UNI commit James Betz sees potential as a stretch four

CEDAR FALLS - While much of the focus has been on the 2018 recruiting class Northern Iowa men's basketball got a head start on its 2019 class Thursday after receiving a verbal commitment from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura forward James Betz.

'I was super excited, man. I've been thinking about (committing) for a long time now,” Betz said. 'I've always wanted to play for UNI.”

The 6-foot-7 Betz announced his commitment on Twitter earlier today. The junior-to-be averaged 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds last season for the Cardinals who reached the 2A state tournament for the first time since 2007.

With two seasons remaining in his high school career there's plenty of projection to Betz's game. He describes himself as a stretch four, a player known for having the size of a frontcourt athlete, but the ability to shoot on the perimeter.

'I can shoot 3s, and I can go get rebounds,” Betz said. 'I'm going to be able to dribble the ball, and I'm going to be able to pass the ball. I could see myself playing (at UNI) seeing all the stretch fours they've had.”

Betz described the relationship he was able to establish with the UNI coaching staff as the main selling point.

'I really love the coaches. I feel like they really care about me as a person. Not just as a basketball player, and that meant a lot to me. I really wanted to play in Iowa. Play in front of my family.”

The Panthers have filled one of four available 2019 scholarships with Betz's commitment. Currently UNI has three scholarships available for its 2018 recruiting class that's headlined by an offer to Cedar Falls 4-star recruit A.J. Green, son of assistant coach Kyle Green.