Tag: Connor McCaffery

Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend Connor McCaffery had a perfect 3-emoji reaction to her WNBA Draft night outfit

Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend was wowed by what she wore to the WNBA Draft.

Connor McCaffery looks like he enjoyed what his girlfriend — the newest Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark — wore on Monday when she was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

What’s more is that he looked like he had a fun night with her afterwards, according to her Instagram.

McCaffery — who works for the Indiana Pacers, which is convenient for him and Clark! — was tagged on X (formerly Twitter) with a fan saying they wanted to see his reaction to what the guard wore.

His response? Three emojis implying that he was wowed by it. Check out his post and Clark’s Instagram Story with the two of them:

Iowa Hawkeyes safely in the 2023 NCAA Tournament in Joe Lunardi’s summer Bracketology

A summer Bracketology? You better believe it, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are safely in the 2023 NCAA Tournament per ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.

It’s never too early to start thinking about next year!

While we are nowhere near the start of the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season, it’s still right in season for ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi to start piecing together his March bracket.

In his most recent version of Bracketology, Iowa is in with one of the last four byes of the tournament, landing as the No. 10 seed in the East region. The Hawkeyes’ opening date would be against seventh-seeded Saint Louis with a likely date against No. 2 seed Texas looming after that.

Iowa is one of seven Big Ten teams that Lunardi currently has making the Big Dance. That’s tied for tops nationally of any conference according to Lunardi’s projections, joining the Big 12, Big East and SEC as seven-bid leagues.

In addition to Iowa, Lunardi has No. 7 seed Purdue and No. 8 seed Ohio State in the West region, No. 6 seed Illinois and No. 8 seed Michigan State in the East region and No. 4 seed Indiana and No. 7 seed Michigan in the South region.

For the Hawkeyes, Lunardi is expecting a bit of regression from the past two seasons. Iowa was a No. 2 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament and a No. 5 seed last year entering March Madness after winning the Big Ten Tournament title over Purdue, 75-66.

Over the past two seasons, Iowa basketball has lost their star player. Luka Garza was possibly the greatest player in Hawkeyes history, a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and consensus All-American. He graduated on to the NBA at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Then, Keegan Murray broke out and was also a consensus first-team All-American. He also probably should have been won the Big Ten Player of the Year last year. Instead, he goes down as Iowa’s highest-ever draft pick, going fourth to the Sacramento Kings in the 2022 NBA draft.

That’s two straight years that Iowa has to replace a historic player. While that’s routine for a team like Duke that rules the top-10 player recruiting list every year, it is a tough task for a team like Iowa. There are a lot of returning pieces coming back, including potential breakout star Kris Murray.

“Well, first of all, I’m really excited for him. First time in his life that he hasn’t played with his brother. He accepted the challenge of coming back,” Head Coach Fran McCaffrey said in a recent interview about the returning Murray. “As I said before, he bet on himself. A lot of guys, if they have a two-way, they take it. He could’ve gone to a two-way if he wanted, but he wanted to come back. He loves his teammates and he wants the responsibility that’s going to be placed on him. And he’s ready for it, he’s worked hard for it and I’m excited for him.”

The Hawkeyes open their 2022-23 season on Nov. 7 at home against SWAC opponent Bethune-Cookman.

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Iowa Hawkeyes freshman point guard Dasonte Bowen looking to help Iowa any way he can in 2022

Freshman point guard Dasonte Bowen shared how he’s adjusting to Iowa basketball and his 2022 expectations.

Freshman point guard Dasonte Bowen spoke with Hawk Central and reporters about his transition to Iowa and Division I basketball. In his initial conversation since touching down in Iowa City, Bowen displayed a very team-first mindset that fits the Hawkeyes culture extremely well.

When prompted with the player who pushes him the most in practice, junior guard Tony Perkins came to mind.

“Tony’s aggressive, I’ll say that. I don’t think anybody pushes me around but Tony’s definitely aggressive,” Bowen said.

It isn’t just Perkins, though. The veteran leaders this offseason have made it a point to get the incoming freshman used to the physical play of Big Ten basketball.

“I think everybody’s got a little edge to them, so I’ll say everyone’s physical, especially with the freshmen trying to get us used to it. Especially when we get into playing these in-conference games for sure, these other hard-nosed schools that like to push you around. So, I think they’re helping us adjust to that really well,” Bowen said.

It is clear early on that the competition to replace longtime starter Jordan Bohannon at the guard position is a fierce one with multiple players pushing each other to get better and earn the spot. For Bowen, it’s all about doing whatever he can to help the team win games.

“Wherever coach needs me at for us to win, that’s what I’m going to play for sure. I compete every day, I show up to get better every day. He (guard Ahron Ulis) does the same, so wherever coach feels is best to have us both at to win, I think we’ll both be fine with,” Bowen said.

The former three-star recruit further illustrated his team-first mindset when talking about misconceptions with his game.

“I say that I’m a ball-dominant point guard. I can score, but I can pass the ball. So, I can do whatever the team needs me to do. I think people misunderstand a lot of scoring guards out there. They think they’re selfish, stuff like that. I feel that I get my teammates involved, but I can score when necessary as well,” Bowen said.

A lot of Iowa’s lineup looks to be pretty set heading into next season. While the Hawkeyes lose Keegan Murray, who was just recently named Most Valuable Player of the NBA 2K23 Summer League, his twin brother Kris figures to take over his spot. Kris Murray tested out the NBA draft waters this summer, but, ultimately, made the decision to return to Iowa. Returning starter at forward Patrick McCaffrey is back as well and should be another key piece.

With a lot of experience in the locker room, Iowa is looking to once again contend for the Big Ten crown and hopefully make it further in the NCAA Tournament this year. There is a hole left at guard with the departure of Bohannon, though, a position many players on the roster can contribute at.

Previously mentioned Tony Perkins started 15 games last year, averaging 7.4 points per game. Sophomore Payton Sandfort is a player many in the industry are expecting to break out next season. Ahron Ulis also averaged around 14 minutes per game last year.

There are a lot of contenders for that starting spot, a lot of players with a solid background of work for Iowa. Bowen has a lot of talent as a scoring guard, and while he may not start year one, he can be a valuable contributor off the bench for Iowa with his team-first mindset. Look out for Bowen in the future, too.

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An early look at the Iowa Hawkeyes’ nonconference basketball matchups in 2022-23

A challenging nonconference slate should have the Iowa Hawkeyes ready for Big Ten play in the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season.

The 2021-22 season was a dream for Iowa up until the NCAA Tournament. Led by sophomore forward Keegan Murray, a likely 2022 NBA draft lottery pick, the Hawkeyes took home the Big Ten Tournament crown over Purdue.

Sadly, all of that momentum came to a screeching halt immediately in the first round of the tournament as 12th-seeded Richmond sent Iowa packing. Despite having one of the better seasons in recent memory for the program and delivering hardware back to Iowa City, the shame is that some will just remember the 2021-22 season for its disappointing end.

There will be some changes for the Hawkeyes heading into next year. Keegan Murray is off to the NBA and longtime starter Jordan Bohannon has graduated.

Iowa did receive a massive boost as Keegan’s twin brother, Kris Murray, announced his return. Patrick McCaffery is a capable player. If Iowa wants to improve upon its anticlimactic end to 2021-22, there are a big set of challenges already loaded up on the Hawkeyes’ nonconference 2022-23 schedule.

Let’s take a look at all of the important nonconference dates that have been finalized for Iowa below.

5 things to know after Iowa basketball hires Matt Gatens as assistant coach

Here’s five things to know about a familiar face in new Iowa men’s basketball assistant coach Matt Gatens.

After a pair of changes with his assistant coaching staff this offseason, Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery has officially filled out his coaching staff with the addition of former Drake assistant Matt Gatens.

Let’s take a look at five things fans should know about Gatens entering his stint as one of Iowa’s new assistant coaches.

Best photos of former Hawkeye, new Iowa basketball assistant coach Matt Gatens

Iowa announced Matt Gatens as its newest assistant coach. Take a look back at his time with the Hawkeyes with these stunning still photos.

Iowa has its newest assistant coach and it’s a familiar face. Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery tabbed Matt Gatens as the Hawkeyes’ second new assistant coach, filling the void left by former longtime assistant Kirk Speraw’s decision to retire.

McCaffery and Iowa also recently elevated Courtney Eldridge after Billy Taylor left to become the new head men’s basketball coach at Elon University.

Gatens was a four-year starter for Iowa during the 2009-12 seasons and his final two seasons coincided with the first two years of McCaffery’s tenure in Iowa City. McCaffery raved about the latest addition to his coaching staff.

“We are excited to have Matt Gatens rejoin our program as an assistant coach. Matt was a respected leader on my first two teams as Iowa’s head coach. I could tell right away that he exhibited all the necessary attributes to be a successful coach. Since transitioning to the coaching profession, Matt has gained valuable experience working on the staffs at Auburn and Drake. He will have an immediate impact on our program,” McCaffery said.

Gatens spent the past four seasons with the Drake Bulldogs. The first two he served as the program’s director of operations and then each of the past two seasons he was one of the Bulldogs’ assistant coaches.

Take a look back at Gatens playing career with the Hawkeyes through these stunning still photos.

Iowa reportedly set to square off against Duke in the 2022 Jimmy V Classic

Iowa will meet the Duke Blue Devils in the 2022 Jimmy V Classic. Here’s a look at the all-time series history and Duke’s projected starters.

The start of Iowa’s 2022-23 men’s basketball season is still every bit of five months away. Still, the Hawkeyes just received fantastic news with the return of forward Kris Murray to Iowa City.

Paired with several other decisions by Iowa players to either return or exit via the transfer portal, fans now have a pretty clear idea of what the Hawkeyes’ starting five and key reserves will look like entering next season.

Now, Iowa fans know they can book flights and start planning a trip to New York City for a battle against a blue blood.

CBS Sports and College Hoops Today’s Jon Rothstein reported that Iowa is set to meet the Duke Blue Devils in the 2022 Jimmy V Classic from historic Madison Square Garden. Rothstein also reported that the other game in the event is expected to feature the Texas Longhorns against the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Duke is one of the pillar programs in all of college basketball and will enter next season fresh off the Blue Devils’ 17th all-time appearance in the Final Four. Of course, legendary head coach Mike Krzyewski’s 13th and final Final Four appearance ended with the Blue Devils’ archrivals in the North Carolina Tar Heels sending Duke packing, 81-77.

The Kansas Jayhawks would go on to win the national championship over North Carolina, erasing a 16-point deficit in a historic second-half flurry for the largest title game comeback in NCAA Tournament history, topping the Tar Heels, 72-69.

In its history, Iowa has met up with Duke on eight different occasions. The Blue Devils lead the all-time series 7-1. The Hawkeyes and Blue Devils last played on Nov. 27, 2001, in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. It was not to be from the jump for an Iowa team led by guard Luke Recker and forward Reggie Evans.

Duke point guard Jason Williams scored 25 points, center Carlos Boozer added 22 and forward Mike Dunleavy chipped in with 18. The then-No. 1 and defending national champion Blue Devils routed Iowa, 80-62, inside the United Center.

Duke is set to replace some serious star power from last season’s Final Four team, but the Blue Devils have reloaded their roster with some serious talent. Here’s a look at the all-time series matchups between Iowa and Duke and a look at the Blue Devils’ projected starting five.

Forward Kris Murray announces return to the Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team

Iowa received big news for the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season as forward Kris Murray announced his return to the Hawkeyes.

Forward Kris Murray announced on Wednesday that he is officially returning to the Iowa Hawkeyes for the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season. It puts to rest any uncertainty about his immediate future with the Hawkeyes.

That was called into question after the 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward filed for early entry into the 2022 NBA draft on April 14. It looked and felt like a good sign for Iowa when Murray declined his invitation to the 2022 NBA draft combine in early May, but the door was still open for Murray to potentially try his hand professionally.

Now, Murray is officially back in the fold for Iowa for the 2022-23 season.

“These past two months have been a tremendous learning process for me. By going through the NBA Draft process, I believe that it will help me in the long run and this upcoming season at Iowa. I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates and coaches to play for the best fan base in the world! Go Hawks,” Murray said in his social media announcement.

Naturally, Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery voiced his excitement about Murray electing to return to Iowa City.

“Everyone in our program is very excited to have Kris back. We are happy that Kris had a positive experience going through the NBA process. He gained valuable feedback through workouts and conversations with NBA personnel. Kris will be awesome next year,” McCaffery said.

Murray’s decision means that the Hawkeyes now return both its leading scorer and rebounder off the bench. Murray 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game also ranked fourth and third overall for Iowa last season.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, product also registered 31 blocks and 43 made 3-pointers for the Hawkeyes last year on 38.7% 3-point field goal shooting. Murray connected on at least one 3-pointer in a team-best 17 consecutive games from Jan. 22 through March 13, had multiple steals in 10 games and multiple blocks in nine contests.

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Kris Murray declines 2022 NBA draft combine invitation

Iowa forward Kris Murray declined his invitation to the 2022 NBA draft combine. Does that mean he’s coming back to Iowa City?

Iowa forward Kris Murray might have surprised some Hawkeye fans when he announced on April 14 that he had submitted papers for early entry into the 2022 NBA draft.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play the game I love every day and to wear the Black and Gold. I will be taking this opportunity to enter my name into the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility. My focus is being able to grow as a player in every way possible.

“The opportunity to get feedback and the experience working out for NBA teams will help me become the best player I can possibly be and take my game to the next level. I have big plans for next year and this experience will help me do that. I appreciate everyone’s support,” Murray said at the time.

The 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward didn’t sign with an agent, retaining his NCAA eligibility if he chooses to withdraw his name on or before June 1. Now, it appears like he may be one step closer to returning to Iowa City.

According to Hawk Central’s Kennington Lloyd Smith, Murray declined his invitation to the 2022 NBA draft combine set for May 18-20 from Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.

While that certainly appears to be good news in terms of a Murray return to Iowa City, his father, Kenyon Murray, said Kris’ decision-making process on whether or not to return to Iowa is still ongoing.

In an interview with Hawk Central on Wednesday morning, Kenyon Murray said Kris is “still in the draft process” and his decision to remain in the draft or return to Iowa will likely run its full course until the June 1 deadline.

Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Kris and there’s the possibility for invitations for individual workouts. Therefore, he’s not shutting the door on those opportunities and the chance to pique a team’s interest in a private session. – Lloyd Smith, Hawk Central.

Kenyon Murray also joined hosts Pat Harty and Tom Suter of HawkFanatic on KCJJ radio to further discuss Kris’ situation and decision-making process.

“He just wants all of the information that he can get. I think the day in, day out workouts against that kind of level of competition has really, really helped him. His confidence is sky high and I think he’s in a good situation either way,” Kenyon Murray said to KCJJ radio.

It makes sense that Kris wants to gather all of the information that he can before he makes a final decision. Kenyon said there’s a good chance Kris’ final decision doesn’t come until close to the June 1 deadline.

“I think in the end it comes down to where Kris is comfortable. Does he want to come back and become a potential All-Big Ten, All-American and playing alongside the guys coming back and possibly win another Big Ten title or does he like what he hears from an NBA team? It’s probably going up to the deadline of June 1,” Kenyon Murray said to KCJJ radio.

Listening to his father, Kris’ game has only gotten better since the 2021-22 men’s college basketball season’s end. With that in mind, the sky is the limit for what Kris could accomplish in Iowa City next season if he so chooses.

Kenyon Murray discussed what the next evolution in Kris’ game would look like if he’s back in Iowa City.

“You’re going to get a kid that can definitely score at all three levels. You know, obviously, he’s got to finish better in the paint. That’s one of the things we talked about throughout the year, but he’s not going to be the same player as Keegan (Murray). You know, Keegan can post up and those kind of things.

“Not saying Kris can’t, but he has always been kind of a face the basket, you know, get to his spots, create for other people, so I think you’re going to see someone who can definitely play from the post but I think he’s going to be deadlier from the perimeter. Whether it’s with his passing, his dribble penetration. He’ll cut without the ball like Keegan did and obviously shoot the jump shot. I think you’re going to see just a more well-rounded version of Kris being able to score at all three levels,” Kenyon Murray said on KCJJ radio.

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Iowa at No. 15 in 247Sports’ way-too-early men’s college hoops ranking

247Sports’ Kevin Flaherty ranked Iowa No. 15 in his latest way-too-early men’s college basketball rankings.

It is never too early to start looking toward the next men’s college basketball season. With the May 1 deadline for transfers to inform their school of their intention to transfer in the rearview mirror, analysts are now better enabled to get a read on next year’s rosters. 247Sports’ Kevin Flaherty published his way-too-early rankings for 2022-23 and had Iowa coming in at No. 15.

Kris Murray is testing the NBA draft waters, but he looks likely to return to Iowa City for another season, and likely to ascend to stardom. Murray following in his brother Keegan’s footsteps and becoming an All-Big Ten force wouldn’t be a surprise. Add in Patrick McCaffery, Filip Rebraca and Tony Perkins, and more time for Ahron Ulis and Payton Sandfort, and the Hawkeyes could enter March with another top-five seed. – Flaherty, 247Sports.

Iowa is Flaherty’s second-highest ranked Big Ten program behind No. 13 Michigan. Of course, the Wolverines are fresh off a Sweet 16 appearance in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. After the Hawkeyes and Wolverines, No. 20 Illinois, No. 22 Indiana and No. 23 Michigan State round out the Big Ten teams appearing in the rankings.

Last season Iowa went on a historic Big Ten Tournament championship run, finishing the season as the No. 21 team in the nation after bowing out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to 12th-seeded Richmond, 67-63.

Iowa may have a tough road back to the Big Ten Tournament championship. Star forward [autotag]Keegan Murray[/autotag] is off to the NBA as a potential top-ten pick in the 2022 NBA draft and second-leading scorer and longtime starter [autotag]Jordan Bohannon[/autotag] exhausted his eligibility.

[autotag]Kris Murray[/autotag] will be the X-factor of the offseason. His return would be massive for a Hawkeyes team searching for their next star. While he declared for the draft, the door is still open for the junior forward to return to Iowa for the upcoming season. The deadline for Murray to remove his name and retain his NCAA eligibility is June 1.

Murray’s game progressed in his second season, showing some potential star power coming off the bench. In fact, Kris averaged Iowa’s team-high off the bench at 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. With a full-time role, look out for Kris to emerge as a top Big Ten star just like his twin brother Keegan did this past year.

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