Wake Forest Lands Former Five-Star Recruit in Transfer Portal

The Wake Forest basketball program made a splash in the transfer portal, landing former five-star forward Omaha Biliew out of Iowa State to bolster the frontcourt.

Biliew is a rising sophomore originally from Iowa. He averaged only 7.4 minutes in 20 games for the Cyclones with his best performance being a 14-point effort against Grambling in November. A former McDonald's All-American, Biliew represents an excellent gamble for the Demon Deacons as they rebuild their roster.

At 6'8", 225 lbs, the rangy forward projects as a versatile, punishing defender with the chops to punish teams in transition on offense.

Wake Forest News: Demon Deacons Land Iowa State Transfer Omaha Biliew

Head coach Steve Forbes needs to find a new identity for the program with star guard Hunter Sallis heading to the NBA, and Biliew is the kind of player you can build around long-term. His high motor is infectious to teammates and isn't someone who needs the ball in his hands to make an impact.

As a senior at Waukee High School, Biliew was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Iowa while averaging 22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Iowa State struggled to find playing time for him as they surged to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but Biliew should shine on a rebuilding Demon Deacons squad.

Highlight dunks like those are typical for the high-flying Biliew. I expect him to quickly become a fan-favorite and could help Wake Forest become an NCAA Tournament contender sooner than later.

He's not someone who will take over a game offensively, though his work on the offensive glass and ability to find open space on cuts give him value on that end of the floor. Defensively, he'll provide the Demon Deacons with a tough, physical identity while elevating the play of his teammates.

No matter how you look at it, this is a big get for Forbes and the Wake Forest faithful.

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