It is obvious that Iowa State’s basketball program is in a transition period with the transfer of three rotation players from last season. Caleb Grill, Terrence Lewis, and Zion Griffin will all be entering the transfer portal, but there are plenty of options for the Cyclones to replace their production.

The 2020 recruiting class for Iowa State might already be complete, but now that Steve Prohm will have at least four open scholarships for next season he has options.

Kerwin Walton, F, Hopkins (MN)

Kerwin Walton has been a name often connected to the Cyclones since their recent roster openings. The 6’5” guard ranks 97th in the class of 2020 according the 247 Sports. He is a great defender with elite length and shooting ability that would fit right into the current Iowa State system. He has only officially visited North Carolina and Arizona, but I believe Iowa State and his hometown Minnesota to have a legitimate chance to land him

Keon Ellis, G, Southwestern State, (FL) (JUCO)

Ellis is a 6’6” junior college wing, who was just recently offered by Iowa State. The Cyclones will likely be in competition with Kansas State and Alabama for the Florida native’s services. While most Cyclone fans would be looking towards Walton or the transfer portal for hope, Ellis’ smooth game would make him a great fit on next year’s team.

**(high school highlights)**

Steve Prohm has been historically successful in the transfer portal during his time in Ames. This year will provide him with plenty more options to pick from.

Confirmed Interest

*(players who are either in contact with or received an offer from Iowa State)

Bryce Aiken, G, Harvard

Aiken might be the prized jewel for ISU. He would be quite the get for Prohm as he is one of the most coveted grad transfers of all time. The 6-foot guard averaged 22.2 points per game as junior, until his senior season was derailed by a foot injury. If the Cyclones are able to land Aiken the outlook for the 2020-21 season might completely change.

D.J. Carton, G, Ohio State

Carton is obviously the transfer target that makes the most sense. He was a top 35 recruit in the country in 2019, until his season freshman season in Columbus was hindered by a multitude of issues. Carton is a Bettendorf, Iowa native, therefore a homecoming could be in the works.

**(high school highlights)**

Trey McGowens, G, Pittsburgh

McGowens is the last player on this list who will be pursued nationally. The 6’3” guard was a top 100 recruit in 2019, until he oddly transferred from Pitt after only one season. He has a very gifted offensive game as he is a very talented finisher and all-around scorer. Although Iowa State is interested, I would imagine he will not be its only option.

Brendan Berry, G, Dartmouth

If Iowa State strikes out on all the top guys, there is still plenty of talent in the portal. Barry averaged 13.2 points per game last season, while shooting 44.5% from behind the three point arc. Although he might not be as flashy as some other guys the 6’2” guard would provide the Cyclones with a service they badly need.

Darius Perry, F, Louisville

Perry averaged 5.2 points and 2.5 assists per contest last season at Louisville. The athletic 6’2” guard would provide the Cyclones with the bench depth they badly need. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, so he might just need to right opportunity to flourish.

Jamarius Burton, G, Wichita State

Burton averaged 10.3 points per game as a sophomore at Wichita State and he could be an interesting piece for the Cyclones. He is a very athletic combo-guard who could be a great off the bench scorer for Iowa State, or he could even compete for a starting role.

Tahj Eady, F, Santa Clara

Eady averaged 9.1 points per game last season at Santa Clara, as a junior. Although he might only project as a rotation player, he is still an underrated combo-guard who could step in and contribute right away.

As of my January recruiting update, Iowa State had offered 11 total class of 2021 recruits, and you can now add three more to the list.

El Ellis, G, Tallahassee CC (FL) (JUCO)

Elbert Ellis is one of the most heralded JUCO prospects in the class of 2021. He currently holds upwards of 10 division one offers headlined by Louisville He is a 6’2” point guard who would be able to man the Cyclones offense at a very high pace.

**(high school highlights)**

Kaleb Washington, F, Pebblebrook (GA)

Washington is a 6’7” forward that has great length. He is rated as a top 100 recruit in the class of 2021, and hold offered from five other division one programs led by Florida State. He is still a very raw player but he holds great potential making him a very interesting prospect.

Brandon Weston, G, Morgan Park (IL)

Weston is a 6’4” wing who ranks 64th nationally according to 247. Iowa State was his fourth D-1 offer after Seton Hall, Illinois, and UMass. He has a great shooting stroke and overall feel for the game as a score first guard. He should be a name to keep an eye on for 2021.