NCAA Basketball: 15 undervalued players in 2020 recruiting class
By Ian Mumm
#72 Xavier Foster, PF/C – Iowa State
Last season was not an optimal year for frontcourt talent at Iowa State. The Cyclones were thin in this area, with only three true forwards and centers on the roster, and understandably ran their offense through potential NBA lottery pick Tyrese Haliburton. While the depth issue in the frontcourt will not entirely be fixed in 2020, three of the team’s top-5 most productive scoring threats are no longer with the program.
There is plenty of opportunity on this year’s team to restructure where offensive production comes from and adding more dynamic aspects to Iowa State’s offense. Senior forward Solomon Young and junior center George Conditt IV may have a strong grip on starting positions next year, but Coach Prohm will need a rotational piece he can count on. Xavier Foster provides that and more for the Cyclones next season and personally could see equal minutes with Conditt by the end of the season.
The 7-footer Foster’s ability to become a defensive anchor for the Cyclones is readily apparent. He has good mobility for the position, can close quickly on the perimeter, and tracks shots well to finish block attempts. Mirroring much of Conditt’s abilities on both ends of the floor, Foster adds an extra dimension to the position and the Cyclones offense that will force opposing defenses to account for.
Foster can stretch the floor and hit a little over 33% of his 3-point attempts during his senior high school season. While the offense is set for guards Rasir Bolton and DePaul transfer Jalen Coleman-Lands to take over the reins, Foster will get spot opportunities as a pick-and-pop big to extend the defense. This new wrinkle could help push the Cyclones back towards Big-12 competitiveness.