Players with the "recruitables" - Eastern IA

Through my time as a collegiate player as well as as a pro, I'm grateful that the game has connected me with college coaches across the country. As the game progresses and evolves I have continually asked these coaches what they are looking for in today's recruit. Especially with the potential for Division II eligibility changing, players taking Covid years, and graduate transfer rules being added, it is so important to key in on what current coaches are seeking out in potential commits. My write-up covers some of those must-haves in players, and highlights what players in Eastern Iowa fit that bill.    The first item on my list of "recruitables" is scoring efficiency. Players that get it done on offense without having to rack up shot attempts is a huge draw for college coaches, and junior [player_tooltip player_id='833956' first='Kaitlin' last='Loria'] exemplified that this past season for Iowa City High. Finishing last season with an eFG% of 57.3%, the small forward showed reliability and a strong finishing ability for the Little Hawks. Along with averaging 6 rebounds per game, I'm really looking to see Loria fill big shoes left by graduating seniors last season and continue to convert at a high level.     Next on my list of high-efficiency players is senior [player_tooltip player_id='782232' first='Lena' last='Evans'] out of Clear Creek Amana. The combo guard did a little of everything for the Clippers last year and her stats showed it — averaging 17.4 points, 5 boards, 2.6 assists and an eye-catching 3.8 steals per game. Evans is a workhorse off the floor as well and I'm really looking forward to seeing how her game has progressed heading into her senior season. I predict the Doane Univeristy commit will continue to flash her efficiency this season as a 1-2 punch fellow guard, [player_tooltip player_id='509225' first='Averie' last='Lower'].     Though it seems like a simple concept, one of the biggest intangibles college players look for in recruits is how hard they play — I cannot think of a player grittier than [player_tooltip player_id='502101' first='Madden' last='Wilson']. She only knows one speed (fast), and she gives all-out effort every time she steps on the floor. Speaking of floor...you'll find Wilson on it countless times in a game between diving for loose balls, drawing charges, and just making hustle plays. I'm looking at Wilson to be a go-to player this year as a senior and I'm excited to see her already-impressive numbers jump up this season.     College players are always, always going to recruit players who can flat-out shoot the basketball, and [player_tooltip player_id='1058974' first='Addison' last='Stallman'] showed promise from deep last season for Cedar Rapids Kennedy. The freshman only attempted 29 attempts on the season, but was money from deep, converting 42% of those shots. As a sophomore I can only imagine her playing time (and attempts) will increase, and when that happens the Kennedy Cougars will have a serious outside threat on their hands. With senior shooter Ella Moser graduating last season Kennedy will need someone to pick up the slack from the outside, and I think Stallman can help fill that void.     I cannot stress how often coaches look for players that can pass. the. rock. As simple as it may seem, players that can make crisp post-entry passes are immediately going to get more looks from college coaches — and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='880903' first='Addie' last='McLaughlin'] is a great example of a player who will get the ball to you when you need it. Last season the IC Regina product was one of the top passers in the state, averaging 5.6 dimes per game. Alongside an impressive scoring line of 17 points per game last season as a freshman, McLaughlin's offensive skillset makes her a must-watch in the Cedar Rapids area. Keep your eye on this one!

Through my time as a collegiate player as well as as a pro, I'm grateful that the game has connected me with college coaches across the country. As the game progresses and evolves I have continually asked these coaches what they are looking for in today's recruit. Especially with the potential for Division II eligibility changing, players taking Covid years, and graduate transfer rules being added, it is so important to key in on what current coaches are seeking out in potential commits. My write-up covers some of those must-haves in players, and highlights what players in Eastern Iowa fit that bill.