Visiting JUCO’s comment on ISU

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher Iowa State had three 2010 basketball prospects in attendance during last night’s overtime loss to Missouri. Southeastern Iowa Community College’s John Wilkins was in on an unofficial visit. Meanwhile, Marshalltown Community College’s duo of DeMarcus Phillips (already signed with Iowa State) and Will Clyburn will in Hilton as well.

What are the recruits saying about the future of Iowa State’s program?

“If they (the coaches) didn’t come back, it probably would affect me in a big way,” Phillips told a group of reporters before the game. “I have heard the rumors. I’m not too focused on the rumors right now. We’ll see what happens when the season is over.”

On the other hand, Clyburn wasn’t as vocal about the talk.

“I really haven’t heard too much about the coaching staff thing,” Clyburn said. “I hope that they will (be back). That will be a big part of my decision. I’m very close to the coaching staff here.”

Not only are Phillips and Clyburn teammates at Marshalltown, they are also best friends. The duo reuniting in Ames makes a lot of sense.

“I am tired of seeing him actually,” Phillips joked. “He’s like my brother. I see him every day. We have a couple of classes together and we work out. We are pretty tight.”

If it were up to Phillips, Clyburn would have already committed to the Iowa State.

“I tell him that every night and all he does is laugh about it,” Phillips said. “He’s never serious and says he’s still thinking. There is a good chance that he’ll be here though. I feel confident about it.”

Clyburn said that he doesn’t have a clear favorite at this time and that he plans on “letting everything play out.”

Clyburn, a 6-foot-6 wing also claims offers fro Wichita State, UNI, Utah, Saint Louis and a handful of other mid-major schools.

As far as John Wilkins goes, the 6-foot-9 forward is very high on Iowa State along with Indiana from the Big Ten. Last night, Wilkins told CycloneFanatic.com that he does indeed hold a scholarship offer from the Hoosiers coaching staff.

“They have a good program with a good coach. They are trying to rebuild their program,” Wilkins said.

As for his feelings on Iowa State?

“I like the fans, the crowd, the gym. I really like the players. I love the Big 12 Conference,” Wilkins said. “They have recruited me the hardest.”

Wilkins plans on making a decision in the next month or so.