Iowa looks to future with 4 starters, influx of newbies

SEATTLE - Before Aaron White took off his Iowa basketball jersey for the final time, the senior paused briefly and reflected about his career. Then he offered a projection about the program's future.

'You've got to think it's bright; actually I know it's bright,” White said. 'Every year has been a steady climb. I don't see why that shouldn't continue.”

The Hawkeyes ended their season at 22-12 and will miss three regular contributing seniors in White, center Gabe Olaseni and guard Josh Oglesby. All three combined for nearly 28 points and 14 rebounds a game. White was a first-team all-Big Ten selection, led the team in rebounding all four years and ranks second in Iowa career scoring. Olaseni, a backup contributor, was named the Big Ten's sixth-man of the year. He was third in scoring (8.1) and fourth in rebounding (4.8). Oglesby averaged nearly 19 minutes a game and finished third in 3-pointers (28).

While all three were pivotal players, there's still a core remaining for next year. Iowa returns five players with at least 12 starts this year, including four incoming seniors.

'I feel very good about the future,” Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said. 'We're going to miss that group. They were very, very consistent. They played a lot of games, and they were incredibly productive. But they also showed a great example of how to do it, and that's what I think bodes well for the young guys as we move forward.”

Center Adam Woodbury has 104 career starts and set career highs this year in scoring (6.7) and rebounding (5.2). Point guard Mike Gesell (97 career starts) ranked first in assists (135) and scored 7.4 points a game. Anthony Clemmons (12 starts this year) was the team's best perimeter defender, averaged 4.8 points and ranked second in assists. All three will be seniors.

Forward Jarrod Uthoff, who also will be a senior, was the team's most consistent perimeter shooter. He led Iowa with 54 3-pointers and 56 blocked shots, ranked second to White in scoring (12.4) and rebounding (6.4) He averaged 13.3 points a game in Big Ten play, was named the league's player of the week in early January and was tabbed third-team all-league by coaches. He was the nation's only player to register more than 50 blocks, 50 3-pointers and 35 steals.

Shooting guard Peter Jok, who will be a junior, flashed throughout February, scoring in double digits five times in a six-game stretch. Jok, who averaged 7.0 points a game, had 21 starts but dealt with inconsistency late in the season. He was strong in the opening NCAA tournament game against Davidson with 12 points and five rebounds, then struggled against Gonzaga (1-of-6 shooting, four points, two turnovers. Incoming sophomore Dominique Uhl (2.1 points per game) averaged 10 minutes a game off the bench and spelled White or Uthoff.

Two freshman who expect to contribute include guard Brady Ellingson and walk-on Nicholas Baer. Ellingson (6-4) played in seven games but will seek a medical red-shirt after continual foot problems related to surgery last summer. Baer (6-7), an all-stater from Bettendorf, red-shirted and was a valued member of the scout team. Walk-ons Charlie Rose and Okey Ukah also have eligibility.

An influx of newcomers will join the veteran cast. Iowa signed four prospects in the fall - power forward Ahmad Wagner (6-7), small forward Brandon Hutton (6-6), guard Isaiah Moss (6-5) and shooting guard Andrew Fleming (6-4). All four were McDonald's All-American nominees. Iowa also received a commitment from guard Christian Williams (6-5), a Class 2A all-state selection in Illinois. The Hawkeyes have one scholarship available for this class.

'I think it's a program that should consistently be in the NCAA tournament as long as Coach (Fran) McCaffery is here because he knows what he's doing,” White said. 'He getting athletes in here that will fit his system. So, I know I'll be watching with pride like the former senior classes that have graduated looked to our team with pride. I'm excited for the future.”

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