Cyclones get commitment from juco big man

AMES -- Southeastern Community College forward John Wilkens has accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball at Iowa State starting next season, The Gazette learned late Wednesday night.

The 6-9, 220-pounder visited campus earlier this month for ISU's Hilton Coliseum finale against Missouri. He will have three seasons to play.

Indiana, Providence, Kansas State and Illinois State all showed heavy interest in landing Wilkens.

Wilkens signed with Bradley two years ago, but never played for the Braves and did not end up playing for Southeastern this season due to eligibility issues.

The native of France played five games for a junior club team in his home country. He will need to sit out five regular season games at ISU next season as a penalty.

Wilkens' addition is a huge boost to a frontcourt decimated by the early departure of Craig Brackins to the NBA, Justin Hamilton's sudden transfer and Marquis Gilstrap's expiring eligibility.