Westbrook re-opens recruitment

With Wayne Morgan out and Gregg McDermott in at Iowa State, Lawrence Westbrook is looking for a new college home again. The Winchendon (Mass.) School guard has received a release from his National Letter of Intent, according to his coach Mike Byrnes.

Westbrook received his official release from Iowa State on Friday. Before signing with the Big 12 last fall, the four-star guard held offers from Colorado, Arizona State, New Mexico, Pepperdine and San Diego. Byrnes said he has yet to hear from any coaches about Westbrook.

"I have not talked to anybody as of (Monday afternoon)," Byrnes said. "I know a lot of coaches were at the Final Four and they couldn't talk anyways. I'm very curious though as to who will call (on Tuesday). I assume a handful of schools will be calling once they see he is open again."

Westbrook is one of the top scorers still on the board. The former Arizona prep star averaged over 40 points a game in his home state before heading off to prep school. He led Winchendon this year with 18 points a game. Byrnes said he knows Westbrook can score the ball but he was more impressed with the way he improved on the defensive end.

"That was the biggest thing with me. I think he really learned how to defend guys," Byrnes said. "He really improved with that. I was impressed with how well he did on the defensive end."

Byrnes said he is curious though to the level of schools that come calling this week though.

"I would say he is a mid-level player," Byrnes said. "His lack of size and the fact he is not really a point guard (make him a mid-level player). I want to see my guys play and find a right spot in college."