Latest news with #DrewThelwell
USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Iowa basketball guard signs professional overseas contract
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball program is seeing another former player enter the professional ranks following their time in the black and gold. The most recent Hawkeye to make the jump to the professional level only spent a short time at Iowa, but became endeared by fans. Drew Thelwell, a former guard at Iowa and Morehead State, has signed a contract to play professionally overseas with Élan Béarnais in France. Thelwell spent just one season at Iowa, the 2024-25 campaign, but was a key contributor for the Hawkeyes. Prior to joining Iowa, Thelwell spent four years at Morehead State, where he earned a bevvy of collegiate experience. Drew Thelwell appeared in 29 games for the Hawkeyes last year while averaging over 25 minutes of action per game. He averaged 9.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last year. He was a 50% shooter from the field and a strong 41.2% from three-point range. Thelwell hails from Vero Beach, Florida, and attended high school at Master's Academy before joining Morehead State. He transferred to Iowa in April of 2024. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Indiana Pacers Have Unique NBA Draft Outlook After NBA Finals Run
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 07: Ryan Nembhard #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots in overtime ... More against the Kentucky Wildcats at Climate Pledge Arena on December 07, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers were just playing an NBA Finals game on Sunday night, but they have little time to decompress. The 2025 NBA Draft begins on Wednesday, and the Pacers have to be ready to start constructing their roster for the 2025-26 season. Their priorities are unique. During their deep postseason run, Indiana shipped away their 2025 first round draft pick in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, meaning the Pacers only selection this year currently sits at pick 54. But in between that deal and now, their upcoming season was significantly altered as star guard Tyrese Haliburton ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right leg. The Pacers draft considerations may have shifted as a result, though that trade was still smart business. Sending the 23rd pick to New Orleans in exchange for a 2026 first-rounder — which happens to be Indiana's own pick previously dealt away — was a savvy move. The Pacers already face a crunch for minutes next season as they work to develop recent draftees Jarace Walker and Johnny Furphy. Adding another first rounder this summer would have complicated both the team's rotation and salary structure. By reacquiring their own 2026 pick, Indiana also eliminates any Stepien Rule complications and regains control over a valuable future asset, especially with Haliburton expected to miss significant time next season. Even with Haliburton's injury, the trade remains a no-brainer. Now, the 2025 second round is now an intriguing opportunity for Indiana. It's a chance to add to a young core and perhaps uncover a low-cost contributor for the upcoming campaign. What makes this a unique NBA Draft for the Indiana Pacers? Preparations for this NBA Draft were unlike past years for the Pacers. Typically, the team announces and hosts several pre-draft workouts at their practice facility in the weeks leading up to the draft. But this year, with the team playing through June 22, that space was reserved for NBA Finals preparations. As a result, some workouts were held off-site in Indianapolis or in cities the team visited during the playoffs. The front office did everything they could to be opportunistic and still get a look at various prospects. They want to be as prepared as possible every year, and this was no exception even with a Finals run mixed in. Pacers decision makers made the most of the situation. While no specific players were announced for workouts, various posts on social media from agencies and players confirms that Iowa guard Drew Thelwell, East Carolina guard RJ Felton, and Liberty guard Taelon Peter all performed a pre-draft workout for Indiana at some point. Many others did, too. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Drew Thelwell #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes brings the ball up court ... More during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament first round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Indiana doesn't enter the draft with a glaring positional need. While they are somewhat thin at center, and particularly youth at the five, their depth across the roster was a postseason strength. It's unlikely a rookie, especially a second-rounder, would break into the rotation. That said, Haliburton's injury may lead the team to explore point guard depth in the short term. But no player picked in the second round, the only round during which the Pacers presently have a pick, should be expected to be a contributor in year one. Haliburton will return after that. Given their roster dynamics, the Pacers seem likely to take the best player available and continue building out their youth pipeline. The unique combination of the Pacers draft preparations and pick situation already makes their draft one of one in the NBA this year. Their upcoming financial reality only adds to that. Indiana could be heading toward an expensive roster. They already have 10, perhaps 11, players under contract for next season before potentially re-signing center Myles Turner. 'That is the number one priority,' Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of retaining Turner in free agency. Keeping him is important for the blue and gold, but doing so would in all likelihood push them over the luxury tax threshold when it comes to team spending. If that's the case, having cheap contributors on the roster would be valuable. That's where the draft comes in. Second-round picks can be signed to low-salary contracts – the minimum salary for a player with zero years of service in the NBA is the lowest possible salary a team can offer. If the Pacers don't want to venture too far into the tax but still want to use the draft to add someone with potential, they may look to add a rookie who can command a standard roster spot on a cheaper contract. Still, it's rare for the 54th pick to earn a standard contract. Since the NBA introduced two-way contracts in 2017, every No. 54 pick has signed one in their rookie season. Indiana may follow that trend if they stay put on Thursday night. With all of that in mind, perhaps the Pacers try to move up slightly in the second round. Using a future pick and/or cash along with pick 54 as a potential trade package to acquire a 2025 selection in the low-to-mid 40s, where the talent pool improves slightly and standard deals are more justified, makes good sense. That flexibility could be key if the Pacers identify a prospect they believe can contribute sooner. But the Pacers don't have to approach the draft with finances as the primary driver. They may opt to add veterans in free agency and gear up for a competitive 2025-26. If that's the path Indiana chooses, and they only pick at 54, then a two-way deal for whoever they select is plausible, if not likely. Current Pacers two-way contract players Enrique Freeman and Quenton Jackson are set to become free agents in July, meaning two-way deals will open up for the blue and gold if they are not retained. This upcoming NBA Draft lost much of its significance for the Pacers when they traded away their first-round selection. Good teams with limited draft capital rarely generate buzz. But the Pacers combination of salary cap realities, an NBA Finals run, and a significant injury to their franchise player makes this draft more consequential than it appears on the surface. They will do the best they can with the limited 2025 draft resources they have.
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa vs. Ohio State odds, picks and predictions
The Iowa Hawkeyes (16-15) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-14) meet Wednesday in a Big Ten Tournament first-round game at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 6 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's college basketball odds around the Iowa State vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions. The Hawkeyes racked up an 83-68 win at the Nebraska Cornhuskers Sunday in the regular-season finale as a 7.5-point underdog as the Under (156.5) cashed. That halted a 3-game skid, and an ugly 1-12-1 ATS skid since Jan. 14. The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 games for Iowa. The Buckeyes lost 66-60 at the Indiana Hoosiers in the regular-season finale Saturday as a 2.5-point underdog. It was Ohio State's fourth loss in the last 6 games. The Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in the past 6 outings, too, while the Under has a 3-2 edge in the previous 5 games. These teams met in Columbus on Jan. 27, with Ohio State winning 82-65 as a 7-point favorite as the Under (156.5) connected. Hawkeyes G Drew Thelwell did his part, hitting 8-of-10 from the field, and 3-of-4 from behind the arc, to score a team-best 20 points. G Micah Parrish paced the Buckeyes with 18 points. – Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men's Basketball Coaches Poll Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+ Iowa vs. Ohio State odds Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:27 a.m. ET. Moneyline (ML) : Iowa +168 (bet $100 to win $168) | Ohio State -205 (bet $205 to win $100) : Iowa +168 (bet $100 to win $168) | Ohio State -205 (bet $205 to win $100) Against the spread : Iowa +5.5 (-120) | Ohio State -5.5 (-102) : Iowa +5.5 (-120) | Ohio State -5.5 (-102) Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -115 | U: -105) Iowa vs. Ohio State picks and predictions Prediction Ohio State 75, Iowa 68 Ohio State (-205) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that's way too much risk for a team just 3 games above .500. If you were to bet this as part of a multi-leg parlay, including the Buckeyes could be excused, but you can't play them straight up. PASS. OHIO STATE -5.5 (-102) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most. Both of these teams are playing on Day 1 at the Big Ten Tournament for a reason, and that's because both are rather erratic. Iowa +5.5 (-120) is just 2-12-1 ATS in the past 15 games, though, and it cannot be trusted. UNDER 155.5 (-105) is easily the best play on the board in this Big Ten tussle. Iowa had been giving up a lot of points earlier in the season, but it has slowed the pace a bit on offense, and it has limited the opposition somewhat across the past couple of weeks. The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 games for the Hawkeyes. For the Buckeyes, the Under has a slight 3-2 edge in the previous 5 outings, and the total did go low in the only regular-season meeting with Iowa. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook. College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group: Alabama / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / College Sports Wire / High School / Recruiting
Chicago Tribune
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Northwestern improves its chances to make the Big Ten Tournament with a 68-57 win over Iowa
K.J. Windham scored 20 points and Northwestern pulled away in the second half to beat Iowa 68-57 to break a four-way tie for 13th place in the Big Ten on Friday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. The top 15 teams advance to the Big Ten Tournament, and Northwestern came into the game tied for the No. 13 seed with Iowa, Minnesota and USC. The win moves the Wildcats (16-13, 7-11) into 13th place with two games left, with Minnesota and USC tied for 14th. Iowa (15-14, 6-12) sits a game out of the tournament. Northwestern held a four-point advantage at intermission, but Drew Thelwell hit from 3-point range with 16:17 left to get Iowa within 37-36. Ty Berry and Windham each hit a 3 and, after Brock Harding scored at the basket for Iowa, Windham his a third-straight Northwestern 3 for a 46-38 advantage. Berry's jumper with 1:27 left pushed the Northwestern lead to 64-53, and Justin Mullins' free throw in the final minute made it 66-53. Windham hit 4 of 7 from 3-point range and the Wildcats were 9 of 23 from distance. Nick Martinelli added 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Mullins added 10 points. Iowa was just 21 of 58 (36.2%) from the field. Thelwell finished with 14 points and Josh Dix 10. Northwestern coach Chris Collins earned his 193rd victory with the Wildcats and moved into second place all time, one win ahead of Bill Carmody. Naismith Hall of Famer Dutch Lonborg (1928-50) holds the record with 236 career wins. Northwestern plays host to UCLA on Monday and plays its regular-season finale March 8 at No. 16 Maryland. Iowa plays host to No. 8 Michigan State on Thursday and plays its regular-season finale March 9 at Nebraska. Originally Published: February 28, 2025 at 10:40 PM CST
USA Today
30-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa 2025 college basketball national championship odds and futures
Data Skrive With +50000 odds on the moneyline to win the national championship in the 2024-25 college basketball season, confidence is not high for the Iowa Hawkeyes (13-8) to have a deep NCAA tournament run. Iowa heads into this matchup following an 82-65 loss to Ohio State on Monday. Drew Thelwell scored a team-best 20 points for the Hawkeyes in the loss. Tipping off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4, the Hawkeyes host the Purdue Boilermakers. If you're looking for odds on this matchup, none are currently available. Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Iowa college basketball futures odds College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 5:09 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Odds to win the national championship: +50000 (Bet $100 to win $50000) +50000 (Bet $100 to win $50000) Pre-new year national championship odds: +25000 +25000 Odds to win the Big Ten: +50000 (Bet $100 to win $50000) Iowa's best 2024-25 wins Owen Freeman scored 16 points against Nebraska, and Thelwell had 16. Other notable wins 85-60 at home over Indiana (No. 49/RPI) on January 11 80-79 at home over Northwestern (No. 66/RPI) on December 3 76-66 over Washington State (No. 71/RPI) on November 15 76-75 at home over Penn State (No. 78/RPI) on January 24 95-88 over Utah (No. 156/RPI) on December 21 Iowa stat leaders Payton Sandfort is averaging 16.0 points, 2.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds per contest. Freeman is tops on the Hawkeyes with 16.7 points per game and 6.7 rebounds, while also posting 1.3 assists. Josh Dix averages 13.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest. At the other end, he delivers 1.0 steal and 0.6 blocked shots. Brock Harding puts up a team-best 6.0 assists per contest. He is also averaging 9.0 points and 2.0 rebounds, shooting 44.7% from the field and 38.5% from downtown with 1.2 made 3-pointers per game. Thelwell posts 10.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. At the other end, he averages 2.0 steals and 0.1 blocked shots. Iowa 2024-25 stats Iowa has been lifted by its offense, as it ranks seventh-best in college basketball by tallying 85.7 points per game. It ranks 330th in college basketball in points allowed (78.5 per contest). The Hawkeyes are 11-2 at home, 0-5 on the road and 2-1 in neutral-site games this year. Iowa scores 89.8 points per game at home, compared to 78.4 points per game in away games, a difference of 11.4 points per contest. The Hawkeyes have a 12-2 record in games they were listed as the favorite, and a winless 0-6 record in games they were listed as underdogs. Iowa's offense has been less effective over its last 10 games, putting up 84.1 points a contest compared to the 85.7 it has averaged this year.
