Busting Brackets
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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 forward Patrick McCaffery. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Power Forward

Starter — Patrick McCaffery (30 mpg)

Patrick McCaffery, the son of head coach Fran McCaffery, had a solid season last year averaging 9.8 PPG and 3.5 RPG on 40% shooting from the field. Although his role and statistical numbers diminished fairly slightly from his sophomore season to junior season, McCaffery will be asked to carry a larger role and brings the intangibles and a veteran presence with his lengthy frame at the power forward spot.

McCaffery, who bravely took an indefinite leave of absence throughout most of last January to address mental health issues relating to anxiety, looks to be a consistent and experienced asset to Fran McCaffery’s squad. His ability to stretch the floor, play well off cuts and off the dribble with improved physicality gives him valuable skills to work with throughout the season.

Bench —  Ladji Dembele (10 mpg)

Hailing from Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, Dembele is a true freshman who could potentially play rotational minutes partially due to his impact on the defensive side of the floor. Ranked as a 43rd overall PF and 3-star prospect in the 2023 class, per 24/7 Sports, Dembele has the physicality, swiftness and length to disrupt many opponents and rebound the basketball while on defense. Here is an interesting quote from Dembele on what he brings defensively as a true freshman, via HawkeyesWire.com:

"“I watch a lot of defense. I’m not like a great defender, but I’m just trying to make sure I see the ball and I see my man. Pay attention on those little details. I think that’s the most important part for me,” Dembele said."

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