Caleb Grill picks Iowa State

Courtesy photo
Senior Caleb Grill commits to Iowa State after re-opening his recruitment. Grill was originally committed to SDSU.

Senior Caleb Grill officially announced Iowa State as his new home.

“It was the best all-around fit for me,” Grill said this morning. “With all the things I was looking for in a school, they were a little better in every category.”

Grill re-opened his recruiting in March after South Dakota State released him from his letter of intent following coach T.J. Otzelberger’s departure to UNLV.

“I feel relieved,” said Grill, who just moved up to No. 145 in Rivals’ Class of 2019 prospect list. “It was tough making a decision that fast — but I feel confident in my decision.”

Grill originally committed to SDSU last summer and signed a letter of intent in November.

He said he had three great options available: UNLV, K-State and Iowa State. Grill took official visits to all three, in addition to an unofficial visit to Creighton. He said he wanted to make a decision before the signing period ends May 15 so he can enroll for the summer.

Iowa State finished the 2018-19 season with a 23-12 record. The Cyclones were 9-9 in the Big 12 but won the tournament, defeating Kansas 78-66 in the championship game.The Cyclones lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Ohio State.

“I’ve always had confidence I could play at a higher level,” Grill said. “And with re-opening, I had more options to play at the highest level.

Grill said he thinks Iowa State’s fast style of play will suit him well. He also enjoyed the atmosphere on campus. Iowa State plays in Hilton Coliseum, which is considered to have one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. Iowa State is one of the biggest universities in the Big 12.

“I like that my family will be able to see me play,” Grill said. “And when I was on campus, I enjoyed the college town atmosphere.”

Grill said the relationship piece at Iowa State was there.

“I made a really great connection with coach [Steve] Prohm, his coaching staff and the players” Grill said.

Grill holds the Maize record for career scoring and led the basketball team this year to the best record in school history.

Grill plans to major in business or education.