Based on geography, Iowa State and UNLV don't profile as recruiting rivals. Of course, the NCAA abandoned geographical considerations a long time ago when they allowed teams hours from the Canadian border like Syracuse to join a conference like the ACC, primarily situated in the south. Extra student-athlete travel time aside, Iowa State and UNLV are still rather far from competitors off the court. Recently, however, they've found themselves caught in an awkward battle in which both have lost players to the other.
In February, Iowa State lost five-star prospect Rashad Vaughn to UNLV, who've been on a recruiting roll this year with three players in ESPN's top 100 -- three in the top 40. (Vaughn was number 19 and rated a 93.)
Recently, Iowa State gave the scholarship intended for Vaughn to UNLV's leading scorer from last season, Bryce Dejean-Jones, who will transfer, ESPN reported. Dejean-Jones has one year left of eligibility. Since he'll graduate in May, he won't have to sit out a season like he did when he switched from USC to UNLV following the 2010-11 season.
"I just felt comfortable with everything about Iowa State," Dejean-Jones, who averaged 13.6 ppg last season for the 20-13 Rebels, told ESPN. "I really liked it, and I decided that's where I want to play."
The 21 year-old will hope to fill the gap left by departing leading scorers Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane (also a transfer). He's projected to be one of the team's starting guards.
"Just getting to sit down and understand more about their style of play, it fit me well," Dejean-Jones said. "I can't wait to get there."
