NAIA & D3 Targets (Part II)
There’s still plenty of time to get out and recruit this summer and fall, and — especially for D3 and NAIA coaches — there could be a different showcase to be at every weekend up until November. Below, we’ve profiled eight guys from Iowa’s 2018 class who we believe would make fine players at NAIA and D3 schools.
Johnny Supple, 6’3 G (Cascade)
Rangy and smart, this Cascade, Western Dubuque wing has been solid for the Cougars each of the past two seasons while helping lead them to consecutive state tournament appearances. He spent his summer with one of the best grassroots teams in Iowa, Tri-State Steam, and could see his stock rise considerably this season if the Cougars can make yet another state tourney run.
Kenny Clay, 5’7 PG (Davenport West)
We got our first look at this small but compact lead guard at the Drake Team Camp in June, and he was magnificent. He’s supremely quick, and finds his teammates well. Most impressive was his ability to finish adeptly and creatively at the rim, which can be tough for guys his size. He makes it look easy.
Luke Empen, 6’6 PF (Northeast, Goose Lake)
A big brusier in the paint, and with an ever-increasing skill-set, Empen could very well be a D2 guy before his senior season is up. That doesn’t mean the smaller schools shouldn’t get involved. He’s a gritty and tough center with a high-motor. A coach’s dream.
Luke Sueppel, 5’10 PG (Valley)
He was a key role player on a Valley squad that made the state championship game last season, and was extremely efficient while posting shooting percentages of 56/45/82. He’s not an electric type player, but he’s a smart and solid guard. You’ll likely be able to get a good look at him down at Wells Fargo Arena again this March.
Carter Frey, 5’10 G (Valley)
Another solid Valley guard — there’s lots of them — Frey has some nice quickness to his game, and that burst allows him to get by defenders on offense and stay in front of opponents defensively. His mid-range is nice, and he’ll can a 3 too. Frey shot 95 percent form the free-throw line as a junior.
Steve Borneman, 6’2 G (Dallas Center-Grimes)
The main man at Dallas Center-Grimes, Borneman has gotten better and better each time we’ve seen him, and now is certainly on of the state’s better college prospects. He’s lean and rangy, and uses his length well to get into the lane and get off shots over defenders. He shot 50 percent from the floor last season, and will post big numbers this winter for the Mustangs.
Eric Milewsky, 5’10 PG (Urbandale)
He’s a tough they come on the hardwood, and brings a lot of his football player mentality when he plays. Well built and very quick, he’s gets into the lane and is able to absorb contact well. He finishes creatively at the rim, and has worked to have an effective mid-range.
Jahion McCaleb, 6’3 SG (Des Moines North)
This Des Moines North product has a chance to be one of the best shooters in the state this season, and certainly has knack for getting red-hot when his team needs it most. We’ve seen him heat up with both the Polar Bears and Kingdom Hoops, and when he gets going, he can bury opponents in a hurry.