Clayton Custer leaving ISU men's basketball team

AMES, Ia. – Clayton Custer, a true freshman, is leaving the Iowa State basketball program.

"I appreciate the work and effort Clayton gave to our program this season," coach Fred Hoiberg said in a statement. "He has been a great teammate. I've enjoyed coaching Clayton and wish him the best in the future. I will do anything I can to assist him as he looks for a new school."

Custer, a 6-foot point guard, played in just 12 games, and scored a total of 13 points while averaging just 5.8 minutes.

In a text message to the Register, Custer wrote: "I love Iowa State! Fred is an unbelievable coach, and I feel blessed that I was part of the program!"

Custer hasn't played since Feb. 14, when he got in for a minute against West Virginia.

"I truly enjoyed my time at Iowa State," Custer said in the statement. "I was able to build relationships with people I'll be close to the rest of my life and I will always cherish the moments I had here. Thank you to the Iowa State coaches, my teammates and Cyclone nation for the special opportunity."

There weren't a lot of minutes available for a backup point guard, considering Monte Morris, one of the best in the Big 12 Conference, averaged 33.9 minutes and started all 34 games.

Custer was a three-time state of Kansas first-team Class 6-A selection while attending Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kan. He averaged 19 points as a high school senior. He chose the Cyclones over Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State according to his bio on the school's website.

Iowa State has three scholarships available for next season.