Relationships sealed the deal for Iowa State.
Fred Hoiberg’s 2014 recruiting class could not have gotten off to a better start when on Monday, Overland Park, Kan. point guard Clayton Custer announced that he plans on becoming a Cyclone on Metro Sports TV in Kansas City.
Custer, who attended Iowa State’s win over Campbell the night before, said that the thought of becoming a Cyclone just felt right.
"We knew that we would know where I should go when it was the right time to do it. It just feels like the right thing to do," said Custer over the phone. "We have such strong relationships with Coach Hoiberg and Coach T.J. (Otzelberger). All of the people there are just unbelievable people. They are genuine. They make you feel like they care for you and that’s a big thing with me. The relationships are too good to pass up."
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It’s a good basketball fit too. Custer, a true point guard, chose Iowa State over Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and South Carolina to name a few. He likes the idea of playing in Hoiberg’s up-tempo offense.
"He has obviously played through this. He played professionally. He knows all of the little tricks," said Custer. "The way that he coaches and the offense that he runs – it’s all about spacing and I like that. You have the freedom to drive and kick and make plays for other people. It’s the way that I want to play. I wouldn’t want it any other way."
And don’t think for a minute that what’s gone on over the last couple of years didn’t impact Custer’s decision as well. Not only has Hoiberg taken Iowa State to an NCAA Tournament in only two years on the job, Custer has noticed improvement on the recruiting trail as well – noting a special bond that he’s formed with 2013 Cyclone signee Matt Thomas along the way.
"I have a really good relationship with Matt," said Custer. "That was a big thing for me actually. I feel like me and Matt will be good together. I think we’ll be best friends and everything will be good."
There’s that other guy too…
"Georges Niang is a goof ball," joked Custer. "I love him. He’s a great player. He’s going to be a stud. He already is a stud but he’s going to be a star."
Custer is scheduled to sign with Iowa State in November of 2013. He’ll begin his career in Ames in November of 2014.
