Simeon’s Talen Horton-Tucker commits to Iowa State

Talen Horton-Tucker and his mother Shirley both broke down in tears moments after announcing a commitment to Iowa State on Thursday at Simeon.

Recruiting is a high-stakes, stressful world. The college coaches and high school coaches are grizzled veterans, they’ve been through the wars. But for the recruits and their families the process is a minefield. It’s nearly impossible to know who to trust when everyone is promising you the world.

Horton-Tucker wasn’t entirely sure why he was so emotional.

““I really don’t even know, it just came out, the sense of accomplishment I guess,” Horton-Tucker said. “I’m just kind of happy to get it over with.”

Horton-Tucker’s final three were Iowa State, Illinois and Xavier. The senior took the high road when discussing his tumultuous Thursday with Illinois.

RELATED LINK: Why Simeon’s Talen Horton-Tucker didn’t wind up at Illinois

“I’ve played with [Morgan Park star and Illinois recruit Ayo Dosunmu] since I was 13, I didn’t have a problem with it,” Horton-Tucker said. “We could have done something at Illinois, I just chose a different spot.”

Horton-Tucker did let it slip that he made two decisions in the past day.

“I made [the decision] last night and then fifteen minutes ago too,” Horton-Tucker said “All of my choices were great. Iowa State, the deciding factor is I felt comfortable with them.”

Horton-Tucker is a 6-6, 210-pound matchup nightmare for opponents. He’s comfortable on the perimeter and in the post. He started his junior season as a promising talent and ended it in March as one of the state’s elite talents. He was magnificent in the Class 4A state semifinals against Bolingbrook, with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Iowa State has had tremendous success locally in the 2018 recruiting class. The Cylones also have commitments from Hinsdale South’s Zion Griffin, Corliss big man George Conditt and Tyrese Haliburton from Oshkosh, Wis.

“It was great being with George and Zion and Tyrese on my visit,” Horton-Tucker said. “I really jelled with them and I felt like I was at home. I think I can be an impact player right away. I’m kind of ready to get it started.”

Horton-Tucker plans to sign with Iowa State during the early signing period in November. The Cyclones 2018 recruiting class is complete and is considered among top 20 nationally.

Simeon will be one of the top three teams in the preseason Super 25 and Horton-Tucker will be Dosunmu’s primary competition for Player of the Year honors.