Iowa Hawkeyes’ Smart Transfer Picks Bolster Basketball Team

IOWA CITY — Fran McCaffery, the head coach of the Iowa men’s basketball team, appears to have made strategic decisions in acquiring new talent through the NCAA transfer portal. The addition of fifth-year senior guard Drew Thelwell from Morehead State and sophomore forward Seydou Traore of Manhattan has proven beneficial for the team’s defense and depth, without compromising offensive performance.

Both players have quickly made their presence felt on the court. Thelwell averages 8.4 points per game, while Traore averages 9.7 points. However, their contribution extends beyond scoring, as both have been pivotal in enhancing Iowa’s defensive capabilities. Traore, in particular, has been a critical part of Iowa’s press defense and has demonstrated his skills with frequent steals, a sentiment echoed by Coach McCaffery. «They’re really athletic, but they’ve got great instincts,» McCaffery stated.

Drew Thelwell’s past achievements include averaging 10 points and leading the Ohio Valley Conference with 6.2 assists, contributing to Morehead State’s consecutive regular-season titles. Although Thelwell is not a starter, he plays crucial minutes and recently helped Iowa secure a lead against Washington State with back-to-back three-pointers. «I think the fans have responded to him,» remarked McCaffery.

Seydou Traore, hailing from New York City, brings his agility and defensive prowess to the team. Standing at 6-foot-7, his versatility allows him to play multiple positions. Last season, Traore led the Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in blocked shots per game. He emphasizes the importance of taking defense personally, stating, «If you take it personal, nobody should score on you.»

Traore and Thelwell have maintained composure on the court, a trait valued by Coach McCaffery, who noted, «They don’t get sped up. They don’t rattle.» This poise was evident in their recent performance against Rider, where Thelwell scored seven assists and five steals, and Traore contributed with offensive rebounds and effective defense.

The solid contributions from these transfers are providing Iowa with the strength it needs as they prepare to face fellow unbeaten team Utah State. Their recent victory against Rider, with a score of 83-58, further cements Iowa’s strong start to the season.