Big Ten Basketball: Each team’s best acquisition out of 2023 transfer portal

Ben Krikke – 6’9 Forward – Iowa Hawkeyes

Ben Krikke is a player out of the MVC out of Valparaiso that looks to up the ante in 2023-24 by joining the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten ranks. Krikke is a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and has the potiential to contribute to the Hawkeyes as an international presence.

At 6-foot-9, he’s a stretch-forward that’s shown he can lead the scoring load and operate at either forward role on the floor; especially after his performance in 2022-23. He finished the season as a first-team All-MVC selection after averaging 19.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 2.1 apg on 55.2 percent shooting from the field. He led the conference in scoring average and field goal percentage while also ranking eighth in total blocks (28). His PER of 23.2 ranked third in the MVC.

He’s a player that knows how to be effective on both ends of the floor at the forward spot. In a battle against UIC last season back in February, he put 34 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three assists and a block. He showed off his efficiency inside the arc, shooting 14-of-19 from the field and 2-of-2 shooting from deep. In the game prior to that against Southern Illinois, he recorded a career-high five blocks.

While he’s certainly capable of shooting the 3-ball, he certainly isn’t one to fall in love with shooting on the perimeter and certainly likes to work inside the arc on both ends. He knocked down a career-high 17 3-pointers on just 61 attempts this past season with the Vandals. His other 381 attempts came from 2-point range, showing he’s a fundamentally sound prospect that can operate in the paint.

Krikke along with Even Brauns represent the new frontcourt members to add with the returning core of Tony Perkins, Payton Sandfort and Patrick McCaffery as the Hawkeyes look to make another appearance in the NCAA Tournament and keep their streak intact.