A Recruiting Surge
Iowa State’s 2027 basketball recruiting class has vaulted to the top of the national rankings, boasting two prospects who sit inside the top 50 of the cycle.
The summer evaluation window kicks off on May 15, ushering in a series of certified events such as the Nike EYBL and the Adidas 3SSB, where coaches and scouts will get their first extended look at the newest talent.
Among the Cyclones’ most prized commits, Josiah Harrington, the return to the EYBL circuit after a year‑long ankle injury has generated buzz, especially after his showing with Brad Beal Elite, where he posted 16.3 points per game across three contests.
During his junior season at North Scott, Harrington averaged nearly 25 points per game, shot close to 50 percent from the field and hovered around 30 percent from beyond the arc, underscoring a blend of scoring and efficiency that attracted top programs.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger, along with assistants Tim Buckley and Allan Hanson, have shepherded the class through the recruiting maze, leveraging relationships with grassroots programs and emphasizing development pathways that appeal to elite prospects.
The involvement of powerhouse circuits like Nike and Adidas, coupled with the oversight of the NCAA, adds a layer of institutional legitimacy that could reshape the Cyclones’ trajectory in the coming years.