Ever wondered what became of the talented athletes who once graced the courts for Iowa men's basketball over the past five seasons? Their post-Iowa paths are filled with triumphs, setbacks, and unexpected twists that might just surprise you. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these transfers and career shifts a smart move for individual players, or do they highlight deeper issues in college sports loyalty? Let's dive into the details and see where these Hawkeyes have landed, with some extra context to help newcomers to the basketball world understand the bigger picture.
First up, Dasonte Bowen made the switch from Iowa to St. Bonaventure, where he put up an impressive average of 11.1 points per game last season—until an injury cut his campaign short after just 10 contests. Injuries like this are a harsh reality in sports, reminding us how fragile even the most promising careers can be.
Ladji Dembele headed to UNLV after Iowa, but he's currently sidelined for about a month due to a foot issue. It's a reminder that even top talents face hurdles that can derail their momentum.
Josh Dix moved on to Creighton following his time at Iowa, showcasing how transfers can open new doors in college basketball.
CJ Fredrick has stepped into a coaching role as a graduate assistant on the men's basketball staff at Miami (Florida). Before that, he suited up for Kentucky and Cincinnati after departing Iowa, illustrating the winding paths some players take post-college.
Owen Freeman also transferred to Creighton after his Iowa stint, joining a growing trend of players seeking fresh starts.
Luka Garza is kicking off his fourth NBA season, now with the Boston Celtics. He made a splash in preseason, grabbing 10 points and 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes during a win over Memphis. For beginners, the NBA is the pinnacle of professional basketball, where players like Luka prove their skills on the biggest stage.
Brock Harding shifted to TCU after Iowa, another example of the mobility in today's college game.
Ben Krikke has inked a deal with SGG Baskets Wolmirstedt in Germany's top division, following a season in Spain where he averaged 11.5 points. This international leap highlights how global opportunities are expanding for American players.
Connor McCaffery is in his second year as an assistant coach at Butler, transitioning from player to mentor—a common and rewarding career pivot.
Patrick McCaffery joined CS Valcea 1924 in Romania after a stint at Butler, venturing into European basketball.
Riley Mulvey transferred to Siena post-Iowa, continuing his collegiate journey elsewhere.
Keegan Murray is embarking on his fourth NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, having averaged 12.4 points last year. The NBA G League, where some players hone their skills, is like a minor league for the pros.
Kris Murray, his brother, is in his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 4.2 points previously. Sibling rivalries in the NBA add an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Jack Nunge is now with the Fukushima Firebonds in Japan, after wrapping up his college days at Xavier and stints in Italy and France. His journey underscores the global appeal of basketball talent.
Josh Ogundele bounced from Iowa to Middle Tennessee State and then Tennessee State, where he started 20 games last season and averaged 6.8 rebounds. This zigzag path shows the resilience required in the sport.
Tony Perkins delivered 8.7 points per game for Missouri last season, after four solid years at Iowa. Staying loyal to one program versus transferring is a debate that divides opinions—some say it builds character, others argue for chasing better opportunities.
Filip Rebraca is pursuing his pro career back in his native Serbia, a proud homecoming for many international players.
Payton Sandfort signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an undrafted free agent but didn't make their preseason roster. And this is the part most people miss: Undrafted players often face uphill battles, proving that talent alone doesn't guarantee success.
Chris Tadjo transferred to Santa Clara after Iowa, part of the transfer portal wave that's reshaping college sports.
Drew Thelwell is suiting up for L’Elan Bearnais in France, following his Iowa season, and recently scored 14 points in a game. His quick adaptation abroad is inspiring.
Joe Toussaint played at West Virginia and Texas Tech post-Iowa, and most recently represented Prievidza in Slovakia during the FIBA World Cup, averaging 15.5 points. Competing internationally adds prestige and exposure.
Seydou Traore moved to Utah after Iowa, another transfer that sparks questions about player agency versus team stability.
Ahron Ulis wrapped up his college career last season after switching to Nebraska in 2023, marking the end of his collegiate chapter.
Finally, Joe Wieskamp has signed with Science City Jena in Germany, after a season Down Under in Australia. He logged 38 NBA games with San Antonio and Toronto, plus time on five different G League squads, showing the grind of chasing an NBA dream.
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What do you think? Do you believe transfers empower players or weaken team loyalty? Is the NBA the ultimate goal, or are international leagues equally valid? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with these career choices, or see them differently?
