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The Ames Tribune's Travis Hines broke the news on Twitter Monday that ISU post player Brady Ernst would be transferring out of Ames.
Brady Ernst plans from transfer from Iowa State, sources close to the situation tell the Ames Tribune.
— Travis Hines (@TravisHines21) May 9, 2016
WRNL's own RevDizz had heard rumblings of Ernst transferring as early as a month ago, making today's announcement less of a shocker.
FWIW, I'm hearing Brady Ernst will not return to Iowa State next season.
— WRNLRev (@tom_danielson) April 16, 2016
With this news, the lingering questions surrounding the Cyclones' 2016-17 young and inexperienced front court, revolve around the eligibility of Cameron Lard and Emmanuel Malou.
Coach Prohm's roster for the upcoming season is effectively set at this point with an even 13 scholarships, should all players be declared eligible by the NCAA. The odds are seemingly stacked against the Cyclones, however, as promising news surrounding Lard is countered with disappointing news regarding Malou's eligibility.
While the idea of playing a four guard lineup has been tossed around, guarding a Big 12 caliber power forward with a 3/4 guard seems like a strategy fraught with risk. Matt Thomas has developed into an excellent defender, and had decent size for a guard, but can he battle a big man down low? Deonte Burton also has the athleticism and strength to stay with most post players, but will need to improve his defense over the summer to make this option viable. Thankfully, the cupboard isn't completely bare in terms of front court bodies.
Merrill Holden, a 6'8" graduate transfer from Louisiana Tech, inked with Iowa State this past weekend, which will help fill a hole in next season's front court as our gracious overlord writes here. But of the six available forwards - Burton, Malou, Bowie, Carter, Lard and Young - only Burton has logged significant minutes in an Iowa State uniform. While there is talent and some collegiate experience among that bunch, it'll be interesting to see who ends up eligible and how that talent translates into results.