DES MOINES, Iowa -- One of the rare setbacks Iowa State suffered last season came in February, when five-star prep shooting guard Rashad Vaughn chose UNLV over the Cyclones.
Iowa State has responded by giving a scholarship it had earmarked for Vaughn to Bryce Dejean-Jones -- the leading scorer for the Runnin' Rebels last season.
Dejean-Jones, a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility left, said Sunday he plans to play his final season at Iowa State.
Dejean-Jones, a shooting guard who averaged 13.6 points a game last season, told The Associated Press in a phone interview on Sunday he decided Iowa State was the right fit after visiting Ames over the weekend.
"I just felt comfortable with everything about Iowa State," Dejean-Jones said. "I really liked it, and I decided that's where I want to play."
Dejean-Jones said he's on track to graduate in May, which means he should be eligible to play as a senior for Iowa State next season.
The Cyclones landed point guard DeAndre Kane last spring under similar circumstances. Kane earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and helped lead Iowa State to the Sweet 16.
Dejean-Jones is hoping to follow Kane's lead and finish his career on a high note.
"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."
Dejean-Jones, who picked the Cyclones over Arizona State, will likely enter fall practice as the starter at shooting guard over sophomore Matt Thomas and Naz Long.
The addition of Dejean-Jones should also make Iowa State among the favorites in the Big 12. He'll join a solid core of returning players that includes forwards Georges Niang and Dustin Hogue, point guard Monte Morris, Thomas, Long and transfer center Jameel McKay.