Iowa State has expanded its roster through the transfer portal, as former Northern Iowa guard Nate Heise announces his commitment to the Cyclones. Heise’s decision to join Iowa State follows an official visit to the program on April 1.Originally from Lake City, Minnesota, Heise moves to Iowa State after four seasons as a starter at Northern Iowa. During his fourth year as a junior in the 2023-24 season, Heise achieved career highs in points (13.5) and rebounds (6.1), while also boasting a career-best 3-point shooting percentage of 35.5.
Heise joins Iowa State with the potential for two more seasons of eligibility. Although he began his collegiate career as a freshman in the 2020-21 season, all athletes from that campaign were granted an additional season due to COVID-19. Additionally, the 6-foot-4 guard could qualify for a medical redshirt from the 2022-23 season, having played only two games due to a season-ending hand injury.Throughout his career, Heise has maintained averages of 10.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game
with 1.7 assists. He shoots at a 45 percent rate from the field and nearly 34 percent from beyond the arc. Heise’s commitment to Iowa State comes despite interest from Minnesota and other high-major programs.
There’s a pre-existing connection between Iowa State and Heise, as Cyclone assistant coach Kyle Green coached him at Northern Iowa before joining the Iowa State staff three seasons ago under T.J. Otzelberger. Such prior relationships often play a significant role in securing commitments from transfer portal prospects.
Regarding his fit within the team, Heise bolsters Iowa State’s guard depth heading into the 2024-25 season. With returning All-Big 12 guards Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert, the Cyclones’ backcourt appears strong. Sixth man Curtis Jones and All-Big 12 Freshman team member Milan Momcilovic further solidify the backcourt, with the latter potentially transitioning to the four spot to compensate for the departure of key frontcourt players.
