Iowa State men’s basketball earned its first commitment to the 2027 recruiting class before anyone’s committed for 2026.
Josiah Harrington, a 6-foot-4 guard out of North Scott, made his choice official ahead of the start of his sophomore season.
“Staying close to home was a big part of it,” Harrington said. “I always knew from the jump that I wanted to stay close to home. Then just the relationships that I built with the coaches – they just felt right when me and my family talked about it.”
Harrington was on a visit and attended practice Thursday – and it made all the difference in his choice at a future school.
The in-state prospect was overtly impressed with the Iowa State coaching staff and what the practice looked like to him.
“It was crazy – it was super high energy and super intense,” Harrington said. “It wasn’t anything specific, but it was like (seeing) the whole practice in general kind of sealed the deal for me.”
Harrington discussed it with his family and high school coach, ultimately announcing his choice Friday.
The coaching staff’s overall dealings with its players and the culture around it further helped cement his future in Ames.
“It was how the coaches had the players’ backs and how they’re on them all the time with how they can make them better,” Harrington said. “How they challenge the players – and that’s all I want in a coach. That’s what I need for myself as a player. They’re all a family, and that really stuck out to me.”
Harrington chose the Cyclones over offers from Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma and Northern Illinois.
During his freshman season at North Scott, Harrington led the team with 13.3 points per game as well as a 46.5 percent clip from the 3-point line. He started 22 out of 23 games for the team.
“It feels great to be committed and know that I already have a family for college and stuff,” Harrington said. “My goal now is to keep getting stronger and working hard and just be able to be the best player I can when I enter college and step into the Cyclone basketball program.
