2026 Top-150 recruit Yusef Gray Jr. commits to Iowa State

Yusef Gray Jr., a three-star shooting guard in the 2026 class, has committed to Iowa State, he told On3.

The 6-foot-3 junior out of West Allis Central (Milwaukee, WI) chose the Cyclones over offers from Creighton, DePaul, and others. He becomes Iowa State’s first commitment of the cycle.

Gray is the No. 148 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings — is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 35 shooting guard and the No. 1 player in Wisconsin.

Gray on his commitment to Iowa State

Yusef Gray Jr. went in-depth on his commitment to Iowa State with On3.

“I chose Iowa State because the relationship I have with Coach T.J. & Coach JR Blount. They came to my school for a month straight, coming in to check on me before my high school season started. They were at all my AAU games and recently came to my high school game after their big win against Texas Tech. They showed me how much they wanted me and told me they will outwork every school to show how much they wanted me, and the unbelievable amount of love from the fans! The conference is big time. I get to compete at the highest level in college basketball against the best players and teams in the country. That’s always been something I wanted to do. And the staff always welcomed my family in with open arms when I brought them on campus. Family means everything to me and the staff took the time out to connect with them so that was big!”

What led to his trust in head coach T. J. Otzelberger and his staff?

“Coach T.J. and the staff always kept it real with me. Not telling me all the things I do good but telling me stuff I need to work on and get better at for the next level. Fun fact, my dad played basketball in college and went to Iowa Center and Coach T.J. recruited my dad in high school. Also, new assistant coach & former Iowa State player Diante Garrett was my dad’s high school teammate.”

In his own words, what type of player is Iowa State getting in Yusef Gray Jr.?

“I would describe my playstyle as an all-around guard that can attack the rim, rebound, pass the ball/get his team involve, and a three-level scorer.”

He has a message for Cyclone fans.

“It’s crazy that I’m actually going to Iowa State. It’s pretty much a Wisconsin pipeline school so get ready for another Wisconsin native Iowa state fans. I’m committed!! And Ready to Work GO CYCLONESSS!!”