MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Xzavion Mitchell is preaching patience.
But that doesn’t mean that Iowa State fans don’t have plenty to be excited about.
Mitchell, a junior wing at Oshkosh North High School, said the Cyclones are ranked in high esteem in his mind as his recruiting process continues.
“They are at the top of the list for sure,” Mitchell said. “It’s a great school and I love the coaches and everything that I’ve heard about Iowa State.”
Mitchell, an athletic 6-foot-6, 210-pounder, currently holds offers from Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Cal-Poly.
“If those are the only offers I get, I’m happy with that,” Mitchell said. “Those are some great schools to choose from and I’m blessed to have the offers I do.”
One thing is for sure, however: His decision isn’t coming anytime soon.
“I’ve been telling all the coaches that I talk to that I don’t want to make a decision until next year,” Mitchell said. “I want to be able to really evaluate all my options and make the best decision for me and my family. I’m looking at committing before the start of my senior season.”
Mitchell is averaging 25.8 points per game for a terrific Oshkosh North team that is 6-3 on the season. The Spartans were in Milwaukee this week to play in a prestigious holiday tournament. North went 1-1, losing 61-59 to an outstanding Brookfield Central team despite 31 points from Mitchell.
Cyclone fans are no doubt familiar with Oshkosh North: It’s the alma mater of Tyrese Haliburton, who is well on his way to becoming the best Iowa State NBA player in program history.
Mitchell is quite familiar with Haliburton.
“I’ve known him since I was in first grade probably,” Mitchell said. “He’s always been somebody that I looked up to and somebody that I’ve talked to. He’s a great role model to have.”
And Haliburton certainly has made his feelings known as to which school Mitchell should attend.
“Oh, no doubt, he’s always talking up Iowa State,” Mitchell said. “When he found out I went on a visit to Wisconsin, he texted me right away and said ‘That’s not the spot for you. You know what the move is.’ So he’s always talking about how great Iowa State is and how great Ames is.”
Mitchell’s primary recruiter is JR Blount, a Milwaukee native who was in town this week to check out Mitchell in person.
“I’m really close with JR and I’m close with TJ, too,” Mitchell said. “They are always checking in with me and talking to me. And they talk to my brother, too, and that’s really important to me. Because family is so important to me and this is definitely going to be a family decision when it’s all said and done.”
The opportunity to attend a game in Ames is something he’s looking forward to.
“I’ve been to Ames one time, but not for a game yet,” Mitchell said. “Everyone talks about how awesome the game day atmosphere is, and that’s definitely something I want to check out this year.”
Although a potential commitment still looms around nine months away, Mitchell is certainly a prospect Iowa State fans should follow closely.
