Since I'm often times busy during the summer, I'm often looking for readers to contribute however they can, through features such as FanPosts and FanShots. This is a FanPost from the member cyismydog on the '09 men's basketball recruiting efforts. - CC

While Iowa state has offered a multitude of 2009 recruits, the staff seems to be concentrating on a select few players that are seriously considering Iowa State and those that would fit a variety of needs on the 2010 ISU team.

    First, I'm going to examine the needs of the basketball team. There are two positions that need help the most on the ISU team, so the staff is focusing on recruiting players for those positions. Here is a detailed breakdown of ISU's recruiting needs, and who they are targeting to fill these positions.

1. The Guard Court: This is the last year for former walk-ons and key contributors Bryan Petersen and Sean Haluska. When they leave, the backcourt will be short on depth, and a scoring punch will be lacking off the bench, unless one of our current players really improves. The staff is targeting primarily one player to fill this hole. His name is Xavier Thames, a 6'5" combo guard with a great outside shot who can also break down defenders off the dribble. He has his own website at www.xavierthames.net. The main competition for Thames' services are the Cougars of Washington State, who recently put an offer on the table for the talented guard. Wazzu is perceived to have the inside track for Thames because of a family connection; Thames father played a season for the Cougars. Iowa State is still very much in the hunt for Thames services, though.
    In April, Thames made an unofficial visit to Iowa State on his own dime. He toured Iowa State's practice facilities, and met with Coach McDermott, who impressed him with his humor and knowledge of the game.
    Another guard who might get a look from ISU is talented IHCC guard Dwight Buycks. While he currently has offers from schools such as Tennessee and Wisconsin, he does not yet list an Iowa State offer. I think that will change though, with the addition to the Iowa State staff of former Indian Hills player Daniyal Robinson. 
2. Small Forward: Wesley Johnson's departure has also affected the teams' recruiting. As of right now, Lucca Staiger is the only player that has the size and shooting ability to play the three on Iowa State's roster. While guard is the first recruiting option for the staff, there are several players that have been currently offered to play the small forward position
    CJ Wilcox, Pleasant Grove Utah.   "The best shooter I've seen in two years,"  said ISU assistant coach TJ Otzelberger after watching Wilcox play. A tall and gifted wing who can seemingly do it all on the court, he is a dead-eye shooter and a freakish athlete that can jump out of the gym. His only downside is an average, at best, handle. ISU recently offered Wilcox a scholarship, but new competition has jumped into the race for this talented wing in the form of Miami of Florida. Check out this youtube video compiled by his father Craig, a former standout on the hardwood for BYU himself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGaOrpayFkQ
    Givon Crump: A target of the staff since September, Crump is another tall wing who is a long-range sharpshooter. Recently ranked # 107 in the Rivals 150, Rivals analyst Jerry Meyer recently called him, "One of the top 10 shooters in his class." While Crump is lacking the athleticism and speed of Wilcox, he is still a great player that would fit ISU's needs.
    Rodney Williams Jr. The top leaper in his class with a developing jumpshot, Williams is a real long shot for the ISU staff. One of the top players in his class, he is considered a strong Minnesota lean - if he improves his grades. He may go to prep school and reclassify into the class of '10 if he doesn't improve his academics.
    2010 prospect Harrison Barnes - The 11th rated player and a 5 star talent by Scout, Barnes is as much of a must get as any prospect out there.
    This is the first of what I hope is many more blog entries to come. I will be back with any updates on these recruits that I find out.