Garrett states case in Portsmouth event

AMES - His former coaches and teammates know and believe.

Now it's time for Diante Garrett to show those holding NBA jobs he can be an employee at that level. The Iowa State point guard is one of 64 college seniors playing in front of scouts and general managers this week at the Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational.

Garrett is hoping to join a handful of Cyclones over the last decade who jumped on the pro basketball radar with strong performances at this event, which opened Friday night and runs through Saturday.

“I have heard what a great tournament it is from other guys,” Garrett told cyclones.com. “It is a chance to play in front of the pro scouts, and I just want to go there and play my game and showcase my talents.”

Garrett was second team all-Big 12 this season after averaging 17.3 points and leading the conference in assists (6.1), becoming a focal point for the Cyclones after forward Craig Brackins left school early and Fred Hoiberg took over as head coach.

“Diante deserves a lot,” said Hoiberg, who will be in attendance this week watching Garrett. “He's been through lot, played his role and never complained. He's putting himself in position where he's going to have a chance (at the NBA). It's going to be a big summer for him.”

Garrett's father, Dick, played five seasons in the NBA.

Hoiberg, a former executive with the Minnesota Timberwolves, said the younger Garrett has the physical attributes teams like.

“Small guards have a tough time making it,” Hoiberg said. “Diante is 6-3 1/2 at the point spot and he's got the speed and quickness I think to play at the next level.”

Recruit released

The Cyclones have two scholarships available with news this week that recruit Anthony Odunsi has been granted his release before setting foot on campus.

Odunsi, a 6-3 guard from Fort Bend, Texas, will reopen his recruitment and look for more immediate playing time elsewhere.

Two of the four players signed last fall will not be with the team next season. Milwaukee-area shooting guard Elgin Cook will instead attend a prep school and possibly join the Cyclones after one season there.

With honors

In some positive recruiting news, guard Tyrus McGee, who signed in November, is a junior college All-American after a star season at Cowley County (Kan.) Community College. McGee scored 20.1 points a game while shooting close to 50 percent on 3-pointers.