Four seniors expected to sign letters of intent for Iowa basketball

Four high school seniors expect to sign official letters of intent Wednesday to play basketball at Iowa beginning in 2010.

The four are forwards Cody Larson (6-foot-9) and Zach McCabe (6-6) and guards Roy Marble Jr. (6-5) and Ben Brust (6-2). Three committed to Iowa this summer, and Larson committed in September 2008. All four took official visits to Iowa City Oct. 10 and reaffirmed their plans to sign with Iowa.

Iowa coaches cannot discuss a recruit until the school receives a signed letter of intent. Wednesday is the first day the school can receive those letters.

Many national recruiting experts consider this Iowa's best class under Coach Todd Lickliter, in his third season. Van Coleman, who publishes Hoopmasters recruiting service, said Iowa has a top-30 class for 2010.

“I think right now that's a heck of a class, but it's a class that fits what they do because they all can shoot it,” Coleman said. “They all are guys who can pass and understand the game a little bit. Those are the real pluses to the class who fit into the future of Iowa basketball under Todd Lickliter.”

Larson averaged 17.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists last year for Sioux Falls (S.D.) Roosevelt. He is considered the class' gem and ranks among the nation's top 75 seniors, Coleman said.

McCabe averaged 16.1 points, nine rebounds and 5.3 assists for Class 3A state champion Sioux City Heelan last year. He was Heelan's quarterback this fall, throwing for 2,461 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Brust averaged 28 points a game for Mundelein (Ill.) High School until breaking his leg midway through the season. Marble Jr., son of Iowa's all-time scoring leader Roy Marble, averaged 22 points, nine rebounds and 4.5 assists for Detroit's Southfield Lathrup (Mich.) High School.