Iowa Basketball: Potential 2020-21 rotation for the Hawkeyes

Small Forward

Starter: Joe Wieskamp

Backup:. Connor McCaffery

For the third straight season, the small forward spot belongs mainly to Joe Wieskamp. An Iowa native, Wieskamp has started all 66 games in his Iowa career. His year two numbers eclipsed his year one totals. His three-point percentage dropped from 42 to 34, but he scored 14 points per game, snagged 6.1 rebounds, and was one of the most consistent scorers in the Big Ten. He played 32 minutes per game last season and it’s not hard to imagine that number increasing.

Wing depth is one of the Hawkeyes’ biggest weaknesses. They don’t have a defensive stopper like Michigan State’s Aaron Henry or Illinois’ Da’Monte Williams. Wieskamp and Connor McCaffery (more on him later) are the only scholarship players on the roster between 6’5-6’7.

So when Wieskamp sits, Iowa will either play big with McCaffery or play small with Fredrick. Both are good players, who specialize in different things (Fredrick with his shooting and McCaffery with his playmaking), but when they match up with a dynamic scoring guard, it remains to be seen who their lockdown defender is.

Power Forward

Starter: Connor McCaffery

Backups: Jack Nunge, Patrick McCaffery

The older McCaffery will likely be the small-ball four once again. Only standing at 6’5, McCaffery does a little bit of everything on each end to hold the team together. He can guard multiple positions, shoot a bit (34% on 3.1 attempts as a junior), rebound, and be the primary facilitator. Last season, he posted an insane 4.59:1 assist to turnover ratio. McCaffery is another key player who played over 30 minutes per game last season.

While lacking in wing and guard depth to a degree, frontcourt depth is not something the Hawkeyes struggle with. Redshirt sophomore Jack Nunge missed most of last year with an injury, but the 6’11 bruiser is slated to be ready for the season opener. Iowa can slot him next to Garza and have a super big lineup. Nunge played around 15 minutes per game during his first two seasons.

An eye to keep a name on as a potential x-factor for Iowa is redshirt freshman Patrick McCaffery. Fran’s younger son missed his freshman year with some “residual health issues” relating to thyroid cancer he was diagnosed with as a middle schooler. Patrick, who’s listed at 6’8 came to Iowa as a four-star and was No. 86 in the 247 Sports Composite. It remains to be seen how and where he is used, but he’s a skillful player who could play across the court, including at the four.