Iowa State added a big piece to its 2018 recruiting class on Thursday with the addition of 6-foot-5 wing Talen Horton-Tucker. A member of the Rivals150 and a four-star prospect, Horton-Tucker is one of the most versatile, unique seniors in America thanks to his set of ball skills, intellect and production.
The 16-year-old, one of the most improved prospects in the nation, chose Iowa State over Illinois and Xavier.
“They are just telling me I could be like Georges Niang, but a little more versatile and skilled coming in,” he said. “Being able to do many things instead of just one thing is something that they are selling to me.”
Horton-Tucker cited his relationship with Cyclones commit Tyrese Haliburton and his rapport with the program's staff as a reason for his commitment.
“I have been playing against Tyrese Haliburton from Wisconsin for the past few years and we talk a good amount,” he said. “They are pretty much the biggest school recruiting me since my sophomore year and it helps that I have a great relationship with them.”
While more of a wing prospect, Horton-Tucker should earn early minutes in Ames before earning a larger opportunity to contribute alongside a talented underclassmen core.
Horton-Tucker becomes the fourth commitment in the 2018 class for the Cyclones, joining Rivals150 standouts George Conditt, Tyrese Haliburton and Zion Griffin.