Iowa men’s basketball lands commitment from Morehead State transfer Drew Thelwell

IOWA CITY — Morehead State transfer Drew Thelwell has committed to Iowa men’s basketball, he announced Wednesday.

Thelwell’s commitment comes after a recent visit to Iowa.

During the 2023-24 season, Thelwell averaged 10 points, 6.2 assists and three rebounds per game for a Morehead State team that made the NCAA Tournament before losing to Illinois in the Round of 64.

The 6-foot-3 guard started a combined 68 games over the last two seasons for Morehead State. His career-highs in points (11.1) and rebounds (4.3) per game, along with 3-point percentage (38.1%), came during the 2022-23 season. He is a career 34.8% 3-point shooter.

Thelwell has one season of college eligibility remaining.

The addition provides Iowa with more depth in the backcourt. The Hawkeyes lost Tony Perkins and Dasonte Bowen to the transfer portal, both of whom were ball-handling guards. Perkins was often the motor that made Iowa’s offense run.

Point guard Brock Harding is in line for an increased role after showing flashes of potential during his freshman season and Josh Dix also possesses a versatile skillset. Thelwell now adds to that group.

It is Iowa’s first transfer portal addition this offseason.

The Hawkeyes have seen the departures of Perkins, Bowen, Patrick McCaffery and Ben Krikke.

Iowa has two signees in their 2024 high school recruiting class, Cooper Koch and Chris Tadjo. Payton Sandfort declared for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility and has until May 29 to decide his future.

If Sandfort returns to college, Iowa will have two scholarships open for the 2024-25 season. If Sandfort moves on, Iowa will have three.

Landing Thelwell is a good start for Fran McCaffery and company this offseason.

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