2018 Iowa Recruiting Update: Hawkeyes Could Be All Wrapped Up

The college basketball offseason picked up for coaching staff’s this July as programs crisscrossed across the country to try and assemble their 2018 class and look beyond to 2019 and 2020.

One of the program’s in the best shape for 2018 is Fran McCaffery’s Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa came into the busy July recruiting period in as good a spot as anyone. The Hawkeyes took a commit from top 50 player, Joe Wieskamp, a 6’6” shooting guard from Iowa. He is McCaffery’s highest rated recruit during his tenure in Iowa City. With Wieskamp, as it stands right now, Iowa is now full on scholarships for the 2018 class.

Take a look at some highlights from the impressive Wieskamp, courtesy of Rivals.

That does not mean they won’t still recruit players for the 2018 class. Take a look at some of the players Iowa still could have in mind should another scholarship open up for the 2018 class.

Duane Washington - Combo Guard - (N/R 3-Star)

The 6’3” Grand Rapids, MI combo guard has been quickly moving up the priority list of many schools this July. Since the start of July, Washington has received offers from schools such as Iowa State, Missouri, Butler, SMU and Clemson amongst others. Virginia Tech also offered in the first week of August. In addition to Iowa, Big Ten schools such as Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan and Michigan State have kept tabs on Washington, but have not extended an offer.

What do teams like about Washington? Shooting is the biggest draw. Washington can really shoot it well from three-point range. He averaged well over 40% from three-point range this AAU season. As the highlights show (courtesy of Endless Motor), he is also comfortable handling the ball and getting to the rim. His build indicates a strength in creating offensive opportunities going to the basket, as well as defensive potential, though he is not all that athletic.

As mentioned, Iowa has not offered, but keeping a close eye. Regardless, someone will end up with a good, four-year player here.

Adam Trapp - Center - (N/R 3-Star)

The appeal of the center from Minnesota? He’s a monstrous size. The 7’2” 200 lb. big man is still a work in progress, but you can’t teach size and Trapp has plenty of it.

Iowa offered Trapp a while back, but it is unclear where things stand right now. Trapp was hurt this summer and didn’t participate in the July AAU circuit. There’s been some question of his progression, but big men are often a work in progress.

Competition for Trapp is also somewhat unclear. Purdue offered, but appears to be focusing on other center targets. DePaul also offered, but according to Verbal Commits, has offers out to many other center targets.

Check out some of Trapp’s highlights below, courtesy of Courtside Films. It will be interesting to see where his recruitment goes from here. Iowa might need a point guard more should a scholarship open up, but do you turn down an opportunity to develop someone who is 7’2”?

Tre Wood - Point Guard - (N/R 3-Star)

As mentioned, Iowa will need a point guard some time in their 2018 or 2019 classes. Wood is another point guard target for McCaffery.

The 5’11” guard from Washington DC has a quick first step and looks to score with the ball in his hands. Iowa is competing against offers from Penn State, Old Dominion and South Florida, amongst others. Rivals recruiting and scouting analyst, Corey Evans, was impressed with Wood’s improved shooting ability this July.

Expect more offers to come for Wood this August and into the Fall. Iowa offered in 2016, but won’t have an answer for Wood on a scholarship for awhile. With Wood receiving more and more interest, is he willing to wait?

Check out some highlights from Wood below, courtesy of Hoop Major Media.

Overall

Regardless of whether Iowa adds another player for 2018, they are in a great position. Wieskamp is an absolute stud and could be a primary scoring option for the Hawkeyes for multiple years in Iowa City. With Iowa full on scholarships, they are in a tricky position of still trying to recruit players to 2018, but not knowing where that scholarship might come from. Will some of these fast rising players be willing to wait on final word for an opportunity at early playing time? That seems like an awfully big ask.

Even if Iowa is finished in 2018, a four-man class will likely come in 2019. With 17 offers out (Verbal Commits) to 2019 targets, odds are Iowa’s improved recruiting under McCaffery will continue. Keep an eye on the Hawkeyes.