Prep point guard heading to Big 12
Iowa State's new basketball coach Greg McDermott hasn't been on the job for three weeks yet, but it's already clear what he wants in his first recruiting class: Players that can make an impact right away.
After landing their first commitment from a junior college prospect earlier this week, McDermott and his staff headed to the prep school ranks for their second.
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Dodie Dunson, a 6-foot-2, 185-point guard from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., committed to the Cyclones during an official visit to Ames earlier today. Dunson also had scholarship offers from Tulsa and Minnesota.
"I just spoke with Dodie and we notified all the other schools involved that he will be signing with the Cyclones on Wednesday (start of the late signing period)," Brewster coach Jason Smith told Rivals.com.
Dunson originally signed with Illinois State coming out of Bloomington (Ill.) High, but asked for a release from his letter-of-intent and headed to Brewster, which has produced a long line of Division-I prospects.
McDermott recruited Dunson in high school when he was the head coach at Northern Iowa and that pre-existing relationship gave the Cyclones an edge over other schools.
"Iowa State's old coaching staff actually inquired about Dodie about two days before they were dismissed," Smith said. "But, the fact that he knew Coach McDermott was really appealing for him."
The chance to start right away was another appealing factor. Iowa State point guard Will Blalock and shooting guard Curtis Stinson recently announced they will leave school early for the NBA draft, although they could return if they don't sign with agents and retract their decisions before the deadline on June 17.
If Blalock and Stinson do leave, Dunson and Michael Taylor (6-2, 175), a shooting guard from Chipola (Fla.) Junior College who committed to ISU Wednesday, could be the Cyclones' starting backcourt in 2006-07.
"Dodie spent time with Will and Curtis during his visit and he looks at it like a great opportunity if they leave and a challenge at the same time if they end up coming back," Smith said.
Dunson played various roles for Brewster this past season and averaged 17 points, four assists and four rebounds a game. He also showed a lot of maturity and leadership.
"Dodie is a very unique prospect because he has the entire package," Smith said. "He is a combo guard that brings a lot of swagger to the court. He can score, pass and is also a great perimeter defender.
"He also has along great character. You won't find a teacher of faculty member at our school that doesn't enjoy being around him. He is very charismatic and is always smiling. That rubs off on everyone around him."