Iowa's Bryce Cartwright takes skills from Compton playgrounds to Big Ten arenas

IOWA CITY - Bryce Cartwright grew up on the playgrounds of Lueders Park in Compton, Calif., honing his basketball skills against current Division I and NBA players.

He learned how to compete in the gyms of Los Angeles, including the ultra-sized “Hangar” complex. He played for Dominguez High School, which has produced recent NBA stars Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler and Brandon Jennings.

Cartwright, an Iowa junior, has taken his chops in the AAU circuit, sharing the ball with Jennings, Texas sophomore Jordan Hamilton and Michigan sophomore Darius Miles. Cartwright now competes against some of the nation's best point guards on a nightly basis in the Big Ten.

And he's holding his own. Cartwright is now the second Hawkeye to earn eight or more assists in four consecutive games since Andre Woolridge in 1994-95. In Big Ten play he ranks first in assists (6.64 a game) and is third overall (5.48). He's also provided a spark for the Hawkeyes, who have won back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time since 2007.

“He has a real heavy job load,” Iowa freshman Melsahn Basabe said. “He basically plays 40 minutes a game. The point guard position is not an easy position. He's responsible for everybody on the court, and he's doing it in the Big Ten, the best conference in the country. I'm really proud of him. I don't know that I've told him that yet but especially after (Saturday), I'm proud with the way he's kept fighting. I can't say he's given up through all the ups and downs.”

Cartwright was brought in as a swing player to back up point guard Cully Payne and off-guard Matt Gatens. When Payne had season-ending surgery to repair a sports hernia, Cartwright became the starter at the point. He was inconsistent early in the season, but as of late has become Iowa's primary playmaker.

“I think the thing that has impressed most people is he's just fearless,” Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said. “That's what we need. That's what this team needed.”

Few situations better defined Cartwright's expanding role than last Saturday at Indiana. The Hawkeyes trailed 58-48 with 7:42 left in the game. Cartwright combined with Basabe to score 14 of Iowa's final 16 points in a 64-63 win. Cartwright whiffed on an air ball when the score was tied 60-60. He rallied one possession later with a drive to the basket to knot the score at 62-62. With Iowa trailing by a point on its next trip up the court, Cartwright sank the game-winning shot on a baseline jumper.

Cartwright's play has evened out from an inconsistent start in the Big Ten. He's had at least seven assists in each of the last five games. He's becoming more patient, a trait that defines his off-court demeanor.

“With every game I'm getting more comfortable and just getting my teammates involved makes them happier as well,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright started his career at Fresno State but transferred to Paris (Texas) Junior College after disagreements with the coaching staff. Cartwright picked up several Division I offers while at Paris, including Oregon and Miami (Ohio), but waited until the summer to find the right fit. He picked Iowa after connecting with McCaffery.

“I had offers in early March,” Cartwright said. “I've always been one to just wait and see how things will play out. I think I made the best decision, not only for me but for my family as well.”

Cartwright's emergence has given McCaffery more thought for the future as well. Cartwright will be a senior and Payne - who likely will red-shirt - will be a sophomore. McCaffery also plans to bring in another recruit at point guard. The players will compete for playing time, but Cartwright's play has put him in the front-runner role.

“We've only got him for one more year,” McCaffery said. “I think if he was a freshman, that would be a more difficult question to answer. But going into next year, I think he's established himself clearly.”