Iowa State inks three recruits

AMES - New York City hoops star Nkereuwem “Kerwin” Okoro's making sure he'll fit in when he joins Iowa State's men's basketball program next season.

How?

“Toning my body up, getting more athletic, getting bigger,” Okoro said after committing to the Cyclones. “Getting ready for the Big 12 Conference.”

Okoro, a 6-5 guard from the Bronx (St. Raymond), joined 6-7 forward Georges Niang and 6-4 guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker to form ISU's 2012-13 recruiting class, which became official Wednesday.

“(Okoro's) a wing player,” Cyclone coach Fred Hoiberg said Wednesday before practice. “You watch our system, our wings are pretty much interchangeable. We get them out running on a break. You like to have guys that can knock down shots, but the thing I like most about him is his ability to play in an uptempo system. Plus, you talk to anybody that's ever coached him and they talk about when you need a play to be made, he's the guy they call upon.”

Niang was the first of the trio to commit to ISU. He's a consensus top-100 recruit who helped The Tilton School win a fourth straight New England Perperatory School Athletic Council Class AA title last season.

He chose the Cyclones over schools such as Iowa, Texas A&M and Providence.

“(Niang) has as good a footwork on the block as I've seen at that age,” Hoiberg said. “He scores with his right and his left hand. He can step out and hit a three and he's a great a passer as well.”

Hoiberg said Niang is also Tilton's senior class president. He averaged 24.2 points and 8.2 rebounds as a junior.

“Go Cyclones,” Niang said after committing. “Let's get this thing going.”

Dorsey-Walker, who also had offers from Michigan and Baylor, among others, averaged 16.2 points last season for Detroit's Pershing High School, one of the top programs in the state.

“He can really shoot it,” Hoiberg said of Dorsey-Walker. “Very deep range.”

Okoro selected ISU over Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Arizona and Texas A&M.

He said he planned to strengthen his outside shooting skills before coming to Ames.

Hoiberg said his jump shot has “dramatically improved.”

“He is another outstanding New York player who knows how to win,” Hoiberg said.

ISU WOMEN INK THREE: Three prep standouts signed Wednesday to play basketball for Iowa State's women's basketball team.

They are: Maddy Baier of Tama, Emiah Bingley of Greenwood, Mo., and Nicole “Kidd” Blaskowsky of Sugar Land, Texas.

Bingley and Blaskowsky, who both stand 5-7, rank among the top-25 point guards in the 2012-13 class according to the Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.

Baier, a 6-4 forward/center, averaged 12.5 points and nine rebounds last season for South Tama.

“Maddy came to our Elite Camp and did a great job so we decided to recruit her,” ISU coach Bill Fennelly said in a team release. “She was probably the most excited kid to get an offer at Iowa State that I've ever had. I think everyone was crying when we made the phone call. She is someone that loves Iowa State and I think she has the chance to be very good.”