Historic Iowa Transfers

[LincolnHawkeye]

I know everyone is freaking out that none of McCafferys players are coming back, but can anyone remember the last time an Iowa player transferred out and really flourished? I know things are a little different now with the transfer portal, and coaching changes usually allow some better players to transfer out, but I’m struggling to remember anyone who succeeded after leaving Iowa.

2006-Alex Thompson-Basically a role player at Iowa state his last 2 years

2006-Cartlon Reed-A non factor at UNI

2007-Tyler Smith-A couple of solid years at Tennessee, might be the only example of success

2008 Tony Freeman-Moderately successful for one year at Southern Illinois

2009-Jake Kelly-Two bad years at Indiana St

2009-Jeff Freeman-Two unremarkable years at Arkansas and FSU

2010-Aaron Fuller-Two average years at USC

2017-Christian Williams-Two average years at Indiana St

2019-Isaiah Moss-One role playing year at Kansas

2020-Cordell Pemsl-One bad year at Virginia Tech

2021-Jack Nunge-Two very solid years at Xavier, this one hurt, though he would be a major contributor his last two years, but I think he transferred for family reasons?

2021-CJ Fredrick-Three terrible years at Kentucky and Cincy, prime example of a bad decision, was set up to be a major contributor at Iowa and decided to move to a bigger school and did nothing

2022-Joe Toussaint-Two average years at WVU and Texas Tech

2023-Ahron Ulis-One terrible year at Nebraska

2024-Tony Perkins-One average year at Mizzou with a diminished role

2024-Pat McCaffery-One solid year at Butler with expanded role

 

[hawkjt]

I am giving Ben the latitude to construct this roster as best he can.

As you point out the whole transfer game is totally different.
We are going to have a roster of transfers so we are counting on them to work out way better than these transfers you listed.

 

[Slim45]

I know everyone is freaking out that none of McCafferys players are coming back, but can anyone remember the last time an Iowa player transferred out and really flourished? I know things are a little different now with the transfer portal, and coaching changes usually allow some better players to transfer out, but I’m struggling to remember anyone who succeeded after leaving Iowa.

2006-Alex Thompson-Basically a role player at Iowa state his last 2 years

2006-Cartlon Reed-A non factor at UNI

2007-Tyler Smith-A couple of solid years at Tennessee, might be the only example of success

2008 Tony Freeman-Moderately successful for one year at Southern Illinois

2009-Jake Kelly-Two bad years at Indiana St

2009-Jeff Freeman-Two unremarkable years at Arkansas and FSU

2010-Aaron Fuller-Two average years at USC

2017-Christian Williams-Two average years at Indiana St

2019-Isaiah Moss-One role playing year at Kansas

2020-Cordell Pemsl-One bad year at Virginia Tech

2021-Jack Nunge-Two very solid years at Xavier, this one hurt, though he would be a major contributor his last two years, but I think he transferred for family reasons?

2021-CJ Fredrick-Three terrible years at Kentucky and Cincy, prime example of a bad decision, was set up to be a major contributor at Iowa and decided to move to a bigger school and did nothing

2022-Joe Toussaint-Two average years at WVU and Texas Tech

2023-Ahron Ulis-One terrible year at Nebraska

2024-Tony Perkins-One average year at Mizzou with a diminished role

2024-Pat McCaffery-One solid year at Butler with expanded role

JoeT’s years after leaving Iowa were better than average. Especially compared to his time at Iowa, which i think is the point of this…

 

[Bro D]

JoeT’s years after leaving Iowa were better than average. Especially compared to his time at Iowa, which i think is the point of this…

The most misused player in Fran's career at Iowa. Inexcusable coaching malpractice

 

[jerbob36]

Good list and good overall point.

JoeT would be great on a Coach Mac team. His strength was on the defensive end, not as much the other end. That's what hurt his minutes in Fran's eyes, though I think he got short-changed.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I know everyone is freaking out that none of McCafferys players are coming back, but can anyone remember the last time an Iowa player transferred out and really flourished? I know things are a little different now with the transfer portal, and coaching changes usually allow some better players to transfer out, but I’m struggling to remember anyone who succeeded after leaving Iowa.

2006-Alex Thompson-Basically a role player at Iowa state his last 2 years

2006-Cartlon Reed-A non factor at UNI

2007-Tyler Smith-A couple of solid years at Tennessee, might be the only example of success

2008 Tony Freeman-Moderately successful for one year at Southern Illinois

2009-Jake Kelly-Two bad years at Indiana St

2009-Jeff Freeman-Two unremarkable years at Arkansas and FSU

2010-Aaron Fuller-Two average years at USC

2017-Christian Williams-Two average years at Indiana St

2019-Isaiah Moss-One role playing year at Kansas

2020-Cordell Pemsl-One bad year at Virginia Tech

2021-Jack Nunge-Two very solid years at Xavier, this one hurt, though he would be a major contributor his last two years, but I think he transferred for family reasons?

2021-CJ Fredrick-Three terrible years at Kentucky and Cincy, prime example of a bad decision, was set up to be a major contributor at Iowa and decided to move to a bigger school and did nothing

2022-Joe Toussaint-Two average years at WVU and Texas Tech

2023-Ahron Ulis-One terrible year at Nebraska

2024-Tony Perkins-One average year at Mizzou with a diminished role

2024-Pat McCaffery-One solid year at Butler with expanded role

From that list, Tyler Smith and Jack Nunge stand out. Moss and Toussaint right below them as they were still solid contributors for other teams even if they weren't stars.

Smith left after the Alfraud debacle, and I think that was as big a reason as any that the Lickliter era got off on such a disastrous foot. Smith probably wouldn't have saved Iowa from its fate, but the teams also wouldn't have sucked worse than a B level intramural championship squad.

He was better off at Tennessee unfortunately.

As for Nunge, most can recall, but he left for family reasons, and nobody blamed him. In fact, it's one of the best examples I could ever think of where a player left and there was not only mutual respect from all parties, but also of people excited to follow his progress at Xavier.

 

[BrotherHawkeye]

Truly, I’m not freaking out about the guys who left. Dix is the only one I would have liked to have stayed, but I’m glad Iowa didn’t break the bank to keep him. Nice player, but not essential. That was a good business decision by Iowa. Because business decisions in setting rosters are part of the calculation these days.

I would bet that 80-90% of transfers these days is just about the money, not about playing time or it being a good fit for a player. That’s what is different from the past. So yes, we may see more former Iowa guys flourishing with their new teams than in days gone by - good players who leave for a better pay day. Back in the day, players didn’t have that as an option (at least not like today).

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Agree with JoeT’s sr year at TT. Played really well with good numbers and team did well but finished with disappointing 1st rd upset vs NC St. two guys on list mentioned with nunge his dads passing coupled with injuries with him leaving and I believe Jake Kelly also left after his mom passed in plane crash to be closer to family. Don’t blame him and for leaving Lickliter’s disaster.

Going to throw out 3 guys who left from the Lick era. David Palmer. Transferred from seton hall under Alford. For some reason Lick wouldn’t play much even after had a game or 2 where he went off. Ended up at N. Kentucky and played 1 year with good numbers but at lower level.

Brennan Cougil had to go to juco for grades (imagine that) Fran didn’t bring back and went to UW Green Bay. Avg 9ppg his 2 years.

Cully “jump pass” Payne went to Loyola Chicago and avg 8 a game.

 

[Slim45]

From that list, Tyler Smith and Jack Nunge stand out. Moss and Toussaint right below them as they were still solid contributors for other teams even if they weren't stars.

Smith left after the Alfraud debacle, and I think that was as big a reason as any that the Lickliter era got off on such a disastrous foot. Smith probably wouldn't have saved Iowa from its fate, but the teams also wouldn't have sucked worse than a B level intramural championship squad.

He was better off at Tennessee unfortunately.

As for Nunge, most can recall, but he left for family reasons, and nobody blamed him. In fact, it's one of the best examples I could ever think of where a player left and there was not only mutual respect from all parties, but also of people excited to follow his progress at Xavier.

Tyler Smith was trouble. Pretty sure he got arrested after transferring to Tennessee, not going to look it up but iirc it involved a gun. Heard straight from a former iowa player who played with smith, when alford recruited smith the first question smith asked was how are you going to cheat the drug tests so i can smoke weed and still play 🤣

 

[RocknRollface]

The most misused player in Fran's career at Iowa. Inexcusable coaching malpractice

Ill raise you Kris Murray. It took Fran 3 years to let him start.

There's also Connor and Patrick that were misused in the opposite way.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Tyler Smith was trouble. Pretty sure he got arrested after transferring to Tennessee, not going to look it up but iirc it involved a gun. Heard straight from a former iowa player who played with smith, when alford recruited smith the first question smith asked was how are you going to cheat the drug tests so i can smoke weed and still play 🤣

Reminds me of a recruit maybe a few will remember. 3rd member of bru and horners class. Josh Rhodes. Guess the kid was athletic as hell but left before the season due to multiple failed drug test. went back to cali and odd thing is i don’t think ever played ball anywhere again.

 

[Fan In Black]

Sam Okey. What could have been. Still makes me sad

 

[ICWestfan]

From that list, Tyler Smith and Jack Nunge stand out. Moss and Toussaint right below them as they were still solid contributors for other teams even if they weren't stars.

Smith left after the Alfraud debacle, and I think that was as big a reason as any that the Lickliter era got off on such a disastrous foot. Smith probably wouldn't have saved Iowa from its fate, but the teams also wouldn't have sucked worse than a B level intramural championship squad.

He was better off at Tennessee unfortunately.

As for Nunge, most can recall, but he left for family reasons, and nobody blamed him. In fact, it's one of the best examples I could ever think of where a player left and there was not only mutual respect from all parties, but also of people excited to follow his progress at Xavier.

Nunge needed to leave as he was cursed with injuries while at Iowa (not to mention his family).

And now the greatest player to threaten to transfer but didn't and left us with Fran- Matt Gatens.

 

[Fan In Black]

sorry I misread the OP. Are we talking Frans players transferring out or all time players transferring out?

 

[Max_Rebo]

A couple of guys from the Alford era worth mentioning … Cortney Scott and Marcellus
Somerville. Scott had a strong career at Oakland, while Somerville was very successful at Bradley.

 

[shrinkhawk]

also don't forget Nick DeWitz....he left for Oregon St (after playing half a season under Alford) and then played professionally in Europe for a few years.

 

[Igor Stravinsky10]

The guys that transferred in over the years that stand out in my mind: Matt Bullard, Andre Woodridge, Jared Uthoff, Luke Recker, Ryan Hogan. That's a pretty solid starting 5 right there.

 

[Max_Rebo]

The guys that transferred in over the years that stand out in my mind: Matt Bullard, Andre Woodridge, Jared Uthoff, Luke Recker, Ryan Hogan. That's a pretty solid starting 5 right there.

Steve Krafcisin as well.

 

[Igor Stravinsky10]

Steve Krafcisin as well.

Yes. And an obvious miss on my part is Haluska. Although I think he was mentioned earlier in the thread.

 

[NevadaHawk]

Tommy Norman transferred to Iowa from ISU during the Lute Olsen era. First guy off the bench and a solid player.

 

[Max_Rebo]

Gerry Wright was another high-impact transfer.

 

[BHoppy]

From that list, Tyler Smith and Jack Nunge stand out. Moss and Toussaint right below them as they were still solid contributors for other teams even if they weren't stars.

Smith left after the Alfraud debacle, and I think that was as big a reason as any that the Lickliter era got off on such a disastrous foot. Smith probably wouldn't have saved Iowa from its fate, but the teams also wouldn't have sucked worse than a B level intramural championship squad.

He was better off at Tennessee unfortunately.

As for Nunge, most can recall, but he left for family reasons, and nobody blamed him. In fact, it's one of the best examples I could ever think of where a player left and there was not only mutual respect from all parties, but also of people excited to follow his progress at Xavier.

I believe Nunge's father past away while at Iowa and wanted to move closer to his Mom.

 

[im4hawks50595]

I remember the Sam Okey hype that never panned out

 

[LincolnHawkeye]

sorry I misread the OP. Are we talking Frans players transferring out or all time players transferring out?

I was basically referring to any players that transferred out of Iowa, very few have gone on to better things

 

[Matt1nb7]

What about the legend Kyle Meyer??

 

[HawkLogic]

What about the legend Kyle Meyer??

That was an early Fran recruit? 6'9, slow, and Fran told him he could be a SF. It began to sink in that Fran wasn't much of a recruiter.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Kevin Gamble a was nice one that came in.

Doug Thomas did pretty well as an incomer.

Ray Thompson and Brian Garner did pretty well at Oral Roberts.

Stacy Frese is the most impactful player to transfer out of Iowa. ISU women weren't any good before that. And they've been a good program ever since, almost 30 years later

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Ulis had TWO bad years at Nebraska.

 

[Hawktheworld]

I remember the Sam Okey hype that never panned out

He broke his arm. Played through it fairly well. Tough SOB

 

[AEG82]

The most misused player in Fran's career at Iowa. Inexcusable coaching malpractice

Yes, Joe T. was absolutely misused but that's always the case with PGs at Iowa under Fran. How he got any to come here was the amazing part. You just knew they must've never watched Iowa play beforehand. To me however, the most misused player we ever had under Fran was Gabe O. Criminally wasted talent.

 

[AEG82]

Cully “jump pass” Payne went to Loyola Chicago and avg 8 a game.

Oh geez. I forgot all about him. Man his jumping infuriated me lol. Never understood why he felt the need to do it seemingly every pass.

 

[uihawk82]

I know everyone is freaking out that none of McCafferys players are coming back, but can anyone remember the last time an Iowa player transferred out and really flourished? I know things are a little different now with the transfer portal, and coaching changes usually allow some better players to transfer out, but I’m struggling to remember anyone who succeeded after leaving Iowa.

2006-Alex Thompson-Basically a role player at Iowa state his last 2 years

2006-Cartlon Reed-A non factor at UNI

2007-Tyler Smith-A couple of solid years at Tennessee, might be the only example of success

2008 Tony Freeman-Moderately successful for one year at Southern Illinois

2009-Jake Kelly-Two bad years at Indiana St

2009-Jeff Freeman-Two unremarkable years at Arkansas and FSU

2010-Aaron Fuller-Two average years at USC

2017-Christian Williams-Two average years at Indiana St

2019-Isaiah Moss-One role playing year at Kansas

2020-Cordell Pemsl-One bad year at Virginia Tech

2021-Jack Nunge-Two very solid years at Xavier, this one hurt, though he would be a major contributor his last two years, but I think he transferred for family reasons?

2021-CJ Fredrick-Three terrible years at Kentucky and Cincy, prime example of a bad decision, was set up to be a major contributor at Iowa and decided to move to a bigger school and did nothing

2022-Joe Toussaint-Two average years at WVU and Texas Tech

2023-Ahron Ulis-One terrible year at Nebraska

2024-Tony Perkins-One average year at Mizzou with a diminished role

2024-Pat McCaffery-One solid year at Butler with expanded role

Marcellus Sommerville spent a year languising on the bench under Alford. Alford just would not commit to this player who you could see was a big time talent. He transferred to Bradley and had a great career there.

Alford was stupid

 

[Bee93]

Does Ben Brust count?

 

[eyesofhawk]

Marcellus Sommerville spent a year languising on the bench under Alford. Alford just would not commit to this player who you could see was a big time talent. He transferred to Bradley and had a great career there.

Alford was stupid

He redshirted. But it was against his wishes, which yes, was probably stupid of Alford.

I attended a practice early that season and Marcellus was the best player in every drill

 

[Titanhawk2]

Truly, I’m not freaking out about the guys who left. Dix is the only one I would have liked to have stayed, but I’m glad Iowa didn’t break the bank to keep him. Nice player, but not essential. That was a good business decision by Iowa. Because business decisions in setting rosters are part of the calculation these days.

I would bet that 80-90% of transfers these days is just about the money, not about playing time or it being a good fit for a player. That’s what is different from the past. So yes, we may see more former Iowa guys flourishing with their new teams than in days gone by - good players who leave for a better pay day. Back in the day, players didn’t have that as an option (at least not like today).

So it's not "Iowa's" money, it's not from the university. So what is the collaboration between the coach and NIL people?

 

[BrotherHawkeye]

So it's not "Iowa's" money, it's not from the university. So what is the collaboration between the coach and NIL people?

There is. Brad Heinrich is not arranging for a payment to a player without knowing that coaching staff wants that guy. He's not identifying a player, paying the player, and then telling the coaches, here's a guy I just "bought" who I think will be really good for the team.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

Agree with JoeT’s sr year at TT. Played really well with good numbers and team did well but finished with disappointing 1st rd upset vs NC St. two guys on list mentioned with nunge his dads passing coupled with injuries with him leaving and I believe Jake Kelly also left after his mom passed in plane crash to be closer to family. Don’t blame him and for leaving Lickliter’s disaster.

Going to throw out 3 guys who left from the Lick era. David Palmer. Transferred from seton hall under Alford. For some reason Lick wouldn’t play much even after had a game or 2 where he went off. Ended up at N. Kentucky and played 1 year with good numbers but at lower level.

Brennan Cougil had to go to juco for grades (imagine that) Fran didn’t bring back and went to UW Green Bay. Avg 9ppg his 2 years.

Cully “jump pass” Payne went to Loyola Chicago and avg 8 a game.

I got to meet Palmer several times. Very nice guy and spoke very highly of Fran

 

[wondergrape]

Jeff Peterson, Tony Freeman, Anthony Tucker, Jake Kelly, Cully Payne.

I tell you athletic guards were allergic to Todd Lickliter.

 

[GOHOX69]

What about Pi Pi? Too soon

 

[Hendy hawk]

Sam Okey. What could have been. Still makes me sad

Most of Okey's problems were his own Fault.
Hated in his own hometown for his drug abuse.
Wisky fans were glad to see him go to Iowa laughing all the way
saying he's Iowa's problem now.