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Iowa Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24 season

By Cole Amundson

Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery talks with his team from the bench as Auburn Tigers take on Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery talks with his team from the bench as Auburn Tigers take on Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. /
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Iowa’s Payton Sandfort reacts to a made three-point basket against Michigan State’s Joey Hauser. Mandatory credit: Syndication Hawkcentral
Iowa’s Payton Sandfort reacts to a made three-point basket against Michigan State’s Joey Hauser. Mandatory credit: Syndication Hawkcentral /

Small Forward

Starter — Payton Sandfort (30 mpg)

In 2021-2022, Keegan Murray increased his points per game from 7.2 to 23.5. In 2022-2023, his brother, Kris Murray, increased his points per game from 9.7 to 20.2. Who can make a jump similar to these two? Look no further than the reigning Big Ten 6th Man of the Year Payton Sandfort — who is expected to have a pivotal 2023-2024 campaign.

Last year, Sandfort averaged 10.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game on 40.4% shooting from the field. Although he didn’t necessarily start the season out scorching hot from behind the arc, he became much more efficient in Big Ten play which is obviously a positive sign heading into next season. To reiterate Sandfort’s impact last year, according to Evan Mya.com, Sandfort recorded an OPBR rating of 4.26, which placed him ninth in the country amongst all Division One players.

With an increased role this upcoming season, Sandfort will undoubtedly have a dazzling green light in McCaffery’s high-octane offensive system. He is arguably Iowa’s most important piece and has the potential to put up some high-quality numbers.

Bench — Pryce Sandfort (10 mpg)

The brother of Payton Sandfort, the Waukee, Iowa native and 2023 Iowa Mr. Basketball winner Pryce Sandfort comes into Iowa City as a true freshman who is dazzling in potential. Pryce has a similar build to his brother as he comes in at 6’6 and 205 lbs, according to Iowa’s official athletic site. Although only a freshman, Pryce has shown his ability to connect from deep and will be a key backup three-point shooting forward for McCaffery.

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