Brock Harding

Three stars in Iowa basketball blowout over New Orleans

Three stars from Iowa basketball’s 104-57 blowout over New Orleans.

Iowa basketball (8-3, 1-1 Big Ten) bounced back from Thursday’s loss against No. 3 Iowa State with a thorough 104-57 thrashing vs. New Orleans (2-7, 0-1 Southland Conference) from Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday evening.

As expected, the game was never close as the Hawkeyes shot a season-high 42-for-67 (62.7%) from the floor, 14-for-29 (48.3%) from 3-point range, and 6-of-9 (66.6%) from the free throw line. Iowa also outscored the Privateers 46-38 from within the paint and 38-6 on fastbreak points.

Defensively, Iowa forced 15 total turnovers with 11 blocks and nine steals while holding New Orleans to 25-of-67 (37.3%) shooting from the floor and 4-of-24 (16.7%) from deep.

Sunday’s triumph is the largest margin of victory for the Hawkeyes since their 109-61 win over Western Michigan in 2021.

As Iowa got back in their offensive groove, here are three Hawkeyes that stood out during the landslide victory.

Owen Freeman

Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Freeman led the team offensively by tying a career-high in points with 22 on a season-best 10-for-12 (83.3 percent) shooting and 2-for-3 (66.6%) from the charity stripe. The sophomore forward also recorded four rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal in his 19 minutes of playing time.

Sunday was his second 20-point game of the season and the fourth of his career, which should not surprise anybody as Freeman has blossomed into a bonafide scoring threat down low for the Hawkeyes over his 43-game career.

Harding had a solid game against New Orleans by finishing with 13 points on 5-of-6 (83.3%) shooting from the floor and 3-for-3 from deep. The Moline, Ill, product also tallied six assists, one block, and one steal in 20 minutes.

Harding made his first five shots, including three 3-pointers, to open the game and scored or assisted on seven of Iowa’s first eight field goals. The performance from the sophomore guard is also his seventh game with at least six assists.

Payton Sandfort

Sandfort had another fabulous game Sunday evening by posting 15 points on 5-of-8 (62.5%) shooting from the field and 3-of-4 (75%) from beyond the arc. The senior forward added five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block during his 20 minutes of play.

Sandfort’s hot night from deep extends his streak of three or more 3-pointers made to four straight games. It is also the sixth time he has accomplished such a feat this season and the 29th time in his career.

While the offensive production is expected from Sandfort, the notable feats accompanying his scoring touch are still worthy of praise, no matter the opponent’s strength.

The Hawkeyes return to action on Dec. 21, when they travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., for a neutral site game from the Sanford Pentagon vs. Utah (7-2).

The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT and will be televised on the Big Ten Network (BTN). As always, the game will also air on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

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Three stars from Iowa basketball loss vs. Iowa State

Three stars from Iowa basketball’s Cy-Hawk Series loss.

Iowa basketball (7-3, 1-1 Big Ten) suffered a crushing 89-80 loss from Carver-Hawkeye Arena Thursday night vs. No. 3-ranked Iowa State (8-1, 0-0 Big 12) in the 2024 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.

While the Hawkeyes roared out to a 44-37 halftime lead on 58.6% from the field, a dominant Iowa State surge coupled with a troublesome Iowa second-half shooting performance allowed the Cyclones to escape from a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena victorious.

In addition to the poor second-half shooting by the Hawkeyes, being out-rebounded 29-18 by the Cyclones in the final 20 minutes certainly did not help their cause.

As a team, Iowa shot 28-for-63 (44.4%) from the floor, 11-for-28 from three-point territory, and 13-for-15 (86.7%) from the free-throw line. On the defensive side, Iowa collected 34 rebounds (26 defensive) in addition to five steals and four blocks for a combined nine forced turnovers.

While the cold second-half performance doomed the Hawkeyes, here are Iowa’s three stars from Thursday’s game that were difference-makers on the court.

Owen Freeman

Freeman led the team in points with 16 on 5-for-8 (62.5%) from the field, including a rare 1-for-1 (100%) three-point shooting night. The sophomore forward also converted on 5-of-7 (71.4%) attempts from the charity stripe while recording five rebounds, three steals, and two assists in 26 minutes.

While Freeman was expected to have a bigger role against the Cyclones, his stat line was still more than respectable, especially against a very skilled Iowa State lineup.

Brock Harding

Harding had another decent showing Thursday night by finishing with 10 points on 4-for-10 (40%) from the field to go along with eight assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 31 minutes.

Although Harding’s stat line does not necessarily pop off the box score, his ability to effectively facilitate the ball throughout the night proved to be well-appreciated by the Hawkeyes, especially in the first half.

Ladji Dembele

Despite only playing 14 minutes against Iowa State, Dembele had the best shooting night of his Hawkeyes career and tied his season-high in points.

The sophomore forward finished with 11 points off 4-of-4 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. In addition to his perfect shooting night, he also recorded four rebounds and one steal to round out his night.

Dembele’s ability to inject offense off the bench is one that the Hawkeyes will certainly look to utilize moving forward as the schedule becomes more rigorous later in the season.

Iowa will remain home for their next game on Sunday, Dec. 15, vs. New Orleans (2-6, 0-1 Southland Conference) from Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 1 p.m. CT.

The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network as well as through the radio on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

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Three stars from Iowa basketball’s dramatic 80-79 win vs. Northwestern

Three stars from Iowa basketball’s 80-79 walk-off win vs. Northwestern.

Iowa men’s basketball (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) earned their first Big Ten conference win of the season Tuesday night vs. Northwestern (6-3, 0-1 Big Ten) on a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Josh Dix off an inbound pass with .8 seconds left.

The thrilling victory was a sigh of relief as the Hawkeyes let the Wildcats creep back into the game after leading Northwestern by as many as 15 points early in the second half.

As a team, Iowa shot 30-for-55 (54.5%) from the field and 9-for-23 from three-point territory but missed out on points from the free-throw line by finishing 11-for-19 (57.9%). The Hawkeyes also amassed 26 total rebounds throughout the night.

Iowa’s defense collected 21 defensive rebounds and forced 12 turnovers, including seven steals and two blocks. The Hawkeyes were also able to convert 18 points off those turnovers.

While only shooting 29-for-60 (48.3%) from the field, Northwestern was efficient at the free-throw line by converting on 13-of-16 (81.3%) opportunities and fell two points shy of equaled Iowa’s point production from the paint.

With the Hawkeyes starting off the 2024-25 Big Ten slate on a positive footing, here are the three stars who led Iowa to an exhilarating victory.

Josh Dix

IOWA WINS IT AT THE BUZZER! 🚨

JOSH DIX JUST DID THAT! pic.twitter.com/qhK33QBIVO

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 4, 2024

Dix was the clear-cut first star of the night with his clutch game-winning three-pointer to snatch an Iowa victory from the gaping jaw of defeat.

Dix finished with 22 points on 9-of-16 (56.25%) shooting, including 3-for-8 (37.5%) from three-point territory, to reach double figures for the second straight game and the fifth time this season.

He also had six rebounds and one assist and was 1-for-1 (100%) from the free-throw line in 38 minutes of game time.

His last-second shot saved Iowa from what would have been a disappointing loss as the Hawkeyes allowed Northwestern to scratch and claw back into the game after leading the Wildcats for much of the game.

Payton Sandfort

🎯🎯🎯@payton_20_ x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/D5JRf7DpL8

— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) December 4, 2024

Sandfort finished with 20 points on 6-of-14 (42.86%) shooting from the field, including 4-for-9 (44.4%) from deep and a perfect 4-for-4 (100%) from the charity stripe. He also had seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block to round out his 35 minutes on the night.

The performance from Sandfort is a welcoming sight, as he had struggled shooting the ball in his previous two games.

Iowa hopes the successful shooting night for the senior forward continues as they battle conference opponents throughout the season.

Brock Harding

While Harding’s 12 points on 6-of-10 (60%) finished fourth in team scoring on Wednesday, his defensive presence was critical throughout the night. The sophomore guard accounted for nearly half of Iowa’s defensive statistics with three steals and one block in 33 minutes. Harding also added eight assists and one rebound to close out his night.

The defensive play from Harding has been a valuable trend throughout the season so far, and one Iowa will look to continue moving forward.

The Hawkeyes return to action Saturday vs. Michigan (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) from Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in their first true road game of the season.

The game will begin at 1 p.m. CT and be televised on FS1. As always, the game will also be aired through the radio on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

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Three stars from Iowa basketball landslide win over USC Upstate

Three stars from Iowa basketball’s lopsided win over USC Upstate.

Iowa men’s basketball responded to their ugly loss to Utah State with an emphatic 110-77 victory over USC Upstate (2-7) from Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Tuesday night, improving to 6-1 heading into conference play.

The Hawkeyes‘ offense was relentless from the opening tip, with the trio of Owen Freeman, Josh Dix, and Brock Harding leading the charge. The trio would finish the game with a combined 51 points on 22-for-32 (68.75%) from the field, including 5-for-12 (41.67%) from 3-point territory.

As a team, Iowa shot 43-for-71 (60.6%) from the field, 12-for-26 from beyond the arc and 12-for-15 (80.0%) from the charity stripe. Iowa established clear control regarding point production, outscoring the Spartans, 50-34.

Defensively, Iowa tied USC Upstate in rebounds with 34 each but forced 19 turnovers, which were eventually converted into 31 points. The Hawkeyes also finished with 12 steals and five blocks.

With Iowa looking impressive heading into Big Ten play, here are the three stars from Tuesday night’s blowout victory:

Brock Harding

Harding continued his dominant play from last Friday into Tuesday night’s game vs. USC Upstate by registering a double-double through a career-high and team-leading 20 points on 9-of-13 (69.23%) shooting from the field and 2-of-5 (40.0%) from deep.

On top of his scoring, he also added 10 assists, four steals, three rebounds, and one steal to round out an impressive night.

Harding’s emergence as a reliable offensive weapon is a major development as Iowa enters the bludgeoning nature that is Big Ten play.

Owen Freeman

Like almost every game this season, Freeman has been at the forefront of the Hawkeyes’ offensive attack and did so again Tuesday night by finishing with 17 points on 8-for-12 (75.0%) shooting from the field and 1-for-3 (33.3%) from deep in just 18:17 of floor time.

Freeman also added six rebounds and two blocks throughout the night as well.

With Freeman fully warmed up through the opening seven games, he should be a force to reckon with throughout Big Ten play and beyond.

Riley Mulvey

Mulvey was a key contributor off the bench Tuesday night as he added 11 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting. He also added three rebounds and one block to his total as well.

The Hawkeyes’ next game follows the Thanksgiving break, as the team will play their Big Ten opener on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. CT against Northwestern (5-1) from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The game will be broadcast through Peacock (subscription required) and on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

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Pair of Hawkeyes stood out despite Iowa basketball loss vs Utah State

A pair of Hawkeyes were bright spots despite Iowa basketball’s first loss of the season, a 77-69 setback against Utah State in KC.

Iowa men’s basketball (5-1) suffered its first loss of the season Friday night by a 77-69 score against Utah State (5-0) in the NABC Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.

The Hawkeyes played their sloppiest offensive game this season as the team had 16 total turnovers and shot 28-for-64 (43.75%) from the field, including a dreadful 5-for-26 (19.23%) from 3-point distance.

Iowa held its own defensively by forcing 18 turnovers, including 13 steals and six blocks while limiting Utah State to 7-for-21 from deep.

Despite the disappointing loss against an equally scrappy Utah State bunch, here are three Hawkeyes who performed admirably in Friday night’s game.

Brock Harding

Despite the loss, Friday night’s game against Utah State was arguably the best Harding has played all season.

The sophomore guard finished with 19 points, five assists, four steals, and one rebound in 33:45 of game action. Harding shot 8-for-15 (53.3%) from the field, including a team-leading 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Harding’s breakout performance is a welcome sight for Iowa as the guard had primarily been a ball facilitator and a factor on the defensive end through the season’s first five games. Iowa will hope Harding’s showing is the start of a trend as opposed to a one-off burst of offense.

Owen Freeman

Along with Harding, Freeman was one of the few Hawkeyes that thrived offensively Friday night as he finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists through 33:59 of playing time.

Freeman shot an efficient 9-for-12 (75%) from the field, which fueled the Hawkeyes’ offense, especially in the paint.

With Freeman expected to have solid performances in almost every game, it is still appreciated, especially when the Hawkeyes struggle to convert on their shots.

Iowa will look to rebound on Tuesday, Nov. 26 versus USC Upstate from inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena with tip set for 7 p.m. CT and the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

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Iowa Hawkeyes 2023-24 Snapshot Profile: Brock Harding

Illinois’ Mr. Basketball makes his way to Iowa City. What does freshman guard Brock Harding bring to the table for Iowa?

Let’s talk about the special youth revolution going on in Iowa City. There are so many young players to get excited about on this team, with multiple freshmen vying for playing time early on in their careers.

Given this will be somewhat of a transitional year for the Hawkeyes, who lost multiple starters from last season, we might just see the youngsters get a chance early on.

Owen Freeman isn’t the only supremely talented prospect that Fran McCaffery came away from Moline, Ill., with. Iowa was also able to sign Brock Harding, a 6-foot point guard who was named Illinois’ 2023 Mr. Basketball.

The talented Harding led his team to great success in high school and was greeted with much acclaim over his four years. Now starting it all over in Iowa City, Harding is already starting to turn heads with his play ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“The young guys have done well. Not surprised. We expected all four of them to contribute. Brock has made a seamless transition,” McCaffery said of Harding during Iowa’s media day.

One of the most exciting prospects on the team, get to know freshman point guard Brock Harding.

Iowa Hawkeyes exploring options at PG entering 2023-24 men’s college basketball season

Ahead of the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season, Iowa is exploring a number of different options at point guard.

The point guard position will be a key battle to watch as the season unfolds for Iowa basketball. With star forward Kris Murray graduating to the NBA, selected in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers, the Hawkeyes will have to forge a new identity on offense. All of that starts at point guard.

Incumbent starter Tony Perkins is back for his senior season in Iowa City. In his first full season as a starter, Perkins showed some promise. The Indianapolis native averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game on 44.0% field goal shooting.

He will be heavily pushed for playing time by some hungry underclassmen, namely sophomore Dasonte Bowen. Bowen, out of Boston, Mass., averaged 3.1 points in just 9.4 minutes of average floor time.

When asked about the point guard situation, head coach Fran McCaffery boasted about all four of his potential options at the position.

“We do have a lot of options at that position. I think we’ll see Tony there at times. I think Dasonte and Brock (Harding) and Josh Dix can all play that position. Normally you don’t have that many options,” McCaffery said.

Bowen is the player expected by most to really make a push for the starting role this season. He showed some great flashes in limited playing time at the end of last season.

Coach McCaffery talks a lot about pushing the pace, and Bowen is one of the most dynamic threats the Hawkeyes have running downhill. The 6-foot-2, 183 pound guard showed some special athleticism last season and can add a new element to the offense. The ability to hit shots from outside and be more than just a slasher will be huge for the Brewster Academy product.

It’s exciting to hear that true freshman Brock Harding will push for some playing time. He’s a really exciting prospect, we’ll just have to see if that’s just preseason coach talk, though.

As a youngster, he might not get his chance quite yet. Word around Iowa City is that he has made a seamless transition to college, though.

Josh Dix is an interesting name to see thrown in at point guard. With his height and shooting ability, most would project him as a shooting guard. However, if Iowa is looking to surround new star transfer big man Ben Krikke with shooters, Dix at the one is something they can definitely tinker with.

The 6-foot-5, 200 pound guard from Council Bluffs, Iowa, averaged 2.0 points per game in 9.2 minutes of average floor time last season.

However, the most interesting option may not come from one of these new faces. It’s important to keep an eye on returning starter Perkins and how his game has progressed this offseason.

In what Perkins expects to be his last season at Iowa, he likely morphs into the leader of this team. He’s talked about gunning for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and with his athletic profile, that’s certainly attainable.

If he can find more consistency in his game, and maybe hit some more shots from deep, Perkins could be an invaluable member of this starting rotation.

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Elder Hawkeye statesmen, basketball IQ guiding Brock Harding’s Iowa transition

Freshman point guard Brock Harding detailed how he is leaning on Iowa’s vets and on his basketball IQ to transition into his Hawkeye career.

When Brock Harding committed to Iowa on June 23, 2022, he was just the second Hawkeyes commit in the 2023 class. At the time, he joined Moline teammate Owen Freeman as Iowa’s pair of pledges in the class.

Now, that duo is officially on campus in Iowa City and they comprise half of the Hawkeyes’ 2023 signees. Harding and Freeman join guard Pryce Sandfort and forward Ladji Dembele as members of the 2023 Iowa class.

As this Iowa team gears up for an overseas trip that will be vital for its 2023-24 hopes, the extra practices and games are vital to Harding and the fellow freshmen’s growth. It provides the opportunity to get acclimated to college basketball more quickly.

“We’re fortunate as freshmen to have the overseas trip so we get 10 practices. So, we kind of get to put everything in now and get that in the back of our heads, so when practice comes in the fall, we’ll kind of have everything already put in and then it’ll be easier to transition once we get into the fall.

“It’s awesome just because, coming here, it’s the first time that we haven’t really had AAU basketball. So, to have games to look forward to in August, that kind of makes the summer grind that much more fun knowing that we have something to look forward to and games coming up here pretty soon,” Harding told reporters of the upcoming overseas trip.

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Listening to the 6-foot-1, 160 pound point guard, it sounds like the transition to Iowa is going pretty smoothly to this point.

“It’s been awesome so far. Just the resources that you have, the people you have around you. We have a bunch of great coaches that have done great things. Everybody on this team wants to play at the next level and we have a bunch of coaches that have done that, so to be able to have guys to talk to, it’s been awesome,” Harding said.

Of course, Harding has his high school teammate and fellow Moline state champion in Freeman to lean on.

“It’s good because you have somebody to look forward to, to talk to. We’re kind of going through the same things as freshmen being at a Big Ten school, so we kind of get to share that and it’s nice to have somebody to go to every time,” Harding said of Freeman.

Harding is roommates with Pryce Sandfort and the two have found common ground both on and off the court. He said his relationship is great with fellow freshman Dembele, too.

In a backcourt picture that also includes names such as Josh Dix and Dasonte Bowen, it’s been key to be able to pick the brain of Tony Perkins. As one of the elder statesmen and most experienced players on this Hawkeye roster, that information from Perkins and the other Iowa vets has been invaluable.

“He teaches. He’s kind of really stepped up in the leadership role. He said he was going to, and he really has. Just in practices, talking to all the freshmen. Kind of telling us where spots are going to be open, where we’re going to get most of our looks, where we’re going to get the ball. Just kind of all that stuff. Just because he’s played in the Big Ten for three years now. He kind of knows all the little things and it’s been nice that he’s shared with us that so far.

“Tony, Patrick, Payton… I mean, all of them. They’ve been around Big Ten basketball and now they’ve played it for two, three years, so just kind of everything that they’ve learned, they’ve been giving that to us freshmen. Payton obviously has his brother Pryce, so he kind of knows that we don’t know some of the things, so he’s been really good with that as well,” Harding said.

Asked if the speed of the game has been an adjustment, Harding pointed in a different direction for the steepest learning curve.

“Yeah, I mean, the speed hasn’t been too—I think kind of all the freshmen can speak—the speed hasn’t been that (big of a struggle), it’s just really the strength. The strength’s the biggest thing that we’re kind of (working on), we’re in the weight room every day learning that aspect of the game. We’ve got to be more physical. They let a lot of stuff go in the Big Ten, so just kind of learning that way to play is the biggest thing so far,” Harding said.

Officially 𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭 ✍️
Welcome home, @hardingbrock2! #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/ZQAXjkCvkI

— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) November 9, 2022

Fortunately for the young point guard, he arrived in Iowa City confident in his ability as a floor general. His basketball IQ is what he feels has made the jump to the college level the easiest thus far.

“I’d say just my basketball IQ. I’ve always kind of had that. The way I’ve played the game, I’ve always kind of played it right. Played the point guard role and that’s really transitioned well into the college level and then everything else is kind of coming along with that, so it’s been nice to just kind of have that as I’ve moved to the Big Ten level,” Harding said.

For an Iowa team that finished last season 19-14 (11-9 Big Ten), there’s plenty of changes happening. Gone are stars and key cogs Kris Murray, Filip Rebraca and Connor McCaffery.

Iowa is looking for players to emerge and to provide plenty of production. In the backcourt, Harding could be one of those names to deliver points and production quickly in Iowa City.

For the moment, Illinois’ most recent Mr. Basketball is just enjoying the competition at practice alongside his fellow backcourt mates.

“It’s super fun. We have a bunch of guys that work hard, a bunch of competitive guys. So, we come at it, we get after each other during practice. On the court, we’re getting after each other. Off the court, we’re close and kind of just hang out with each other, so that’s been good so far,” Harding said.

Iowa begins its overseas trip on Aug. 5 as the Hawkeyes embark on a three-game set across Paris and Spain.

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Iowa Hawkeye hoops signees track down Moline’s first-ever state title

A pair of Iowa basketball signees, Brock Harding and Owen Freeman, brought Moline its first-ever state championship.

A pair of Iowa Hawkeyes basketball signees brought Moline to a place it has never gone before. The Maroons are Class 4A state champions in Illinois.

Moline hadn’t played for the state championship since a runner-up finish in the 1951 season. Before that, Moline registered fourth place finishes in 1934, 1935, 1945 and a third place finish in 1940.

Now, thanks to Iowa signees Brock Harding and Owen Freeman, Moline has risen above the rest. Moline (35-3) toppled Benet Academy, 59-42, to capture the school’s first state championship from inside the State Farm Center at the University of Illinois.

Harding led the way, scoring 28 points. Freeman added six points and nine rebounds for the Maroons en route to the crown.

“It still doesn’t feel real. People told me teams not from Chicago or the ‘burbs don’t win it. We came here and shut them all up,” Harding told the Chicago Sun Times afterwards.

Freeman, a 6-foot-10 forward, joined Moline this offseason. He transferred in from Bradley-Bourbonnais and brought state title hopes and expectations with him.

“It’s so special to bring the championship back to a town like Moline. The community has been great. I can’t wait to celebrate,” Freeman said.

The pair each signed with Iowa back in November alongside forward Pryce Sandfort.

Here’s some of the reaction to the state championship. Plus, another look at the pair’s recruiting profile.

2023 4-star small forward Pryce Sandfort commits to Iowa Hawkeyes basketball

Iowa men’s basketball’s 2023 recruiting class received a jolt, earning a commitment from four-star small forward Pryce Sandfort.

Iowa men’s basketball head coach Fran McCaffery and his staff landed one of their top targets in the 2023 class. Pryce Sandfort out of Waukee Northwest High School in Iowa committed to the Hawkeyes.

With the Sandfort commitment, Iowa now has three pledges in its 2023 class.

According to On3, the 6-foot-7, 190 pound Sandfort is the nation’s No. 99 player, the No. 22 small forward and the No. 2 player from Iowa in the 2023 class. On3 also has Sandfort ranked as a four-star commit.

Meanwhile, ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports all rate Sandfort as a three-star prospect. 247Sports ranks Sandfort as the nation’s No. 135 player, the No. 29 small forward and the No. 2 player from Iowa. Rivals regards Sandfort as the No. 135 player nationally and the No. 37 small forward. Lastly, ESPN has Sandfort as the No. 39 power forward and the No. 2 player from Iowa.

Sandfort chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Clemson, Drake, Davidson, Nebraska, Seton Hall and Washington State. The Waukee native was also receiving interest from Gonzaga, Iowa State and Wake Forest.

Sandfort caught up with HawkeyeReport’s Blair Sanderson of Rivals to share why he committed to Iowa.

“Before my visit, I was talking to my parents and I was telling them there is no way I’ll commit after it. I wanted to take a lot of visits and decide after that. But on the visit, it just felt like home. I didn’t want to be anywhere else or visit anywhere else. I fell in love with the campus and the vision that coach Fran (McCaffery) and coach (Matt) Gatens had for me. Also, I had a great time hanging out with the guys,” Sandfort told Sanderson.

He also liked how the staff envisioned his future in Iowa City.

“They see me fitting in perfectly with how they want to play. Playing fast, shooting a lot of threes, all of that. They see me playing the 1-3 or 4. Fran has told me before, he sees me coming in as a freshman and making 60 threes and having a big role right away. Obviously, it’s all up to me and how hard I work,” Sandfort told Rivals.

It’s a huge get for the Hawkeyes. Sandfort, the younger brother of current Hawkeye Payton Sandfort, joins Owen Freeman and Brock Harding as the third commit in Iowa’s 2023 class.

Here’s a look at Pryce Sandfort’s junior season highlights courtesy of QuadVisual on YouTube.