By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams
Happy Friday Cyclone Nation.
Some hoops recruiting related quick hitters for you all on a very busy Friday…
*** Remember the name Jared Uthoff? Iowa’s 2011 "Mr. Basketball" was one of Iowa State’s top recruiting targets only a few short years ago. Uthoff, who’s uncle Dean is the leading rebounder in the history of Iowa State basketball, went to Wisconsin and redshirted last season. Last night, news broke that Uthoff will be transferring away from the school. This one seems like a no-brainer for Iowa State to me. Uthoff won’t be able to transfer anywhere else in the Big Ten. Every school in the Missouri Valley will be after him and I’d have to think that Iowa State is interested…Stay tuned on this one.
*** Here’s a 2013 basketball prospect to keep an eye on…
The name is Jameel McKay, a 6-foot-8, 190-pound small forward out of Indian Hills Community College. I’m not sure as to offer status, seriousness or anything like that. It’s just a name that I’ve heard. I know that he unofficially visited Hilton Coliseum for a game this past season too.
*** Most reports are currently stating that former Arizona State guard Trent Lockett’s decision will likely come down to Marquette and Iowa State. I’d label Marquette as the front-runner right now, but these situations are always fluid.
*** If you’re still hoping that former UConn big man Alex Oriakhi will end up in an Iowa State uniform, don’t bother. My guess is that he’ll end up at Kentucky.
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SPRING GAME —-
*** The five individual players I’m looking forward to watching in tomorrow’s spring game are (in no particular order):
— Sam Richardson, QB – I’ve still never seen him play in person. I’m excited to see how he looks with live human beings trying to hit him.
— DeVondrick Nealy, RB – The same as Richardson and running backs coach Ken Pope glows like a proud papa when he talks about the freshman.
— Jerome Tiller, WR – Is he good enough to actually be a factor at wide receiver in 2012? I had my doubts early on, but Tiller has impressed a lot of people this spring. If he does play, that should tell you something with the number of what we think (at this point) are some pretty talented wide receivers on Iowa State’s roster.
— Jeremiah George, LB – For two reasons. 1) He’s a FANTASTIC interview and 2), rumor has it that he’s improved a lot in a year.
— T.J. Mutcherson, SS – According to Paul Rhoads, he’s a "football player." That’s a good thing…Mutcherson is as raw as they come but the talent appears to be there. I hear he’s a big hitter.
