressive showing for Team USA in last week’s gold medal run at the u19 FIBA World Cup. 

GOALS

Because of the very possible scenario that Haliburton could go pro, look for Iowa State to make adding a point guard to this class a priority. 

Some good news here is that the staff believes two guys who are already on campus have the ability to slide over and man the point – those being freshmen Tre Jackson and Caleb Grill. 

And who knows. Perhaps Haliburton will return to Ames for his junior year. The possibility of him going pro is something that you have to plan for though. 

Also, anticipate adding a skilled frontline player to replace Michael Jacobson to be in the recipe for the Cyclones this summer. Adding a versatile wing would round out the class nicely.

Some targets to keep an eye on…

Dudley Blackwell, F, Somerset Academy Charter in Pembroke Pines, Fla. — Iowa State is probably considered to be the leader for this athletic combo forward out of Florida. Think Deonte Burton. That type of athlete that can play the 3 or the 4. Iowa State assistant coach James Kane was one of the first in the country offer. 

Tyon Grant-Foster, F, Indian Hills C.C. – A 6-foot-7 combo who plays the 2 and the 3 and can really stretch the floor. Originally from Kansas City, scouts believe that Grant-Foster could end up developing into a top 10 JUCO prospect in the country next season. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last year as a freshman. 

Myles Stute, F, Gonzaga in Washington D.C. – Originally from Minnesota, this 6-foot-5 wing would be a big-time get for Iowa State, but pulling him out of Washington D.C. will be a chore for anyone. 

DJ Steward, G, Whitney Young in Chicago – Iowa State was heavily involved early. Since then, Steward’s rankings have jumped from the top-80 or so into the top 30, where he sits 27th nationally according to 247. This will be a tough get for Iowa State but the Cyclones do have a history of recruiting well in the city of Chicago. 

KK Robinson, G, Bryant, Ark. — Another point guard to keep an eye on, this one from the southern half of the United States.  

Xavier Foster, C, Oskaloosa, Iowa — A top 50 player in the class of 2020, Foster has been Iowa State’s top target for quite some time. He won’t be playing this July due to injury but is still very much on the radar. 

On the docket…

Look for Iowa State coaches to be at the Peach Jam, in Birmingham for an Adidas event, in Atlanta for an Under Armor event and other stops along the way.