2027 Recruiting

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,982
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I caught the first part of "Locked On Hawkeyes" earlier today, and Clough said it's not a done deal, but the Hawks are a pretty strong consideration so far for him pre-visit. :)

I am guessing since he might be a one and done, Ben can offer him enough money AND a lot of playing time to increase his NBA Draft stock.

And what also will increase his NBA Draft stock is when he leads IOWA to an @EvilMonkeyInTheCloset NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
 

Matt1nb7

All-Conference
Mar 29, 2024
422
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Iowa is not in the lead for this kid. It’s not pessimism, it’s realism. You need to come out of fantasy land and realize we don’t have the financial means to land this kid. He will pull a massive windfall of money, and with the unregulated NIL environment, it puts our chances at close to zero. Name one time outside of Ricky Davis we landed a kid like this anyway…? I stopped paying attention to the talking heads because all they do is hype the machine - that’s kind of their job lol….
Who is in the lead for him??
 
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TailgateTom

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2003
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Is this an appeal to authority? Just because they know more than me doesn’t make them right. That logic doesn’t make sense. Also a vast majority of them are media. It’s their job to create hype for the program.
No it's flat out calling you wrong. The logic makes perfect sense when it's coming from sources outside of Iowa's media.
 

RagnarLothbrok

Heisman
Jun 11, 2025
5,827
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I am so glad that we have experts on both Iowa's NIL capabilities combined with what someone they have never met is looking for.
It’s the Fran Bridesmaid Syndrome that has led to incurable pessimism. I get it. Believe me. And when it’s all said and done, Iowa may very well pick up another recruiting participation trophy.

With that said…

Iowa’s chances are much better than at any time in the Fran era. I think fans also need to understand that while Iowa’s NIL budget is not going to be in the same zip code as other programs, that doesn’t mean Ben can’t find enough donors to offer a sizable package for one player. My guess is there could be a few random donations come in if money was the only hoop left to jump through to secure a commitment.

Now, Iowa will never be able to afford 2-3 Daughtry level commitments per recruiting cycle, but my guess is they could likely afford one. The fact Daughtry is related to a couple prominent Iowa alums doesn’t hurt, either.

We’ll see, but the idea this is “hopeless” seems a bit ridiculous to me.
 

DuddyB

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It’s the Fran Bridesmaid Syndrome that has led to incurable pessimism. I get it. Believe me. And when it’s all said and done, Iowa may very well pick up another recruiting participation trophy.

With that said…

Iowa’s chances are much better than at any time in the Fran era. I think fans also need to understand that while Iowa’s NIL budget is not going to be in the same zip code as other programs, that doesn’t mean Ben can’t find enough donors to offer a sizable package for one player. My guess is there could be a few random donations come in if money was the only hoop left to jump through to secure a commitment.

Now, Iowa will never be able to afford 2-3 Daughtry level commitments per recruiting cycle, but my guess is they could likely afford one. The fact Daughtry is related to a couple prominent Iowa alums doesn’t hurt, either.

We’ll see, but the idea this is “hopeless” seems a bit ridiculous to me.
Best post I’ve seen on my thoughts on it. While we don’t have a deep well of mega donors, I’m guessing there’s enough money out there sitting on the sidelines that could get one player like this if it’s that close. And with the success that Ben had already, I think he can catch that ticket in.
 
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TailgateTom

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Clough said that Iowa's in good position right now for him, however, he also said that a phone call from a Blueblood such as Duke or L'Ville at the last could change everything. Nobody knows how much dough they'll throw his way from their "Vault". Fun to speculate though.
The nice thing is Cayden doesn't appear to be money driven. He wants to be developed and have a relationship with his head coach beyond his time playing here. Two major feathers in the hat of BMC There's a reason he went out of his way to speak with Stirtz. Having said that, it doesn't' sound like money will be a disqualifying factor for Iowa, either.
 
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Hawkangler

All-Conference
Mar 16, 2014
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Iowa is indeed the leader at this point based on everything I've read and seen. Whether you believe the Recruiting Board percentages or not, Iowa is listed at 40% and is the only Fall visit at this point.
I've read that he plans to take five to six visits. Hope he pares that list down. Getting Cayden would be equivalent to getting CC. Ragnar had an excellent post 491. Why not the Hawks?

Great coach, great fan base, solid academics. In two short years Ben has brought in several four stars and several very good portal additions.

Hawk fans are over-the-moon excited after an elete eight run. Great hearing returning players say they want more. Can't remember when I heard that positive attitude.
 
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Hawkangler

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Finkelstein interviewed Daughtry for CBS sports today. Seems like a humble kid. On another podcast it sounds like UConn, Florida, Kentucky and Louisville are ramping up their interest.
 
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HawkFan10

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Apr 21, 2015
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Finkelstein interviewed Daughtry for CBS sports today. Seems like a humble kid. On another podcast it sounds like UConn, Florida, Kentucky and Louisville are ramping up their interest.
That's what happens when going after that kind of recruit and more often than not we are going to swing and miss...it just is what it is but we are at least in on him
 

silasstarr

Freshman
Aug 25, 2003
4,283
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48
TJ Jamison put Iowa in his top 6. Committing July 25th but a crystal ball was put in for Baylor
According to Gemini
"Recruiting experts at On3 recently logged an official prediction naming the Hawkeyes as the clear frontrunner."

Would Iowa take TJ as well as Caden D? I assume they would, no? How does Ben handle this?
 
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DuddyB

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2022
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According to Gemini
"Recruiting experts at On3 recently logged an official prediction naming the Hawkeyes as the clear frontrunner."

Would Iowa take TJ as well as Caden D? I assume they would, no? How does Ben handle this?
Iowa probably would, but I doubt Cayden is coming in to compete. Commitment from any of the other PG’s would tell me that CD isn’t coming.
 
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Max Rebo

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Dec 31, 2022
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The nice thing is Cayden doesn't appear to be money driven. He wants to be developed and have a relationship with his head coach beyond his time playing here. Two major feathers in the hat of BMC There's a reason he went out of his way to speak with Stirtz. Having said that, it doesn't' sound like money will be a disqualifying factor for Iowa, either.
Obviously, this is the pitch Iowa needs to make. They need to convince Cayden to resist the allure (and the money) of the bluebloods and to choose instead to play at a place where he can grow as a player and a person, and where he can be a part of something special.

It occurs to me that Ben McCollum is uniquely positioned to make that pitch. After all, it was only a few months ago that McCollum, himself, made this exact kind of choice, when he turned down overtures to become the head coach at North Carolina and to stay at Iowa.

Not saying this means Cayden is a lock to Iowa. Far from it. But if ever there was a time for the stars to align for Iowa to land a recruit of Daughtry's caliber, this might be it.
 

TailgateTom

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Obviously, this is the pitch Iowa needs to make. They need to convince Cayden to resist the allure (and the money) of the bluebloods and to choose instead to play at a place where he can grow as a player and a person, and where he can be a part of something special.

It occurs to me that Ben McCollum is uniquely positioned to make that pitch. After all, it was only a few months ago that McCollum, himself, made this exact kind of choice, when he turned down overtures to become the head coach at North Carolina and to stay at Iowa.

Not saying this means Cayden is a lock to Iowa. Far from it. But if ever there was a time for the stars to align for Iowa to land a recruit of Daughtry's caliber, this might be it.
And since my previous post on this, Brad has said that to his knowledge, Cayden hasn't even brought up money yet.
 

Hawkeye1984

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Jul 29, 2022
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Obviously, this is the pitch Iowa needs to make. They need to convince Cayden to resist the allure (and the money) of the bluebloods and to choose instead to play at a place where he can grow as a player and a person, and where he can be a part of something special.

It occurs to me that Ben McCollum is uniquely positioned to make that pitch. After all, it was only a few months ago that McCollum, himself, made this exact kind of choice, when he turned down overtures to become the head coach at North Carolina and to stay at Iowa.

Not saying this means Cayden is a lock to Iowa. Far from it. But if ever there was a time for the stars to align for Iowa to land a recruit of Daughtry's caliber, this might be it.
It’s absolutely laughable to say the kid isn’t motivated by money. How do you know that? Please elaborate, and don’t give me so and so said it…that’s not evidence. If you had 5-7 million dollars put on the table in front you don’t tell me that wouldn’t motivate you. It’s not like these blue blood programs have bad coaches either. Some of them you might argue are on par with Ben.
 

Max Rebo

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It’s absolutely laughable to say the kid isn’t motivated by money. How do you know that? Please elaborate, and don’t give me so and so said it…that’s not evidence. If you had 5-7 million dollars put on the table in front you don’t tell me that wouldn’t motivate you. It’s not like these blue blood programs have bad coaches either. Some of them you might argue are on par with Ben.
Where did I say he wasn't motivated by money?
 

RagnarLothbrok

Heisman
Jun 11, 2025
5,827
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As expected, CD is blowing up nationally and every blue blood is going to be hot on his trail. The linked article is from a Kentucky source (TU memories, I know). FWIW (not much), the article states Iowa and Miami are the current leaders.

So, we’ll see what happens (duh), but there’s a couple things in play methinks:

1. How much of an allure and/or pressure there is for him to play for the hometown team vs the early relationship he has built with BMC and Iowa (and whatever pull having family Iowa alums does or doesn’t have).

2. A blue blood who decides they want him badly enough they offer an obscene amount of money so large it would be impossible for Iowa to match and insane for CD to turn down.

If BMC does miss out here, I am guessing numero dos would be the reason. But gawd dammit, Iowa basketball is more than overdue for a lucky break!!! I was negative 1 years old when Iowa went to the Final Four in 1980, and two years from now I want Cayden to be the reason I get to say to my older relatives, “Ronnie who?” ☺️


 

Hawkeye1984

Senior
Jul 29, 2022
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Obviously, this is the pitch Iowa needs to make. They need to convince Cayden to resist the allure (and the money) of the bluebloods and to choose instead to play at a place where he can grow as a player and a person, and where he can be a part of something special.

It occurs to me that Ben McCollum is uniquely positioned to make that pitch. After all, it was only a few months ago that McCollum, himself, made this exact kind of choice, when he turned down overtures to become the head coach at North Carolina and to stay at Iowa.

Not saying this means Cayden is a lock to Iowa. Far from it. But if ever there was a time for the stars to align for Iowa to land a recruit of Daughtry's caliber, this might be it.
If CD does pick Iowa it would be best pull in Iowa recruiting history.
 

HawkInDenver

All-Conference
Apr 16, 2024
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As expected, CD is blowing up nationally and every blue blood is going to be hot on his trail. The linked article is from a Kentucky source (TU memories, I know). FWIW (not much), the article states Iowa and Miami are the current leaders.

So, we’ll see what happens (duh), but there’s a couple things in play methinks:

1. How much of an allure and/or pressure there is for him to play for the hometown team vs the early relationship he has built with BMC and Iowa (and whatever pull having family Iowa alums does or doesn’t have).

2. A blue blood who decides they want him badly enough they offer an obscene amount of money so large it would be impossible for Iowa to match and insane for CD to turn down.

If BMC does miss out here, I am guessing numero dos would be the reason. But gawd dammit, Iowa basketball is more than overdue for a lucky break!!! I was negative 1 years old when Iowa went to the Final Four in 1980, and two years from now I want Cayden to be the reason I get to say to my older relatives, “Ronnie who?” ☺️


I think early playing time could be a big factor. At a blueblood he may have more competition for playing time than at Iowa. Rising program, coach players want to play for, development, and significant playing time will hopefully be an irresistible combination.
 
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I think early playing time could be a big factor. At a blueblood he may have more competition for playing time than at Iowa. Rising program, coach players want to play for, development, and significant playing time will hopefully be an irresistible combination.
None of the other schools can offer the high usage either. He would immediately come in and be the man as a freshman
 

RagnarLothbrok

Heisman
Jun 11, 2025
5,827
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I think early playing time could be a big factor. At a blueblood he may have more competition for playing time than at Iowa. Rising program, coach players want to play for, development, and significant playing time will hopefully be an irresistible combination.
I just read somewhere where Cayden is ranked the 3rd best prospect overall for the 2027 class. Wherever he’s going, it’s not to come off the bench and wait his turn.
 
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