CW, here.
I’ve covered recruiting in one way or another for 15 years. I’ve never seen anything like this spring basketball period. Obviously. Nobody has.
COVID-19 has changed the way that everything works. It is more difficult to come across information than ever, which is especially problematic considering that Iowa State has four scholarships to fill at this point in time.
But here’s what I’ve got regarding what is left of Iowa State’s big board at this point in time. Full disclosure: I might not have everybody on here. It is also a very fluid time. This should give you all something to chew on heading into the weekend though and we will look to update it early next week.
Iowa State’s big board
Bryce Aiken, Harvard – Perhaps the top graduate transfer on the market this offseason. Aiken has reportedly trimmed his list and Iowa State is in the final four. The competition, however, will be stiff. Iowa State is competing with Michigan, Seton Hall and Maryland for Aiken’s services.
Terrell Gomez, Cal State Northridge – He led the Big West in points per game, minutes per game and field goals as a junior. Gomez is a two-time first-team All-Big West player but again, Iowa State and Steve Prohm will have their work cut out for them. Top competition: Gonzaga, Dayton, San Diego State, Arizona State, Arkansas and perhaps Washington State.
A.J. Walker, Air Force – Perhaps the best player on Air Force’s team last season, Walker will have two years of eligibility wherever he ends up. At this point, he would have to sit out next season but depending on how June’s new transfer rule voting goes, he could be eligible at his next school right away.
Justin Turner, Bowling Green – Iowa State is in his top five along with Marquette, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisville. Turner, a 35 percent 3-point shooter, averaged 18.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a junior.
Trey Murphy, Rice – A new name for Iowa State. The Cyclones are now involved with Murphy, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound shooting guard who averaged 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. He’s a nearly 40 percent 3-point shooter in two seasons of the college game. Similar to Walker, Murphy will be waiting on June’s transfer ruling to see if he would be eligible to play next season.
