Basketball

Iowa State announces addition of four-star center JT Rock

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger announced Friday the signing of JT Rock. Originally a member of the 2024 recruiting class, Rock has reclassified and will join the Cyclones this fall as a member of the 2023 recruiting class.

“We are thrilled that JT decided to join our 2023 recruiting class,” Otzelberger said. “He’s a high character young man that prides himself on doing the right thing. The offensive skill set that he possesses is truly unique for someone north of 7-feet tall. He will be someone Cyclone fans love watching for years to come.”

Rock joins a 2023 recruiting class that was ranked No. 10 by Rivals and No. 11 by 247Sports and ESPN. In the 2024 recruiting rankings, Rock was ranked No. 68 by ESPN, No. 79 by Rivals and No. 99 by 247Sports. He was a four-star recruit by all three services.

At 7-1, Rock will be the eighth seven-footer in Cyclone men’s basketball history. This summer, Rock has participated in the National Basketball Players Association Top 100 camp and the Under Armour Future 60 camp. Rock led his Sioux Falls Lincoln squad to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 South Dakota AA State Tournament. Rock was the South Dakota AA Player of the Year, averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots per game.

Rock will join four Cyclones that signed in November 2022 in the 2023 recruiting class. The Cyclones signed Omaha Biliew (6-8 | Forward | Waukee, Iowa | Waukee HS), Kayden Fish (6-6 | Forward | Kansas City, Mo. | Staley HS), Jelani Hamilton (6-5 | Guard | Marietta, Ga. | Wheeler HS) and Milan Momcilovic (6-8 | Forward | Pewaukee, Wis. | Pewaukee HS).

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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