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Earlier this week, the Iowa Hawkeyes got some tough news as they learned Joe Wieskamp would be remaining in the 2021 NBA Draft and foregoing his remaining eligibility with the program. While this was always the likeliest outcome when Wieskamp declared, it will certainly be a major blow for Fran McCaffery as he hoped to build off last year.
Joe Wieskamp had a decision to make: Return to Iowa basketball for another year or keep his name in the NBA draft. On Friday he made it official. https://t.co/pH1ZZmEVci
— Hawk Central (@hawkcentral) July 2, 2021
Wieskamp arrived on campus in 2018 as a top 60 prospect and largely lived up to the hype, playing 97 games for the Hawkeyes and averaging an impressive 29.3 minutes, 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last year. His performance was a key part of Iowa’s NCAA appearances as well.
There’s little debating Wieskamp will hear his name called on Draft night, and it very well could be in the First Round as well. His stock has been rising in recent weeks and his unique ball handling and perimeter shooting skills will make him an interesting prospect. He should get more than a fair shot to earn a role on a solid NBA team.
The Hawkeyes will enter next season in rebuild mode, particularly with the departure of Wieskamp. The team is losing its top players in Luka Garza and Wieskamp and a few other depth pieces as well. Jordan Bohannon and Keegan Murray are back, so there should be something for McCaffery to work with this season. That should be more than enough to remain in the NCAA Tournament picture and we’ll have to see how it shakes out.