Last week’s news of Emmanuel Malou’s pledge to the Iowa State basketball program was important for a handful of reasons.
First of all – not counting the transfers during the Hoiberg years – Malou is the most highly touted ISU commit since Craig Brackins in 2006. On Monday, 247 tabbed Malou as its second-ranked JUCO in the 2016 class (joining fellow ISU JUCO commit Donovan Jackson who is ranked seventh).
Overall, 247 has Iowa State ranked 25th in its overall recruiting rankings and second in the Big 12 for 2016. Iowa State still has three scholarships to give.
Anymore, we all have high expectations for Iowa State basketball. But any realist out there should realize that this staff – specifically T.J. Otzelberger – has overachieved in a short period of time.
With the additions of Malou, Jackson and Solomon Young (who are all set to sign in November), for the first time, we can really look at the 2016-17 roster and somewhat know what it will look like.
Of course, the Monte Morris question (will he leave early?) will loom throughout the 2015-16 season.
Because we’re all a little bit sick in the head (after all, that’s why we’re called “fanatics”), I thought it would be interesting to look ahead to 2016-17 at what the starting lineup could potentially look like. Obviously this is very fluid. Considering how the current state of college basketball is, chances are, somebody will transfer away from the program after this season, which is important to keep in mind.
Some projections…
With Monte Morris…
PG: Monte Morris, Sr.
SG: Matt Thomas, Sr.
F: Simeon Carter, So.
F: Deonte Burton, Sr.
F: Emmanuel Malou, Jr.
NOTES: If Morris comes back for his senior year, this roster would still have a ton of versatility. Steve Prohm could go a couple of ways. He could choose to play Morris and Donovan Jackson together. Don’t forget about Nick Babb, a guy who I think will be a bit of a garbage man for the Cyclones (unafraid to do the little things well that nobody else wants to do). Hallice Cooke will be in the mix for a starting spot too. At this point, it’s far too early to tell what to expect from Brady Ernst and Solomon Young.
Without Monte Morris…
PG: Donovan Jackson, Jr.
SG: Matt Thomas, Sr.
F: Simeon Carter, So.
F: Deonte Burton, Sr.
F: Emmanuel Malou, Jr.
NOTES: This roster desperately needs a back up point guard. Is Hallice Cooke up for that job? Based off of what I’ve heard, Nick Babb will more than likely be in the running for a starting spot somewhere. His work ethic has been impressive so far during his limited time in Ames.
Visitor on Oct. 3
According got a source, Mustang, Okla. native Jakolby Long will visit Iowa State on Oct. 3. Long is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard who according to Rivals has offers fromDePaul, Georgia, Houston, Kansas State, Mississippi, Missouri,, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, SMU, Texas Tech, Wichita State and others.
