Uthoff PTL's top pick

IOWA CITY - Jared Uthoff's decision to transfer from Wisconsin to Iowa got a warm welcome Wednesday night.

Uthoff was the No. 1 pick in the Prime Time League draft. He will play for Vinton's Merchants/Gaten's Real Estate, which is coached by league coordinator Randy Larson.

“He can put the ball on the floor, and he is one of those guys that can set the tone of playing the game the right way,” Larson said.

The second pick was Iowa freshman Michael Gesell. The point guard will play for Jill Armstrong/Skogman Realtors and Coach Dan Ahrens when play starts Tuesday night at the North Liberty Community Center with games at 6 and 7:30.

Ahrens cited Gesell's athleticism and quickness.

“The kid is so fast,” Ahrens said. “I think he'll have a great career at Iowa, because he is such an athlete.”

The first veteran Iowa player taken was sophomore Aaron White at No.?3, followed by Devyn Marble at No?4. White will play for Coach Ron Nove and Culver's/Iowa City Ready Mix, and Marble will play for LL Pelling/McCurry's and Coach Kevin Lehman.

Beginning the second round, Lehman picked former Northern Iowa standout Ali Farokhmanesh. Veteran Hawkeyes rounded out the remainder of the second round with Eric May, Melsahn Basabe and Zach McCabe going to Nove, Ahrens and Larson in that order.

Of the remaining Hawkeye veterans, Gabe Olaseni was a third-round pick. Josh Ogelsby and Darius Stokes were fourth and seventh round picks, respectively. Larson took Iowa freshman center Adam Woodbury in the third round.

Ahrens said he's excited to get the league going again.

“It's saying thank you to the fans because they get to come out, see the young players and pick their favorites,” Ahrens said.

The league has only four teams because UNI players decided not to participate this summer.