The Shifting Landscape of Iowa Basketball: Transfer Updates and Future Prospects
Cross had an impressive record at UMass, averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game last season. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward had a shooting percentage of 54.0% from the field, 32.9% from the 3-point line, and 79.8% from the free-throw line. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the first-team Atlantic 10 All-Conference roster.
Cross was highly regarded in the transfer portal, with 247Sports rating him as a four-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 221 overall transfer and the No. 44 small forward. Cross, a product of Brewster Academy, was initially a four-star signee and the No. 93 player overall in the 2020 class. He started his career at Miami (Fla.) before transferring to Louisville and then UMass.
With Cross now committed to SMU, the Hawkeyes will need to redirect their focus. Reports suggest that they have already contacted UCLA transfer forward Berke Buyuktuncel. However, they face stiff competition from other schools, including Nebraska, Virginia, Cincinnati, Washington, Butler, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Kentucky, BYU, and Louisville.
The Hawkeyes have also seen some departures, with guards Dasonte Bowen and Tony Perkins, and forward Patrick McCaffery leaving via the transfer portal. Bowen and Perkins transferred to St. Bonaventure and Missouri, respectively, while McCaffery moved to Butler.
Despite these changes, the Hawkeyes have managed to secure Morehead State transfer guard Drew Thelwell. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound guard has an impressive record, having played and started in all 68 games for the Eagles over the past two seasons. In his career, Thelwell has appeared in 114 games and started 69.
Thelwell averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game last season. He shot 43.5% from the floor and 33.8% from the 3-point range, and he netted 64.5% of his free throws. His contributions helped Morehead State secure the Ohio Valley tournament championship and a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
As the Iowa basketball team navigates these changes, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the new roster shapes up for the upcoming season.