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Kansas State, Iowa State pick up first 2013 pledges

K-State Weber Basketball

Bruce Weber, Kansas State’s new men’s basketball coach, left, talks with Topeka attorney and Catbacker Dan Lykins during the annual Topeka Area Catbackers BBQ at the Kansas Expocentre’s Exhibition Hall Monday June 18, 2012..(AP Photo, Topeka Capital-Journal, Thad Allton)

AP

In recent days, Kansas State and Iowa State turned their attention to recruiting the 2013 class, and were rewarded with their first verbal commitments in those classes.

Iowa State struck in Wisconsin, landing sharpshooter Matt Thomas, a 6-4 swish machine. Thomas came down to Virginia and Iowa State, before deciding to go with the Mayor (coach Fred Hoiberg). There’s a more than solid chance that Thomas will end up as a top-100 prospect in the class, mostly due to his long-range shooting expertise, which will be helpful for the Cyclones.

Meanwhile, it seems as if Kansas State struck with 6-6 wing forward Alex Etherington, the younger brother of Indiana guard Austin Etherington. The younger Etherington is said to be a good athlete, with a close to college ready frame. He didn’t have many scholarship offers, but if the reviews regarding his play are true, Kansas State bought his stock on the way up.

This is the stage in the recruiting cycle where college programs can pick up verbal commitments from their primary targets prior to the July evaluation period, where they will be widely seen. Going into July with one or more recruits in hand can relieve some pressure on the coaches, provided the players live up to expectations while they face off against other prospects.

Kellon Hassenstab runs Hoopniks.com. Follow him on Twitter @hoopniks.