Signing Day: Iowa State signs best class in school history

TJ Otzelberger parlayed last season’s Sweet 16 run into signing the highest-rated high school class in Iowa State history.

The Cyclones’ four-man class currently ranks tenth in the 2023 On3 Team Rankings. Their 95.29 class score ranks them third in the Big 12.

Iowa State’s class

Five-star PF Omaha Biliew

Height/Weight: 6-8/215
High School: Waukee (IA) Senior High
On3 Consensus: No. 10

Omaha Biliew won a Class 4A state championship his sophomore year at Waukee (Iowa) High. After a 34-2 season at Link Year Prep, he returned to Waukee for his senior year. Biliew helped MoKan Elite win the Peach Jam title in the summer of 2022 with eight points and five rebounds in the championship game. He was also a participant at the Nike Hoops Summit in April 2022, representing South Sudan on Nike’s World Team. Biliew was also invited to the Team USA men’s U18 team training camp in 2022.

Biliew is a physical presence as his frame looks like that of a college upperclassman. He has great length and is a good, functional athlete. Biliew is still learning how to use his physical traits to impact a game. When he is at his best, Biliew is a switchable defender between wings and forwards, and he is rebounding at a high rate. Offensively, Biliew has touch and he can knock down a three, but he is still not all the way comfortable handling and creating on the perimeter. There is some of that in his game, and he shows flashes, but that is something he will need to work on. Right now, Biliew is a defensive-minded four-man. The upside is there, along with the tools.

Four-star PF Milan Momcilovic

Height/Weight: 6-8/205
High School: Pewaukee (WI) High
On3 Consensus: No. 34

Milan Momcilovic attended Pewaukee (Wisc.) High in Waukesha County. He averaged 14.8 points in his freshman season. He led Pewaukee High to the state title as a sophomore averaging 16.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. As a junior, Momcilovic once again led the team to the state title and improved his averages to 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds.

Momcilovic is a skilled post player. He is confident with the ball in his hands and can make plays from multiple areas on the floor. The athleticism will be a question, but he has an array of ball fakes and footwork to be able to get a shot off. He has good hands. I would like to see him rebound more, and the jump shot release is inconsistent from three, but he has touch and can step out and take a shot. He can draw fouls well in the mid-range and mid-post and get to the free-throw line.

Four-star SG Jelani Hamilton

Height/Weight: 6-6/200
High School: Marietta (GA) Wheeler
On3 Consensus: No. 118

Jelani Hamilton has a strong frame, broad shoulders, long arms, and great positional size. The first thing you notice about his game is the pace with which he plays. The 6-foot-6 guard is never rushed, playing primarily on the ball for his high school team. While he is not an elite athlete, and while he can play too upright at times, he can get to his spots using changes of speed. He has a smooth shot that he confidently takes, with range, off the bounce, or the catch. There are a lot of positive attributes to Hamilton’s game, most of which center around his jump shot.

Three-star PF Kayden Fish

Height/Weight: 6-6/205
High School: Kansas City (MO) Staley
On3 Consensus: No. 224

Kayden Fish is a strong guy who knows his game. He has long arms, broad shoulders, and he has excellent hands. Fish is a good area rebounder and does not shy away from the tough guy stuff. He is undersized for his position, but his toughness and strength allow him to produce. He has good touch around the basket, finishes through contact, and knocks down his free throws. The athleticism and lateral quickness may be a question. He has good footwork, and he understands angles. Fish does a good job of producing and understanding his role.