Search
ISU basketball gets verbal from 2012 recruit
By Courtney Linehan
Date Posted: 2008-11-03
Wesley Staten has yet to begin practice for his freshman season at Sioux City West, but the point guard has already decided where he'll play four years from now.
On Monday Staten verbally committed to Iowa State, becoming the third known player in the class of 2012 to have an offer from the Cyclones but the first to accept it.
“I chose Iowa State because first of all the academic program, but also it’s also not far for my family to travel,†Staten said. “I really liked the coaches, the connection they had with the players, and the atmosphere.â€
Staten said Iowa State’s coaches first saw him play this summer at an AAU tournament in Florida. Iowa State sent assistants to Sioux City West's open gyms this fall, and Staten visited campus Oct. 25. Staten was offered a scholarship that weekend.
He took a week to think things over, then accepted his first scholarship offer.
“I thought if I chose early they’d set aside a scholarship,†Staten said. “My parents were so comfortable with it, and I knew if I liked it and my parents liked it, it would be a good fit. And it’s a plus that it’s only three hours away, so they can come to my games.â€
Iowa, Northern Iowa and Wichita State had also shown interest.
Kelly Boyle, the head coach at Sioux City West, says the Cyclones will like what they get in Staten.
"He handles the ball extremely well, has a quick step, is very athletic," Boyle said. "He can get to the paint, but can also pass well."
Staten will have plenty to work on through his four years in high school. While he'll contribute to the Wolverines' varsity squad from day one, Boyle said he'll likely add to his 6-foot height and will have work to do in the weight room.
Staten said he’s already preparing for his freshman season, hitting the gym at 6 a.m. every morning to improve his shooting.
“West High has been a losing program, so I want to help turn it around,†Staten said. “I want to come in, be a leader, and get my teammates involved. I know I can score anytime I need to, but I know you need the teammates around you.â€
By Courtney Linehan
Date Posted: 2008-11-03
Wesley Staten has yet to begin practice for his freshman season at Sioux City West, but the point guard has already decided where he'll play four years from now.
On Monday Staten verbally committed to Iowa State, becoming the third known player in the class of 2012 to have an offer from the Cyclones but the first to accept it.
“I chose Iowa State because first of all the academic program, but also it’s also not far for my family to travel,†Staten said. “I really liked the coaches, the connection they had with the players, and the atmosphere.â€
Staten said Iowa State’s coaches first saw him play this summer at an AAU tournament in Florida. Iowa State sent assistants to Sioux City West's open gyms this fall, and Staten visited campus Oct. 25. Staten was offered a scholarship that weekend.
He took a week to think things over, then accepted his first scholarship offer.
“I thought if I chose early they’d set aside a scholarship,†Staten said. “My parents were so comfortable with it, and I knew if I liked it and my parents liked it, it would be a good fit. And it’s a plus that it’s only three hours away, so they can come to my games.â€
Iowa, Northern Iowa and Wichita State had also shown interest.
Kelly Boyle, the head coach at Sioux City West, says the Cyclones will like what they get in Staten.
"He handles the ball extremely well, has a quick step, is very athletic," Boyle said. "He can get to the paint, but can also pass well."
Staten will have plenty to work on through his four years in high school. While he'll contribute to the Wolverines' varsity squad from day one, Boyle said he'll likely add to his 6-foot height and will have work to do in the weight room.
Staten said he’s already preparing for his freshman season, hitting the gym at 6 a.m. every morning to improve his shooting.
“West High has been a losing program, so I want to help turn it around,†Staten said. “I want to come in, be a leader, and get my teammates involved. I know I can score anytime I need to, but I know you need the teammates around you.â€
| Comments |
|
We welcome comments on all sides of all issues. We want our comment forums to be a respectful, comfortable place for people of all opinions to discuss topics of interest. Toward that end, we will not approve comments that contain profanity, obscenity, libel, name-calling, or personal attack. We reserve the right to disapprove any comment for any reason.
|