Big 12 Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

Iowa State has consistently been one of the most underrated programs in the nation for the past several seasons. The Cyclones, despite not receiving a ton of media attention, have reached the NCAA Tournament in seven of the last nine seasons and they are seemingly only hitting their stride under head coach Steve Prohm. Looking ahead to this upcoming season, the program once again has postseason aspirations thanks to a strong group of returners. Additionally, though, Iowa State’s No. 56 overall recruiting class looks poised to fill the majority of the reserve roles for the team.

The most notable recruit in this bunch is Caleb Grill, a 6-foot-3 point guard out of Kansas. Grill is regarded as the No. 175 overall recruit in the class and he should be an instant impact player for the Cyclones. He dictates the pace of games well and should compete with fellow 2019 commit Tre Jackson (No. 209) for the primary back-up point guard duties behind Tyrese Haliburton. Both players will see immediate playing time as freshmen before emerging as potential starters in Year 2.

Additionally, Luke Anderson (No. 211) and Marcedus Leech (No. 298) are joining the program as frontcourt commits. Both players could compete for reserve minutes behind Iowa State’s upperclassmen-laden frontcourt. Either way, they will be integral parts of the Cyclones’ future. Anderson is a strong shooter at 6-foot-8 that can really stretch the floor. Leech is more confined to playing solely on the wing but could provide solid minutes.