Iowa State men's basketball signs grad transfer Zoran Talley

AMES — Throughout his re-recruitment process, graduate transfer Zoran Talley saw Iowa State as something different. Something genuine.

When he decided to transfer out of the Old Dominion men's basketball program, the 6-foot-7 forward wanted a change of scenery and environment. When Coach Steve Prohm got involved, Talley was struck by his interactions.

The budding relationship between Talley and ISU coaches culminated Thursday night when he signed with the program, the school announced.

'They're loyal and I appreciate that from them,' Talley said Thursday night. 'Coach Prohm said from day one, 'I'll be the hardest-working head coach recruiting you,' and he kept his word from there, hearing from them every day, him and (assistant) Coach (Neill) Berry, they called or texted. The vibe was very positive.'

Once he graduates from Old Dominion in August — with the expectation he would arrive later that month — Talley will have two seasons of eligibility beginning immediately.

Talley played in 26 games last season for Old Diminion and averaged 11.3 points per game. After redshirting his initial season in 2014-15, he was named to the Conference-USA All-Freshman Team as a redshirt freshman.

The Merrillville, Ind., native was dismissed from the Old Diminion program this spring, according to the Virginian-Pilot, for violation of team rules. He was suspended for three games in 2015-16 and five games last season, both for violating team rules.

'Starting off fresh, there's nothing wrong with that, just taking that step, a new beginning,' Talley said. 'Having that fresh start, new school, new people, I just have to make the best of it because I have two years of eligibility left, so I just want to enjoy it all.'

Talley adds depth and experience to the ISU front court, and will join sophomore Solomon Young, redshirt freshman Cameron Lard and gradute transfers Jeff Beverly and Hans Brase down low. Talley wasn't known specifically for his offensive prowess with the Monarchs, but could serve as a key defensive stopper at times.

'We are excited to add Zoran to our program,' Prohm said in a release. 'He has had great success, both personally and as a team, at ODU and will be an asset for our team. Zoran brings versatility on both ends of the floor and his ability to play and guard several positions will benefit us. He can score and make plays and with him being immediately eligible, that is great for us.'

Iowa State has 10 scholarship players available for next season, two sit-out transfers and one open slot after signing Talley. The bonus with signing Talley as opposed to a one-year rental is it starts to balance out classes and not place as heavy a burden on the coaches in recruiting.

As of now, the Cyclones would only need to fill three scholarships for the upcoming season — not counting attrition.

'It's uncommon having a grad transfer with two years left, so with me that's a blessing,' Talley said. 'I'm just looking to come in and make the best of it. My goal is to leave there with two Big 12 conference rings.

'Other than that, I just want to keep that winning tradition going, just keep it going.'

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