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Northern Iowa Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Panthers

By Harry Schroeder

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Head coach Ben Jacobson of the Northern Iowa Panthers reacts to a play on the court against the Bradley Braves during the final game of the MVC Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Head coach Ben Jacobson of the Northern Iowa Panthers reacts to a play on the court against the Bradley Braves during the final game of the MVC Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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Northern Iowa Basketball guard A.J. Green 190105 Uni S Illinois 028 Jpg
Northern Iowa Basketball guard A.J. Green 190105 Uni S Illinois 028 Jpg /

Projected starting lineup

UNI returns five players with over 20 starts last season and that doesn’t include their best player. Jacobson has at least eight starting quality players who know their roles, make three-pointers, and play impeccable team defense.

The return of Green changes everything in Cedar Falls.

A.J. Green – Shooting Guard

A.J. Green is arguably the best player in the Valley. He was a Top 100 player coming out of high school and then during his rookie season at UNI earned the Freshman of the Year award. Two seasons ago, he was the league MVP and scoring champion. He was averaging over 22 points per game when his junior season ended. Green scores from deep (173 career threes), off the bounce and doesn’t miss free throws (.889). During his two-plus seasons, he has amassed 1,186 career points.

When he runs the pick and roll with Phyfe, they are practically unstoppable. If his hips are healthy (he had surgery on both), his return makes UNI a league favorite. He makes everyone else better.

Austin Phyfe – Center

Phyfe is a true force. His 6’9, 240-pound body is immovable on the defensive end and he is a master of the pick and roll. His offensive work on the block and the boards is exceptional. His battles with Missouri State’s Gaige Prim and Drake’s Darnell Brodie will go a long way to determine the MVC title.

The Waverly, Iowa lefty has accumulated a .645 career shooting percentage and 494 rebounds. Two seasons ago he was an All-Valley performer and last year received third-team honors.

Bowen Born – Point Guard

Born is the Valley’s reigning Freshman of the Year. The 5’11 lefty averaged 11.2 points and more than two rebounds and two assists per game. Born is a scorer that was pushed to the point guard role due to Green’s injury.

The former ‘Iowa Mr. Basketball’ started all 25 Panther games and led the team in three-pointers (45) and was second in minutes played. Green and Born will share the ball-handling duties and free the younger guard to have more three-point opportunities.

Trae Berhow – Wing

Berhow is a fifth-year senior and proven scorer. After averaging 10 points at Pepperdine the 6’5 swingman has been an offensive staple at Northern Iowa. His 13-point scoring average led last year’s team.

While a consistent scorer, Berhow was a solid rebounder (4.9) and has grown as a defender. Berhow and fellow seniors Goanar Mar and Tywhon Pickford decided to return for their extra seasons and Jacobson says their returns speak to the team’s unity and desire for success.

Noah Carter – Forward

Carter is a unique Northern Iowa player. UNI players fit roles, run the plays, and are typically highly efficient. Carter is explosive, emotional and the type of player that elevates others with his play and his passion. Carter placed his name in the transfer portal for one day but quickly withdrew.

The 6’6 sophomore averaged 11.2 points and 5.7 rebounds last season. Carter can be a game-breaker but needs to add consistency. While topping 20 points on four occasions, he also had six games where he scored four or fewer.