Jack Kohnen, a 6‑foot‑6 forward from Slinger, Wisconsin, announced his commitment to Iowa State University on Tuesday, choosing the Cyclones over a handful of suitors that included Nebraska and Iowa.
The class of 2027 recruit, ranked No. 59 in the 247Sports composite, posted a double‑double as a junior, averaging 20.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while also guiding Slinger High School to its first-ever state tournament appearance.
Kohnen said the relationships he forged with Iowa State’s coaching staff over the past two years played a decisive role in his decision, noting that the program’s emphasis on team chemistry and player development resonated with his own style of play.
Wisconsin Ties That Helped Seal the Deal
Iowa State’s head coach T.J. Otzelberger, a Wisconsin native, has cultivated a pipeline that already includes several players from the state, a factor that Kohnen highlighted as a major influence. The Cyclones’ recent success in recruiting the Badger State has turned the program into a magnet for top local talent.
The commitment also brings Kohnen into a budding partnership with Donovan Davis, his AAU teammate on Team Herro, who will also join the 2027 class. Together they represent a new wave of Wisconsin prospects looking to make an impact in the Big 12.
Kohnen’s decision underscores a broader trend: a loaded 2027 recruiting class in Wisconsin that features names such as Dooney Johnson, Jalen Brown and Kager Knueppel, all of whom are expected to shape the next generation of college basketball talent.
Beyond the court, the addition of Kohnen bolsters Iowa State’s roster depth and adds a versatile frontcourt player who can stretch the floor, protect the rim and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Coach Otzelberger expressed excitement about the recruit’s ‘team‑first’ mentality, predicting that Kohnen will be a key piece in the Cyclones’ push for conference contention.