Nov 30, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Eastern Kentucky Colonels forward Tre King (2) drives to the basket against Xavier Musketeers forward Zach Freemantle (32) in the second half at the Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State picked up another significant piece for its men’s basketball roster on Wednesday when Eastern Kentucky and Georgetown transfer Tre King announced his commitment to the program.
You can read our full coverage of King’s commitment, plus a scout of King’s game from our Scott Christopherson, here and here.
I caught up with King early Wednesday afternoon to learn more about why he picked the Cyclones, what he brings to the program and more for this Q&A.
CF: What all went into the decision to commit to Iowa State?
TK: Two things really. The first one is just the relationship that me and Coach TJ and Coach Blount and the whole staff developed over the past couple weeks throughout the recruiting process. During that time, I really got the feel that Coach TJ really cares about me and believes in my ability, really wants to see me succeed. The second thing being from a development standpoint. I’ve told people throughout this thing that I believe I’m an NBA guy and that wherever I go, I want to be somewhere I can expand and continue develop my skills and really be the guy I think I am. Coach TJ and the rest of the staff have laid out the most detailed and the best plan to help me get there.
CF: What were your impressions of coming to a game at Hilton Coliseum when you were here a couple of weeks ago?
TK: It was crazy. Being a college basketball fanatic, you hear about all the great places to play like Allen Fieldhouse and Hilton Coliseum. Hilton is different. Hearing about it and seeing it are two different things. When I got there, just watching how the game went out, I knew I had to be a part of it.
CF: I know you’re working to get a waiver to play right away with this team. How does the staff say they see you fitting in?
TK: The plan is to try and get a waiver. We’ve started working on that now. Coach TJ and the staff feel like I’m a guy who can do everything. I think one of the things that sets me apart is my versatility, being able to guard multiple positions, being able to play multiple positions, being able to handle mismatches. That’s just what Coach TJ wants me to be is to be that guy. If I’ve got a smaller guy, take him to the basket. If I’ve got a bigger guy, attack him off a closeout, beat him off the dribble, knock down shots, play defense, rebound, basic stuff.
CF: How would you describe yourself as a player to someone who has never seen you play?
TK: Basically what I just said, just versatile. I think I’m a matchup nightmare. I don’t think I fit a certain mold of a player. I think a person who can do a little bit of everything. I think I have a really high IQ and I think I’m athletic. It helps with everything.
CF: Is there anything you’d like Cyclone Nation to know before you get here?
TK: Just get ready. Just get ready. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting. I’m going to do everything I can to help us continue to win and to get to March and get to the Final Four.
