AMES — Despite today’s news about T.J. Otzelberger’s departure to Washington, Clayton Custer is still a solid verbal commitment to Iowa State’s 2014 recruiting class.
Custer, a point guard prospect out of Overland Park, Kan., told Cyclone Fanatic on Tuesday afternoon that he is still “all in” on Iowa State.
“I was sad to hear that T.J. is leaving because I had a really good relationship with him,” said Custer. “But I committed to play for Coach (Fred) Hoiberg. That is who I am going to be playing for and that is who I am excited to be playing for. Nothing has changed. I am close with the whole coaching staff and the players so it didn’t change my decision at all.”
Custer said that Hoiberg broke the news to him via a phone conversation on Sunday night. Otzelberger called Custer on Monday evening.
“It was kind of a tough conversation but I understand what he is doing,” said Custer. “He explained what is going through his head. He told me that he wants to be a head coach and he thought that going there was his best opportunity to become a head coach the quickest possible way. I understand that he has goals and things that he wants to do with his life.”
Custer is currently Iowa State’s only commitment in its 2014 recruiting class.
Custer is playing AAU ball for Team YOBO this spring and summer.