Iowa State landed a major recruiting target in four-star shooting guard Jamarion Batemon Monday.
The Milwaukee prospect announced that he would be choosing to commit to Iowa State over the rest of his top 4 Marquette, West Virginia and Clemson on a YouTube livestream.
“It was their commitment to me, really,” Batemon said of his decision on the program. “Everything just seemed so right. They have a plan – they do the little things. They win, they compete… everything with them is at a very high level and I just felt like it was time.”
The 6-foot-3, 170-pound Wisconsin prospect is rated as the No. 54 player in the 2025 class by 247 Sports.
His full offer sheet included His full offer sheet included Iowa State, Marquette, West Virginia, Clemson, Illinois, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Bradley, DePaul, Milwaukee, Cal Poly, and Grambling State.
“It’s a great environment and a great campus,” Batemon said. “I love their facilities. They’re set up to be successful. Iowa’s a place where there’s not much going on, so there’s less distractions. I can just focus on success.”
During his high school time, Batemon routinely played against a fellow Wisconsin prospect at the time in Milan Momcilovic.
He also mentioned the energy that Conrad Hawley brings to practices as something that stood out during his numerous visits to Ames.
“I’ve kind of got a connection with Milan (Momcilovic) – we played against each other in high school. Obviously, I’ve been up there a few times, and have got to talk to a bunch of the guys. They all are very competitive. One thing I will say – Conrad (Hawley), who they had, I love his energy.”
Iowa State assistant coach J.R. Blount was the primary recruiter in earning the commitment from Batemon, bringing Iowa State’s 2025 class to three.
Batemon joins fellow four-star prospect and forward Xzavion Mitchell as well as top-150 recruit and point guard Macari Moore as committed players to the class.
With the addition of Batemon, Iowa State rises to No. 1 in the country in 247 Sports’ class recruiting rankings.
“Mainly it’s really on the defensive side – it’s where I compete,” Batemon said. I like that about (Otzelberger’s) culture… It’s exciting. I’m not really one to get homesick, so I’m not worried about that side, but it’s just me going out to life. I’m excited.”
Batemon will join the roster for the 2025-26 recruiting class, which now brings the scholarship chart to one open spot, although those things change with time.
“I think they can do big things,” Batemon said. They’ve got a bunch of different pieces. I think Milan is going to have a breakout year. He’s just kept working on his weaknesses and building on his confidence. Obviously, Keshon (Gilbert) is really good. Tamin (Lipsey) is a great point guard. I think they’ve got the right pieces to succeed.”
