Prospect Spotlight: Caleb Schlaak (2021)
As Cedar Rapids Kennedy sophomore Caleb Schlaak heads into his 16U season, it seems just a matter of time before the 6-foot-7 forward becomes one of the Iowa’s more sought-after prospects.
The versatile forward is certainly a capable perimeter threat, but it’s his post presence that he’s been working to bolster of late.
“I’ve really been getting in the weight-room and have been working to build muscle and I’ve been really working on my post moves and to assert myself in the paint,” said Schlaak. “And I’m still working on my shot and maintaining it.”
As a sophomore with the Cougars, Schlaak sustained a finger injury at the beginning of the season that slowed him a bit, but he found his role as the season went on. He finished the season with averages of 7.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and a block per game.
“My role this year was to be a post presence and a defensive presence inside,” said Schlaak. “I was trying to communicate a lot on defense and worked to perfect our system.”
Now, as he heads into his offseason with an ultra-talented Martin Brothers 16U unit, Schlaak is hoping some deep tourney runs will have college coaches flocking to watch the team.
“It’s a really good group and I think we’ll have an amazing summer. We’re going to work as a team and try and dominate every tournament we go to, we definitely have the skill-set and the players,” said Schlaak.
“With them, I’ll be used as a wing, like a two, three, four-type guy. We got some other big guys on that team, so they don’t need my size as much inside, but I still could if need be.”
Recruitment: Schlaak has taken unofficial visits to Wisconsin and Iowa, he’s been talking to South Dakota State and Wayne State.
“I expect to see more once this summer hits,” he said. “After the college coaches come to watch us play.”