Point guard Naz Long will officially visit ISU this weekend

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

This upcoming visit will be a busy one on the Iowa State men’s basketball recruiting front.

Along with current 2012 commitments Nkereuwem Okoro and Georges Niang, a 6-foot-4 point guard named Nazareth Long will be on campus for an official visit.

“Coach T.J. (Otzelberger) is my guy and it’s homecoming. I’m really excited,” said Long. “Iowa State is definitely the school that has is at the top of my recruiting list.”

Long has a connection to Iowa State in current Cyclone sophomore Melvin Ejim. The two come from the same AAU program in Canada, known as CIA Bounce.

“I have been watching Melvin play sense he was 16. They brought me up and I would play with them. I have known Melvin for a long time,” said Long. “We talk on Facebook and stuff. He might be my host. I hit him up every now and then. He’s kind of excited that I’m going to be there.”

Along with Iowa State, Long claims additional offers from Rice and Dayton.

“Those are the three that I am going to visit,” said Long. “I might visit Missouri and I haven’t talked to Miami for a while, but they have offered as well.”

In Long’s recruitment, Iowa State is addressing a need a point guard. Michigan State transfer Korie Lucious will be the guy next year, but after that, freshman Tavon Sledge is the only true point guard on Fred Hoiberg’s roster.

Iowa State’s roster lists Sledge at 5-foot-7. A 6-foot-4 alternative at the point would be a nice addition to the program.

“Coach T.J. told me that they need a point guard and that they need someone who can lead a team,” said Long. “Those are my characteristics. I am a big point guard and with the roster that Iowa State has, I think can be really good of I come there.”

Long spent last season at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev. He’s currently in Canada and plans on being eligible at the end of the first semester.

Long said that this weekend, he’s looking for a family atmosphere when he arrives in Ames on Thursday night.

“If I come there and am cool with the people and the team and I feel like I am at home, that’s the number one thing for me.”