Big 12 Basketball: Grading each team’s best recruiting class since realignment

Iowa State

Grade: B- (No. 28, class of 2018)

Notable commits: SF Talen Horton-Tucker (No.13 SF, No. 57 overall), SF Zion Griffin (No. 31 SF, No. 125 overall), PG Tyrese Haliburton (No. 29 PG, No.172 overall)

What was known as the opportunity for the Cyclones to make a splash, with potential hidden NBA draft talent. Although Horton-Tucker looked like a one-and-done, the other player to leave early was outside the Top 150.

The disappointment of the class was Zion Griffin, as never truly found a role and would come off the bench sparingly as a freshman. Griffin played more in 2019-2020, but never cracked the starting rotation, before transferring out to UIC.

Low-rated three-star George Conditt IV is on the roster and is the last remaining member of the 2018 class on the roster.

Horton-Tucker showed flashes of his potential in his one season in Ames. He averaged 11.8 points and almost five rebounds on 40% shooting. He made the All-Freshman team and was a big-bodied guard.

The more complete player out of the class was Tyrese Haliburton. After a backseat to Horton-Tucker as a freshman, Haliburton took over and inserted himself into a Lottery pick. His numbers across the board as a sophomore were better than Horton-Tucker’s freshman stats.

15.2 points per game, to go with 5.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 41% shooting from beyond the arc. Haliburton also is a tremendous defender, ranking fifth in the conference in steals. His 6’5 frame is extremely enticing to NBA scouts and would help him selected for the Sacramento Kings.

When it comes to NBA success, the 2018 class has it. However, the success on the court at Iowa State didn’t match the talent. The class has seen just one season with an above .500 record and one NCAA Tournament appearance.

The talent is good within this class, but the results fell well below expectation.